Book Iv, 58, and Pereira (mat. Med. 1101). It Has Been a Question, by the

way, whether the malicorium or σίδιον of the Greeks, was the rind of the fruit or the bark of the root. We used to think it the former, but the examination of a passage in Avicenna (l. c.) has satisfied us that the latter was also sometimes included. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia both the bark of the root and the rind of the fruit are described, the term σίδιον being restricted to the latter.

Ῥοῦς βυρσοδεψικὴ,

Rhus Coriaria, Sumach; the fruit and juice of it come principally to be used by physicians, being considerably astringent and desiccative of the third order, but detergent of the second.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Rhus Coriaria, or Elm-leaved Sumach. This also was much used as an astringent. Pliny briefly says of it, “vim habet astringendi refrigerandique.” The Arabian writers on husbandry mention that in times of famine bread was sometimes made from sumach. Dioscorides says of it that its leaves are astringent, being applicable in the same cases as acacia. He recommends it in dysentery when given by the mouth, in a lavement and hip-bath, as an injection in cases of purulent discharges from the ears, and for many other practical purposes. He concludes with mentioning that it bears a gum which is put into the holes of carious teeth to relieve pain. (i, 147.) Celsus notices it but once, and then as an application to aphthous ulcerations of the mouth. (vi, 11.) It is mentioned as an astringent medicine and condiment in the Hippocratic treatises. (De Mulieb. and de Liquid. usu.) Galen, and the other Greek authorities after him, merely state its general properties as a medicine. The Arabians treat of it under the name of sumach, which it still retains. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 635); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i. 695); Serapion (De Simpl. 225); Ebn Baithar (ii, 46, 163.)

Ῥύπος,

The Sordes, from copper statues or vessels, in which a considerable quantity of oil has been kept, having also some verdigris, is discutient, moderately desiccative and emollient. It therefore discusses unconcocted phymata. But the sordes in the palestra (which some call paton), has been described under the head of sweat. The sordes in the ears is said to cure whitlows.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Sprengel gives a long dissertation on the sordes palestræ. (Ad Dioscor. i, 36.) Suffice it to say in this place that it was collected from the bodies of the wrestlers in the palestra, and consisted of oil, sweat, dust, and any powder used for cleansing the skin. Sprengel, from a passage in the works of Theophrastus (H. P. v, 9), infers that the sordes gymnasiorum were collected from statues made of cedar, but he appears to have overlooked the account of it given by our author, from which it must be obvious that it was collected from statues of copper, or rather of bronze. The sordes balneorum, which is treated of by Dioscorides (i, 34), will be readily understood from the description which we have given in another place (Vol. I, 68), of the preparatory process which the bathers went through before going into the bath. It must have consisted then of human sweat and other impurities extracted from the skin, mixed up with soda, flour of beans, or any other substance used in cleansing the skin by means of the comb (strigil.) Dioscorides says it is heating, emollient, and discutient, and is used as a liniment to fissures and condylomata. These articles are treated of by most of the other authorities. On the sordes palestræ, see in particular Galen. (T. ii, 136, ed. Basil.) For the Arabians see Avicenna (ii, 2, 648), and Serapion (De Simpl. 169).

Σαγαπηνὸν,

Sagapenum, Sagapen, is the juice of a sort of ferula, being hot and attenuate. It is also somewhat detergent, so as to agree with cicatrices in the eyes and suffusions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It has never been disputed, as far as we are aware, that the ancient sagapenum was the same substance as the modern. However, it is not even yet well ascertained by what tree it is furnished, but it is generally supposed to be either the Ferula Persica or F. Szowitsiana. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 776). We know no more about it, then, at the present day than what was known of it by Dioscorides, who describes it as being the juice of a plant resembling the ferula, having a smell intermediate between the juice of silphium (assafœtida) and galbanum. He recommends it for various medicinal purposes; for affections of the chest, epilepsy, hysterical convulsions, for promoting menstruation, and destroying the fœtus in utero; as an alexipharmic, and for discussing films on the eyes, cataracts, &c. (iii, 85.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give much the same account of it as our author. Galen says it is the juice of a certain ferula resembling panax. (De Antid. i.) It occurs in the works of Celsus as an ingredient in the famous antidote of Mithridates, and also as an ingredient in one of his collyria. (vi, 6, 24.) For the Arabians see Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Avicenna (ii, 2, 629); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 631); Serapion (192); Ebn Baithar (ii, 37.) They recommend it in a good many more cases than the Greeks do. For example, they all say that it is a gentle laxative. Modern authorities, however, have denied that it is possessed of this property. See Hill (Mat. Med.) Rutty, notwithstanding, seems to agree with the ancients. (Mat. Med. 447.)

Σαλαμάνδρα,

Salamandra, Salamander; when burnt its ashes are by some mixed with corrosive medicines and remedies for lepra and scabies.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Salamandra terrestris. The story of the salamander’s being proof against the operation of fire is mentioned by Nicander, Aristotle, and Theophrastus; but the truth of it is questioned by Dioscorides. Sprengel remarks that the real fact is, that the salamander is a black ugly lizard, from whose body a cold viscid fluid is secreted, which may be capable of extinguishing a small coal. Agricola says, its body is as cold as ice, and therefore capable of extinguishing a coal. M. l’Abbé Bonnaterre likewise states that the humour which it secretes from its body prevents the operation of coals from affecting it for a short time. (Encycl. Méthod.) Our author borrows his medicinal character of the salamander from Dioscorides, who says it is possessed of septic, ulcerative, and calefacient powers, like cantharides. (ii. 67.) None of the other authorities give any additional information of much interest under this head. The Arabians would appear not to have included it in their Materia Medica.

Σάμψυχον,

Sampsuchum (a species of marjoram), is calefacient and desiccative in the third degree. It also consists of subtile parts, and is discutient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Although Galen and our author distinguish the Amaracus from the Sampsuchus, there seems no reason to doubt their identity. See Needham (Ad Geopon. xi, 27); the Synonymes of Dioscor. (iii, 41); and Sprengel (ibid.) Dioscorides describes it (Origanum marjorana) minutely, and says its decoction is drunk with advantage in cases of dropsy, dysuria, and tormina; that its dried leaves, in a cataplasm with honey, remove suggillations; and that in a pessary it is emmenagogue. He also recommends it as an external application to the stings of scorpions, sprains, œdematous swellings, inflammations of the eyes, and as a calefacient ingredient in acopa and malagmata. (Ibid.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in general terms. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 466); Serapion (c. 286); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 439). They recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks; and also in hemicrania, vertigo, earache, in embrocations and injections. They also speak well of the oil of it as an application in cases of paralysis. The “Thymus Cyprius” of Celsus is set down by C. Bauhin as being the Thymus mastichius; but whether it be any other than the marjoram seems doubtful, although Celsus certainly mentions them as distinct substances. (v, 11.) Compare our account of this article with what Quincy says of the marjoram in the ‘Complete English Dispensatory’ (60.)

Σανδαράχη,

Sandaracha, Red Arsenic, is possessed of caustic powers like orpiment.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That it was the sub-species of sulphuret of arsenic, called realgar, namely, “the red orpiment” of Jameson, can admit of no question. In our Appendix to this section, we shall have something to say relative to the sandaracha of the Arabians. Dioscorides says it has the same general powers as arsenic (yellow orpiment), and recommends it externally in alopecia, leprosy, phthiriasis, hard boils, ulcers in the nose and mouth, other exanthemata and condylomata; and also internally in cases of empyema with mulse; in fumigations with resin in chronic cough, when its steam is inhaled into the mouth by means of a syphon. He concludes by saying of it, that in a linctus with honey it clears the voice, and along with dry pitch makes an excellent pill for asthmatics. (v, 121.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give but a very brief and general account of it. Celsus places it in his lists of cleansing and corroding substances (v, 5, 6), and often prescribes it as a septic and caustic application. Avicenna treats of the white, the yellow, and the red arsenic in the same chapter. What he says of the last, or realgar, is taken from Dioscorides. (ii, 2, 48.) Serapion also treats of the yellow and red arsenic in the same chapter, and merely gives extracts under this head from Dioscorides and Galen. See further Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 610); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48, 503); Ebn Baithar (i, 527.) The last of these gives an interesting description of three kinds of arsenic, namely, the yellow, the red, and the white. The red of course is the article now under consideration. He says of the yellow and red, that when calcined they become white, and when melted with a certain red ore lose their disagreeable smell. The white is said to be a mortal poison. The yellow and the red he recommends in phagedænic sores of the mouth and nose and elsewhere, and as an inhalation in asthma and orthopnœa.

Σάνδυξ,

Sandyx, or Siricon, consists of subtile parts, and has desiccative powers, but not heating.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Galen says that when ceruse is burnt, that is to say, calcined, it becomes sandyx. (De Simpl. ix.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxxv, 23.) He calls it burnt ceruse mixed with an equal proportion of rubrica. See also Alston and Sprengel. Dioscorides treats of it under the same head as ceruse, and describes the process by which the latter is converted into sandyx. The Arabian authorities, in like manner, treat of it along with ceruse. See Serapion (c. 378); Avicenna (ii, 2, 117.) From what has been said, then, it will be readily seen that it was merely a peculiar preparation of ceruse.

Σαπρότης ξύλων,

Caries lignorum, Carious Wood, and especially that of the elm, cleanses and fills humid ulcers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the Caries or Rot of wood is taken from Dioscorides, who recommends it in the same cases as Carbo ligni is now applied, namely, to ulcers, but more especially spreading ulcers. (i, 143.) It is the Lignorum marcor of the Arabians, who recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 617); Serapion (c. 48.)

Σάπων,

Sapo, Soap, is possessed of detergent powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The first author, we believe, who makes mention of Soap is Pliny. He calls it an invention of the Gauls. It is made, he says, of suet and ashes. (H. N. xxviii, 51.) Aretæus likewise calls it a Gallic composition, prepared from soda, and used for cleansing clothes. He recommends it as an application to the skin in elephantiasis. (De Curat. Morb. Chron. ii, 13.) Serapion praises it as an application to abscesses. The only Greek authority which he quotes under this head is Paulus. (De Simpl. 368.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 650); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 609, ii, 628); and Ebn Baithar (ii, 119.) One of Baithar’s Arabian authorities commends soap in leprosy and scabies; also in favus and the cutaneous diseases of the scalp. Ebn Baithar further gives a very curious account of the process of dyeing the beard by means of a mixture of soap and sandyx. This was a very ancient use of soap, and is frequently alluded to by the classical authors. (Ovid. Ars. Amand. iii, 163.) This subject is treated of very ingeniously by Beckmann in his ‘History of Inventions.’ The author, however, is mistaken in supposing that there is no mention of soap in the works of Galen, with the exception of that work ‘De Simplicibus,’ universally admitted to be spurious, whereas Galen frequently makes mention of it in works about the authenticity of which there has never been any question. As for example, (Meth. Med. viii); (De Comp. med. sec. loc. T. ii, 225.) In the latter passage he makes distinct mention of Gallic soap.

Σαρκοκόλλα,

Sarcocolla, is the tear of a Persian tree, being emplastic and desiccative without pungency, and therefore it agglutinates wounds.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There is not, we presume, the slightest reason to doubt that the ancient Sarcocol was the same as the modern, namely, the gum of the Penæa Sarcocolla. Dioscorides mentions only its external use in agglutinating wounds and restraining defluxions on the eyes. (iii, 89.) The Greeks confined the use of it to external applications; but the Arabians sometimes administered it internally as a purge. Thus Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna say that it purges crude humours and gross phlegm, especially from the joints. They recommend it with honey as an application in diseases of the ear. They say it corrodes putrid flesh, and heals recent wounds, and restores parts that are distorted. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 592); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 617); Serapion (c. 15.) Even as late as the time of Dr. Lewis the sarcocol was still retained in our English Dispensatory with the characters assigned to it by the Greeks and Arabians. Of late years it has been entirely omitted.

Σαρξιφαγὲς,

Saxifraga, Saxifrage, is diuretic and lithontriptic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There has been great diversity of opinion respecting it, as Sprengel has shown in a very learned dissertation. (Ad Dioscor. iv, 15.) It is, therefore, by no means certain that it is the Pimpinella Saxifraga, but we incline to this opinion. Apuleius says that it is lithontriptic, and indeed it appears to have derived its name from this real or supposed property. The chapter of Dioscorides on it is of doubtful authenticity. It is not contained in Galen’s work on Simples. We doubt also if it is to be found in the works of the Arabians. Not many years ago the Burnet saxifrage held a place in the Dispensatory with the character of possessing the virtues ascribed to this article by the ancients. See Quincy (147.)

Σατύριον,

Satyrion, or Trifolium, is of a humid and hot temperament, and flatulent; hence it is a provocative to venery. Some say that it cures opisthotonos when drunk with austere wine; but Galen, in his treatise ‘De Theriaca,’ says, that the trifolium, which is like the hyacinth, when it becomes pregnant with the spring, has a seed like the wild cnicus, and that when the decoction of it is poured upon the bite of the phalangium or viper it cures the same; but when applied to a sound part, he says, that it induces an affection similar to that of those who have been bitten by one of those creatures.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is very difficult to determine; and it would be useless to mention the variety of conjectures which have been advanced respecting it. Sprengel inclines to think that it was a species of tulip, and suggests that it probably was the Tulipa Gesneriana. This is the species which Dioscorides further distinguishes by the name of Trifolium. The other named by him Erythronium is probably the Erythronium Dens Canis. What confirms this conjecture very much is, the circumstance that the Dens Canis is still reputed to be aphrodisiac, as the Erythronium is reported to be by Dioscorides. (iii, 134.) See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 204.) Galen gives nearly the same account of it as our author. The Arabians scarcely appear to distinguish it properly from the orchis, but otherwise they give the same characters of these plants as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 706, 707); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 7, 14.)

Σάυρα,

Lacerta, the Lizard; the liver and head have been treated of in their proper places. When an entire one has been cut in pieces and applied, it cures persons bitten by scorpions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It seems not unlikely that it may have been the Lacerta Gecko. See the translation of Ebn Baithar by Sontheimer (ii, 3), where the chapter of Dioscorides on the Saura, is arranged under this head, along with another to the same effect from Avicenna. Dioscorides, and indeed all the authorities who treat of it, recommend it for the bites of scorpions. Pliny recommends it in complaints of the eyes. (H. N. xxix, 38.) The Arabians recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks, and also say of it, that its liver soothes the pains of toothache, and that its urine and blood are useful in the ruptures of children. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 639.) In the East it is still used medicinally. Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 276.)

Σέλινον,

Apium, Parsley, is hot to such a degree that it promotes the urinary and menstrual discharges. It is also carminative and especially the seed of it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There seems little or no doubt that it is the Common Parsley, namely, Apium petroselinum, which long held a place in our Dispensatory, and retained in it its ancient characters. Dioscorides recommends it in a great many cases; for inflammations of the eyes in cataplasms; for heat of the stomach; as a diuretic and antidote to venomous animals; and for various other medicinal purposes. (iii, 77.) Galen and the other Greek authorities merely state its virtues in general terms. The Arabians treat of it under Apium, not distinguishing it very accurately from its congeners. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 55); Serapion (c. 290); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 69.)

Σερὶς,

Seris, Endive, is a bitterish potherb, being considerably refrigerant and diluent. It has also some astringency.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It comprehends the Cichorium Intybus and the C. Endivia. It is now known by the names of the Endive, or Garden Succory. We have treated of it as an article of food in the First Book, and as a medicine it is not deserving of much notice, after what we have said of its congener under the head of Cichorium. It was generally held to be a good hepatic medicine. See Dioscorides (ii, 125); Galen (De Simpl.); Avicenna (ii, 2, 229); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i. 266.)

Σέριφον,

Seriphon, is heating in the second degree, but desiccative in the first, being like wormwood, only it is less astringent and more calefacient than it. It is also anthelminthic, and to a considerable degree bad for the stomach.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From Dioscorides’s description we may confidently refer it to the Artemisia maritima, Angl., Drooping-flowered Sea Wormwood. Dioscorides gives it exactly the same characters as our author, namely, that of being bitterish, astringent, and a good vermifuge. (iii, 24.) Galen says of it, that it is more powerfully anthelminthic than the absinthium. The Arabians treat of it along with the absinthium. It is not to be found in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus.

Σέσελι,

Seseli, Hard Meadow Saxifrage (?) or Hartwort; the root, and more especially the fruit, is considerably heating with tenuity of parts, and is also diuretic. It agrees with epilepsy and orthopnœa.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author, it will be remarked, gives only one species of Seseli, which there can be no doubt is the same as the Seseli Massiliense of Dioscorides (iii, 53), about which, notwithstanding its being long held to be an important article in the Mat. Med., there is considerable difference of opinion. We, for reasons which we have not room to state, were inclined to refer it to the Laserpitium Siler; but the authority of Clusius, Lewis, and Sprengel has determined us to recognise it as the Seseli tortuosum. The other two species we are quite satisfied are the Bupleurum fruticosum and Ligusticum Peloponnesiacum. Compare Sprengel ad Dioscor. (l. c.) with Gray (Suppl. to the Pharm. 80.) Dioscorides represents the first species as being a diuretic, expectorant, and uterine medicine. He says it was given not only to women, but to goats and other animals to assist parturition. Of the other two species, he merely says that they are possessed of the same virtues. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius merely give the general characters of the first species, in nearly the same terms as our author. This, beyond dispute, is the “Sil” of Apicius (c. 34), and of Celsus (v, 23.) The latter merely mentions it as an ingredient in the celebrated antidote of Mithridates. (Ibid.) We can find little or no additional information respecting it in the works of the Arabians. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 626); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 654); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Serapion (De Simpl. 190.) Aben Mesuai, one of Serapion’s authorities, thus sums up its characters: it is hot and dry in the end of the second degree; cuts and dissolves viscid and congealed phlegm, and therefore opens all the pores and passages which are shut up; provokes urine and the menstrua; and is beneficial in asthma and all cold pituitous ailments. The seeds of seseli held a place in our Dispensatory as late as the times of Quincy (158), and of Lewis (ii, 366.)

Σηπία,

Sepia, the Cuttlefish; its shell has powers like those of an oyster, but is attenuant and more detergent; hence, if burnt, it attenuates pterygium along with fossil salts. When unburnt it clears away sycosis when rubbed upon the part, and proves detergent to the skin.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Sepia Loligo, L. We need scarcely mention that the shells of fishes consist principally of lime. As represented by the ancients, therefore, they form a detergent application to the skin. All the authorities recommend it in nearly the same cases, namely, as an ingredient in stimulant collyria, and in obstinate cutaneous diseases, and as a dentifrice. See Dioscorides (ii, 23); Galen (De Simpl.); Celsus (v, 29); Aëtius (ii, 190.) Aëtius gives the fullest account of this article. (l. c.)

Σησαμοειδὲς,

Sesamoides; the seed of the white species heats, is detergent, and procures the rupture of abscesses.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This article, which occurs in the Hippocratic treatises, and of which two species, the great and the small, are described by Dioscorides, has been the subject of much controversy. See Parkinson, Sprengel, and Dierbach. We are willing to acquiesce in Sprengel’s decision regarding them, namely, that they are the Reseda Mediterranea and canescens. It appears that they were used principally in combination with hellebore, and that the one evacuated upwards, and the other downwards. (Dioscor. iv, 150, 151.) Ruffus treats only of the small, which he represents to be cholagogue and phlegmagogue, when its seed is taken to the amount of an acetabulum. (De Med. Purg.) It does not occur in the works of Celsus, and does not seem to have been much in repute. Galen gives nearly the same account of it as Dioscorides. We have not found it in the works of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, one of whose Arabian authorities speaks of its being used in paralysis. (i, 252.)

Σήσαμον,

Sesamum, Oily-grain, is glutinous and fatty in no small degree; hence it is emplastic, emollient, and moderately calefacient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. All the authorities acknowledge it as the Sesamum orientale. Pliny ranks it among the summer corn of India. He says, that an oil is procured from it, and that it forms a good application to burns. (H. N. xviii, 22; xxii, 64.) This account of it in fact is condensed from Dioscorides, who recommends both the plant and the oil in various external complaints, including burns, inflammations of the eyes, the bites of venomous animals, &c. (i, 41, ii, 121); Celsus ranks it among his emollients, and recommends it as an hepatic. (iv, 8.) Galen and Aëtius give nearly the same account of it as our author. The Arabians treat of it at great length, both as an article of food and of medicine. See Serapion (De Simpl. 86); Avicenna (ii, 2, 642); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 650); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 254.) They all recommend it for the same purposes as the Greeks, and as a good application to fissures and suggillations.

Σῆψ,

Seps (which some have called the Chalcidic Lizard), when drunk in wine cures those who have been bitten by it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is called ζύγνις by Aristotle. (H. A. viii, 23), and hence it has got the name of Zygnis tridactyla. Solinus says of it, “Ictus sepium putredo sequitur.” (Polyhistor. c. 40.) Our author’s account of it is taken literally from Dioscorides. (ii, 72.) It is briefly noticed by Aëtius, but we have not found it treated of by any of the Arabian authorities on the Mat. Med. except Ebn Baithar, who merely gives an extract from Dioscorides under this head. (ii, 199.)

Σίαλον,

Saliva; that of men in a fasting state is particularly discutient and detergent; it therefore clears away the lichen of children when the parts are anointed with it. It also concocts furunculus when applied along with wheat that has been masticated in it. It removes hypopion. It is likewise most destructive to those venomous animals which prove fatal to men.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of Saliva is abridged from Galen, who gives a very elaborate disquisition on the virtues of it. Pliny’s statement is fuller, but contains many superstitious notions. (H. N. xxviii, 71.) Serapion copies from Galen. (c. 447.) It was principally as an application to cutaneous eruptions and sores that the ancient physicians made use of saliva, and it would appear to be not ill adapted to that purpose. Dr. Thomson, in his work on Chemistry, has the following remarks on it: “Saliva has a great affinity for oxygen, absorbs it readily from the air, and gives it out again to other bodies; hence, in all probability, the reason that saliva is a useful application to sores of the skin. Dogs and several other animals have recourse to this remedy, and with much advantage.” (Book v, c. ii, sect. 13.) Galen contends strongly that human saliva is destructive to animals, and appeals to Nicander in confirmation of this venomous opinion. He further mentions having seen an instance of a scorpion being killed by human saliva alone. All the Arabian authorities ascribe this virtue to it. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 599, 613); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 602); Ebn Baithar (i, 144.) These all, in fact, do little more than copy from Galen. Redi, in opposition to all the ancient authorities, denies that human saliva is destructive to the viper. “Non nostrum inter eos tantam componere litem!”

Σιδηρίτις,

Sideritis, Ironwort, the Heraclean, called also Helxine, has been treated of. The Achillean Sideritis is like to it, but more astringent. Hence it agrees with fluxes.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This is one of the articles in the ancient Materia Medica which has never been satisfactorily determined. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, pluries) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor.) The first species of Dioscorides, namely, the Herculia, is the same as the Helxine of our author, and has been already treated of. The other two we would hesitatingly set down as the Sanguisorba officinalis and Geranium Robertianum. The reputation which the latter has enjoyed in modern times, as a vulnerary, appears to us strongly confirmatory of the opinion that it was one of the siderites of the ancients. See Hill (Mat. Med. 407) and Lewis (Mat. Med. i, 464.) So striking and important an article as the Robertianum is not likely to have escaped the observation of the Greek and Arabian Rhizotomi. Apuleius says that the Latins call it Ferraria. Dioscorides commends it as a vulnerary medicine. Galen does the same, and further praises it as an astringent application in cases of hemorrhage, dysentery, and female flux. We find difficulty in discovering traces of it in the works of the Arabians, although we incline to the belief that they have not entirely overlooked it. The burnet is still cultivated in gardens. See Loudon (Encycl. of Garden. 744.)

Σίδηρος,

Ferrum, Iron; when frequently extinguished in water it imparts a considerably desiccative power to it. When drunk, therefore, it agrees with affections of the spleen. But, if extinguished in wine, it is useful in cæliac and dysenteric affections, cholera, and resolution of the stomach.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of Iron is mostly taken from Dioscorides. He says the ærugo ferri astringes, and hence it stops the female flux in pessaries, and when drunk prevents impregnation; when rubbed in along with vinegar it cures erysipelas and exanthema; it is very useful for whitlow, pterygia, asperities of the eyelids, and condylomata; it strengthens the gums, is a useful liniment in gout, and thickens the hairs in alopecia; and he concludes with what our author says of the virtues of water in which heated iron has been extinguished. (v, 93.) Pliny, in like manner, says of it: “Calefit ferro candente aqua, in multis vitiis, privatim vero dysentericis.” (H. N. xxxiv, 44.) Celsus commends chalybeate water in enlargement of the spleen. (iv, 9.) Cælius Aurelianus mentions it among the remedies for epilepsy. (Chron. i, 4.) Scribonius Largus calls it a wonderful remedy for diseases of the bladder. (Comp. 146.) The Arabians borrow their account of the ærugo ferri almost entirely from Dioscorides. See Serapion (De Simpl. 403); Avicenna (ii, 2, 247); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 295.) They give nothing original under the present head. The στόμωμα, according to Pollux, is hard iron, that is to say, steel. The scales or rust of the edges of weapons made of steel were much used by the ancient physicians, both internally and externally, as astringents and styptics. See a full account of their medicinal properties in Pliny. (H. N. xxxiv, 66.)

Σικύος,

Cucumis, the Cucumber; the esculent, when green, is cooling and diluent in the second degree; and the flesh of it soothes hot inflammations. The seed is detergent and incisive, promotes the discharge of urine, and clears the body. But when dried, both the seed and root prove desiccative in the first order, and more detergent. The juice of the fruit of the wild cucumber is called Elaterium. That of the root and leaves is like to elaterium, but weaker. The root is detergent, discutient, and emollient, but the juice is desiccative.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have already stated more than once that the Σ. of the Greeks or Cucumis of the Latins was applied to several species of the summer fruits. Our author, we presume, applies it here to the Cucumis sativus. His account of its medicinal qualities is abridged from Galen. Dioscorides calls the seed of the Cucumis sativus moderately diuretic, along with must answering well in ulcerations of the bladder, and says that its leaves, in a cataplasm with wine, are useful in the bites of dogs. The Arabians give the same account of it, but evidently mix it up with the characters of the gourd, as given by their Grecian masters; it is, therefore, almost impossible to discover when they are treating of the one and when of the other. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 89); Serapion (De Simpl. 143); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 260.) The seeds of the cucumber long held a place in our modern Dispensatories, and were ranked as one of the greater cold seeds. See Quincy (107) and Lewis (Mat. Med. i, 380.) Elaterium, or the fruit of the wild cucumber, was much used by the ancient physicians from Hippocrates downwards. Theophrastus and Pliny affirm that it is the most durable of all medicines, and that it had actually been known to retain its virtues for two hundred years. It was given internally as a hydragogue, and applied externally in cases of lichen, scabies, impetigo, and the like. Of it, however, we have treated fully under elaterium, as a medicine in this section, and as a poison in Book V (64.) Dioscorides gives an account of the virtues of its leaves and roots, the juice of which he recommends as an external application in leprosy and other cutaneous diseases, and as an hydragogue and cholagogue in dropsy. Galen treats of them in more general terms, like our author. Ruffus says its root is suitable to dropsical cases. It is the Cucumis sylvestris, seu asininus, of the Arabians, who treat of all parts of it at great length. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 177); Serapion (c. 204); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 143); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 54, 567); Ebn Baithar (ii, 210.) One of Rhases’s authorities says, that in a pessary the wild cucumber kills the fœtus. Another of them says an external application of it to the head is of great use in headaches. Haly Abbas recommends it as a purge in paralysis and colic. One of Serapion’s authorities is an Arabian, named by him Habix, who gives a very interesting account of the wild cucumber, which he describes as being more sharp and bitter than the wild gourd.

Σίλλυβον,

Sillybum, is a thorny shrub, like the white chamæleon, but edible. The juice of the root of it, when drunk with honeyed water to the amount of a drachm, is emetic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Matthiolus admits that it was totally unknown to him. Is it not the Carduus Mariæ, or Common Milk-thistle? See Alston (Lectures) and Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 976.) Sprengel joins Lobelius in acknowledging it as the Sillybum marianum, Gaertn. Harduin makes it to be the Cardo Marie of the Italians. (Ad Plin. xxxvi, 25.) Pliny says of it, that its concrete juice evacuates bile. (H. N. xxvi, 25.) Our author’s character of it is taken from Dioscorides (iv, 156.) None of the other authorities give any more distinct description either of the plant itself or of its virtues. Galen has omitted it altogether, and we have not been able to find it in the works of the Arabians, unless it be the plant treated of by Serapion. (c. 305.) Though this article (supposing it actually to be the Carduus Marianus) has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory, it would appear that it is not wholly unknown to the shops of the apothecaries. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 64.) An eminent authority of his day, Crantz, describes the Carduus Mariæ as being sudorific, diuretic, and deobstruent, and a remedy to ill-conditioned sores. (Mat. Med. ii, 157.) It must be admitted that this character does not well agree with that of the Sillybum as given by Dioscorides.

Σίλουρος,

Silurus, the Shad-fish, pickled and eaten, clears the trachea when in a humid state. In a cataplasm it extracts sharp weapons of wood.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Artedi calls it, Silurus cirris quatuor in mento,—γλανὶς (Aristot.); glanus et glanis (Plin.); Angl. “the Sheat-fish” (Descr. spec. pisc.) In the Linnæan arrangement it is called Silurus glanis. We have treated of it as an article of food in Book I. Dioscorides recommends it as a medicine in the same cases as our author, and also says of it that its brine is useful in dysenteric affections as a hip-bath, by determining the defluxion to the surface, and that in clysters it cures sciatica. (ii, 29.) We have not been able to find any account of it in the works of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who gives a pretty full account of it from both Greek and Arabian authorities. (i, 245.)

Σιλφὴ,

Blatta Pistrina, or the moth found in bakers’ shops, the entrails of which, when boiled and pounded, cure earache.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is evidently the Blatta orientalis. Pliny and Dioscorides also recommend it in cases of earache. (ii, 38.) None of the other authorities make much account of it.

Σίλφιον,

Silphium or Laserpitium, Laserwort, is an excellent calefacient medicine; but it is also flatulent and indigestible. When applied externally to the body it is more active, and especially its juice, being possessed of attractive powers. It has also some purgative property.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It has long appeared to us that one passage in the works of Dioscorides is of itself quite decisive of the question as to the identity of the ancient silphium and our assafœtida. Treating of the gum-resin, sagapenum, he says, “in smell it is intermediate between galbanum and the juice of silphium.” (iii, 85.) Now, in Duncan’s Edinburgh Materia Medica, it is said of sagapenum, that “it holds a kind of middle place between assafœtida and galbanum.” (Sixth edition, 387.) Its juice, that is to say, its concrete juice, or gum-resin, was assafœtida, of which the Cyrenaic and Median juices, already treated of by us, were varieties. The stalk, the leaves, and the juice are all treated of by Dioscorides, in his chapter on Silphium, wherein he has given so full an account of them that we dare scarcely venture upon an abstract of it. He says of the varieties of the juice, that the Cyrenean is the most fragrant, so that when tasted it scarcely affects the breath, whereas, the Median and Syrian are weaker, and have a more offensive smell. He says of it, that of the different parts of it, the most efficacious is the juice, then the leaves, and then the stalk. He recommends it, both externally and internally, for a great variety of medicinal purposes, in diseases of the eyes, in toothache, as an application to the bites of venomous animals, as an application to gangrene, corns, and callus; in affections of the bronchi, and of the tonsils, in cynanche, catarrhs, pleurisy, jaundice, and dropsy; in rigors, along with pepper, frankincense, and wine, in cæliac affections, and in short, in a great many other complaints. (iii, 84.) But long before his time the silphium had been introduced into the practice of medicine, and used in procidentia and other complaints. See Hippocrates (De Fistulis; de ratione vict. in acut., &c.) It is indisputably the laser and laserpitium of the Latin authors. See in particular Celsus (iv, 2); Pliny (H. N. xxii, 49.) The latter passes an elaborate encomium upon it, founded, however, for the most part on the contents of Dioscorides’s chapter on the Silphium. From it the identity of the Greek silphion and the Roman laser is clearly made out. Passing by Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, who supply nothing very interesting on this head, we now turn to the Arabians. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 9, 52, 474); Rhases (Cont.. ult. i, 50); Serapion (De Simpl. 251); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 84.) Avicenna describes two varieties of the Assa seu Laser, namely, the fœtida and the odorifera, the virtues of which he gives in nearly the same terms as Dioscorides. He says distinctly that the fetid or black kind is not used in the cooking of food. He praises them as procuring eructations and acting as carminatives, and as proving stomachic. There appears to be a disagreement among the Arabian authorities of Serapion regarding the virtues of the assa, some of them representing it as good for the stomach and liver, and others as bad. One of them, Habix, mentions that it was used as an application to the wounds of poisoned arrows, and to preserve meat from putrefaction. Ebn Baithar’s Arabian authorities describe very accurately the two varieties of the assa, namely, the fragrant and the fetid, and commend both very highly as medicines, more especially as carminatives, and as acting very beneficially on the stomach, liver, and uterus. Some of them say that assa promotes menstruation, and even procures the expulsion of the fœtus. The assafœtida still retains the name of silphion in the Greek Pharmacopœia. (Athens, 1837.) M. Pacho says that the Arabs call it derias, and he proposes to class it as a species of laserwort, under the name of Laserpitium derias.

Σίσων,

Sison, Bastard Stone-parsley, is heating, diuretic, and digestive. It likewise promotes menstruation and removes obstructions of the viscera.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears to be the Sison Amomum, called by Miller the Stone-parsley or German Amomum. Our author copies from Dioscorides, who further mentions of it that the natives of Syria, where it grows, use it as a condiment. Galen commends it as being bitterish, and hence proving diuretic, digestive, emmenagogue, and deobstruent. We do not find it in the works of the Arabians.

Σίον,

Sium, Water Parsnip or Celery (?), is hot, diuretic, and discutient. It breaks down renal calculi and promotes menstruation.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears to us highly probable that it is the Sium latifolium, or Upright Water-parsnip, which once held a place in modern Dispensatories, and not the S. nodiflorum, as Dierbach decides the σ. of Hippocrates to be. It is the laver of the Romans, and is recommended by Pliny as a cure for tormina. (H. N. xxvi, 32.) See Harduin (Annot. l. c.) Dioscorides says it is useful in dysentery, and is diuretic, emmenagogue, and lithontriptic. (ii, 153.) Galen gives the same account of it as our author. It does not occur in the works of Celsus. The Arabians, in treating of it, borrow almost everything from Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 556, 633); Serapion (De Simpl. 290.) The latter describes it as a species of apium which grows in water.

Σίσαρον,

Sisarum, Garden Parsnip; the root, when boiled, is stomachic and diuretic, being heating in the third order. The seed consists of subtile particles, and is powerfully discutient. It is, therefore, given to persons affected with hiccough and tormina, in wine.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Pastinaca sativa or Garden Parsnip, according to Sprengel. In the translation of Rhases it is said to be the same as nigella, but this would seem to be a mistake. (Contin. xxxvii.) Dioscorides briefly says of it, that it is palatable, stomachic, diuretic, and a whetter of the appetite. (ii, 139.) Galen says it is calefacient, with a certain degree of bitterness and astringency. It appears certainly to be the siser of Pliny and Celsus, the latter of whom places it in his list of diuretics. (ii, 31.) The Arabians, in treating of it, copy from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 652.) From the account we have given of this article it will be seen that recent authorities hold that it is not the same as the Sium Sisarum, Skerret, as has been generally held, but the Parsnip. It would follow from this that it is identical with the ἐλαφόβοσκος of Dioscorides (iii, 73), which we must say that we are scarcely prepared to join Sprengel in admitting. After mature deliberation, then, we fear we must rank this with the undetermined articles in the ancient Materia Medica.

Σισύμβριον,

Sisymbrium, Wild Mint, called also Cardamine, because it is like the Cardamus. When dried, it belongs to the first order of calefacients and discutients; but when in a humid state, to the second.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides says of his first species that it resembles the garden mint, and Pliny states that it degenerates into calamintha or wild mint. It would appear, then, to be a species of mint. Stackhouse inclines to this opinion. (Index to Theophrastus.) The other, called also cardamine and sium, can be no other than the Nasturtium officinale. Dioscorides says of the former species, that it is useful in strangury, calculus, tormina, and singultus; and that in a cataplasm it relieves headache, is useful in the stings of wasps and bees, and stops vomiting. His other species he recommends as an application to certain diseases of the skin. (ii, 155.) Galen, in like manner, treats of the two species in nearly the same terms as our author, whose description of the former species, by the carelessness of transcribers, is given under the head of the preceding article, Sisarum. The Arabians treat both of the sisymbrium and the nasturtium, but it is not clear that they apply these terms to the same substances as Dioscorides does.

Σκαμμωνία,

Scammonia, Scammony, has the properties of heating, discussing, and clearing away bilious matters, more especially the juice of it, which discusses phymata, kills the fœtus when applied in a pessary, and removes leprosy. As an embrocation with vinegar and rose-oil, it cures chronic headaches; and the root, when drunk, acts as a purgative both by itself and in decoction. Boiled with vinegar and barley-flour, it is applied to diseased hip-joints.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the Convolvulus Scammonia. Dioscorides likewise describes another species, which Sprengel supposes to be the C. farinosus, L. The scammony is called δάκρυ κάμωνος by Nicander, and δακρύδιον by Alexander. (i, 10.) All the Greek, Latin, and Arabian authorities who make mention of it, state that it is a powerful purgative, which evacuates phlegm and bile. Marcellus Empiricus correctly remarks, that it does not answer when the stomach is weak. Celsus prescribes it for the broad intestinal worm, and in other cases. (iv, 17.) It also occurs in the Hippocratic collection. This is an article which the Arabians treat of very fully. See Serapion (De Simpl. 303); Avicenna (ii, 2, 628); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 612); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 54, 554); Mesne (De Simpl. i); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 27.) The last of these writes of it at very great length. Haly Abbas says scammony purges bile, attracts humours from the distant parts of the body, but is injurious to the stomach and liver. Avicenna and Serapion agree that it hurts the stomach, liver, and heart. They also state that it is a purgative, but one not in general to be depended upon, as different preparations of it act with different degrees of activity. They recommend it as an external application in cases of leprosy, scabies, and other cutaneous diseases. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities gives a very minute description of the different varieties of it. He says the dose of it is from 6 to 20 grs. In large doses, one of Rhases’s authorities states that it brings off bilious and bloody discharges, but in small doses, it is said to be diuretic without acting upon the bowels at all. An overdose, Avicenna remarks, may prove fatal. Mesue treats of it at great length and with much judgment, giving very minute directions about the choice of the different kinds of it, and the correction of any bad qualities they may possess.

Σκάνδιξ,

Scandix, Shepherd’s-needle, is a wild potherb, heating and desiccative in the second order. It is diuretic, and removes visceral obstructions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have treated of this potherb in Book I. It is the Scandix australis. Our author takes his character of this plant from Dioscorides. (ii, 167.) Galen infers from its being slightly acrid and bitter, that it is diuretic and deobstruent. None of the Arabians, we believe, treat of it, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 23.)

Σκίγκος,

Scincus, Skink; the parts about the kidneys are drunk to occasion erection of the privy member. The seed of lettuce, when drunk with water, is supposed to counteract them; and likewise the decoction of lentils with honey.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Skink is a small animal, like a lizard, of the shape of a crocodile, and from ten to twelve inches in length. It was described by Ray and Gesner under the name of Crocodilus terrestris. Its Linnæan name is Scincus officinalis or algeriensis. Dioscorides calls it a land crocodile, and recommends it in the same complaints as our author. He concludes by saying of it that it is an ingredient in antidotes; and, in fact, its principal use was in the composition of the famous Theriaca. Such of the Arabians as notice it give it the same medicinal character as the Greeks, that is to say, they represent it to be strongly aphrodisiac. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 596) and Ebn Baithar (ii, 32.) The latter gives a lengthy and interesting account of it. Rhases briefly notices it without saying anything of its medicinal uses. (Contin. l. ult. ii, 681.) In the East the skink is still eaten as a restorative and aphrodisiac. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 278.)

Σκίλλα,

Squilla, the Squill, is possessed of incisive powers, and is calefacient and desiccative in the second order. It is better to take it roasted or boiled.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Scilla maritima. It is mentioned by Hippocrates, and was a favorite medicine of the ancient physicians. Dioscorides’s chapter on the Squill contains much valuable matter. His description of the process of baking squills is so like that given in Pemberton’s edition of the ‘London Dispensatory,’ that one may take the latter as a translation of it: “Scillæ coctio, the baking of squills. Inclose the squill in paste of wheat flour, having first separated the outer skin and the hard part, from which the fibrous roots grow; then bake the squill in an oven till the paste is dry, and the squill is rendered soft and tender throughout.” He recommends it in cases requiring a copious evacuation of urine, such as dropsies, diseases of the stomach, those cases in which the food floats on the stomach, in jaundice, chronic coughs, asthma, &c. He also says of it that it is alexipharmic. (ii, 202.) Celsus frequently prescribes “scilla cocta,” as in tympanites and in anasarca. (iii.) It is frequently recommended and described, in a word, by all the authorities, Greek, Roman, and Arabian, in the same class of cases. See Galen (De Simpl. viii); Aëtius (i); Oribasius (Med. Coll. 12); Apuleius (De Herbis); Columella (De R. Rust. xii, 33); Serapion (De Simpl. 304); Avicenna (ii, 2, 590); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 680); Mesue (De Simpl. vi); Ebn Baithar (ii, 216, 309); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 43). Serapion’s account of its medicinal properties is particularly full. It is given, he says, as a laxative in fevers, and in dropsy as a diuretic; as a remedy for indigestion, for jaundice and tormina of the bowels; for an old cough, asthma, and spitting of blood; and for cleansing the breast of gross humours. It is to be avoided, he says, when there is an ulcer in any internal part. Apuleius recommends it along with vinegar and honey in dropsy. He adds, that it evacuates by urine. Columella gives a receipt for making a vinum scilliticum, which is useful, he says, “ad concoquendum, ad corpus reficiendum, itemque ad veterem tussim et ad stomachum.” (l. c.) Mesue particularly commends it as an expectorant, and recommends the vinegar, the oxymel, and the syrup for this and other medicinal purposes. Avicenna treats of it with his wonted accuracy, recommending it in complaints of the gums, teeth, and mouth; for asthma, and all inveterate coughs; in epilepsy, and in melancholy. He moreover particularly commends it in diseases of the spleen, and in dropsy and jaundice. He forbids it to be used in ulceration of the viscera. Ebn Baithar gives very copious extracts from preceding authorities, both Greek and Arabian. He treats separately of the scilla and pancratium. See under the latter.

Σκολοπένδρα,

Scolopendra; the sea scolopendra, when boiled in oil and rubbed upon a part, acts as a depilatory. When burnt it occasions pruritus.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Book V. The sea scolopendra is the Aphrodite aculeata. All the authorities who notice it recommend it for the same purposes as our author. See Dioscorides (ii, 16.)

Σκολοπένδριον,

Scolopendrium, the same as asplenium.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Asplenium Ceterach. See under Asplenium.

Σκόλυμος,

Scolymus, Golden Thistle, is a calefacient and desiccative medicine of the second order. The root of it, when boiled with wine, brings off a quantity of fetid urine, and cures the fetid smell of the armpits and of the whole body.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From the descriptions of it given by Theophrastus (H. P. vi, 4), and Dioscorides (iii, 14), one can scarcely entertain a doubt that it was the Scolymus Hispanicus, or Spanish Cardoons, an esculent root, well known in the southern parts of Europe. Compare Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iii, 14) with Lindley (Veg. King. 709), and see Beckmann (Hist. of Invent. under Artichoke). Dioscorides gives exactly the same account of its medicinal virtues as our author. (l. c.) Galen writes elaborately of it, but his conclusions, as to its properties, are the same as those of Dioscorides. We have not been able to trace it out in the works of the Arabians, unless it be their harsef. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 332); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 168). The truth is, that the term scolymus was a puzzle to the ancient authorities and to their modern commentators, being sometimes, as is supposed, applied also to the Cynara Scolymus, or artichoke. See Parkinson (pluries). We have treated of the scolymus as a potherb in the First Volume, p. 114. We have hinted our belief that the harsef or harxaf of the Arabians was identical with the Σ. of the Greeks. We are confirmed in this opinion by a comparison of Dioscorides with Avicenna (l. c.), although we find that Salmasius referred it to the artichoke.

Σκόρδιον,

Scordium, Water Germander, is composed of varied powers, being bitter, sour, and acrid. It therefore at the same time purges and heats the viscera; promotes the urinary and menstrual discharges, warms parts which had been affected with cold, agglutinates and cleanses wounds, and proves incarnative when sprinkled dry.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is clearly the Teucrium Scordium, or Water Germander. Dioscorides commends it for its diuretic, emmenagogue, and expectorant powers, when given internally; and for cleansing foul ulcers. Compare his account of it with its characters as stated by Dr. Hill. Our author condenses Galen’s statement of its medicinal properties. Galen remarks that it would appear to have got its name from its resemblance in qualities to the scorodon or garlic. The Arabians would seem to have confounded the scordium with the scorodon. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 622), and Serapion (De Simpl. 331).

Σκόρδον,

Allium, Garlic, is healing and desiccative in the fourth degree. But the ophioscordon, or wild garlic, is stronger than the cultivated.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We are inclined to set down the two varieties of this substance as being Allium sativum and arenarium. See Parkinson (vii, 29), and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. ii, 181). Dioscorides gives a lengthy statement of the medicinal virtues of the garlic, which, as Galen somewhere says, was the great theriac of rustics. Dioscorides says it is the best of all medicines in the bites of vipers when taken along with wine, and that it forms an excellent cataplasm for the bites of mad dogs. He also recommends it as an application to various cutaneous complaints, such as leprosy and furfures; as an emmenagogue, both in the form of a hip-bath and fumigation; as a diuretic and remedy in dropsical diseases. (ii, 81.) Galen, like our author, merely states the general characters of the two species. It is frequently mentioned in the works of Hippocrates and in those of Celsus. The latter ranks it among the things “mali succi,” and calls it acrid, flatulent, heating, laxative of the bowels, &c. (ii, 21, 26, et alibi.) The Arabians treat of it at great length. See Serapion (De Simpl. 331); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Avicenna (ii, 2, 72); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i. 36.) They recommend it in eructations, in dropsy as a laxative and diuretic, and as an emmenagogue. They say a clyster of it relieves sciatica, and a gargle of it is useful in toothache, and clears the voice. Avicenna affirms, from personal experience, that it is an excellent medicine in the case of persons stung by venomous reptiles. Ruffus, as quoted by Serapion, says it is hurtful to the ears, the liver, the lungs, and the kidneys. Fresh garlic, he says, is diuretic, loosens the bowels, and is vermifuge. Another of his authorities says, raw garlic is vermifuge, and useful in strangury.

Σκορδόπρασον,

Scordoprason, Garlic-leek, in taste and powers is compounded of the garlic and leek.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We are disposed to set it down as being Allium Scorodoprason. None of the authorities supply any interesting information under this head.

Σκορπιοειδὲς,

Scorpioides, Caterpillar, is heating in the third order, and desiccative in the second.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We suppose it to be the Scorpiurus sulcatus, L., which is synonymous with the Scorpioides, Tournefort. Dioscorides merely recommends it as an application to the bites of scorpions. (iv, 192.)

Σκόρπιος,

Scorpius, the Scorpion; the land one, when applied raw, is a remedy for its own bite, and in like manner, when eaten roasted. The sea scorpion’s bile is useful in suffusions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Book V. Avicenna recommends the oil of scorpions in diseases of the ear. (ii, 2, 64.) The sea-scorpion is the Cottus scorpius. Dioscorides recommends its gall in cataracts, albugo, and dimness of sight. (ii, 14.)

Σκωρία,

Recrementum, Dross; all kinds are considerably desiccative, but that of iron more than the others. This, when pulverized and boiled in vinegar, cures purulent discharges from the ears in a wonderful manner; and when taken with oxymel, proves a remedy to those who have drunk aconite. That of lead is similar to lead itself, but more astringent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is called recrementum by Celsus. (v, 15.) It is the dross of a metal which is collected on the outside of the furnace while the metal is purified by heat. See Pliny (H. N. xxxiv, 27) and Matthiolus (Ad Dioscor. v, 54.) Dioscorides says of the recrementum plumbi that it has the same powers as burnt lead (v, 97), and of the recrementum ferri, that it is a remedy in cases of poisoning with aconite. (v, 94.) Celsus ranks the recrementum plumbi among the emollients. (Ibid.) Avicenna recommends the recrementum ferri as an astringent in cases of hemorrhoids and other fluxes. Like Dioscorides and our author, he says that it is an antidote to aconitum. One of Serapion’s authorities, Adamasti, says of the recrementum argenti, that it is cooling and desiccative, and useful in cardiac disease, and another, Alcanzi, says it is good for scabies and prurigo. His other extracts are from Dioscorides, Galen, and Paulus. Ebn Baithar gives an interesting exposition of this subject, but it is mostly made up from the authorities already quoted by us. (i, 348.) Rhases treats of it in like manner. (Cont. l. ult. i, 234.)

Σμίλαξ,

Smilax or Taxus, the Yew, is a tree of deleterious properties.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Taxus baccata, L. See Book V. (48.) It appears remarkable that Dioscorides should have allowed this article a place in the Materia Medica, seeing that he himself says that he had noticed it merely to guard against it. He says that in Narbonia (Languedoc or Savoy), the yew-tree was possessed of such a power as to prove fatal to persons sitting or sleeping in its shade. (ii, 80.) We have stated, however, elsewhere (v, 48) that great difference of opinion has prevailed regarding this reputed noxious power of the yew.

Σμύρνα,

Myrrha, Myrrh, is of the second order of calefacients and desiccants. It, therefore, agglutinates wounds of the head when sprinkled upon them. It has also some bitterness; and hence it kills worms and the fœtus; and it is detergent, and, therefore, is mixed with ophthalmic remedies. It is likewise expectorant without roughening the trachea. Bœotian myrrh has calefacient, emollient, and solvent powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That this is the same as our myrrh is indisputable, and the best botanical authorities are now pretty well agreed that it is the product of a dwarf shrub, to which they have given the name of Balsamodendron Myrrha. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 460); Pereira (Mat. Med. 1187.) It is mentioned in what is perhaps the oldest literary production in existence (Genesis xxxvii, 25), and is frequently noticed as a medicine in the works which bear the name of Hippocrates. (De Superfœt.; de Muliebr.) See further ‘Œconom. Hippocrat.’ (347) and Dierbach (Arsn. des Hipp. 224.) In short, this gum-resin was much used in the ancient practice of medicine. According to Dioscorides it is calefacient, soporific, agglutinative, desiccative, and astringent. He recommends it in chronic coughs and asperities of the trachea. He also states that it was used in ulcers of the eye and other complaints of a like nature. He further says of it that it is anthelminthic; that it cures fetor of the mouth, and likewise of the armpits when used as an ointment with liquid alum; that in a gargle with oil it strengthens the gums and teeth. He describes two kinds of liquid myrrh, which he calls Stacte; the finest was that which runs fluid from the tree without cutting. The other was a fluid myrrh, taken out of the midst of the larger pieces of the solid kind. See Hill (Mat. Med.) The account which Pliny gives of myrrh is highly interesting, but does not contain much that would answer our present purpose. (See H. N. xii, 33-6.) Celsus makes mention of the stacte (v, 23), and prescribes the myrrh frequently as a concocting and agglutinating substance. Galen describes it in two of his works. (De Simpl. 109, and De Antidot. T. ii, 433, ed. Basil.) Our author’s account of this substance is condensed from the former of these works. Aëtius in like manner borrows from him, as Oribasius does from Dioscorides. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 468); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 474); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Serapion (De Simpl. 292); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 41); Ebn Baithar (ii, 496.) Our limits prevent us from venturing upon an exposition of what these authors have written upon this subject, but this is the less to be regretted, as we do not find that they add anything of much practical importance to the information supplied by their Grecian masters. They confirm, however, by their authority, all that the Greeks had stated regarding the virtues of myrrh as an emmenagogue and a medicine capable of accelerating delivery. They are also agreed that it is diuretic and expectorant. One of Serapion’s authorities says it evacuates fluids from the belly when applied as a plaster. Another of them says that in a masticatory it evacuates the brain.

It would appear that the Bœotian myrrh mentioned by Dioscorides, Galen, and our author, was the Alexanders or Smyrnium Olusatrum.

Σμύρνιον,

Smyrnium, Alsander (called also Hipposelinum and Apium silvestre) is heating and desiccative of the third order, being stronger than parsley, but weaker than stone-parsley. It is, therefore, emmenagogue and diuretic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This, it would appear, is not the Smyrnium Olusatrum, but either the Smyrnium Dioscoridis, or, as supposed by Dodonæus, the perfoliatum. In another place we have set it down as the latter, and treated of it as an article of food. (Vol. I, 114.) All the authorities give it nearly the same character as our author. See Dioscorides (iii, 72); Galen (De Simpl.); Avicenna (ii, 2, 55.) All agree that it is an excellent diuretic and emmenagogue. It is the olusatrum of Scribonius Largus.

Σόγχος,

Sonchus, Sow-thistle, is astringent and sensibly cooling both when applied externally and eaten. But when dried, it is moderately calefacient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would appear to be the Sonchus oleraceus, but this is not quite certain. Dioscorides describes three species, of which the first two are, perhaps, but varieties of the Sonchus oleraceus, although some of the authorities would refer the first to some distinct species, not well determined. Galen and our author describe only one species, which would certainly appear to have been the S. oleraceus, a well-known plant, which held a place in our Dispensatories until a late date. See Quincy (i, 11, 510.) Dioscorides calls it sub-astringent, and recommends it in a cataplasm for heat of the stomach and inflammations, and its juice for stomach-ache and to attract milk; when applied on wool, he says it relieves inflammations of the anus and uterus; and that its root and stem are useful to persons bitten by scorpions. (ii, 158.) Galen merely states its temperament and qualities in general terms. We are not aware that it is described by any of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives the descriptions of it from Dioscorides and Galen. (i, 211.)

Σπαργάνιον,

Sparganium; this also is possessed of desiccative powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Sparganium simplex. Pliny recommends it as an antidote to the sting of serpents. (H. N. xxv, 63.) He, as usual, borrows from Dioscorides. (iv, 21.) Galen treats of it as briefly as our author. Few, if any of the other authorities, notice it. Its congener, the S. ramosum, is still kept in the shops with the reputation of curing the bite of the viper. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 15.)

Σπαρτὸς,

Genista, Broom, by which they bind vines; the fruit and flower of it, when drunk with honeyed water to the amount of five oboli, purge upwards, like white hellebore, without danger. But the fruit also purges downwards. The twigs remedy ischiatic diseases.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the Spartium junceum. It is the genista of the Latins, as Silvius states in his commentary on Mesue. He says that it is a powerful diuretic, and its seeds are still sometimes used with this intention. Mesue further commends it as an emetic in gout and other arthritic diseases. Dioscorides and Pliny give nearly the same account of its medicinal properties as our author. Dioscorides further commends it in sciatica and cynanche, and when given as a clyster in the former complaint. (iv, 155.) It is not easy to trace it in the works of the other authorities, except Ebn Baithar, who copies principally from Galen or Dioscorides. (i. 489.)

Σπεκλάριον ἢ σφεκλάριον,

Lapis specularis, which some use instead of specula in their windows, and hence it has been called diaphanous. Being of the nature of gypsum, it has powers like burnt shells or oysters.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Gypsum speculare or Selenite, as is evident from our author’s description of it. Seneca says that in his time it had come to be used in windows from its transparency. (Ep. 60.) See further, Pliny (H. N. xxxvi, 45.) See Book V, 58. The Arabians praise its virtues in the cure of all fluxes; and Agricola mentions that in his time it was frequently given for the cure of dysenteries.

Σπόγγος,

Spongia, Sponge; the recent, which still preserves the smell of the sea, when applied with water, wine, or oxycrate, agglutinates wounds; but if burnt, it has acrid and discutient powers. When burnt with asphaltos or liquid pitch, and applied hot, it stops hemorrhages.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Aristotle, Pliny, Philoponus, Phile, and Avicenna acknowledge the animal nature of sponges, and yet we find it stated in most of our modern treatises on natural history that the ancients supposed them to be vegetables. Ebn Baithar, we believe, stands alone among the ancient authorities in maintaining that there is no truth in the opinion that the sponge is an animal, but that, on the contrary, it is decidedly a vegetable which grows from the rocks. (i, 45.) Avicenna recommends the use of sponge in the same cases as our author does. Serapion gives nearly the same account of it. He says that the stones found in sponges are lithontriptic. Of the two species described by Dioscorides, the hard is the S. fasciculata, Pall., and the soft the S. officinalis. He recommends sponge tent for dilating fistulous ulcers. He says they may be applied like tents to sores; that with vinegar they restrain hemorrhages; and that burnt sponges are useful in dry ophthalmy, and whenever you want to deterge or astringe; but that when washed, they apply better in ophthalmic remedies; and that, when burnt with pitch, they are suitable in hemorrhages. (v, 137.) In the Hippocratic treatises this term is generally applied to the tonsils or glands of the neck, as at ‘Epidem.’ (iv.) But in one passage of a work, certainly not genuine, it appears to be used for the sponge. (De Morbis, ii.) Celsus prescribes a sponge squeezed out of oil, vinegar, or cold water as an application to relieve the swelling and heat of the gout (iv), and for other medicinal purposes. Galen gives an interesting article under this head, and describes an ingenious process by which, he says, that he had known a hemorrhage stopped. A sponge dipped in asphaltus, or, in the absence of it, in tar, having been laid on the bleeding place, it was set fire to until it formed an eschar on the surface, while the remainder of it was left as a farther cover to the vessels. (De Simpl. xi.) The Arabians treat fully of the “Spongia maris,” and quote what Dioscorides and Galen had written respecting it. Avicenna decidedly says that sponge was supposed to be an animal possessed of motion. He and Rhases recommend it principally for cleansing sores and stopping bleeding. (ii, 2, 595, and Cont. l. ult. 676.)

Σπόδιον,

Spodium has similar powers to the pompholyx.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is nearly the same as the Pompholyx. Pliny thus states the difference between them: “Etiamnum in ærariis reperiuntur, quæ vocant pompholygem et spodon. Differentia quod pompholyx loturâ paratur, spodos illota est.” (H. N. xxxiv, 33.) The name, in modern times, has been applied to burnt ivory. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 260), and Platearius (De Simp. Med. 250.) The ancient spodium was an impure oxyd of zinc. The term, however, was sometimes applied to other recrements, as we are informed by Pliny (l. c.), and Dioscorides (v, 85.) He gives a more minute description of the preparation of it and of pompholyx. The Arabians treat of both under the general name of Tucia or Tutty, which was long retained in modern times. They used it very freely in diseases of the eyes, and also in those about the genital organs. See Serapion (c. 422); Avicenna (ii, 2, 695); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 730); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 45, 474.) The spodium occurs frequently as an ingredient in the collyria and ointments described by Celsus (v, 6), &c. We need scarcely remind the reader that tutty ointment has continued to be used as an ophthalmic even to our own times. The spodos of the Hippocratic writers would appear to have been applied in a more general sense to various recrements of the metals. (De Ulceribus.) The spodium of the Arabians would seem to have been the ashes of the privet. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 609); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 675.)

Σταφυλῖνος,

Staphylinus, Carrot, is diuretic and promotes menstruation, particularly the seed and root. But the leaves being possessed of detergent powers agree with phagedænic affections when applied green along with honey. The wild is for all purposes stronger than the cultivated.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. As Sprengel states, it is undoubtedly a variety of the Daucus Carota, L., or Wild Carrot. Diphilus, as quoted by Athenæus, says that it is acrid, nutritive, moderately stomachic, laxative, flatulent, indigestible, diuretic, and aphrodisiacal. (Deipnos. ix, 2.) Pliny mentions that it proves useful in strangury, dropsy, and several other complaints. (H. N. xx, 15.) Plinius Valerianus says of it that it had been given in diseases of the liver, spleen, loins, and kidneys, in hydromel. (iv, 32.) Our author’s account of its medicinal properties is mostly condensed from Dioscorides. He recommends it strongly as a diuretic, emmenagogue, and aphrodisiac, and says of it, that applied per vaginam it procures the expulsion of the fœtus. (iii, 52.) Galen and Aëtius give nearly the same account of it as our author. The Arabian authorities speak of it in the same terms. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 287); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 18); Serapion (c. 265.) The commentator Eustathius mentions its aphrodisiacal properties. (Ad Iliad. xviii, 560.) According to Dierbach, the σ. of Hippocrates comprehends both the Daucus Carota and guttatus. It would appear to us that this is the “Pastinaca agrestis” of Celsus (ii, 31), although his editor, Dr. Milligan, decides otherwise with regard to it. In confirmation of our opinion we refer to Pliny (l. c.), and to Beckmann’s ingenious disquisition on our kitchen vegetables in his ‘Hist. of Invent.’ He seems clearly to make out that the daucus, staphylinus, carota, and pastinaca were all merely varieties of the Daucus Carota. He is in some doubts, however, whether the “pastinaca” was not also sometimes applied to the parsnip. See, however, under Daucus.

Στάχυς,

Stachys, Base Horehound, is a shrub resembling horehound, and is calefacient in the third degree. It therefore promotes menstruation, kills the fœtus, and expels the secundines.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Stachys Palestina, or Base Horehound. Our author gives exactly the same account of its medicinal properties as Dioscorides and Galen, the latter remarking of it that it not only promotes menstruation, but is a drug used for procuring abortion. Pliny, by confounding πράσον and πράσιον, says of it that it resembles the porrum instead of the marrubium; so that his celebrated editor, Harduin, holds that the stachys of Pliny is different from that of Dioscorides. (Ad H. N. xxiv, 86.) It is quite clear, however, that the plants are identical, and accordingly Pliny, like the other, says of his stachys, that it is emmenagogue. The Arabians do not seem to treat of it.

Στέατα,

Adipes, Fats, or Grease; all kinds dilute and warm the human body, but their powers vary according to the different temperaments of animals. That of swine, then, is the most humid of all, its powers being like those of oil. Hence it blunts sharp pains. That of goats is drier and sooner coagulated, and therefore is used as an injection to those who have sharp pains in the rectum. That of geese is hotter and more attenuate; that of domestic cocks and hens being intermediate. That of lions is the hottest of all and the most attenuate, hence it is most discutient. That of oxen has an intermediate temperament between swine and lions. That of bears cures alopecia, that of foxes, earache; as that of vipers is said to remove hairs and prevent suffusions from forming. Upon the whole, that of males is the hotter and more desiccative, and of them those which have their testicles more than those which have been cut, and of those which are full-grown than that of the others. All sorts of grease when long kept become hotter.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Fats. Our author’s account of their medicinal properties is sufficiently ample. For further information, however, the reader may consult Dioscorides and Galen. The former gives very minute and seemingly important directions for the preparations of all these animal fats. We may just mention here a little piece of criticism which Galen bestows in this case upon his much admired predecessor. Dioscorides says of the grease or lard of goats, that it is more styptic (στυπτικώτερον) than that of swine. Upon which Galen remarks that although Dioscorides had written much and well on the Materia Medica, he often uses words in a wrong signification, as he does in the present instance, for that the above-mentioned term, which properly signifies astringent, must here be understood to mean acrid or pungent. Now we think that Galen is here correct, and that Sprengel’s attempt to bring his author, Dioscorides, clear off in the present case is not successful. Indeed, as we firmly believe that a greater master of the Greek language than Galen never existed, we may always feel secure that where the exact meaning of Greek terms is concerned, one may safely trust to him. The Arabians under this head merely give extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 461) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 70.)

Στίμμι,

Antimonium, Antimony, in addition to its desiccative powers, has also astringency. Hence it is mixed with collyria for the eyes.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This is evidently the sulphuret of antimony. The native antimony is so rare a mineral that it is not likely the ancients had any acquaintance with it, and the factitious antimony is not described by any ancient author. For an account of the ancient antimony, see in particular Dioscorides (v, 99) and Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 33.) It was much used by the ancients in the composition of the medicines called calliblephara. “Vis ejus astringere et refrigerare principalis autem circa oculos.” Pliny (l. c.) In the Old Testament the Jewish women are censured for this use of it. None of the Greek or Latin authors speak of giving it internally except Serapion, who quotes Badigorus (Pythagoras?) as stating that it proves a remedy for epilepsy and gross superfluities. (c. 249.) In its calcined state it was made into pastils of a square form, and hence the metal itself is called τετράγωνον by Hippocrates, as has been supposed by his expositors. See Galen (Exeg.) and Föes (Œcon. Hippocrat. 371.) Hippocrates recommends it as a medicine for purging the head (De Intern. Affect.), that is to say, as an ingredient in caputpurgia, or errhines, to the use of which he was partial. (See Vol. I, pp. 59, 60 of this work.) But with the authorities subsequent to him its principal use would seem to have been confined to collyria. See in particular Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43.) Celsus frequently uses it for this and other purposes.

Στοιβὴ,

Stœbe, Knapweed; the fruit and leaves are desiccative in the third degree, being possessed of astringent powers. Hence they agglutinate large wounds; and the decoction of them relieves dysentery, hemorrhages, and discharges of pus from the ear; and in a cataplasm it is of use in suggillations of the eye from a blow.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There has been considerable difference of opinion among modern authorities on this head, as is fully stated by Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 998), and by Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iv, 12.) We acquiesce in the judgment of those who hold it to be the Poterium spinosum. See Galen (De Antidot. 426, T. ii, ed. Basil.) Our author’s notice of it is manifestly taken from Galen, who, in his turn, is much indebted to Dioscorides. (iv, 12.) None of the others add anything of interest respecting it. It does not occur in the works of Hippocrates nor of Celsus, nor have we been able to detect it in those of the Arabians, except Ebn Baithar, who quotes only Dioscorides and Galen under this head. (ii, 19.)

* * * * *

Στρούθιον. It appears singular that our author should have omitted the Struthium, which is noticed in this place by Dioscorides and Galen. This is the celebrated soap-plant used by the fullones or cleansers of cloth in ancient times. The reader will find a very interesting disquisition on it in Beckmann’s ‘History of Inventions.’ We think there is every probability that it was the Saponaria officinalis. Dioscorides represents it to be diuretic, emmenagogue, and lithontriptic, a remedy for diseases of the chest, the liver, the spleen, and for jaundice; a discutient application to indolent tumours, a sternutatory, and a masticatory. (ii, 192.) By the way, the famous writer Lucian mentions an amusing example of its use as a masticatory. (De Alexandro.) Galen states its virtues in general terms; he says it is acrid and detergent, and hence it acts as a sialogogue. We have not been able to find it in the works of Hippocrates. See Pliny (T. ii, 341, 161, 410, ed. Harduin) and Celsus (v, 18.) The Arabians treat of it very fully. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 133); Serapion (De Simpl. 362); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. iii, 38.) They all hold it to be emetic, and when it cannot be procured they recommend in its place nux vomica. They also recommend it for all the medicinal purposes enumerated by Dioscorides. The soap-wort has been used medicinally in modern times. See Culpeper (172), Lewis (M. M. 339), and Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 115.) Quincy gives a very confused account of it. (138.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia it is still retained. (144.)

Στοιχάς,

Stœchas, Cassidony, or French Lavender; it is deobstruent, attenuant, detergent, and strengthens all the viscera and the whole habit of the animal.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears to be the Lavandula Stœchas, or French Lavender. See Tournefort (M. M.) Pliny says that it is an odoriferous herb of a bitter taste. He adds that it promotes menstruation and relieves pains of the breast. (H. N. xxvii, 107.) Dioscorides recommends it for diseases of the chest and for antidotes. (ii, 28.) Galen has some very sensible remarks on its qualities as perceived by the taste, and recommends it in the same cases as our author. See also ‘De Antidot.’ (i.) Avicenna and Rhases recommend it for epilepsy and melancholy. According to the Arabians it is purgative and alexipharmic, but Dr. Hill denies that it possesses these powers in any considerable degree. It still held a place in our Mat. Med. when Lewis wrote. (ii, 389.) It is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Στρατιώτης,

Achillea, Yarrow; that which grows in water is possessed of cold powers, but the land has astringency; hence it agglutinates ulcers. Some use it for hemorrhages and fistulæ.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The land is decidedly the Achillea Millefolium, the river the Pistia Stratiotes. The millefoil got the name of Achillea from being supposed the herb used by Achilles in dressing wounds. V. Eustathius (ad Iliad, xi, ad finem.) Our author copies almost word for word from Galen, who, however, is equally indebted to Dioscorides for the characters of the yarrow. Regarding the water plant, Dioscorides says that it preserves wounds free from inflammation, and cures erysipelas and œdema in a cataplasm with vinegar. (iv, 100, 101.) These plants are not to be found in the works of Hippocrates, Celsus, nor of the Arabian authorities, as far as we can discover, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives extracts under this head from Dioscorides and Galen (ii, 30), and of Rhases, who merely quotes Galen. (Cont. l. ult. 637.) The Pistia Stratiotes is still used by the Hindoo physicians as a demulcent in dysuria, and as a cataplasm for hemorrhoids. See Lindley (Veg. King. 125.) The yarrow held a place in our Dispensatory with its ancient character down to a late date. See Quincy (92) and Lewis (M. M. 108.) It still holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (109.)

Στρύχνος,

Strychnos, Solanum (?), Nightshade (?), or Alkekengi, i. e. Winter Cherry; the garden and esculent sort is astringent and cooling in the second degree. The halicacabum is like the garden, having a diuretic fruit like the grape of a vine. The bark of the root of the Strychnos somnifera when drunk with wine to the amount of a dram is soporific. And it has a diuretic seed, being of the third order of refrigerants; hence when drunk in greater quantity than twelve clusters it occasions madness. The fourth species is not used internally, but when applied externally it cures spreading ulcers, belonging to the second order of refrigerants and desiccants.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We must not venture upon the discussion of disputed points respecting the Strychni of the ancients, for which we beg to refer our readers to the Appendix to Dunbar’s Greek Lexicon, and we shall merely state our conclusions so far as they are interesting to the professional reader. Of the four species described by Dioscorides, the 1st, or Strychnus hortensis, is the Solanum nigrum, or its variety S. miniatum; the 2d, or Halicacabum, is the Physalis alkekengi; the 3d, or S. somniferum, is the Physalis somnifera; and the 4th, or Furialis, is the Solanum Sodomæum. Several learned authorities, however, have taken the last for the Atropa Belladonna. Our author in the main follows Dioscorides, who treats of the virtues of the Strychni at so great length that we dare not attempt to follow him in the present instance. The first he does not administer internally, but recommends it very largely as an external application for erysipelas, herpes, headache, heat of the stomach, affections of the eye, the siriasis of children, earache, the fluor albus, &c. The second, he says, resembles the first in virtue. The third, he says, has the same powers as the juice of the poppy. The fourth brings on phantasies and delirium, and in large doses proves fatal. The best counter-agent to it is undiluted wine drunk and afterwards vomited. (iv, 72-5.) Celsus frequently prescribes “solanum quam στρύχνον Græci vocant,” and ranks it among those things which repress and soothe. (ii, 33.) He recommends it as an application in phrenitis and various other diseases. (iii, 18.) Galen and Aëtius give nearly the same account of it as our author. Oribasius confessedly borrows his description from Dioscorides. The Arabians treat fully of the solanum, of which Avicenna mentions that there are five species. (ii, 2, 646.) See Serapion (De Simpl. 138); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 662); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 212.) The characters which they give of these plants agree in the main so well with those given to them by the Greeks, that we need not stop to note slight differences. The Latin writers of the middle ages call solanum by the name of maurella. See Macer Floridus. He says of the strychnos that it is possessed of powerfully narcotic properties. The Solanum nigrum held a place in our Dispensatories, and retained the characters transmitted down with it from antiquity as late as the end of the last century. See Lewis (M. M.) All our old herbalists, Gerard, Parkinson, and Culpeper, speak of its virtues in the same terms as Dioscorides. Our toxicologists have decided that it is a powerful narcotic. See Orfila. The Physalis somnifera is still used in India as an application to inflammatory tumours. See Lindley (Veg. King. 621.) The alkekengi is still admitted to be possessed of a diuretic power, as stated by Dioscorides. (Ibid.) We are not aware of the Solanum Sodomæum having ever been used medicinally in modern times, but we need scarcely say that of late years the Atropa Belladonna has occupied no undistinguished place in our Dispensatories. On the Strychnos furiosa as a poison, see Vol. II, p. 224.

Στυπτηρία,

Alumen, Alum; all kinds of it are very sour, and consist of gross particles. But the alumen scissile, or Stone Alum, consists of more subtile parts than the others. After it is the Alumen rotundum, or Round Alum, and the astragolotum. The Alumen liquidum, or Liquid Alum, consists of gross parts; and so also the varieties called placitis and plinthitis.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. After having read much that has been written by the best authorities both ancient and modern upon this subject, we still approach the discussion of it with very great diffidence. Having deliberately considered what Beckmann has written regarding the ancient alum, we cannot agree with him in setting it down as being copperas or the green sulphate of iron. The ancients, indeed, may not always distinguish accurately the latter from “the sulphate of alum and potash,” but considering how common this mineral is in the countries bordering upon the Mediterranean, we cannot conceive how the ancients could possibly have remained ignorant of it, and we need scarcely add that it has never been pretended that it has been described by them under any other name. But its varieties differed much from one another. The Alumen plumosum, called τριχῖτις by the Greeks, was no doubt the Hair salt of Werner, which, according to the analysis of Klaproth, contains a large mixture of the sulphates of magnesia and iron. Geoffroy remarks that “of liquid alum two kinds are taken notice of by the ancients; the one pure and the other impure. The solid or concreted kind was by the ancients distinguished, according to the figure of its parts, into fissile and round. The fissile natural alum was either in form of a compact, uniform globe, or appeared divided into small hairs or filaments. The round kind was of a more rare texture.” The Alumen Jameni of the Arabians was the plumose alum. Pliny and Octavius Horatianus recommend alum as an application to burns when pounded with oil. Alum was used in the practice of medicine from the earliest times. Hippocrates prescribes it in ulcers of the womb, diseases of the gums, and for various other purposes. (Epid. vii, De Mulieb., De Ulcer., &c.) Our author borrows from Galen. Dioscorides gives a most elaborate description of the different kinds and of their uses in medicine. They are all possessed, he says, of a heating power, and also of an astringent, and hence they clear the obscurities of the cornea, melt down fungous flesh on the eyelids and elsewhere, the schistose being more powerful than the round; they stop mortifications and hemorrhages, repress flaccid gums, strengthen loose teeth with vinegar or honey; are beneficial in aphthæ; and, in short, he states most minutely the various purposes to which alum may be applied. On the alumen see also Pliny (H. N. xxxv, 52) and Celsus (iv, 18), with the note of Milligan. For the Arabians consult Avicenna (ii, 2, 68); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Serapion (De Simpl. 420); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 44); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 38); Ebn Baithar (ii, 83.) All of these authors, even including the last, do little more than copy from Dioscorides and Galen under this head. Geber, however, treats of the subject with some appearance of originality, and describes the kinds of alum with considerable accuracy. (Invention of Verity, c. 4.) The process of burning alum for medicinal purposes, which is barely alluded to by Dioscorides, is described by Geber and by Servitor. (i.)

Στυραξ,

Storax, is calefacient, emollient, and digestive. It therefore is useful in coughs, catarrhs, and defluxions; and promotes menstruation both when drunk and applied on a pessary.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is clearly our officinal storax, or Styrax officinale. Dr. Pereira has given the ancient history of this substance so correctly, as to leave us little further to add under the present head. (Mat. Med. 931.) As he states, the storax has been described by Hippocrates, Theophrastus, Pliny, and Dioscorides. The several varieties described by the last of these, Dr. Pereira ingeniously refers to kinds of storax, with which we are still acquainted. The Styrax Calamita is mentioned by our author in the eleventh Section; according to him it is but a variety of the amygdaloid storax, which was formerly imported enveloped in a monocotyledonous leaf. Dioscorides’s description of its medicinal properties agrees well with our author’s, but is considerably fuller. (i, 79.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it like our author. Celsus prescribes it frequently as an emollient, discutient, concoctive, and suppurative medicine. (v, 18, 22, c. &c.) The Arabians treat of it at considerable length, but do not add much of any practical importance to what had been written on it by Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 423); Serapion (c. 46); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 687); Ebn Baithar (ii, 428.) Upon the whole, Serapion’s account appears to us most interesting. His Arabian authority, Isaac Eben Amram, mentions that it was used by the Christians in their churches for fumigations. Avicenna, according to Dr. Hill, is the only one among the Arabians who distinguishes the solid storax, which we have been treating of from the liquid, or Styrax liquidus. It is quite a different substance, being procured from the Liquid amber orientale, according to Dr. Lindley. (Veg. King. 253.)

Σύκα,

Ficus, Figs; those which are dried possess heating powers in about the second degree. But those which are fatty rather digest hard tumours; those which are more acrid prove detergent and discutient. The decoction of them, when made of the consistence of honey (which some call siræon), is similar in powers to honey. The powers of the green are weaker, but both loosen the belly. The figs of the wild tree are possessed of acrid and discutient powers like those of the cultivated.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Book I (s. 81.) Pliny enumerates the medicinal properties of figs at great length. Ripe figs are said to be diuretic, laxative, and diaphoretic. Externally they were used as an application to boils and scrofulous swellings. (H. N. xxiii, 63.) See also Dioscorides and Serapion, both of whom give the characters of figs in nearly the same terms as Pliny. No ancient author, however, has treated so elaborately of figs as Avicenna (ii, 2, 276.) His account of them is so lengthy that we dare not venture upon an analysis of it.

Σνκὴ,

Ficus, the Fig-tree, is of a heating and attenuating temperament, so that the juice of it and the sap of the leaves are not only pungent and strongly detergent, but also occasion ulceration, open the mouths of vessels, and remove myrmecia. It is also cathartic. The wild-fig, called caprificus, is in every respect more powerful than the cultivated.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See the authorities referred to in the preceding article. Pliny recommends the juice of the caprificus or wild fig-tree (Ficus Carica), as an application to leprosy, psora, and lichen. All the authorities, Greek, Latin, and Arabian, praise it as an application to the wounds of venomous animals. The wild fig-tree is the Ἐρίνεος of Homer. V. Eustath. ‘Comment. in Iliad.’ (vi, 433.) The commentator describes accurately the process of caprification.

Συκόμορος,

Sycomorus, the Sycomore; the fruit is innutritive, and bad for the stomach. The juice of the tree has powers which are emollient, agglutinative of wounds, and discutient of tumours. It is taken in a draught and rubbed in for the bites of reptiles, for scirrhous spleens, pains of the stomach, and rigors.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Of course there can be no doubt of its being the Ficus Sycomorus. Galen, Dioscorides, and Serapion detail its medicinal properties in nearly the same terms as our author. Nothing else of any interest can be gathered from the others under this head.

Σύμφυτον,

Symphytum, Comfrey; the rock comfrey is composed of opposite powers. For it has some incisive powers by which it cleanses the pus in the chest and the kidneys; and it has also some constringency which renders it a suitable remedy for hæmoptysis, sprained and ruptured parts, the red flux in women, and intestinal hernia. It contains also some hot humidity, by which it quenches thirst and cures asperities in the trachea. The other species, called the Great Comfrey, is glutinous and prurient like squills. It is used for the same purposes as the rock.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The second species is indisputably the Symphytum officinale, a plant which the Romans, no doubt, naturalized in this country. The other has been the subject of more controversy. See Parkinson (526) and Matthiolus and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iv, 9.) We are satisfied that it was the Coris monspeliensis. Our author manifestly abridges Galen, who borrows from Dioscorides, but improves what he takes. They all agree in commending both as being possessed of great virtues as expectorant and vulnerary medicines. Dioscorides particularly commends the latter as an application to inflammations about the anus in a cataplasm, with the leaves of senecio. Neither of these plants is mentioned by Celsus, nor, we believe, by Hippocrates. Avicenna writes hesitatingly about them, but in the main agrees with Dioscorides with regard to their medicinal virtues, more especially in hæmoptysis, ulcers of the intestines, menorrhagia, and as an application to external injuries. (ii, 2, 634.) The Arabians in general seem not to have attached much importance to the symphytum, for, after a cursory examination while writing this article, we have not been able to find it in any of the others except Ebn Baithar, who merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen, under the present head. Apuleius mentions that the Latin name of the symphytum is consolida. Dr. Hill calls it a famous vulnerary both internally and externally, and as such it is highly commended by all our older herbalists. See Parkinson, Culpeper, and Gerard. It would appear also that the other species, the Coris monspeliensis, was employed in the medicine of the Spanish monastic orders as an efficacious vulnerary. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 645.)

Σφονδύλιον,

Spondylium, Cow-parsnip; the fruit and root are possessed of acrid and cutting powers, so as to cure asthma, epilepsy, and jaundice. The root, when stripped of its bark and put into a fistula, removes its callus. The juice of the flowers of it are injected into the ears as agreeing with chronic ulcers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There seems no reason to doubt of its being the Heracleum Sphondylium. Dioscorides and Pliny recommend it as an application to fistulous ulcers, and in the other cases mentioned by our author. Galen and Oribasius give it the same characters as our author. We have not met with it in the works of Hippocrates, Celsus, and Aëtius. Avicenna draws the characters which he gives it entirely from Dioscorides. (ii, 2, 643.) Ebn Baithar, in describing it, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (ii, 24.) Rhases does the same. (Cont. l. ult. i, 636.) The sphondylium is described as a medicinal herb, possessed of the virtues ascribed to it by the ancients, in the works of our old English herbalists, but it has long ceased to occupy a place in our Dispensatory. Neither is it to be found in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Σχῖνος,

Lentiscus, the Lentisk, in all its parts, belongs to the full second order of desiccants. As to heating and cooling, it holds an intermediate place. It is astringent to such a degree as to approach nearly, in this respect, to the juice of the hypocistis.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Pistacia Lentiscus, L., according to the admission of all the commentators. We need scarcely mention that it is the tree from which mastich is procured. Hippocrates was well acquainted with the medical use of it. Pliny says that it acts as a diuretic, but occasions constipation of the bowels. He also mentions that it was used in toothache, and that a decoction of its leaves in a gargle fastened loose teeth. (xxiv, 28.) The same is stated of it by Plinius Valerianus (i, 36), and by Dioscorides (i, 89.) Nay, it would appear, from the following epigram of Martial, that peculiar virtues were ascribed to a toothpick made of the mastich tree:

“Dentiscalpium Lentiscum melius: sed si tibi frondea cuspis Defuerit, dentes penna levare potest.”—(xiv, 22.)

Dioscorides is the author who has written most elaborately on this article, which he recommends in hæmoptysis, diarrhœa, dysentery, menorrhagia, prolapsus uteri and ani, in affections of the mouth, as already stated, and, in a word, he concludes by saying of its oil, that it is beneficial in all cases requiring astringency. (l. c.) Galen also gives a very sensible account of this tree, which he represents to be an astringent of the same class as hypocistis. Celsus prescribes it on various occasions, as, for example, a decoction of its leaves to suppress immoderate suppuration. (vi, 18.) He ranks it among the astringent and emollient substances. (ii, 33.) All the Arabians treat largely of it, but copy most of their information from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 453); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 457); Serapion (De Simpl. 159); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 518.) In particular all recommend it as a dentifrice and odontalgic, and we need scarcely mention that it still is used in the East for these purposes. See Paris (Pharm. t. ii, 323) and Pereira (1184.) It is stated in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia that it is cultivated in Chios.

Σχοῖνος,

Juncus, the Rush; its flower is moderately calefacient, but astringent in a less degree, and is not removed from the nature of attenuating substances. Hence it is diuretic, emmenagogue, and deobstruent in fomentations, potions, and cataplasms. The root of it is more astringent, but the flower hotter. The marsh-rush consists of two varieties. The fruit of the oxyschœnus or Hard-rush, as it is called, is soporific, but that of the holoschœnus less so, and it also occasions headache. Both varieties, if toasted and drunk with wine, dry up fluxes of the belly and restrain the female discharge.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It requires some attention not to confound the Schœni with one another. The Schœnanthus, then, is decidedly the Andropogon Schœnanthus, or Lemon-grass. See Dr. Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 82) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 113.) The σ. ἐλεῖα is the Schœnus Holoschœnus; the ὁλοσχοῖνος, the Schœnus mariscus; and the ὀξυσχοῖνος, the Juncus acutus. The first of these is the species most celebrated as a medicine. Thus it is the schœnus of Dioscorides, who represents it as being useful in vomiting of blood, pains of the stomach, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and as being possessed of diuretic, emmenagogue, carminative, subastringent, and other powers. Its decoction, he says, is useful as a hip-bath in inflammations of the womb. (i, 16.) Galen gives a similar account of its virtues. (De Simpl. viii, and De Antidot. i.) The other Greek authorities treat of it very succinctly. Is not this the “flos junci rotundi” of Celsus? (v, 24.) According to Dierbach and, indeed, all the best authorities, it is the σ. ἔυοσμος of Hippocrates (De Mulieb. i, 111), who recommends it along with other aromatics in diseases of the uterus. The Arabians display an intimate acquaintance with the schœnanths. See Avicenna (ii, 2); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 681); Serapion (De Simpl. 103); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 19.) The last of these gives a particularly full account of it, mostly from Arabian authorities. They all agree in representing it as being diuretic, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic, and in recommending it particularly in apostemes of the anus, and in scabies. Its oil, they say, is efficacious in removing lassitude. The schœnanth held a place in our Dispensatory as late as the times of Quincy (i, 1, 12) and Lewis (ii, 20.) Upon consulting the modern authors quoted above, it will be seen that it is still well known in the East.

Σῶρι,

Sori, resembles misy in its powers, consisting of much grosser particles.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We feel that we must still add something to what we have said of this substance under the head of Misy. The following description of it, by a great modern authority, who appears to have been well acquainted with it, deserves not to be overlooked: “Rusma or Sory. A mixt mineral, blackish, hard, heavy, and of a cavernous or spongy structure, of a disagreeable smell, and nauseous, vitriolic taste; and often covered with dusty efflorescences on the surface. It is composed of vitriol, sulphur, and an earthy matter. The ancients called it sory. We have it in our Derbyshire mines, but it is not regarded. It was used as a depilatory by the Greeks, and is so by the Turks at this time. Taken inwardly it vomits instantaneously and very roughly; it contains a cupreous vitriol, and hence its emetic quality.”—Boerhaave’s Materia Medica, translated by Goade (227.) See under Chalcitis. Dioscorides calls it blackish, fetid, and nauseating, and possessed of caustic powers: he recommends it in toothache, as an application to vari, as an injection with wine in sciatica, &c. (v, 118.) Galen says it is not soluble like misy and chalcitis, but does not materially differ from them in medicinal powers. Celsus prescribes it along with opium, pepper, and galbanum as a stuffing to carious teeth. (vi, 9.) Avicenna, like Galen, says it is insoluble in water, and, like Dioscorides, he prescribes it in sciatica and diseases of the teeth. (ii, 2, 47.) We have stated above that Serapion describes the sory along with the other two under the general head of vitriolum, and the specific name of Zeg rubeum; and that he merely translates Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 386.) Rhases, in like manner, gives from Dioscorides and Galen a description of misy, sory, and chalcitis under the general head of vitriolum. He calls the sory, vitriolum ruffum, and, like Dioscorides, recommends it in carious teeth and in sciatica. His only Arabian authority, Bimasui, says of the vitriolum that it dries the lungs strongly, and in this way may prove fatal. (Cont l. ult. i, 747.) It is the vitriolum rubeum of Averrhoes. (Collig. v, 43.) In the most barbarous translation of Haly Abbas it is scarcely possible to extract any proper meaning from his description of the three vitriols. (Pract. ii, 48.) The lengthy account which Ebn Baithar gives of them is mostly made up of extracts from Dioscorides, Galen, and Avicenna. (ii, 510.) Some have thought the sory of Pliny different from that of the others, but, as far as we can see, without any good reason. Like Dioscorides, he recommends it in diseases of the teeth and spreading ulcers of the mouth. He says it is a thing so offensive to the stomach, that the very smell of it will sometimes excite vomiting. (H. N. xxxiv, 30.)

Τάριχοι,

Salsamenta, Pickles; their flesh is possessed of acrid and desiccative powers. They are given, therefore, to persons bitten by the viper prester, that they may eat as much as possible, and drink of wine freely, and vomit. They also are suitable to the regimen of acrid food; and are applied with advantage to persons bitten by dogs and other reptiles.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Pickled Fish. It appears from Dioscorides and Xenocrates that the tunny (Scomber Thynnus) was accounted the best pickle, and it was accordingly most used in medical practice. Galen recommends the brine of pickled fish as an injection in dysentery, and a stimulant lotion to sores on all parts of the body. Serapion gives the same account of it as Dioscorides and Galen. Symeon Seth forbids us to eat pickles after venesection, as they are apt to occasion alphos and scabies. It seems highly probable that indigestible substances, if taken into the stomach when the veins are empty, may be rapidly absorbed, and give rise to the formation of humours, of which nature may endeavour to free the system by casting them forth by the skin.

Ταυροκόλλα,

Taurocolla (called by some Xylocolla), is a glutinous substance made from the hides of oxen, and is of considerably detergent powers. Hence, when dissolved in vinegar, it removes lichen and superficial leprosies; and it prevents burns from getting inflamed when dissolved in hot water. It is also a suitable application for wounds when triturated with oxymel.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Pliny says of it, “Glutinum præstantissimum fit ex auribus taurorum et genitalibus. Nec quidquam efficacius prodest ambustis.” (H. N. xxviii, 72.) Dioscorides and Avicenna recommend it in the cases mentioned by our author. It will readily be perceived that it was a species of gelatin. See Κόλλα.

Τελλῖναι,

Tellinæ, Limpets; when pickled and burnt, their ashes are caustic; when mixed with cedar rosin and applied to the parts from which the hairs of the eyebrows have been torn out by the roots, it prevents them from growing again.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. According to Matthiolus, they are a species of mussels. They are different, however, from the Mytili edules, L. Our author’s account of them is taken from Dioscorides, and is repeated by Avicenna.

Τέρμινθος,

Terebinthus, Turpentine, is heating in the second degree, and desiccative, when green, in the first, but when dried, in the second. The fruit, when dried, belongs to the third order of desiccants. It is, therefore, diuretic and useful for the spleen.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Pistacia Terebinthus L. Dioscorides states that its fruit is hot, diuretic, and aphrodisiacal. He recommends it internally for the bites of the phalangia. Of the turpentine resin we have treated under the head of the Resinæ. The ancients, as we have stated, were very familiar with the brown or black rosin, called colophony. (i, 91.) According to Dr. Hill, the Chian turpentine rosin was the turpentine of the ancients. Pliny likewise recommends it in retention of urine, and as a gentle laxative. He adds, “venerem excitat.” (H. N. xxiv, 18.) Our author’s account of it is condensed from Galen. The turpentines, and more especially the resin, are frequently prescribed by Celsus. They occur also in the Hippocratic treatises. Turpentine was much used in applications to cutaneous diseases and ulcers. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 303) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 342.) Serapion treats of this article under the same head with the lentiscus. He copies from Dioscorides. (De Simpl. 153.) See Ebn Baithar (ii, 144.)

Τέττιγες,

Cicadæ; some, having dried them raw, give them to drink in colic affections to the number of three, five, or seven, with an equal number of grains of pepper. Others roast them and give them to drink to those who have affections of the bladder.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The τέττιξ of the Greeks and the cicada of the Romans was not the grasshopper, as has been often represented, but the insect which has been more properly called the tree-hopper in English, namely the cicale of the Italians. The species here noticed was most probably the Cicada orni. Dioscorides merely recommends them in diseases of the bladder. (ii, 56.) Pliny gives a very interesting description of them, but it contains nothing which, in a medical point of view, would suit our present purpose. (H. N. xi, 32.) Our author follows Galen. (De Simpl. xi.) They do not occur in the works of Celsus, nor have we been able to discover traces of them in any of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who, in treating of them, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (i, 555.)

Τεῦτλον,

Beta, Beet, is of a nitrous nature. Hence it is detergent and discutient, and purges by the nose; but especially the white species. When boiled it becomes anti-inflammatory and slightly discutient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It evidently is the Beta vulgaris L. The white and black kinds were, we presume, merely varieties; but this does not seem sufficiently clear. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 752) and Lewis (Mat. Med.) Dioscorides recommends the beet for various medicinal purposes, for clearing the head by occasioning a discharge from the nose, as a remedy for earache; a decoction of its leaves for eruptive diseases and chilblains; and also as an application to exanthemata, burns, and erysipelas. (ii, 49.) Galen gives the same account of it as our author. Aëtius is fuller; he further recommends it particularly as a deobstruent in diseases of the liver and spleen. The beet is mentioned as an edible plant by Hippocrates. (De Vict. Acut.) See also Celsus (ii, 18.) Serapion (c. 148) and Avicenna recommend the leaves of beet as an application to burns and impetigo, (ii, 2, 636.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 127.) All the authorities say that the beet is possessed of nitrous properties, by which they probably mean saline, the ancient nitrum being a species of native soda, resembling salt. It is now well known that beetroot by boiling yields a saccharine salt in considerable abundance. The beet held a place in our Dispensatory as late as the time of Lewis. We have treated of it as an article of food in Book I.

Τεύκριος,

Teucrium, Tree Germander, is a calefacient of the second order, and a desiccant of the third. Its powers are also incisive and subtile, and hence it cures the spleen.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is not well decided whether it be the Teucrium Marum or the Teucrium flavum. Pliny’s account of it is very confused, and Harduin thinks that his T. is the hemionitis of Dioscorides. (Ad H. N. xxv, 20.) Apuleius, in like manner, identifies the hemionon and the teucrium. (De Herbis, 56.) Dioscorides, like our author, recommends it for reducing the spleen, both when given internally and when applied externally in a cataplasm, and also as an application to the bites of venomous animals. (iii, 110.) Our author borrows from Galen. We have not been able to discover it in the works either of Hippocrates or of Celsus. Neither have we found it in the works of the Arabians. Dr. Sontheimer, the German translator of Ebn Baithar, identifies the Teucrium Marum with the Chamædrys of Dioscorides, and the T. flavum with his Teucrium. (ii, 466.) It is long since the Teucrium Marum disappeared from our Dispensatory, but it is still not wholly unknown in the shops of the apothecaries, where it is reputed to be emmenagogue. The T. flavum is also to be found in the shops, and has still the reputation of being useful in diseases of the liver and spleen. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 49.)

Τέφρα,

Cinis, Ashes; all kinds have not exactly the same temperament, but they vary according to the difference of the wood that has been burnt. The ashes, then, of sour things, such as the oak and the ilex, have no small degree of astringency, so that they will restrain hemorrhage when no other remedy is at hand. That from acrid substances, such as the ashes of the fig and the spurge, become more acrid and detergent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. These Cineres were pearlashes, consisting of the carbonate of potass mixed with various impurities. Galen remarks, that they are the residue of vegetable substances which have been burnt, being composed of contrary qualities, for that they have something terrene in them, and also something of a fuliginous nature. When, then, they have been dissolved in water and strained, what remains is terrene and devoid of pungency. Our author borrows from him his particular characters of the different cineres. They were much used by the ancient physicians as caustic and stimulant applications. Rhases says that they possess an igneous nature, and are useful in dissolving soft tumours. (Ad Mansor. iii, 47.) See also (Cont. l. ult. i, 214.) In the latter work he borrows principally from Galen and our author. Avicenna recommends the ashes of mezereon in quinsy, and as a stimulant to the sight. The aqua cineris, he says, is one of the septic medicines. (ii, 2, 188.) The burnt lees of wine belong to this class. See Κονία and Τρῦξ ὄινου.

Τηλέφιον,

Telephium, Orpine, is a calefacient of the first order, but a desiccant of the second. It is also detergent; and hence it is a suitable application to putrid ulcers, and cures leuce and alphos with vinegar.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We think with Sibthorp and Sprengel, that it is not the Sedum Telephium, but the Cerinthe minor. See also Parkinson (520.) Dioscorides recommends it principally in the forms of leprosy. (ii, 217.) Galen’s characters of it agree with those of our author. It does not occur in the works either of Hippocrates or of Celsus, neither have we been able to observe any distinct traces of it in those of the Arabians, unless, which seems highly probable, it be the thelopium of Ebn Baithar, as his German translator conjectures. (ii. 164.)

Τῆλις,

Fœnum Græcum, Fenugreek, is heating in the second order, but desiccative in the first; hence it expedites the progress of all hot phlegmons; and those which are less hot, and such as are scirrhous, it cures by discussing them.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the Trigonella Fœnum Græcum. It occurs in the works of Hippocrates. (De Mulieb. i, 617.) It is, unquestionably, the “Fœnum Græcum” of Celsus, who enumerates it as an ingredient in an emollient pessary (v, 21), and in a soothing cataplasm. (ii, 33.) It is prescribed repeatedly by Aretæus, both internally and externally. Dioscorides recommends the powder of it in the form of a cataplasm to various inflammations, both internal and external; as an ingredient in a medicated bath for diseases of the female organs, and as a pessary in the same, an injection of its decoction for tenesmus and fetid discharges from the bowels, and for other purposes. (ii, 125.) Pliny gives a full account of its medicinal virtues, in which a considerable portion but not the whole is derived from Dioscorides. He says that Damon gave its seeds in a draught to promote menstruation. He also mentions its being taken in ulceration of the chest and chronic coughs. (xxiv, 120.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give its characters in nearly the same terms as our author. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 246); Serapion (De Simpl.); Rhases (Cont l. ult. i, 294); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 333.) Though these authors, and especially Avicenna, treat at great length of this article, it does not appear that they applied it in many more cases than as they had been taught by the Greeks. They recommend it, however, with oil of roses, as an application to burns, and as an ingredient in collyria. They say the oil of it cures fetor of the breath and the perspiration, and of the alvine discharges. They all commend it as being diuretic, emmenagogue, and promoting impregnation. They further represent it as being an excellent expectorant in diseases of the chest. Upon reference to Quincy (i, 4, 219), it will be seen that in his time the fenugreek still maintained the characters assigned to it by the ancient authorities. It has now disappeared from our Dispensatory, but is still retained in the Greek Pharmacopœia. (Athens, 1837.)

Τιθύμαλλοι,

Tithymalli, Spurges; all the species of it are of the fourth order of calefacients, with acrimony and strong bitterness; but the root being weaker, when boiled with vinegar, allays the pains of carious teeth. The juices being stronger are applied to the hollow of teeth; but if they touch the rest of the body they burn it; and therefore they remove the hairs if rubbed in for a short time. They also remove myrmecia, acrochordones, and the like, and clear away affections of the skin, and cure ill-conditioned and phagedænic ulcers. There being seven species of this plant, the strongest are the Characias (Wood Spurge), and the Myrsinitis (Myrtle-leaved Spurge), and that growing upon rocks, Arboreus (Tree Spurge); but next in order are, that species which resembles Pettymullein (Broad-leaved Spurge), and the Cyparissias (Cypress Spurge), and then the Maritimus (Sea Spurge), and the Helioscopius (Sun Spurge or Wartwort.)

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That the Tithymalli of the ancients are all referable to the genus Euphorbia or Spurge, cannot admit of any doubt. Dioscorides, Pliny, Apuleius, and, in a word, most of the ancient authorities, like our Paulus, describe seven medicinal species, to which we may venture to give the following names in the botanical nomenclature of the present time. 1. Euphorbia characias. 2. E. myrsinites. 3. E. paralias. 4. E. helioscopia. 5. E. cyparissias. 6. E. dendroides. 7. E. platyphyllos. See Sprengel (Ad Dioscor.); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 277); German Translation of Ebn Baithar (ii, 525); Miller (Gard. Dict.) Besides these, the medical authors treat of several other species of spurge by particular names, as lathyris, peplis, thymelæa, &c. The tithymallus was called “lactuca marina” by the Romans (Celsus v, 7), and also “lactaria” and “lactuca caprina.” See Pliny, who gives a full account of the spurges. (H. N. xxvi, 39, 46.) These plants are treated of at so great a length by Dioscorides and the other authorities, that we cannot possibly find space for an exposition of their particular views. All, however, agree in giving them nearly the same characters as our author, who, in the present instance, is indebted in part to Dioscorides, and in part to Galen. Several of them are noticed by Hippocrates. For the Arabians, see Serapion (De Simpl. 360); Avicenna (ii, 2, 421); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 718); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (l. c.) They recommend them in the same cases as the Greeks, without supplying any new views of much importance. They prescribe a few drops of the juice of spurge poured upon a fig as a phlegmagogue. They further recommend them in malignant ulcers and those attended with caries of the bones. And here, by the way, we may be allowed to mention that a modern authority confirms what the ancients say of the efficacy of the spurges in this case. Sec Hildanus (x, c. ii, 2.) In the present age, we have discarded such purgatives as the spurges, whether wisely or not we will not take upon ourselves to say.

Τίτανος,

Calx, Lime; the Calx viva (Quicklime) burns strongly so as to form eschars; when slacked, it forms eschars at first, but not so after some days. It contracts, however, and wastes the flesh. When washed it loses it pungency, if this is often done with water; but if in sea-water, it becomes decidedly detergent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears from Dioscorides that the Lime used by the ancient physicians, was prepared by calcination from shells, pebbles, or marble, which last is the best of all. Pliny, Vitruvius, and Palladius say, that the best lime is got from hard, white stone. Lime was much used as a caustic and stimulant application. The Ἄσβεστος of the Greek Mat. Med. invariably, we believe, signifies quicklime, and is never applied to the mineral which now bears that name. Dioscorides says, all kinds of quicklime have a fiery, biting, caustic, and escharotic power; when mixed with other things as suet or oil, it becomes digestive, emollient, depilatory, and epulotic; and that which is recent and free from water is more efficacious. (v, 132.) Pliny recommends it in the same cases, and also as an application to luxations and strumæ. (H. N. xxxvi, 57.) See also Plinius Valerianus (iii, 20.) Celsus places it in his list of corrosive and caustic substances. (v, 6, 8.) Our author’s account of this article is condensed from Galen. Aëtius and Oribasius give nearly the same account of it as Dioscorides and Galen. Quicklime was used as a medicine in the Hippocratic age. (See Erotianus.) For the Arabians, consult Avicenna (ii, 2, 144); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 20, i, 445); Serapion (De Simpl. 412); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 44); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Ebn Baithar (ii, 387.) All these authorities, including even the last, who is by far the most original of their writers on the Mat. Med., borrow under this head almost all their information from Dioscorides and Galen. Avicenna praises it as an application to burns.

Τραγακάνθα,

Tragacantha, Tragacanth, has similar powers to gum.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The ancient Tragacanth was identical with the modern, which is yielded by Astragalus verus, and similar spiny species. See Lindley (Veg. King. 548.) According to Sibthorp, the Astragalus aristatus is the one which most commonly grows in the Peleponnesus, and he holds that it produces the T. of Dioscorides. (Prod. Fl. Græc. ii, 90.) Dioscorides, like our author, states, that in virtue it resembles gum, and recommends it in ophthalmic remedies, for roughness of the windpipe, loss of speech, and epistaxis, in a linctus with honey. He also recommends it when allowed to melt below the tongue, for pain of the kidneys and bladder, when mixed with hartshorn burnt and washed, and a little fissile alum. (iii, 20.) Galen and the other Greek authorities state its virtues in very general terms. It is an ingredient in more than one of the collyria of Celsus (vi, 6), and is prescribed by him for various other purposes. Of the Arabians, Ebn Baithar is the one who gives the fullest account of it. (ii, 350.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 220.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the Astragalus aristatus is described as producing the tragacanth. It is there said to be common in the Peleponnesus.

Τράγιον,

Tragium, Stinking St. John’s Wort, is a plant in Crete resembling the lentisk, being hot in the third degree, and possessed of attractive, discutient, and attenuant powers. It extracts sharp-pointed weapons of wood, and proves lithontriptic and emmenagogue when drunk to the amount of a drachm. Another species, which is bitterer than this, resembling the ceterach, grows everywhere. It is sufficiently astringent so as to agree with fluxes.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From the description which Dioscorides gives of the former species, we need have little hesitation in setting it down for the Hypericum hircinum. In the other, the name Tragium Columnæ has been assigned from the name of a celebrated botanist. Dioscorides and Galen ascribe to it very nearly the same virtues as our author. Neither of these plants occurs in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus. Neither have we been successful in searching for it in the works of the Arabians, with the exception of those of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen under this head. (ii, 155.)

Τραγορίγανος,

Tragoriganon, has powers resembling marjoram, with the addition of some astringency.

COMMENTARY. The two species described by Dioscorides probably are the Thymus Tragoriganum L., and the Stachys glutinosa. According to him, they are heating, diuretic, and wholesome when the decoction is drunk; they occasion bilious dejections; are useful in diseases of the spleen when taken with vinegar, and also to persons who have swallowed ixia. They are emmenagogue, and are given in coughs and pneumonia in a linctus with honey. It makes an agreeable potion, and hence is given to persons affected with nausea, indigestion, and acid eructations, and who are subject to anxiety, nausea, and heat of the hypochondria. In a cataplasm with polenta they also discuss tumours. (iii, 32.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it very briefly. Celsus calls it diuretic and discutient. (iii, 21, &c.) We have not been able to find these plants in the works of the Arabians.

Τρίβολος,

Tribolus, the Caltrop, is moderately refrigerant; the land species is strongly desiccative, but the water slightly so, and it is moistening. Both are befitting remedies in incipient inflammations and other influxes. The fruit of the land caltrop, consisting of subtile parts, breaks renal calculi.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It seems to be clearly made out that the one is the Tribulus terrestris, and the other the Trapa natans. According to Pliny, their juices are anti-inflammatory, and form a proper application to phlegmons and ulcers; an ingredient in collyria; discuss strumæ, and prove lithontriptic. (H. N. xxii, 12.) He borrows this account of them, however, mostly from Dioscorides. (iv, 15.) Our author manifestly copies from Galen, and both Aëtius and Oribasius do the same. We have not found them in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus. The Arabians treat of them at more length than the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 382); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 721); Serapion (c. 112); Ebn Baithar (i, 307.) They recommend both species as being aphrodisiac, lithontriptic, and diuretic. Both the species here described, that is to say, the Trapa natans and Tribulus terrestris, although they have been long excluded from our Dispensatories, are still not wholly unknown in the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 81, 117.)

Τράγος,

Tragus, a species of Frumentacea, is like far (spelt), but more indigestible and laxative.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The method of preparing it is thus described in the Geoponica. Spelt is to be steeped and stripped of its hull, and dried in the warm sun; then the same thing is to be done until the skin and fibrous part of the grain drop off. (Geop. iii, 8.) Pliny, however, seems to make it a peculiar species of grain. “Far sine arista est: item siligo. Adjiciuntur his genera, bromos, siligo excepta, et tragos, externa omnia ab Oriente invecta, oryzæ similia.” (H. N. xviii, 20.) Galen and Oribasius call it spelt deprived of the hull. Dioscorides also describes a shrub of this name, which there can be no doubt is the Ephedra distachya. He describes it as being very styptic to the taste, and recommends it in cæliac affections and in fluor albus. (iv, 51.) It appears singular that none of the other authorities, as far as we can discover, has noticed it, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives a translation of the chapter of Dioscorides on it. (ii, 156.) The Asiatic Ephedras were formerly kept in the shops as styptics. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 234.)

Τρίγλα,

Trigla, the fish Surmullet, when frequently eaten, occasions dimness of vision. When cut in pieces and applied raw, it cures the bite of the sea-dragon, of the scorpion, and of the spider.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Mullus barbatus L. According to Coray (Ad Xenocrat.), it is the Surmullet. R. Stephens likewise calls it by this name. It is the “Barbatulus mullus” of Cicero. (Paradox, v, 2.) We have treated of it as an article of food in the First Book. Dioscorides, Galen, and all the authorities that notice it, give it the same characters in a medicine as our author. It does not appear that the Arabians describe it.

Τριπόλιον,

Tripolium; the root is hot in the third degree and acrid.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We shall have an opportunity in our Appendix to discuss the question, whether or not this be the Turpeth of the Arabians, as has been often stated. We may just mention in this place, that Sprengel is inclined to refer it to the Plumbago Europæa, a plant which seems to agree very well with the characters of the present article, inasmuch as its root is peculiarly acrid. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 641.) Dioscorides says of it, that its root is hot to the taste, and that when drunk with wine it discharges water and urine from the belly, and that it is used as an alexipharmic. (iv, 133.) Galen and the other Greek authorities call it acrid to the taste and hot in the third degree. For the reason already stated we shall not enter upon an exposition of the views of the Arabians in this place.

Τρίχες,

Pili, Hairs, when burnt have similar powers to burnt wool.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author follows Galen. The Arabians recommend burnt hairs as an application to foul ulcers, and the bite of a mad dog. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 191), and Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 52, 552.)

Τρυγων θαλασσίη,

Pastinaca marina; its sting when pressed upon a weak tooth breaks it, and makes it fall out.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have treated of the Pastinaca marina in Book V. Scarifications of the gums with the sting of this fish in cases of difficult dentition are recommended by Marcellus Sideta and Pliny (H. N. xxxii, 26.)

Τρὺχ ὄινου,

Fæx Vini, the Lees of Wine, when unburnt is compounded, being decidedly desiccative and discutient. But astringency is superadded according to the species of wine from which it is formed. It is, therefore, to be used in complaints of a humid nature and fluxes. It discusses phygethla, and extinguishes the milk in over-distended breasts. The burnt lees become caustic, so as often to be mixed with caustic applications. It, therefore, removes leprous nails with rosin, and dyes the hair yellow, when rubbed for a whole night with oil of lentisk. When washed it is used as an ingredient in the detergent remedies of the eyes; that of vinegar is stronger in every respect than the lees of wine, and more astringent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The lees of wine and of vinegar are strong preparations of potass, and were among the most powerful caustics with which the ancients were acquainted. Hence Celsus ranks “fæx combusta” among the “adurentia.” (v, 8.) Dioscorides is the ancient author who gives the fullest description of this article. He says the best is that procured from old Italian wine, or, failing it, from any similar wine; and that the fæx aceti is possessed of intense powers. Some, he says, burn it upon fresh shells, and some upon heated coals. He says it is possessed of strongly caustic, detergent, escharotic, styptic, very septic and desiccative powers. The fæx, must be used when recent, for it soon evaporates, and hence it must not be left uncovered, nor without its vessel. It is washed like pompholyx. The unburnt, he adds, discusses tumours by itself, and with myrtle; when applied as a cataplasm it represses defluxions of the belly and stomach; and when applied in like manner to the lower part of the abdomen and genitals, it mitigates the female fluor; it dissipates hard tumours which are not ulcerated; when rubbed in with vinegar, it represses swelled breasts; the burnt with rosin, removes leprous nails; rubbed in with oil of privet for a whole night, it makes the hairs yellow; when washed, it is applicable in diseases of the eyes, like spodos, and thus clears away cicatrices and clouds on the eye. (v, 131.) Pliny recommends it likewise as an application to various cutaneous diseases, and complaints of the eyes. He commends it as an antidote to mushrooms. The lees of vinegar, he says, are more escharotic. Its strength, he says, is increased by being burnt. When applied on a tent it cleans the genital organ of females. (H. N. xxiii, 32.) See in like manner Plinius Valer. (iii, 51.) Avicenna directs us to keep the lees in a close vessel, and not expose them to the air. He says that the fæx aceti is a medicine of great powers, and stronger than any of the others. In short, his account of the lees of wine and vinegar is almost entirely borrowed from Dioscorides (ii, 2, 241.) Rhases, in like manner, copies from Dioscorides and our author. (Cont. l. ult. i, 296.) See Serapion (De Simpl. 36); Ebn Baithar (i, 419.)

Τρωγλοδυτης,

Troglodyta, is a Sparrow, the smallest of all birds, with the exception of the one called regulus; and living principally in hedges. This animal when pickled, and eaten either roasted or raw, breaks down stones in the kidneys; and its ashes when burnt, if taken in a draught, do the same thing.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have mentioned in Book III, that this small species of sparrow was supposed to possess great powers as a lithontriptic. Drelincurtius calls it the wren. (Mangeti Bibl. Chirurg. i, 254.) We, however, are inclined to think that it was the Accentor modularis or hedge-sparrow. Our author, as far as we have been able to discover, is the only one of the authorities who has included this animal in the Materia Medica; but he borrows his description of it from Aëtius, (iii, 3, 11.)

Τυρος,

Caseus, Cheese; that which is new made, and soft, has repellent powers, cooling gently, so as when applied to agglutinate wounds. That called oxygalactinus acquires slightly discutient powers in addition, and is more agglutinative of wounds. Old cheese, especially such as is fatty, becomes discutient, so as to be a fit application to tophi in arthritic complaints, particularly along with the decoction of swines’ flesh pickled and fat.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of Cheese is mostly abridged from Galen. The kind called oxygalactinus is the same, we suppose, as the “Caseus acidus cum oxymelite” of Pliny. (H. N. xxviii, 34.) Galen says that it was used about Pergamus; see also Dioscorides (ii, 79.) According to Avicenna, fresh cheese is a good application to recent ulcers, and old cheese to ill-conditioned ulcers. He recommends cheese with the brine of bacon as a discutient application to arthritic chalk-stones. He speaks favorably of fresh cheese as an application in ophthalmia. (ii, 2, 123.) He treats more fully of this article than any other writer on the Mat. Med., with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who gives a long dissertation on the properties of cheese, both as an article of food and as a medicine. (i, 239.) Serapion merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (De Simpl. 157.)

Ὑάκινθος,

Hyacinthus, Hyacinth; its root being bulbous-shaped belongs to the first order of desiccants and the second of refrigerants. If applied in a cataplasm with wine, it is believed to keep children long from coming to puberty. The fruit is gently detergent and astringent. It is, therefore, given in cases of jaundice with wine, being more desiccative but less refrigerant.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt, as Sprengel and Matthiolus state, it is the Hyacinthus orientalis L. Pliny, Dioscorides, and Avicenna enumerate its medicinal properties nearly in the same terms as our author. They further recommend it as a theriac and alexipharmic. It has long been unknown to British Pharmacy.

Ὕαλος,

Vitrum, Glass, when pounded and drunk with a thin white wine is said to break down stones in the bladder.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Aristophanes, we believe, is the first writer who makes mention of glass, since the Orphic remains, in which it is noticed, are now generally supposed of a later date. In his comedy of “Acharnenses,” an ambassador from the court of Persia is made to say that he had drunk undiluted wine out of vessels of glass and gold. (Acharn. l. 74.) In his “Nubes” he mentions burning mirrors of glass. It is also mentioned in the Timæus of Plato. Pliny gives an interesting account of the invention of glass. (H. N. xxxvi, 65.) Glass appears to have been in common use about his time and afterwards, for we find Dioscorides directing to keep certain medicines in vessels of glass; and Actuarius recommends to have pots-de-chambre made of glass in order to facilitate the observations upon the urine. From a passage in Pliny it would appear that imitations of the precious stones were commonly made in glass in his time with foil or the like placed under it. (H. N. xxvii.) On the glass cups of the ancients, see Strabo (xvi); Athen. (xviii, 28, ed. Schw.); and Salmasius. (Ad Solin. 769.) From the following passage in the works of Lactantius it appears that glass was used by the ancients in windows: “Manifestius est, mentem esse, quæ per oculos ea quæ sunt opposita transpiciat quasi per fenestras perlucente vitro aut speculari lapide obductas.” (De Opificio Dei, 8.) We need scarcely say that glass has been found in the ruins of Pompeii of late much more plenteous than was expected from the ideas which were formerly entertained of its scarcity in ancient times. The hyalus or vitrum, however, was a term applied to crystal as well as to glass. By the medical authors, we suppose, it is generally applied to the former; for Avicenna says quaintly of vitrum, that it is among stones what a fool is among men, that is to say, it is easily made to assume any colour, and is easily broken into pieces. This article does not occur in the Mat. Med. of Dioscorides. Galen prescribes it medicinally on various occasions: thus like our author, he says of burnt crystal or glass, that it is lithontriptic (De Renum Affect.), and recommends the same for drying ulcers (De Comp. Med. sec. gen. iv), and also calls it a good diuretic (De Simpl. v.) Our author borrows his paragraph on this subject from Aëtius. (ii, 31.) It is never prescribed medicinally by any more of the Greek or Roman authorities. It is regularly treated of, however, by the Arabians in their systems of the Mat. Med. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 720); Serapion (De Simpl. 382); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 748); Ebn Baithar (i, 723); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 47.) (?) Of these Serapion is the authority that treats most fully of this article. He quotes Galen as saying of it, that it is hot in the fourth degree. He says there are two kinds, the sandy and the stony; that when vitrum is set fire to, and a magnet is mixed up with it, it becomes coagulated owing to its ductility. He says of it that it has various colours, as white, like crystal, which is the colour of the best kind, red, yellow, green, and azure. He then says, like Avicenna, that glass is among stones what a fool is among men, and so forth. He adds that crystal is a species of glass (vitrum) which is found in a mineral state. As to its medicinal properties, he says it is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second; that it removes furfures of the head, and is applied to the head and beard as a depilatory. When pounded and drunk with wine, it is lithontriptic. One of his Arabian authorities, Aben Mesuai, says glass is good for the lungs and for baldness. Avicenna further recommends it as a dentifrice, and as an application to remove albugo of the eye, in which case, he adds, the burnt is most efficacious. There is nothing of any interest further on what is written of it by Rhases, Haly Abbas, and Ebn Baithar (l. c.) We may mention in conclusion that although glass has long been excluded from the practice of the regular physician, we have often heard of powdered glass having been used by empirics, and certainly in some cases with good effect, to remove opacities of the cornea. See also Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 260.)

Ὕδνα,

Tuber Terræ, Truffle, is composed of a very terrene substance, with a slight degree of attenuating power.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have treated of Truffles in the 77th section of Book I. It is the Tuber Cibarium L.

Ὑδράργυρος,

Hydrargyrum, Mercury, is scarcely used for medical purposes, being deleterious. But some having burnt it, so as to reduce it to ashes, and mixed it with other articles, have given it to drink in cases of colic and ileus.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have given some account of the ancient opinions on this subject in Book V. From the statement of our author it will be perceived that the Greek physicians made little use of this important article in the practice of medicine. Rhases, Avicenna, Haly Abbas, and Serapion recommend it as an application for scabies, lice, and malignant ulcers. Avicenna says the vapour of it induces paralysis, tremblings, spasms, and contractions of the limbs. He adds that the vapour of it is destructive of sight, and brings on fetor of the breath (ii, 2, 46.) Serapion gives exactly the same account of it. (De Simpl. 385.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 75); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48, 501); Ebn Baithar (i, 553.) Galen admits that he had no experience of it as proving destructive, either internally or externally. (De Simpl. ix.) It is remarked by Dutens that Dioscorides’s description of the method of preparing mercury from cinnabar is the first account of the process of distillation which we possess. (v, 70.) Pliny copies the same. (H. N. xxxiii, 8.)

Ὑδροπέπερι,

Hydropiper, Water-pepper, is a hot herb, but not so much so as pepper. When applied green along with its fruit it discusses hypopia and scirrhous tumours.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Polygonum Hydropiper, known by the vulgar name of Arse-smart. The other authorities recommend it as a stimulant application to discuss tumours and suggillations. See in particular Dioscorides (ii, 190), and Galen (De Simpl. viii.) The Arabians treat of it succinctly in much the same terms. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 551); Avicenna (ii, 2, 551.)

Ὕδωρ,

Aqua, Water; the best, and that which is unmixed with other matters, is cooling and diluent by its own proper substance. Having got acquired heat, as long as it preserves this it heats, but when it becomes cold, it cools. That which has a certain admixture, such as of natron or bitumen, acquires the property of the substance which is mixed with it. Rain water has some astringency, for which it is mixed with ophthalmic remedies. The qualities of the best water have been enumerated in Book I.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is fully treated of by us in Book I. See in particular Pliny (H. N. xxxi, 21); Avicenna (ii, 2, 58); and Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 706.)

Ὑοσκύαμος,

Hyoscyamus, Henbane; that species which has black seed, and that which has yellow, are deleterious. The fittest for medicine is that species, the seed and flower of which are white, being of the third order of refrigerants.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides describes with considerable precision three species of hyoscyamus, deriving their specific differences from the colour of the seed, the first being black, the second yellow, and the third white. The first two he rejects as being highly dangerous, by inducing delirium and sleep. The first of these we are inclined to think must be Hyoscyamus niger, a well-known plant, which was most probably naturalized in this country by the Romans for medicinal purposes. The second was probably a variety of it, or H. aureus; and the third the H. albus. He gives minute directions for preparing the juice of it, which he recommends as an ingredient in anodyne collyria, for hot and acrid rheums, earache, and complaints about the uterus; and with flour for inflammations of the eyes, feet, &c. Its seed, he says, is applicable for coughs, catarrhs, defluxions, and pains of the eyes; for menorrhagia, and other hemorrhages, when taken in a draught with poppy-seed and hydromel. He recommends it as forming an anodyne cataplasm, for gout, swelling of the testicles, or swelled mammæ after parturition. He speaks highly of the leaves in all these cases, and for every kind of pain. Three or four leaves, he says, cure the remittent fever called hepialus. He states that the leaves, if taken internally, and as had been said, when applied as a clyster, induce mental alienation. He concludes with stating that the root with vinegar forms a gargle in toothache. (iv, 69.) The hyoscyamus of Hippocrates was no doubt the albus. See Sprengel and Dierbach. The leaves, the root, the seed, and the juice of the henbane are all used by Celsus in the practice of medicine. He gives a formula for a pill consisting of mandragora, parsley-seed, and seed of henbane, which he says is soporific (v, 25.) Pliny describes confusedly four or five species or varieties of henbane. He says not much in favour of any of them as medicines. (H. N. xxxv, 17.) See also Scribonius Largus (c. 181), and Apuleius (c. 4.) Galen and Aëtius treat of it in nearly the same terms as our author. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 348); Serapion (c. 340); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 377, ii, 380); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii.) Of these Avicenna is the fullest on this head, and yet he borrows almost everything from Dioscorides. Of the three species which they all describe, he represents the white as being the only one fit to be used as a medicine. Serapion copies closely from Dioscorides and Galen. The ancient characters of the several species of henbane are given to them by Platearius, and by our old herbalists Parkinson and Gerard. It is singular that the black henbane has supplanted the white, which was in common use 200 years ago. See Franciscus de le Boe (xx, 34.) It it also worthy of remark, that about 100 years ago the henbane had wholly disappeared from the Dispensatory. Thus Quincy does not treat of it at all, and Lewis represents it as a medicine which had been deservedly expelled from practice. In Greece at the present day the white species is much more common than the black. Both have a place in the Greek Pharmacopœia, published at Athens in 1837 (p. 81.)

Ὑπέρικον,

Hypericum, St. John’s Wort, consists of two species, the first of which, called Androsæmum or Ascyron, has been treated of. The other is heating and desiccative, consisting of a subtile substance. Hence the whole fruit of it is diuretic and emmenagogue. When applied green along with its leaves it cicatrizes wounds. It cures sores when sprinkled dry upon them. It is also given to drink in ischiatic complaints.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There is some difficulty in determining the species. Sibthorp decides in favour of the Hypericum crispum. The other authorities, namely, Dioscorides, Galen, and Aëtius, give it the same characters as our author. Celsus recommends it in calculus. (v, 21.) The Arabians in like manner commend it as being emmenagogue and diuretic. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 371); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Avicenna (ii, 2, 354); Serapion (c. 267.) Rhases says it is called “herba sancti Joannis,” and hence the modern term St. John’s wort.

Ὑπήκοον,

Hypecoon, is cooling in the third degree, being nearly like poppy.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Hypecoum procumbens would seem to answer very well with the characters of it given by Dioscorides and the other authorities. It is a genus closely allied to the poppies. The other writers on the Mat. Med. treat of it in the same brief terms as our author. See Dioscorides (iv, 68); Ebn Baithar (i, 63.)

Ὑπόγλωσσον,

Hypoglosson, is a shrub; the root and juice of it are possessed of emollient powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Ruscus Hypoglossum. It appears to have been little used. We are not sure that it is mentioned at all by the Arabians, except Ebn Baithar, who copies literally from Dioscorides and Galen (i, 98); and the Greeks all treat of it briefly like our author. Dioscorides mentions its being used as an amulet in headache; and that its root and juice formed ingredients in softening plasters. (iv, 130.) It is not even yet wholly unknown to the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 24.)

Ὑποκιστὶς,

Hypocistis, is the juice of certain substances like pomegranate-flowers, growing under the roots of the cistus, otherwise called cistharus, being an active remedy for all cases of defluxions by drying and strengthening the parts.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Undergrowth of the Cistus. The term is applied both to the parasitic plant, which grows on the roots of the Cistus Ladanifera, and also, as is evident from the words of our author, to the inspissated juice of the same. The plant is the Cytinus Hypocistis. Dioscorides describes it accurately, and also the process for preparing the juice of it. He says it is possessed of the same medicinal powers as acacia; but is still more astringent and desiccant, being efficacious in cæliac affections, dysenteries, hæmoptysis, and the female flux, both when taken by the mouth, and in clysters. (i, 127.) Galen Aëtius, and the other Greek authorities state its properties in general terms, like our author. It occurs in one of the Hippocratic treatises (De Nat. Mulieb.), and is set down by Celsus as an ingredient of several of his antidotes, but more especially of that most famous one ascribed to Mithridates. (v, 23.) The Arabians assign it exactly the same characters as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 111); Serapion (c. 115); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. ii, 754, i, 108, ii, 119); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) All concur in giving it the character of being an astringent and tonic medicine, both internally and externally. As late as the time of Quincy, the hypocistis continued to occupy a place in our Dispensatory, and it was retained as an ingredient in the Theriac of Andromachus or Venice Treacle (as it was latterly called), as long as that once-celebrated composition held a place in the Pharmacopœia. See Moses Charras (R. Phar. 114.) It still retains in the shops the same character for astringency as it received from the ancients. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 38.)

Ὑπόφαιστον,

Hypophæstum, is a species of thorn used by the fullers, like the hippophaes. The juice of the head, leaves, and roots of it when dried, and taken to the extent of three oboli with honeyed water, evacuates water and phlegm. It agrees principally with orthopnœa, epilepsy, and affections of the nerves.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the ἱππόφαιστον of Dioscorides and Pliny. They recommend it in epilepsy. Like the whole tribe of carduinæ it is difficult to define. Sprengel determines it to be the Cirsium stellatum, Allion. Our author copies its characters from Dioscorides. (iv, 160.) Few of the other ancient authorities have noticed it and it has been completely lost sight of in modern pharmacy.

Ὕσσωπον,

Hyssopum, Hyssop, is calefacient and desiccative in the third degree. It also consists of subtile particles.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Into the much controverted question regarding the hyssopus of the ancients, it is not our present purpose to enter, and we shall content ourselves in a great measure with giving a brief exposition of its characters and medicinal virtues as delivered by the Greek, Roman, and Arabian authorities. It occurs repeatedly in the Hippocratic treatises, as, for example, at ‘De Diæta’ (ii, 26), where it is said of it that it is hot and purges pituitous matters. Celsus mentions it in various passages; thus he calls it bad for the stomach (p. 83), says it is diuretic (p. 86, 172), rouses the senses (86), is hepatic (86), and useful in coughs (160, ed. Milligan.) The following is an abstract of Dioscorides’s important chapter on the Hyssop. It is a well-known herb, of two kinds, for one is the mountain, and the other the garden; the best is the Cilician. It has an attenuant and heating power; when boiled with figs and water and drunk along with honey and rue, it is useful in pneumonia, asthma, chronic cough, catarrh, and orthopnœa; it is anthelminthic, in a linctus with honey; its decoction brings off thick humours from the bowels when drunk with oxymel; it is eaten along with green figs pounded for moving the bowels; but it purges more strongly when cress, iris, or hedge-mustard is mixed with it; it improves the colour of the skin; it is applied as a cataplasm with figs and natron for affections of the spleen and dropsy, and with wine for inflammations; it discusses suggillations when applied with boiling water; it is a most excellent gargle in cases of quinsy with the decoction of figs; it soothes the pains of toothache when the mouth is rinsed with a decoction of it, and it dissolves flatus about the ears in the form of steam. (iii, 27.) Pliny recommends it in angina, asthma, as an application to sores, and, in a word, he gives it the same characters as Dioscorides does. (H. N. xxvi, 11, et alibi.) Our author and Aëtius copy word for word from Galen. Galen, however, in other of his works prescribes it for various complaints, as a medicine which purges the head and nose (De Cathars.), is useful in the decline of inflammation of the liver (Meth. Med. xiii), for discussing tumours (De Arte Cur. ad Glauc. ii), and for other purposes (Meth. Med. viii.) The Arabians treat of it very fully. See Serapion (c. 270); Avicenna (ii, 2, 256); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 758); Mesue (De Simpl. 16); Ebn Baithar (i, 545); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Avicenna evidently derives his characters of it from Dioscorides; he recommends it as a phlegmagogue, vermifuge, a remedy for asthma, chronic coughs, &c. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities, Isaac ebn Amram, calls it a herb growing in the mountains, having branches in length a cubit or less, and leaves like marjoram. Another of them recommends it in hardness and frigidity of the womb, kidneys, bladder, and liver, and as a purgative which evacuates crude humours. He also copies from Dioscorides and Galen. Rhases and Ebn Baithar follow nearly or altogether the same authorities as Serapion. Averrhoes states its characters in general terms. Mesue, upon the whole, is the most interesting and original of the Arabian authorities on the hyssop. He says there are two kinds, the garden and the mountain; that the former rises above the ground about half a cubit, and that its leaves are larger than those of thyme, and its flower is purple; the latter has much smaller leaves, and its stem is not so round. He states its medicinal virtues with much precision, recommending it as a phlegmagogue, in asthma, and other affections of the chest, and in nearly all the cases mentioned by Dioscorides; and also, he adds, from personal experience, in epilepsy. Two questions now come to be solved: 1st, Is the hyssop of Mesue the same as that of Dioscorides? We answer this question, with little hesitation, by saying, we think it is; Mesue merely defines his plant better, but the agreement of these authors as to its medicinal virtues convinces us that both treated of the same plant. 2d, Was the hyssop of the ancients, then, the same as our Hyssopus officinalis? With much deference to the many eminent scholars who deny this, we hesitatingly answer this question in the affirmative, for the two following reasons: first, the medicinal characters of the ancient hyssop, as given by Dioscorides, Mesue, and the other Greek and Arabian authorities, agree with those of the Hyssopus officinalis, as given by modern writers on the Materia Medica. See Platearius (de Simpl. Med.); Tournefort (Mat. Med. 223); Boerhaave (Mat. Med. 148); Alston (Mat. Med. ii, 152); Hill (Mat. Med. 364); Culpeper (Compl. Herbal. 95); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 177); Rutty (Mat. Med. 145); Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 47.) But, secondly, it is incumbent upon those who deny the identity of the ancient and modern hyssop to show when and how the H. officinalis came to be substituted for a plant, the characters of which it now bears. But, further, no competent judge, we believe, will dispute that the hyssop must have been brought to Britain, and naturalized here by the Romans. Is it likely, then, that they would have brought a plant not described by their learned men at home, and not the one which had the character of being possessed of so many virtues? If, as Sprengel and others have maintained, the Origanum Ægyptiacum be the true hyssopus of the ancients, why was not it introduced into this country and not the Hyssopus officinalis? Since then the H. officinalis is what our Roman conquerors brought us for their hyssop, we may be pretty confident that it truly is the ancient plant, the name of which it bears.

Φακόι,

Lentes, Lentils, (?) are desiccants of the second order, being intermediate as to cooling and heating qualities. They have also some astringency. They therefore dry the body and bind the belly; but the decoction loosens it. The first water, therefore, is thrown away when it is taken to restrain the bowels. The Lens palustris, Duck-meat, moistens and refrigerates in the second order.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Book I, 79. It is, undoubtedly, the Cicer Lens. The Lens palustris is the Lemna minor, Angl. Duck-meat. Our author borrows from Dioscorides, who treats of the virtues of the lentil more fully than it would seem to deserve. It is simply a vegetable astringent. (ii, 129.) The other authorities treat of both in the same terms as our author. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 711); Serapion (c. 9.)

Φαλαρὶς,

Phalaris; the juice, leaves, and seed, when drunk, relieve pains of the bladder. They are also remarkable for some tenuity of parts, and are of a heating nature.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Sibthorp refers it to the Phalaris Canariensis. Our author borrows its medicinal character from Dioscorides (iii, 149), and the same is repeated by Galen and all the authorities who treat of it. None of the Arabians, as far as we can discover, have noticed it, except Ebn Baithar, who, in describing it, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. It would appear, that in the shops of the apothecaries, it still is kept, and is reputed to be useful in pains of the bladder. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 18.)

Φαλαγγίτις,

Phalangitis, Spiderwort, is so named because it is a remedy for the bites of the venomous spiders called phalangia. It also consists of subtile parts, and hence is supposed to prove a remedy in cases of tormina.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. According to Sibthorp, it is the Anthericum Græcum. Our author, like Galen and the other authorities that treat of it, copies almost word for word from Dioscorides. (iii, 112.) Ebn Baithar, in describing it, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. It does not appear to be noticed by the Arabians. It has been scarcely known in modern practice, and yet the Anthericum Liliastrum is still kept in the shops and retains the name of spiderwort, with the reputation of being useful against the bites of scorpions. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 22.)

Φελλὸς.

Suber, Cork, and particularly that from wine-vessels, when burnt has very desiccative ashes. This is mixed up especially with dysenteric remedies.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Theophrastus gives an accurate description of the Quercus Suber. (H. P. iii, 16.) Cork, as Pliny states, is formed from its bark. He recommends its ashes or charcoal in hemorrhages. (H. N. xxiv, 8.) Q. Serenus recommends it in the same cases. (c. 22.) Dioscorides does not describe this article. Galen also omits it in his list of simples, but briefly notices it in a preliminary book (v), and recommends the burnt cork of a wine-cask as an astringent. (De Comp. med. sec. loc. v.) We have not been able to trace it in the works of the Arabians.

Φιλλυρέα,

Phillyrea, Mock Privet; the leaves of the tree are astringent like those of the wild olive. They relieve ulcers in the mouth when chewed, and when the mouth is rinsed with a decoction of them. When drunk they prove diuretic and emmenagogue.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Stackhouse and Sprengel agree that it is the Phillyrea latifolia L. Our author copies its medicinal characters literally from Dioscorides. (i, 125.) None of the other Greek authorities on the Mat. Med. have described it. Neither can we find traces of it in the works of any of the Arabians, except Ebn Baithar, who gives nothing of any moment under this head but a translation of the chapter of Dioscorides referred to above. It certainly is not the Mahaleb of the Arabians, as we shall show in the Appendix.

Φλόμος,

Verbascum, Petty Mullein; there are many species, among which is that called Thryalis. The leaves of all the kinds are possessed of desiccative and moderately detergent powers, and especially that with the golden flower. Being sour they suit with all sorts of fluxes. Some also rinse the teeth with them.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It cannot be doubted that the genus is referable to the Verbascum, but the species cannot be well determined. See Sibthorp (Flora Græca), and Sprengel (ad Dioscor. iv, 102.) The white female Phlomos would appear to be the Verbascum Thapsus, and the black is indisputably the Verbascum nigrum. The Phlomis Lychnitis of Dioscorides is probably the V. Lychnitis. The other species cannot be determined with any degree of certainty. Our author abridges the medicinal characters given to them by Dioscorides. (l. c.) Galen also, as well as Aëtius and Oribasius, borrow freely from Dioscorides. The mullein occurs in the Hippocratic treatises (Morb. Mulier.), but we do not find it in the works of Celsus. Pliny describes the verbascum in nearly the same terms as Dioscorides. (H. N. xxv, 74.) See also Apuleius (De Herbis, 71.) The Arabians follow Dioscorides in delivering its medicinal properties. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 98); Ebn Baithar (i, 184.) The verbascum held a place in the Dispensatory as late as the time of Lewis. (ii, 417.) The V. Thapsus, nigrum, and Lychnitis, although now rejected from our Dispensatory, are still retained in the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 91.) It is said that the juice of their leaves, which is acrid and bitterish, is used to poison mice and fish. Lindley (Veg. King. 683.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, both the Verbascum Thapsus and thapsiforme stand for the female phlomos. (166.)

Φοῖνιξ,

(Called by some Rhus), is a herb like the Darnel. It has astringent powers, and when drunk with austere wine stops all fluxes.

Palma, the Palm-tree, has a fruit which, when ripe, is moderately hot, stomachic, and tonic, when taken internally or applied externally. The rest of the palm-tree is sufficiently astringent, and hence is mixed up as an ingredient with stomach and liver remedies. But the most astringent part is the involucrum or cover, as it were, of the fruit while growing.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The herb is undoubtedly the Lolium perenne. The tree is the Phœnix Dactylifera. We would refer to the ‘Hierobotanicon’ of Olaus Celsius and our own article on this head, in the Appendix to Dunbar’s Greek Lexicon, for the general literature of this interesting subject. We need not dwell particularly on the medicinal virtues of the herb, as all the authorities are agreed that it is applicable in such cases as astringents are indicated. See in particular Dioscorides (iv, 43.) A decoction of different parts of the palm-tree was much used by the ancient physicians as an astringent. Pliny recommends it particularly in discharges from the uterus and bowels. (H. N. xxiii, 53.) He borrows, however, from Dioscorides, who recommends it as an astringent in these and various other cases, such as hemorrhoids and wounds; he adds, however, that they induce headaches, and when eaten in great quantity intoxicate and that the dried dates when eaten are useful in hæmoptysis, stomachic and dysenteric diseases, and complaints of the bladder, when applied in a powder as a cataplasm with the quince and cerate of wild vine-flowers. (i, 148.) Celsus recommends a decoction of dates as an astringent gargle. (v, 22, 9.) Galen has a most interesting article on the palm, which he recommends in general as being possessed of an astringent quality, in hepatic and stomachic affections, both internally and externally. Serapion, Mesue, and Rhases likewise recommend it in such cases. Rhases gives a most copious account of this subject borrowed from various sources. One of his authorities says, dates spoil the teeth and create obstructions in the liver and spleen. Another says they create semen, and are useful in phthisis. (Cont. l. ult. i, 531.) Avicenna recommends them generally as astringents, and particularly in fluxes of the womb and in hemorrhoids. (ii, 2, 87.) Ebn Baithar copies mostly from Rhases under this head. (i, 211, 496.) The composition of palm-oil is described by Dioscorides. (i, 54.) It is the only preparation from the palm which is now retained in the Pharmacopœia.

Φόρμιον,

Phormium, is possessed of attenuating, detergent, and attractive powers. Its seed, therefore, attenuates leucoma, and extracts sharp-pointed weapons of wood.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of it is taken from Galen. It would appear to be a variety of the ὅρμινον, i. e. Salvia Horminum L., Purple-top Clary, as is stated by Sprengel. (Notæ in Dioscor. iii, 135.) We can find nothing interesting regarding it in the other authorities.

Φοῦ,

Valeriana, Valerian, has a root which resembles the nard, but is weaker for most purposes, only it is more diuretic like Celtic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Valeriana officinalis, or perhaps the V. Dioscoridis. We have mentioned already that the ancient nards were various species of valerian. All the ancient authorities describe it as being diuretic and emmenagogue. See in particular Dioscorides (i, 10.) Galen ascribes to it diuretic powers (De Simpl. viii), and Pliny emmenagogue (H. N. xxi, 80.) The Arabians give it the same characters. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 255); Serapion (De Simpl. 62); Ebn Baithar (ii, 265.) Bergius in like manner states its virtues thus: “Virtus: emmenagoga, abortiens, diuretica, sanguinem amovens.” See also Rutty (Mat. Med.) Recent authorities, however, are not so lavish in its praises. See Pereira (971.)

Φύλλον,

Folium, Leaf, the leaf of the Malabathrum, which has been already treated of.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Apicius, in like manner, uniformly calls the leaf of the Malabathrum by the name of Folium. We still incline to the opinion which we deliberately formed and expressed some years ago, that it was the leaf of the cassia or wild cinnamon tree. We refer to a learned disquisition on it by Olaus Celsius, in his ‘Hierobotanicon,’ and to Geoffroy (Treatise on Fossil, Veg., and Anim. Subst. 318.) The φ. of Dioscorides is quite a different substance, being the same as the λινόζωστις, which see.

Φῦκος,

Fucus marinus, Seaweed, cools and dries in the second order, having also a moderate degree of astringency.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Various species of Fuci are described by Theophrastus and Dioscorides, but so briefly, that it is scarcely possible to determine them exactly. It is deserving of remark, however, that Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius describe a species of Fucus, under the head of Ceruse, which is therefore supposed to have been a preparation of lead. The article, however, which our author here treats of is unquestionably the vegetable, as is evident from Aëtius. (p. 24, ed. Ald.) Dioscorides says it is possessed of an astringent power, which is efficacious in cataplasms for the cure of gouty affections and inflammations. These plants are to be used in a moist state before they are dried. He adds, that Nicander says the purple fucus is theriacal, and that some persons took its root to be the fucus which women use for painting their face., (iv, 98.) Pliny gives a very similar description of the “Phycos thalassion, id est, Fucus marinus.” (H. N. xxvi, 66.) Galen treats of it in nearly the same language as our author. It would appear to be the Muscus marinus of Avicenna, who borrows the description which he gives of it from Dioscorides, (ii, 2, 452, and 711.) Our old English herbalists, Parkinson and Gerard, repeat the characters given to the fuci by the ancients, but these articles were long omitted from our Dispensatories, until of late some of them were readmitted, when it was ascertained that they contained iodine. We have known old practitioners, who used the Fucus vesiculosus, or Sea Wrack, very extensively as an application to scrofulous sores. See further Pereira (562), and Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 7.) Beckmann gives a very ingenious disquisition on the Phycos thalassion of the ancients, which he makes out to have been our Archil or Lichen roccella, a sea-weed which has been extensively used, both in ancient and in modern times for the dyeing of wool. (History of Inventions.) It must be to it that Horace alludes when he speaks of “lana medicata fuco,” in his famous ode on Regulus.

Φυλλιτὴς,

Phyllites, Hart’s Tongue, is somewhat sour, and from this quality it naturally proves a remedy for diarrhœa when drunk.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There seems little reason to doubt that it is the Scolopendrium officinale, or Spleenwort. It is the Lingua Cervina of Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1047.) Both Galen and Dioscorides, like our author, recommend it in fluxes of the bowels, as being possessed of astringent powers. It is not met with in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. It was retained in the Dispensatory in the time of Quincy (88, 123), and even at the present day it is not an entire stranger to the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 12.)

Χαλβάνη,

Galbanum, is heating almost in the third degree, and is desiccative almost in the second, being possessed of emollient and discutient powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides says of Galbanum, that it is the juice of a Ferula growing in Syria, by some called metopium. Pliny describes it thus: “Quod maxime laudant, cartilaginosum, purum, ad similitudinem Hammoniaci.” Now, in Dr. Duncan’s edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory (1811), it is said in like manner that “Galbanum agrees in virtue with gum ammoniac;” and from this casual coincidence in the descriptions of the ancient and modern galbanums, we infer their identity. It would appear to be now settled, that galbanum is the product of different umbellifers, the most common of which is the Opoidia galbanifera. See the late publications of Royle, Lindley, and Pereira. Dioscorides describes it as being possessed of a heating, fiery, epispastic, and discutient power, in pessaries and fumigations as promoting menstruation and the expulsion of the fœtus; he recommends it externally, for furunculi and other complaints of the skin, and internally for chronic coughs, dyspnœa, asthma, ruptured and sprained parts; its vapour rouses in cases of epilepsy, hysteria, and vertigo, and drives away venomous animals. It is used in toothache for filling the hollow of the teeth. (iii, 87.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in general terms, like our author. It occurs in the works of Hippocrates, and in those of Celsus, who recommends it in nearly the same cases as Dioscorides, as in furunculus, difficulty of breathing, and so forth. (See v, 18, et pluries.) For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 312); Serapion (c. 320.) They borrow their account of its medicinal virtues from Dioscorides, recommending it as an alexipharmic, an application to tumours, and a remedy in certain diseases of the chest. Avicenna says it is less powerful than sagapenum. The Arabian authorities of Ebn Baithar do not supply anything of much importance in addition to what is furnished by Dioscorides and Galen.

Χαλκίτις,

Chalcitis, is possessed of astringent, acrid, caustic, and escharotic powers. In subtility of particles it is intermediate between misy and sori; but when burnt its parts become still finer.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We will first give an abstract of the information furnished by the ancient authorities themselves regarding this much-disputed article in their Materia Medica, and reserve what we have to say as to the substance itself to the conclusion. Galen is the author who has given the fullest account of the nature and formation of the misy, sori, and chalcitis (see Opera, ed. Basil, T. ii, 127); but as his description of them is lengthy, we prefer giving the abstract of the same furnished by Aëtius. It is to be borne in mind then that what follows is upon the authority of Galen, who visited the copper-mines of Cyprus for the express purpose of ascertaining the nature of the misy, sori, and chalcitis. “At the mine in Cyprus, in the mountains of the Soli, there was a great cave dug in the mountain, at the right side of which, that is to say, on our left hand as we entered, there was a passage into the mine in which I saw certain specimens of the three substances stretched upon one another like zones, the lowest being that of sori, upon it chalcitis, and then that of misy. In process of time the chalcitis changes into misy by degrees, and the sori can change into chalcitis, but requires a much longer space of time. So that it is no wonder that these three substances should be possessed of homogeneous (similar) powers, as differing from one another only in tenuity and density of their parts, the grossest being the sori, and the finest the misy, whereas chalcitis possesses an intermediate power. When burnt they become more attenuant, but less styptic.” (p. 30, ed. Aldi.) Galen (l. c.) states distinctly that the misy is an efflorescence which forms upon the chalcitis, similar to the verdigris which forms upon copper (or bronze), and that the three substances in question are convertible into one another. He also states that a specimen of chalcanthos, when long kept, turns to chalcitis. Pliny gives a very confused account of the misy, sori, and chalcitis, which betrays evident marks of a very imperfect acquaintance with the subject; but it is quite obvious that he meant to describe the very same substances as those which Dioscorides and Galen describe under these names, as is obvious from his ascribing the same medicinal powers as they do to each of these articles. (See H. N. xxxiv, 29, 30, 31, with the notes of Harduin.) Dioscorides gives but a very brief description of these substances, with the origin of which he most probably was not so well acquainted as Galen. He describes the best kind as being like bronze or copper (χαλκοειδῆ), friable, free of stones, not old, and having long and glancing fibres. He says of it that it has styptic, heating, and escharotic powers, and that it clears away impurities about the canthi and eyes; that it is one of the mild septics; is useful in erysipelas, herpes, hemorrhages of the uterus and nose, with the juice of leeks; that when dried it is useful in epulis, spreading sores, and diseases of the tonsils; that when burnt it is more useful in ophthalmic remedies in the form of a powder with honey; that it melts down and cleanses callus and asperity of the eyelids; and removes fistulæ when introduced in the form of a collyrium. (v, 115.) It occurs in one of the Hippocratic treatises (De Ulceribus), but its meaning there is not well defined. By blue chalcitis is probably meant chalcanthos, or blue vitriol. Celsus prescribes it frequently as a caustic and escharotic application. (v. 9, et pluries.) As stated already (see Misy), Avicenna gives an account of these substances under the head of “Atramentum sutorium,” the chalcitis being further distinguished by the name of colcotar. He refers to Galen’s description of them already given, but either he or his translator evidently misinterprets the original, for he represents Galen as saying that the atramentum rubeum (sori) is formed from the colcotar. He says of all the three substances that they are caustic, escharotic, and styptic; and he recommends them in the same instances as Dioscorides and Galen do. (ii, 2, 47.) Serapion, as already stated, describes them under the name of vitreolum or zeg, including also the chalcanthos in the same chapter. It may be interesting to our readers to see his version of the passage of Galen given above from Aëtius. “Vidi in mineris tres venas extensas unam super aliam per longum spacium, et vena inferior erat zeg rubeum (sori?), et secunda quæ erat super eam erat colcotar (chalcitis?), et tertia superior erat zeg viride (misy?), et hoc est quod zeg rubeum convertitur et fit colcotar et colcotar fit zeg viride.” He afterwards gives Galen’s account of the medicinal powers of chalcitis, which does not differ materially from our author’s. (De Simpl. 386.) Rhases, under the head of vitreolum, gives, in abridged extracts from Dioscorides and Galen, their descriptions of sori, chalcitis, and misy, which he calls vitreolum ruffum, colcotor, and vitreolum viride. (Contin. l. ult. 747.) Averrhoes quotes Galen’s account of the origin of the three vitriols which he calls vitreolum rubeum (sori?), v. viride (misy?), and cholcotar (chalcitis?). (Collig. v, 43.) And now, respecting the nature of the three metallic substances misy, sori, and chalcitis, we have to state it as our deliberate opinion, that, provided the authority of Galen be held decisive of the question, there can be no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that they were merely varieties of the chalcanthum, arising principally from age or differences in the proportion of the ingredients entering into its composition. (See below.) Probably then the chalcitis was a specimen of pure sulphate of copper which had contracted an efflorescence from age. The misy or zeg viride of the Arabians no doubt owed its colour to a predominance of the sulphate of iron; while in the sori we may suppose that zinc or other impurities gave it its peculiar characters.

Χάλκανθος,

Atramentum Sutorium, Copperas or Vitriol, is water concreted in the metal mines of Cyprus, having a very strong astringency with no contemptible degree of heat; and of all substances it is the most effectual for pickling and drying humid flesh. In process of time it changes to chalcitis.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. No person who reads the account of this substance given by Dioscorides and Pliny can doubt of its being blue vitriol, or an impure sulphate of copper procured by the evaporation of water found in mines of copper. Pliny’s description of it is quite characteristic: “Color est cœruleus, perquam spectabili nitore vitrumque esse creditur.” He also states that it is the same as the “atramentum sutorium.” (H. N. xxxiv, 32.) Celsus says the same of it, and ranks it with styptics (v, 1); with corrosive substances (v, 6); with caustics (v, 7, 8); with escharotics (vi, 11); and recommends it when strongly heated or roasted to remove callus (v, 28, 12), and for other purposes. Whether the blue chalcitis of Hippocrates (De Ulcer. 13), alluded to in the preceding article, be blue vitriol as some have supposed (Pereira, Mat. Med. 494), we cannot pretend positively to determine, but we think it probable. Galen describes most graphically his visit to the copper mines of Cyprus, where, among other strange sights, he witnessed the process of procuring chalcanthum. He mentions that a specimen of it which he carried with him in the course of twenty years was converted into chalcitis on its surface, while its centre remained chalcanthum, and that he meant to keep it until its centre should change likewise, and until the chalcitis should be converted into misy. Dioscorides describes several varieties of the chalcanthum, one of which is called pectum, being procured by natural evaporation; and another ephthon or coctum, as being procured by boiling. The best kind, he says, is blue, heavy, compact, and translucent. He says it is astringent, heating, and escharotic; kills the lumbricus latus when taken to the amount of a drachm; that it is emetic, cures those who have swallowed mushrooms when drunk with water, and that it purges the head when a piece of wool smeared with it is introduced into the nostrils. (v, 114.) Oribasius gives a minute description of the chalcanthum, but it is confessedly taken from Dioscorides. (Med. Coll. 13.) Aëtius says distinctly that the water running from the copper mines of Cyprus concretes into chalcanthum, and that it changes into chalcitis. He, in fact, evidently borrows from Galen. Avicenna, as formerly stated by us, gives a description of this substance along with misy, sori, and chalcitis, under the general head of “atramentum sutorium.” (ii, 2, 47.) He also treats of it separately under its proper name, but his account of it is entirely made up from Dioscorides. (166.) Serapion’s, in like manner, is copied from Dioscorides. (c. 386.) Haly Abbas’s chapter on the vitriols is so barbarously translated, that we cannot pretend to unfold his account of this substance. (Pract. ii, 47.) Though, as we have stated above, we think there can be no doubt that the chalcanthos of Dioscorides and Pliny was an impure sulphate of copper procured from the “waters of cementation” issuing from copper mines, it is proper to mention that after mature consideration of the subject, with the assistance of an esteemed authority on the Materia Medica in London, we have arrived at the conclusion that either the term must have been applied loosely to other metallic sulphates, or the ancient sulphate of copper must have contained a very large admixture of the sulphates of iron and of zinc. Probably, then, the term chalcanthos was used anciently in as loose a manner as the terms vitriol and copperas have been in modern times. (See Tournefort’s Mat. Med.) It is further deserving of remark under this head, that the description of the impure sulphate of copper, which is given in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, corresponds exactly with Dioscorides’s description of the chalcanthos. In the Pharmacopœia it is directed that the sulphate of copper should not contain much of the sulphates of zinc and iron. And now, in conclusion, as this is one of the most important subjects connected with ancient pharmacy, we shall briefly state our reasons for holding, contrary to the opinion of many recent authorities of high reputation, that the chalcanthum either consisted principally of copper, or at least contained a large proportion of that metal in its composition. 1st. The name implies that the Greeks thought it a cupreous substance, and Pliny seems to say that the name had been properly given. (l. c.) 2d. Pliny’s description of it applies exactly to blue vitriol. (l. c.) 3d. Dioscorides’s description of it tallies with the description of the sulphate of copper given in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. 4th. The chalcanthos was indisputably formed from the evaporation of waters issuing from mines of copper, that is to say, from “waters of cementation.” Compare Galen (l. c.) with Pereira (Mat. Med. 495.) 5th. It was administered as an emetic. See Dioscorides (l. c.) 6th. It was used externally as a powerful escharotic. See Dioscorides, Celsus, and Galen (pluries.) 7th. It was ranked among the poisons. See Cicero (ad Familiares, ix,) and the Arabian authorities on Toxicology.

Χαλκὸς κεκαυμένος,

Æs ustum, Burnt Copper, is acrid, with a share of astringency. It therefore is the best of remedies for the cicatrization of ulcers upon dry bodies; but if washed it agrees better with tender bodies.

Χαλκοῦ ἄνθος,

Æris flos, the Flower of Copper, is possessed of more subtile powers than burnt copper, or than the squama æris. Wherefore, when added to collyria, it clears away asperities and sycoses of the eyelids.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Though there can be no doubt that this term is generally used by the Greek classical authors to signify bronze, or a combination of copper and tin in the proportion of from 2 to 14 per cent. of the latter, it is also certain that it was frequently applied to native copper, as it is in general by the authorities on the Materia Medica. The ancients, it may be proper to remark cursorily in this place, were acquainted with the formation of brass, which they made by compounding together copper and cadmia. See Watson’s ‘Chemical Essays,’ and Beckmann’s ‘History of Inventions.’ Brass was their aurichalcum or orichalcum. The Æs ustum, according to Geoffroy, “is copper reduced to a calx or crocus, either by itself or mixed with sulphur or salt, by a long calcination in a reverberatory furnace.” “The Squama æris, or flake of copper,” he adds, “is little different from the Æs ustum, being only the particles of burnt copper which fly off when it is hammered.” He says of the Flos æris, “it is nothing but copper reduced to small grains like millet seed, which is done by pouring cold water upon melting copper, which thereupon immediately flies every way into grains.” In short it was fine granulated copper. These preparations of copper are described by all the ancient authorities. See in particular Dioscorides (v, 87, 88), who describes the process of making the flos æris very minutely. He recommends it as a detergent and caustic medicine for various purposes, such as removing dimness of the cornea, wasting polypi in the nostrils, and protuberances about the anus; and also for the cure of deafness when blown into the ear with a syringe in the form of a powder, and in complaints of the gums and tonsils. He also says that given to the amount of three oboli it evacuates thick humours. He also describes several processes for burning the copper, and recommends the æs ustum as a cleansing and detergent medicine for various ulcers, especially those of the eye, and also as an emetic when taken in a draught with hydromel, or in a linctus with honey. None of the other Greek authorities treat so fully of these preparations as Dioscorides. Celsus prescribes them frequently as caustic and corrosive substances. (v, 6, 7, et pluries.) The Arabians used these articles not only as external applications, but as emetics and purgatives. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 231); Serapion (c. 414); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 48); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48); Ebn Baithar (ii, 551.) The flowers of copper, and burnt or calcined copper, are noticed in the works of all our earlier writers on medicine, and recommended to be administered both internally and externally. See Platearius (De Simpl. Med.) The process of preparing calcined copper is minutely described by Moses Charras in his ‘Royal Pharmacopœia,’ published at Paris in 1676. They are briefly described by Dr. Hill, who says of the æs ustum that “it was much used externally by the ancients.” (Mat. Med. 32.) Neither of these preparations of copper occurs in the Complete English Dispensatory of Quincy, published in 1763. They are omitted also in Pemberton’s London Dispensatory, published in 1746. They would appear, however, to have been longer retained in use by the Continental physicians, since a formula for preparing the Calx æris is given in Crantz’s Mat. Med. (ii, 91. Vienna, 1765.) He says that the Flos æris, and Squama æris, were preparations not in use. Rutty ranks them among the obsolete medicines of the ancients. A formula for Æs ustum is given in Gray’s Suppl. to Pharmacop. (p. 242.) It is the same as that of Dioscorides. (v, 37.)

Χαμάιδρυς,

Chamædrys, Germander, is heating and drying in the third degree. It therefore melts down enlarged spleens, proves diuretic and emmenagogue, and removes visceral obstructions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It clearly is the Teucrium Chamædrys L. Theophrastus says that its fruit purges bile. (H. P. ix, 10.) Dioscorides commends it in spasms, scirrhous spleen, dysuria, and incipient dropsy; and as an emmenagogue; and, by the way, Dr. Hill confirms this account of it. Galen and all the other authorities treat of it in nearly the same terms. We have not been able to find it in the works of Hippocrates. For the Arabians, see particularly Serapion (c. 180); Avicenna (ii, 2, 132); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 152.) One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities recommends the syrup in chronic coughs, dyspepsia, and incipient dropsies, and the decoction in black jaundice. Avicenna joins both Dioscorides and Serapion in regard to the virtues which they ascribe to it. Whether or not this be the “trixago” of Celsus (iv, 6) has never been satisfactorily determined. The Arabian translators adopt this name. It has still the reputation of being a pectoral medicine. Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 661.)

Χαμαίκισσος,

Hedera, Ground Ivy; the flower being considerably bitter, removes obstructions of the liver. It is also given in ischiatic diseases.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We see no good reason for disputing its identity with Glechoma hederaceum, or Ground Ivy, which we believe to have been introduced into this country by the Romans for the Chamæcissos. Dioscorides gives it nearly the same characters as our author, that is to say, he recommends it in sciatica and jaundice. (iv, 124.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in nearly the same terms as our author. The Arabians notice it under the same head with the other species of ivy. See Serapion (De Simpl. 41); Avicenna (ii, 2, 169); Rhases (Contin. 190.) The ground-ivy maintained a place in the Dispensatory with a high reputation as a hepatic, splenitic, diuretic, and nephritic medicine in the days of Quincy. (117.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the glechoma hederaceum stands for the χαμαίκισσος. (75.)

* * * * *

Χαμαικέρασος. This occurs in the “Euporiston” generally ascribed to Dioscorides. It is referred by Sprengel to the Convallaria majalis, or Lily of the valley.

Χαμαιλέυκη,

Chamæleuce, Ground Poplar, is calefacient in the third order and desiccative in the first.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Sprengel maintains that we should read χαμαιπέυκη, and refers it to Stachelina Chamæpeuce L. In Dioscor. (iv, 125.) Dioscorides merely recommends it in lumbago. All the other authorities assign it the same general characters.

Χαμαιλέων,

Chamæleon; the root of the black chamæleon is calefacient and desiccative in nearly the third order. It is also a detergent application to the skin, and a discutient and emollient one to indurated tumours. When applied in a cataplasm it cures phagedænic ulcers. But when taken internally it is poisonous. The root of the white chamæleon is like that of the black, but more bitter. When drunk with austere wine to the amount of an acetabulum, it kills the broad intestinal worms. It is also useful in dropsical complaints.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We stated in the Fifth Book, Sections 37, 46, that we were inclined to refer the black chamæleon to the Carthamus corymbosus, and the white to the Carlina acaulis, and we see no good reason for changing this opinion. Some good authorities, however, prefer the C. gummifera. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 708.) The virtues, however, which Dr. Lindley ascribes to the C. acaulis, agree very well with those of the ixia, or white chamæleon, as stated by the ancient authorities; whether, however, it produces the gum resembling mastich, as the white chamæleon is described by Dioscorides as doing, we are not so sure. Parkinson says it produces such a gum “sometimes, and in some places.” (Theatre of Plants, 968.) See also Gerard (1157.) Dioscorides recommends its root as a vermifuge; in dropsy and dysuria when taken in wine. (iii, 8.) The root of the black chamæleon he recommends with other articles for the cure of lichen, for toothache, and various other purposes. (9.) Our author borrows mostly from Galen under this head. Aëtius remarks that the root of the black species is poisonous, and hence is to be applied only externally in scabies, lichen, leprosy, and the like. This species is noticed in the Hippocratic works. (De Ulcer.) The other occurs in the works of Celsus, who prescribes it as an ingredient in a malagma for gout. (v, 18, 33.) The Arabians treat elaborately of both species. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 197, 455); Serapion (c. 274, 275); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. ii, 208); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Upon the whole their characters of them agree with those by Dioscorides and Galen.

Χαμάιμηλον ἢ Ἄνθεμις,

Chamæmelum, or Anthemis, Chamomile, heats and dries in the first order. It is also attenuant, discutient, relaxant, and aromatic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It certainly applies to the Anthemis nobilis, but probably is not restricted to it. It appears to be the ἄνθεμον of Theophrastus. (H. P. vii, 8, 14.) It is the ἄνθεμις of Dioscorides, who describes three species, which it has been found very difficult to distinguish and identify. He says the roots, the flowers, and the stem are calefacient and attenuant, that both when drunk and in a hip-bath they promote the evacuation of the menses, fœtus, calculi, and urine; that they are drunk for tympanitis and ileus; cure jaundice and diseases of the liver; and that the decoction is used in a fomentation for complaints about the bladder. He says the chamomiles cure fistula lachrymalis in a cataplasm, and aphthæ as a masticatory, and that the oil prepared in a manner described by him, is useful in intermittent fevers when the body is rubbed with it. (iii, 143.) Aëtius strongly recommends the whole body to be rubbed with oil of chamomile in such cases to promote perspiration. According to Galen this is the ἐυάνθεμον of Hippocrates. (Morb. Mulier., i, 625.) We cannot find it in Celsus. Galen, in the preliminary dissertation to his ‘Mat. Med.,’ strongly eulogises the oil of chamomile as being calculated to soothe pain, relieve contracted parts, soften hardened, and to dispel fevers not accompanied with visceral inflammation. (iii, 133, ed. Basil.) The Arabians appear to have been very partial to this plant, of which they treat at great length. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 118); Serapion (De Simpl. 22); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. ii, 154, i, 156); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 34.) In a word, they entirely concur in the characters given to the chamomiles by Dioscorides and Galen.

Χαμαιπίτυς,

Chamæpitys, Ground Pine, heats in the second order, but dries in the third. It is therefore a cathartic and detergent of the viscera, especially of the liver. It is diuretic and emmenagogue, agglutinates large wounds, and cures putrid ulcers. It also discusses scirrhous swellings, and the decoction of it is useful in ischiatic diseases.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears probable that our author’s plant is Ajuga chamæpitys, but here commentators are by no means agreed. It is briefly mentioned by Nicander (Alex. 65), and by Celsus as a medicine which opens the pores or mouths of vessels (v, 4), but it does not occur, we believe, in the Hippocratic treatises. Of the three species described by Dioscorides, the first is probably this plant, the second is a species of teucrium, and the third ajuga iva. His characters of the first agree in the main with those given to it by our author, who, as well as Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, evidently copy from him. The other two species, he says, are possessed of similar powers. All the Arabians concur in representing it as being diuretic, emmenagogue, a medicine that expels the fœtus, and a laxative. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 153); Avicenna (ii, 2,131); Serapion (c. 179); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 32.) Avicenna in particular recommends it for the cure of sciatica and gout, and for this virtue it was celebrated as long as it retained a place in our Dispensatory. See Quincy (116.) It was an ingredient in the famous Portland powder. It is still to be found in the shops, where it bears the names of Iva arthritica and Teucrium chamæpitys. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 49.)

Χαμάιδρωψ,

Chamædrops; some call this plant Chamædrys, and some Teucrium, being possessed of similar powers to the Chamædrys.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. According to Dioscorides it is the same as the Χαμάιδρυς.

Χαμαισύκη,

Chamæsyce, Ground Fig, has detergent and acrid powers, so that the twigs and juice of it remove myrmecia and acrochordones. They therefore clear away thick cicatrices in the eyes with honey, and cure dimness of vision and incipient suffusions.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From the place assigned to it by Dioscorides it was evidently a spurge. It is acknowledged to be the Euphorbia chamæcyce. Our author appears to have borrowed the characters which he gives it from Dioscorides. (iv, 167.) Galen and the others do the same. It does not occur in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor have we been able to find it in those of the Arabians. We are not aware of its having been used by modern authorities.

Χαμέλαια,

Chamelæa, Mezereon, or Spurge Olive, is possessed of detergent powers. It therefore cleanses foul ulcers and eschars with honey.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Notwithstanding the difference of opinion which has prevailed among the commentators regarding this plant, we see no good grounds for doubting that it was the Daphne Mezereon, which we believe to have been naturalized in this country by the Romans for its medicinal uses. Dioscorides says of its leaves that they are like to those of the olive, but more slender and thick, biting to the taste and scarifying the trachea. Its leaves, he adds, purge phlegm and bile downwards, especially if taken in a pill with double the quantity of southernwood mixed with one part of the chamelæa; let it be taken in water or honey as a pill; but it is insoluble, for it is evacuated as it was taken; the powdered leaves mixed up with honey cleanse foul ulcers, and such as are covered with eschars. (iv, 169.) We do not meet with it in the works of Hippocrates nor of Celsus. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in very general terms like our author. Beyond all doubt is this the mezereon of Serapion, who commences his chapter on it by giving extracts from the descriptions of the chamelæa given by Dioscorides, Galen, and our author. He then gives a very lengthy account of it from Arabian authorities, first from Alcanzi and next from Aben Mesuai, which we regret that our necessary limits prevent us from giving a proper abstract of. He says that persons of a gross constitution, and more especially old men, bear this medicine best, and he recommends us to administer it with myrobalans, or tamarinds, or prunes. He further directs it to be given in water that has been boiled. Altogether there is not a more important chapter in Serapion than the one on Mezereon. (c. 373.) Mesue also gives a very interesting account of the mezereon, which he illustrates with extracts from Dioscorides and Galen on the chamelæa. He assigns to it powers to purge yellow and black bile, and says that its greatest use is in dropsy. It is also, he says, anthelminthic. He recommends tents smeared with it for fistulæ and sinuous ulcers. (De Simpl. 22.) Haly Abbas also gives an excellent account of it, representing it as a medicine which purges phlegm, yellow and black bile. (Pract. 2, 54, 564.) Rhases describes the two chamæleons and the chamelæa together under the head of Laureola. He quotes “the Book of Poisons” as stating that in the dose of two drachms it proves fatal. He gives quotations from Dioscorides, Galen, and our author. (Cont. l. ult. i, 413.) Avicenna, in like manner, describes the two chamæleons and the chamelæa under the head of mezereon, but evidently recognised the distinction between the last and the first two. He commends the mezereon particularly in dropsy. (ii, 2, 455.) The above sketch, it will be remarked, clearly proves the identity of the χαμέλαια of the Greeks, and the Mezereon of the Arabians. We admit, however, that it does not prove their identity with the Daphne Mezereon. To us it appears, however, that the physiological effects of the mezereon, as described by our best authorities of the present day, correspond very well with the effects of the chamelæa or mezereon as described by Dioscorides and Serapion. In particular compare Pereira (805) with Serapion (l. c.) It is proper to mention, however, that Sibthorp held the χ. to be Daphne oleoides. Both the Daphne Mezereon, and D. Gnidium are retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (108.)

Χελιδόνιον,

Chelidonium, Columbine or Celandine; the great is calefacient in the third order, and powerfully detergent. The juice of it contributes to acuteness of sight. The root when drunk with anise removes icteric obstructions, and also when taken with wine. When masticated it cures toothache. The smaller species, which belongs to the fourth order of calefacients, is more acrid, so as to ulcerate the skin in a cataplasm. It also removes leprous nails. The juice of it purges by the nose.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That the first species is the Chelidonium majus L. admits of no dispute. The other would seem to be the Ranunculus Ficaria, or Fig-wort. Pliny praises it as an application to strumous tumours, and a remedy for impairment of sight. From the experiments of Orfila, it appears that the C. magus acts as a very acrid poison. Dioscorides describes the great celandine very minutely, and recommends it in jaundice and toothache. (ii, 201.) He gives the same character of the less as our author. (ii, 212.) Galen and Aëtius treat of them like our author. Neither of them is to be found in the works of Hippocrates. Celsus prescribes the juice of the “chelidonia” as an application to enlarged tonsils. (vi, 14.) Both species are distinctly treated of by the Arabians. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 295, 727); Serapion (c. 196); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 200.) They all recommend the juice of the greater celandine in jaundice, in toothache, and in affections of the eyes. It long held a place in our Dispensatory, retaining its character for curing jaundice and removing films from the eyes. See Quincy (117.) Even at the present day rustic farriers use the acrid juice of the celandine for removing films from the eyes of cattle. The chelidonium majus occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (46.)

Χελιδόνες,

Hirundines, Swallows; when burnt their ashes, if rubbed in with honey, cure inflammatory cynanche. They also contribute to acuteness of sight.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the Hirundo rustica. Celsus also recommends the ashes of swallows in cases of cynanche and diseases of the eyes. (iv, 4.) Dioscorides speaks of their use in these and in other cases. (ii, 6.) Galen gives the same account of them as our author. The Arabians repeat the descriptions given by Dioscorides and Galen. See Serapion (c. 443); Avicenna (ii, 2, 347); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 741); Ebn Baithar (i, 375.)

Χολὴ,

Fel, Bile, or Gall, is the hottest of all animal juices, but differs according to the colour, for the yellow is hotter than the pale, and the violet-coloured than the yellow; and also according to the difference of the animals which produce it; forasmuch as that of swine is the weakest of all, so that it agrees with ulcers in the ears, and does not prove pungent; but that of sheep is more acrid, and still more that of goats, to which the galls of bears and oxen are allied. But the gall of bulls is stronger, and still more so that of the hyæna, next that of the fish called callionymus, and that of the scorpion which answers in suffusions, dimness of vision, and leucomata, and likewise that of the sea-tortoise. The gall of the wild goat is believed to cure nyctolopia. The gall of all fowls is more acrid and desiccative than the gall of quadrupeds. But of them the best is the gall of cocks and partridges. Those of hawks and eagles are in so far more acrid and corrosive, and of a violet colour, but sometimes black.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of bile is abridged from Galen. Bile is an article which, although now excluded from the British Pharmacopœias, still holds its place in the Continental. Scarpa recommends the gall of certain animals for the removal of albugo. Pliny thus states its virtues as a medicine: “Vis ejus excalfacere, mordere, scindere, extrahere, discutere. Minorum animalium subtilius intelligitur, et ideo ad oculorum medicamenta utilius existimatur.” (H. N. xxviii, 40.) See Dioscorides (ii, 96.) Avicenna calls it a hot, abstergent medicine. Of quadrupeds, he says, the strongest is that of a calf, and the weakest that of a sheep. He treats largely of the subject, but draws liberally from Dioscorides and Galen (ii, 2, 250.) See also Serapion (De Simpl. 459); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 50); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 291); Ebn Baithar (ii, 510.) The gall of a bull is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Χονδρίλη,

Chondrile, Gum Succory, being a species of Endive, is bitterish, and is therefore so far more desiccative than it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the Chondrilla juncea, or Gum Succory. It produces a gum similar to Lactucarium, for which it is still cultivated in Lemnos. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 708.) Dioscorides describes another species which is supposed to be Apargia tuberosa. Dioscorides describes accurately the gum of the former species which he compares to mastich, and says of it that when applied on a linen cloth with myrrha to the size of an olive it is emmenagogue; that along with natron it cleanses mild leprosy; that the gum is used for glueing the hairs of the eyelashes; that the fresh root does the same when a needle is dipped into it and applied to the hairs; that it is beneficial in the bites of the viper; and that its juice is an astringent of the bowels. He describes the second species as being also glutinous. (ii, 160.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat only of the former species, and that in very brief terms. Neither of them are described either by Hippocrates or Celsus. We find difficulty in discovering traces of it in any of the works of the Arabians, except Ebn Baithar (i, 395.) The Chondrilla juncea is still not wholly unknown in the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 63.)

Χόνδρος,

Chondrus, is like wheat, but more glutinous than it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. In the First Book we have explained its nature. (Vol. I, 123.) It would appear to have been the article now called Farro, being prepared from the spelt wheat, exactly as pearled barley is from barley. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 16.)

Χρυσοκόλλα,

Chrysocolla; one kind of it is found in metal mines, and another is prepared in a mortar of red copper with a pestle of the same, it being triturated with the urine of a boy not come to puberty during the heat of the dog days. It therefore is detergent, having discutient and desiccative powers greater than those of the kind found in metal mines, so that it consumes flesh without being pungent. It therefore agrees with ill-conditioned ulcers. By burning it you may render it less pungent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. In order to understand this very complicated subject, it will be necessary in the first place to give an exposition of what the ancients themselves have written upon it. Dioscorides writes thus of the Chrysocolla: “The best is the Armenian, which is of an intense leek colour; the second in quality is the Macedonian; and then the Cyprian, of which the kind that is pure must be selected; but that which is full of earth and stones must be rejected. The aforesaid article is to be worked thus: Having pounded it, throw it into a mortar, and having poured in water, rub strongly with the flattened hand to the mortar; then allowing it to settle, strain; and pouring in more water, again rub, and do this alternately until it becomes clean and pure; then having dried it in the sun, lay past for use. But if you wish to burn (calcine?) it, do so in the following manner: Having triturated it sufficiently, put it into a pan, place upon the coals, and do otherwise as we previously said in the former cases. The chrysocolla has the power of deterging ulcers, repressing and cleansing fungous flesh; is styptic, calefacient, mildly septic, with a certain amount of pungency. It belongs to the class of medicines which excite vomiting, and which may prove fatal to life.” (v, 104.) This chrysocolla is evidently the same as that which Theophrastus has described as “being found in great quantity in gold mines and the parts around them.” (De Lapid. 47.) Now we may here say at once that every person conversant with mineralogy, must recognise the chrysocolla, described above, as being the mineral called “common copper-green” by Jameson, being an impure carbonate of copper. For a clear description of it, see Cleaveland (Mineralogy, p. 570.) This, it will be remarked, is the only substance to which Dioscorides applies the name of Chrysocolla; but in a preceding chapter, treating of the varieties of verdigris, he says, “There is a certain kind of verdigris made by the goldsmiths, by means of a mortar and pestle, of Cyprian copper and the urine of a young person, with which they solder gold.” (v, 92.) Now to this variety of the verdigris, as we shall soon see, the name Chrysocolla (from its being used in soldering gold) was also applied by the writers subsequent to Dioscorides. Thus Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 26, 27, 28) first gives a very elaborate description of the true chrysocolla; and then in the following chapter he briefly notices the other kind, which he says was also called “santerna,” and was prepared from Cyprian verdigris, the urine of a boy, with the addition of nitrum (soda?) pounded in a Cyprian mortar with Cyprian copper or bronze. This, he adds, forms a solder to gold. This, however, he does not say was ever used in medicine. The former kind or true chrysocolla of Dioscorides, he says was used in medicine for cleansing wounds along with wax and oil, and also in a dry powder; that it was given in a linctus with honey for orthopnœa and angina; that it was used as an emetic; was added as an ingredient to collyria for specks on the eyes, and to green plasters for relieving pain and contracting cicatrices. This chrysocolla, he says, in conclusion, the physicians call acesis (a term, by the way, synonymous with medicinal), and was different from the orobitis which he had previously described as being artificially tinged with a herb called by him “lutum,” meaning thereby, we suppose, woad, or the Isatis tinctoria. (l. c.) Galen describes the two kinds together, and treats of their medicinal powers as follows: This medicine, chrysocolla, is one of those that consume the flesh, and is not strongly pungent; but it is moderately discutient and desiccant. Wherefore some call only the fossil by this name, but some also the substance which is prepared in a bronze (copper?) mortar with a copper pestle by means of the urine of a boy, which some value according to the differences of the verdigris. But it is better to prepare it in summer, or at least in hot weather, pounding the urine in the mortar. And it answers more excellently if the bronze, of which you make the mortar, be red, and the pestle too, for more is thus rubbed off by the turning round of the pestle when the bronze is of a softer nature. This medicine is most suited to malignant sores, both by itself and mixed with other substances. He concludes by saying of the fossil chrysocolla, that the more desiccative the less stimulant it is, as being so much the more attenuated; and that when burnt (calcined), it becomes still more attenuated. (De Simpl. ix.) It is clear from this statement that Galen included under his list of Simples both the fossil chrysocolla and the kind prepared from verdigris. Aëtius merely abridges the account of the chrysocolla given by Galen. (ii, 81.) And as Oribasius professedly copies his descriptions of the fossils used in medicine from Dioscorides, we need not say anything further of his account of chrysocolla, than that it coincides entirely with that of Dioscorides. (Med. Coll. xiii.) Celsus ranks it with the corrosive (v, 6) and the caustic substances. (v, 8.) We now turn to the Arabians. Avicenna, in the first place, treats of this substance under the name of chrysocolla, of which he describes two species; the one, the artificial, made with the urine of a boy in a bronze mortar, as already explained; the other the fossil, of which he says he will now treat. He describes its general characters, namely, that it is abstergent, caustic, septic, and so forth. Referring to Dioscorides and Galen, he calls it an emetic and astringent medicine, and good for malignant sores. (ii, 2, 358.) He there refers to sect. 696, where he treats of tincar, of which he says that it consists of two kinds, the fossil and the factitious, the latter of which is called the gold-solder (capistrum auri). It is useful, he says, in toothache and carious teeth. Averrhoes describes it under the names of Laçacolaap, i. e. Consolidatura auri; in Arabic, Cumbar. He gives exactly the same account of the two species as Galen. He says the factitious kind is best prepared in a mortar of red bronze with the urine of a young person; which species is more efficacious than the other. (Collig. v, 43.) Serapion in the portion of his work devoted to minerals, writes thus of Tincar, i. e. Borax. “Ebn Amram says of it, it is of the species of salts, and is found with the taste of baurach (nitrum?), and has some bitterness; and it is either fossil or factitious. And the fossil is in the banks of the sea; it is hot, dry, and subtile; is useful in toothache, and kills the worm in them, and in stopping the throbbing in them it has wonderful powers.” Rhases and Aben Mesuai say of it, that the basis (radix) of it is the urine of a boy, we mean of the factitious, and it is the solder of gold (chrysocolla.) It would appear to be the chrysocolla which is described by Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48, 495), but we must admit ourselves incapable of interpreting correctly his meaning as expressed in the barbarous translation of his works. Ebn Baithar first treats of chrysocolla under the name of Tankâr in an extract from the works of Ebn Amram which we have given above as quoted by Serapion. (i, 214.) And again in the 2d volume (434), he first gives descriptions of the chrysocolla in extracts from Dioscorides and Galen, and concludes with the remark that some people called it the tankar chrysocolla, but that the chrysocolla of Dioscorides and Galen was a totally different article from the tankar. Rhases gives merely extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (Cont. l. ult. i, 25.) He calls it adhesio auri. From what has been stated above, we now draw the following conclusions regarding the matters treated of under this head: 1. That the mineral known by the names of “copper green,” “mountain green,” “native carbonate of copper,” was the true chrysocolla of Dioscorides, the said term signifying Gold solder. 2. That Dioscorides further describes a preparation of verdigris which was also used for soldering gold, to which the name chrysocolla was likewise applied by Pliny, Galen, and others. 3. That under the names of Tincal, Tankâr, and Borax, the Arabians described a species of salt, which most probably was our Sodæ Biboras, to which they sometimes applied the name chrysocolla from its being used in the soldering of gold, but their best authorities (as for example, Avicenna, and Ebn Baithar) were well aware that this borax was a totally different substance from the chrysocolla of Dioscorides. The name borax is probably a corruption of Baurach, which is the term applied by the Arabians to the nitrum of the Greeks and Romans, that is to say, natron, or soda. If the reader will take the trouble to read what has been written on the chrysocolla of the ancients by many learned men in modern times, as, for example, Alston, Hill, Geoffroy, Quincy, Sprengel, and Kidd, he will be the better able to judge whether or not we have succeeded in illustrating what has always been considered a very obscure subject.

Χρυσοκόμη ἢ Χρυσῖτις,

Chrysocome or Chrysitis; its root has at the same time acrid and astringent powers, and therefore is not much used. Only in peripneumonia and hepatic affections it is given boiled in honeyed water. It also promotes menstruation.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Pliny complains that it had no name in the Latin language; and Anguillara and Matthiolus were unable to make out what it is. It now holds a place in the Linnæan system by the name of Chrysocoma Linosyris. Our author borrows his characters of this article from Dioscorides (iv. 55.) Galen describes it in almost the same words. It is not to be found in the works of Dioscorides or Celsus, nor, as far as we can discover, in those of the Arabians.

Ψευδοβούνιον,

Pseudo-Bunion, Bastard Rape; its properties being like those of rape, it is heating, discutient, and detergent. It, therefore, removes tormina, stranguries, and pains of the sides. It also discusses scrofulous swellings when applied along with salts and wine.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would appear that it is the Pimpinella tenuis or Slender Burnet. Our author copies from Dioscorides. Galen treats very lightly of this article. It does not appear that it is treated of by the Arabians.

Ψευδοδίκταμνον,

Pseudo-Dictamnum, Bastard Dittany, has the powers of weak dittany.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We are inclined to join those who refer it to the Marrubium Pseudodictamnum. Galen and Dioscorides join in representing it as an article of little consequence.

Ψιμύθιον,

Cerussa, White Lead, is refrigerant and emplastic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have treated of it as a poison in Book V. § 59. Alston says: “Our white lead is certainly the Ψιμύθιον of Dioscorides and the Cerussa Plinii” (xviii.) The ancient ceruse consisted of the carbonate of lead which had been exposed to the vapours of vinegar, and was, therefore, little or nothing different from the modern ceruse. Geoffroy’s description of the process is taken, in fact, from Dioscorides. It would appear to have been sometimes administered internally, if, as Dr. Hill remarks, it is an ingredient in the Trochisci albi of Rhases. We have not been able to find, however, this trochisc in Rhases, nor in any of the ancient authorities. Perhaps Dr. Hill confounded it with the Emplastrum album, of which ceruse is an ingredient. (See Galen, De Comp. Med. sec. gen. vi, and Celsus, 222 ad Milligan.) Galen in fact expressly says that ceruse ought not to be administered internally (Meth. Med. iv.) He recommends it as an anodyne collyrium in pains of the eyes (Comment. in App. vi, 31), and as an astringent and soothing application in general. (De Simpl. Med. ix.) Dioscorides describes minutely the preparation of ceruse, and the different kinds of it, but gives its medicinal properties in brief terms like our author. (v. 103.) Celsus recommends it in burns and ulcers (vi, 7), but internally taken he treats of it as a poison (v, 27, 15.) All the other Greek and the Arabian authorities after Galen give ceruse exactly the same characters as we have stated them above. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 378); Avicenna (ii, 2, 117); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48); Ebn Baithar (i, 63.) The last of these says of it, that it is useful in the same class of cases as Minium; that dissolved in vinegar, and more especially when mixed up with rose-oil, it is a good application in cephalalgia; that it forms a proper ingredient in collyria for inflammations of the eyes,—and dissolved in a woman’s milk or mixed up with the white of an egg,—that it is dropped into the eye with advantage in such cases.

Ψύλλιον,

Psyllium, Fleawort; the seed belongs to the second order of refrigerants. With regard to heating and moistening powers it holds an intermediate place.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Sprengel remarks, that there can be no difficulty about it; it is the Plantago Psyllium L. Dioscorides and Pliny recommend it pounded with hog’s lard as an application to malignant ulcers; Pliny also says that its seed is a good application to the bites of serpents. (H. N. xxvi, 66.) Dioscorides says it cures tumours, arthritic diseases, intestinal hernia, and other complaints, with rose-oil, vinegar or water. It is, he says, a powerful refrigerant. (iv, 70.) Galen and the other Greek authorities give its characters succinctly like our author. Celsus puts it in his list of agglutinative substances (v, 2.) The Arabians recommend it for the same purposes as the Greeks, and also for allaying the inflammation of acute fevers. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 533); Serapion (De Simpl. 230); Ebn Baithar (i, 132); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 567); Mesue (De Simpl. 20.) We have treated of it as a poison in Book V. § 40. According to Crantz its poisonous qualities have been exaggerated by Dioscorides. (Mat. Med. iii, 117.) Accordingly we do not find it treated of by the late writers on toxicology. Although it has long ceased to occupy a place in our dispensatory, it has been celebrated in modern times for its medicinal virtues. Platearius commends it highly as a cooling and astringent medicine, in acute fevers, dysenteries, hemorrhages, &c. (De Simpl. Med.) Prosper Alpinus mentions that the modern Egyptians make frequent use of its mucilage as a medicine, and hence he finds fault with Dioscorides and Mesue for setting it down as a poison. (De Med. Ægypt.); and Rutty (Mat. Med. 415.) Its seeds form with boiling water a rich mucilage, which it appears is still much used in India, in catarrh, gonorrhœa, and nephritic affections. Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 643.) A recent authority on pharmacy says of it that its seeds are mucilaginous and purgative. Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 44.)

Ψωρικὸν,

Psoricum, is formed by mixing two parts of chalcitis with one of litharge, triturating them in vinegar, and, having put them into a new pot, by burying them in dung for forty days. It becomes more desiccative, more subtile, and less pungent than chalcitis.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides and Pliny call it a mixture of cadmia and chalcitis; Galen, Aëtius, and our author say of litharge and chalcitis. Avicenna follows Dioscorides. (ii, 2, 273.) Celsus also directs it to be made of chalcitis and cadmia. (vi, 6, 31.) It derives its name from its being used as an application to parts affected with scabies (psora.) The psoricum has been long unknown in the practice of medicine.

Ὠὸν,

Ovum, An Egg; the white and thin part is free from all pungency, being moderately cooling. It is to be used for the eyes, ulcers in the pudendum, and all ill-conditioned ulcers. It is also mixed up with the medicines which form styptic plasters. And the yelk of an egg being possessed of similar powers, is mixed up with anti-inflammatory remedies. When roasted it becomes more desiccative but less soothing. If a whole egg be boiled in vinegar, and eaten, it dries up alvine fluxes. But if, having received the addition of some sour substances, such as galls, sumach, or the flowers of the wild pomegranate, it be fried, it becomes considerably more drastic. A whole egg applied raw immediately relieves burns. When taken in a supping state, it concocts and soothes affections in the chest, and proves demulcent for asperities of the trachea. New eggs are to be preferred to old, and those of hens to the eggs of all other animals.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Galen gives, in his usual copious and elegant style, a somewhat lengthy dissertation on the medicinal properties of eggs, but the narrow limits to which we are necessarily restricted, prevent us from transferring the substance of it to our pages, although it contains much that is highly interesting. (De Simpl. xi.) Galen recommends eggs for various medicinal purposes; and in particular he says that wool dipped in the white of an egg proves a serviceable application to burns. Dioscorides states their virtues more briefly, and to him our author is more particularly indebted. (ii, 54, 55.) He recommends the white of an egg in a tepid state for severe pains of the bladder and ulceration of the kidneys, roughness of the windpipe, vomiting of blood, catarrhs, and defluxions of the chest. Pliny, Dioscorides, and Sextus Platonicus say that eggs pounded with oil form an excellent application in cases of erysipelas, the leaves of beet being laid on the place. Pliny and Dioscorides recommend them for affections of the eyes. Avicenna recommends the white of an egg with melilot in ulcers of the intestines. He says eggs boiled in vinegar are useful in diarrhœa and dysentery. He recommends a suppository of the albumen of an egg in prolapsus ani, and other affections of the fundament. Like the preceding authorities he speaks favorably of it as an application to the eyes. (ii, 2, 520.) See also Ebn Baithar (i, 193); Serapion (c. 446); Rhases (Ad Mansor.; Antid. iv.)

Ὤκιμον,

Ocimum, Basil, belongs to the second order of calefacients, and has also some recrementitious humidity, hence it is of no use when taken internally; but when applied externally, it is discutient and digestive.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It most probably is the Ocimum Basilicum. Dioscorides not only recommends it for many medicinal purposes externally, but also says of it that it loosens the bowels, is carminative, diuretic, and creates milk, but is of difficult digestion; the seed, he adds, when taken in a draught, is beneficial in melancholy, dysuria, and flatulence, and it is also sternutatory. (ii, 170.) Our author follows Galen very closely. Aëtius also condemns the internal administration of basil, but praises highly a decoction of it as a fomentation to the eyes, and particularly those of children. Oribasius as usual follows Dioscorides, and, therefore, like him approves of the internal use of it. It occurs in the works both of Hippocrates and Celsus, the latter of whom says of it that it moves the bowels, and is diuretic. (ii, 29, 31.) The Arabians treat of it still more fully than the Greeks. Avicenna says it is a cordial medicine, that it generally binds the bowels, but also moves them, if there be humours in them, that it is useful in hæmoptysis and in difficulty of breathing. (ii, 2, 101.) See also Serapion (c. 167); Ebn Baithar (i, 110); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. ii, 121.) The basil held a place in our English dispensatory down to the times of Quincy and Lewis. It holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, where it is stated that it is indigenous in Persia, and only cultivated in gardens in Greece. (p. 27.)

Ὠκιμοειδὲς,

Ocimoides, which some call Philetærium. Its root is useless, but the seed is composed of subtile matter, and is desiccative without pungency.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Matthiolus held it to be a species of lychnis, but this opinion is rejected by Dodonæus. Sprengel agrees with Lobelius and Dalecampius in referring it to the Saponaria ocimoides. This is one of the most disputed articles of the ancient Mat. Med. Of the conjectures which have been made respecting it, the most probable then is that it was either a species of Lychnis or Saponaria. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 630, 760.) We are disposed to acquiesce in opinion with those who hold it to be the Saponaria ocimoides. Dioscorides says of it, that its seed when drunk in wine is calculated to benefit those who have been stung by scorpions, and is useful for the bites of all other kinds of reptiles, and that it is given in sciatica with myrrh and pepper. (iv, 28.) Galen states its character in nearly the same terms as our author. It is not described by Aëtius, by Hippocrates or Celsus, nor, as far as we can discover, by any of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, whose notice of it is entirely made up from Dioscorides and Galen. (i, 93.) It has been long unknown to our Dispensatory, and does not occur in the Pharmacopœia of the modern Greeks.

APPENDIX TO THE THIRD SECTION.

On the Substances introduced into the Materia Medica by the Arabians.

Having thus given a brief account of all the Simple Substances described by the Greek and Roman writers on the Materia Medica, we are now called upon to supply what information we can procure regarding the additions made to their list by the Arabians. This, we need scarcely say, is a field of research, which, having been hitherto but little cultivated, is attended with difficulties of a particularly formidable nature; for, although we have been enabled to avail ourselves of the learned labours of Professor Sprengel, Dr. Royle, Dr. Ainslie, and of certain other oriental scholars who have touched cursorily upon these matters, we have been more thrown upon our own resources on the present occasion than at any other stage of our progress in executing this work. We trust, then, that our readers will receive with peculiar indulgence our present essay, which, however imperfect, will be found, if we mistake not, to have opened up a mine of valuable knowledge from which some more skilful labourer in the same line will yet draw additional stores of information to the profession. Of course it will be readily seen, that we do not pretend to give an account of all the articles introduced into the practice of medicine by the Arabians; that, even if we were possessed of the requisite knowledge of the oriental languages, would evidently be out of the question within our narrow limits. For Ebn Baithar alone, if his laborious work were properly explored, would furnish a large volume of new matters added by his own individual exertions to the accumulated treasures of his predecessors; but, of the articles first treated of by him there are unfortunately many which are but very doubtfully determined, and not a few which are left wholly undetermined by his translator Dr. Sontheimer. And here it is but right that we should acknowledge that the translation itself would have been to us “a sealed book” if our learned friend, Professor Blackie, of Aberdeen, had not come to our assistance, and in so far made up for our own very imperfect acquaintance with the German language. But, besides the stores of Ebn Baithar, there is much in those of Avicenna, Serapion, Rhases, and Haly Abbas, which still remain to be unfolded by some fortunate savant who is acquainted both with the languages of the East and the sciences of the West.

It may be proper to mention, that the articles which are here described are set down in the same order as the notices of them were composed, because we could not satisfy ourselves with regard to any methodical arrangement which would conveniently apply to them and be in unison with the general plan of this work.

Ambra grisea.

A recent writer on the Materia Medica gives the following description of Ambergris: “The substance called Ambergris (ambra grisea) is procured from the Cachalot or spermwhale. In this country it is used as a perfume only; on the continent it is employed in medicine. It appears to be the indurated fæces (perhaps somewhat altered by disease) of the animal. Mr. Beale collected some of the semi-fluid fæces, and found that the dried mass had all the properties of ambergris. It is a solid, opaque, grayish, striated substance, having a pleasant musk-like odour, and which is derived from the squid (sæpia moschata) on which the animal feeds.” Pereira (Mat. Med. 1392.) No one who compares this account of ambergris with what is said of it in the extracts we have given from Serapion and Avicenna under Electrum, can entertain a doubt that these authors were well informed as to the nature of this substance. Ebn Baithar gives a similar account of the origin of ambergris. He says, it is furnished by sea monsters which swallow it and vomit it up again. It swims on the surface of water, and the blackish kind is of little value. He calls it the most excellent of all aromatics, and praises it for strengthening the heart and brain, and for curing cramp and similar complaints. Among other powers which it possesses, it is said to be intoxicating. (i, 210, 405.) See also Haly Abbas (Theor. v, 33.) The Greeks and Romans would appear to have been unacquainted with this species of Amber until after the Arabian period. It is accurately described by Symeon Seth, as we have already stated above in the commentary on Electrum. He holds it to be a good cordial and stomachic medicine.

Bezoar.

As this article is now but little known in this country, it may be proper to prefix some account of it from recent authorities. Lewis writes of it thus: “Lapis Bezoar orientalis, oriental Bezoar stone, supposed to be produced in the pylorus or in a cavity at the bottom of the fourth stomach of an animal of the goat kind, which inhabits the mountains in different parts of Persia.” (Mat. Med. 217.) But Bontius is, perhaps we may say, the most accurate of the modern authorities who have described the oriental bezoars. He describes them as being alvine concretions which form in goats or gazelles, and have generally a little piece of chaff as a nucleus. He had also seen them taken from the bodies of monkeys. (Med. Ind. c. 45.) See further Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 179, 136.) Now, it is certain that these Bezoars were much used in medicine by the Arabians as they are in the East at the present day; and yet, as far as we have been able to discover, they are not described in any of the Arabian works on the Mat. Med., with the exception of Ebn Baithar, and his account of them is very indistinct and unsatisfactory. We may gather from his description, however, that the term was applied to more substances than these alvine concretions. One of his authorities speaks of the best kind being found in the heart of the stag. Like all his countrymen, he recommends the bezoar as an amulet and an antidote to poisons. (119.) Indeed the term Bezoar would appear to have been used as signifying alexipharmical. See Avicenna (ii, 2), and Serapion (c. 441.) Frequent mention of it occurs in the works of the Arabians. See Haly Abbas (pluries); Rhases (Cont. l. ult., and xxxv, 6, 8, 1); Avicenna (iv, 6, 1, 4.)

Camphora.

This article is so important, that we shall be excused if we dwell upon it at some length. It is well known to be a secretion procured from several trees of the genus Laurus in the East; but more particularly from the tree which has been named Camphora officinarum. Serapion is the ancient authority who gives the fullest account of Camphor. In the first place, owing no doubt to his using some interpolated translation of Dioscorides into Syriac, he quotes him as stating that it is procured from India and China and is produced in most abundance during seasons when there is much thunder. One of his Arabian authorities, Isaac Ebn Amram, gives a distinct account of the origin of camphor and a description of the qualities of the different kinds of it, with a brief notice of the mode of clarifying it by sublimation, which is the process by which it is still produced. As to its medicinal virtues, he holds it to be cold and dry in the second degree, and says it is applicable in cases of inflammations, vertigo, and cholera; in fumigations with myrrh, rose-oil, and sandal-wood; that it is anaphrodisiac, induces premature hoariness of the hair; that in a masticatory with lettuce, it cures the hot intemperament of the brain and induces sleep; removes vertigo; stops hemorrhages from the nose and all fluxes in general; and, in short, that it is a common ingredient in all fumigations and ointments. Rhases, as quoted by him, pronounces camphor to be cold and attenuate (volatile?); says it is calculated to remove hot intemperaments in the head and the whole body; when too much used that it induces insomnolency; that it brings on coldness of the kidneys and bladder; coagulates the semen, and engenders coldness, and principally in the colder members of the body. Another Arabian authority, Meseab, calls it cold and dry in the third degree, and recommends it in epistaxis as a masticatory with raisins. Mesarugie, another authority, says, in large doses it induces indigestion and stops the formation of semen. Another of his Arabian authorities, Aben Mesuai (Mesue the elder?) says, it is astringent of the bowels, induces premature hoariness of the hair, and is useful in hot apostemes. Aben Amram, as quoted by him, says, Camphor is cold in the third degree, and is useful when applied to inflamed parts with rose-water, and comforts the members of the body and the senses; and is useful in cholera along with other astringents. He gives a quotation from the ‘Medicina Antiqua’ to this effect, that camphor is an astringent of the bowels, and that its use induces hoariness of the hairs. (De Simplicibus, 344.) Avicenna’s account of it is much more succinct; he describes several species of it; says it is procured from a very large tree capable of giving shelter to a multitude of animals; that he had often seen the wood of it, and that it was white, brittle, light, and contained in its pores some vestiges of camphor. He holds that its nature is cold and dry in the second degree. He recommends it in exactly the same cases as Serapion does, namely, in inflammatory complaints, epistaxis, hot vertigo, and acute ophthalmy. He also, like Serapion’s authorities, holds that it is anaphrodisiac and represses fluxes. (ii, 2, 130.) Rhases gives a brief account of camphor upon the authority of Misib, Mesarguil, and Bimasui; the first of whom merely recommends it in fluxes; the next relates of it that an acquaintance of his took six drachms of camphor at one dose, which impaired his digestion and brought on impotence without inducing any other complaint; the third, like some of Serapion’s authorities, represents it to be cold and dry in the third degree, and recommends it for fluxes, and further says that it induces premature hoariness of the hair. (Contin. l. ult. i, 147.) In another work he calls it cold, humid, and subtile (volatile?), and gives it the same characters as the other authorities. (Ad Mansor. iii, 22.) Mesue gives a formula for troches of camphor, which he recommends in ardent fevers, heat of the bile and of the blood, hot intemperaments of the stomach and of the liver, for intense thirst, jaundice, phthisis, and hectic. (De Trochiscis. i.) Haly Abbas frequently recommends camphor in the course of his works, but we have not been able to discover any distinct account of it in the very barbarous translation of his Materia Medica. Ebn Baithar gives a very circumstantial account of the formation of camphor on the tree which produces it, and describes its characters very accurately. He says it is cold and dry in the second degree, and is useful in hot intemperaments and bilious headaches. Like some of the others quoted above, he says it is produced most abundantly in times of thunder. In an over-dose, he says, it is anaphrodisiac, and induces sleeplessness, and relates a case in which it destroyed the tone of the stomach, and occasioned impotence. He says it is used in collyria, and as a sternutatory, and to stop the hole in a carious tooth. Symeon Seth is the only one of the Greek authorities that treats fully of camphor (caphura.) He says it is cold and dry in the third degree; that it is the gum or tear of a tree growing in India; that the tree which produces it is said to be very large, so that a hundred men could be sheltered by its shade; that it is produced on the mountains near the sea; and that the wood of the tree is light and fistulous. He recommends camphor as being most useful in acute diseases, in headaches from heat, and in inflammations, especially those of the liver; says that it induces coldness of the kidneys and spermatic vessels, and coagulates the blood. He mentions a test of its purity. (De Alimentis.) Myrepsus in one place mentions the herb camphor, but it is doubtful whether he means the substance we are treating of;—most probably not. (De Unguent, iii, 46.)

Cassia Fistula.

Serapion, in the first place, gives a pretty accurate description of it, and states the localities from which it is procured, namely, India, Babylonia, and Arabia. Upon the authority of Aben Mesuai he states it to be of a sweet taste, and laxative of the bowels, and says it has virtues to extinguish the sharpness of the blood, that it relieves apostemes and boils in the mouth, and is useful in jaundice and pains of the liver. In a dose of three to ten drachms he says it is cholagogue and laxative. Abengnefit, as quoted by him, says it purifies the nerves. Rhases, as quoted by him, says it is laxative and efficacious in apostemes, especially those of the throat. (De Simpl. xii.) Avicenna’s account of it is but little different from that of Serapion. Having described it, he says it is of an equal temperament as to heat and cold, but is of a moistening nature, and that in action it is resolvent and laxative. It is useful, he says, in hot apostemes of the bowels, and especially of the throat when a gargle of it is prepared with a decoction of nightshade. He praises it in a liniment for gout and arthritic pains. He speaks well of it in dyspnœa. He says it cleanses the liver, and is of use in jaundice and pain of the liver. He says it is a gentle laxative, bringing away heated bile and phlegm, and opens the bowels safely without griping. (ii, 2, 192.) Badagorius, as quoted by Rhases, says of cassia fistula, that it is alterative, an evacuant of bile, and a cleanser of the blood. The son of Mesue, as quoted by the same, recommends it, like Serapion, in jaundice, pain of the liver, of the throat, &c. Priscianus, as quoted by Rhases, says it is a safe purgative to pregnant women, brings away bile, clears away jaundice, and is efficacious in pain of the liver and throat. Marsenuce (?) recommends it in the same affections of the throat as the others. (Contin. l. ult. i, 187.) Of all the ancient authorities, Mesue the younger gives the fullest account of it, but it is in nearly the same terms as Serapion’s. His description of it is full and accurate. Any injurious action which it has, he says, may be removed by the mixture of myrobalans, rhubarb, the water of mastich, and spikenard; and in dryness of the bowels by mixing almond oil with it. Diuretics also are said to determine it to the urinary passages. He says it is useful to add some laxative to it. As to its virtues, he says it cleanses the blood, allays all sharpness in it, assuages thirst, with the juice of endive, &c., clears the stomach, brings away yellow bile and phlegm, and that safely, also purges the breast and throat, and is useful in heat of the kidneys, when taken with diuretics and the infusion of liquorice, that it prevents the formation of stones, and is useful in ardent fevers. (De Simpl. vi.) Ebn Baithar also gives a very elaborate and correct account of this article, but as it is nearly the same as that of Mesue, we need not say much about it. He calls it a well-known tree growing in Egypt; says in moderate doses it is a safe purgative, even to pregnant women, but in large doses occasions hypercatharsis. If the root is not sound, it is apt to produce disturbance of the bowels. He says it purges hot bile, softens the breast, and cleanses the nerves, &c. (i, 401.) Actuarius describes it by the name of the Black Cassia, and recommends it as a gentle purgative both alone and with other medicines. (Meth. Med. v, 2.) It occurs among the ingredients in the antidotes of Myrepsus. See Antidot. (i, xi.) Of course the article we have been treating of will be recognised as being the Cassia fistula L., the pudding-pipe tree, or purging cassia. The pulp of the pods is still sometimes used in medicine as a gentle purgative. See Paris (Pharmacol. i, 271); Pereira (M. M. 1172); Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 150); Royle (M. M. 355.)

Senna.

If the work of Serapion (De Simplicibus) which we possess, be the production of the elder Serapion (and after being long familiarly acquainted with it we are inclined to think so), he is undoubtedly the first author who has described senna as an article of the Materia Medica. First on his own authority he describes very accurately the pods, stalks, and seeds of the plant. On the authority of Isaac Ebn Amram he recommends it for removing the inquietude accompanying melancholy, for aches and disturbances of the nerves, for alopecia, phthiriasis, chronic headache, scabies, pustulæ parvæ, pruritus, and epilepsy. Abix, another authority, declares it to have great power of purging black and yellow bile, and of acting as a cordial when mixed with suitable medicines such as violets. His last authority under this head is Rhases, who says that senna and fumitory purge adust humours, and prove useful in scabies and pruritus. (De Simpl. 58.) Under the head of sahane Avicenna briefly notices an article which he recommends as being abstergent and desiccant in pruritus and scabies, in pain of the neck, fetid breath, and watery stomach (waterbrash?). This account we are inclined to think must refer to senna. (ii, 2, 651.) Rhases gives almost exactly the same description of the sahane. (Contin. l. ult. i, 596.) In his work ‘Ad Mansor.’ (viii, 54), he gives the account of Sene quoted above from Serapion, and again at ‘Divis.’ (i, 144.) Haly Abbas describes it accurately in his chapter on Purgatives. (Pract. ii, 54.) He recommends it as a medicine which purges both yellow and black bile, and is useful in gout and rheumatism, and in colics when mixed with raisins, oil of almonds, &c. Mesue describes senna as the folliculus of a plant resembling the tare. The best part of the plant, he says, is the folliculus (legume?), and next the leaves; and both these parts are said to be best when of a green colour. As senna has a tendency to weaken the stomach by its operation, he recommends it to be mixed with ginger, sal gem, Indian salt (sugar?), and cordials. He quotes Galen (through some mistake, as is generally supposed) as recommending it boiled in the soup of fowls. He also speaks of giving it in whey, or in milk, or in must, that is to say, the fresh juice of the grape. The last of these preparations he praises as cleansing the brain and senses, and creating joy. He also speaks favorably of a decoction of it with prunes and spikenard. As to its virtues, he says it readily purges black and adust bile, cleanses the brain, heart, liver, spleen, the senses, and lungs, proves deobstruent and dispels sorrow. He also speaks favorably of the leaves when applied to the head in the bath as improving the senses of sight and hearing, and as proving a remedy to fevers arising from black bile, and to chronic fevers. (De Simpl. xv.) Ebn Baithar gives an interesting description of it. He says in Arabia it is used as a dye, and that its leaves are mixed with those of the plant now called Lawsonia inermis. He calls it cholagogue and melanogogue, says it penetrates the inferior extremities, and purges them in cases of gout. He also praises it in scabies, epilepsy, and a great many other diseases. By some mistake he quotes Paulus. He says it is better in decoction than in powder. The dose of the latter is from two to three drachms, of the former from four to seven drachms. (i, 57.) Actuarius says of sene, that it purges moderately in doses of one drachm. (Meth. Med. v, 8.) Sene occurs as an ingredient in several of the antidotes of Myrepsus, as c. 112, 465, 472. Under this head we would beg, before concluding, to refer the reader to Ainslie’s Mat. Ind. (i, 205). It will be there seen that in Æthiopia senna is still used as a dye.

Berberis.

Rhases gives extracts from Badigorius, Oribasius, Mesue, and others on the virtues of this substance, which he represents as being lithontriptic, styptic, and alexipharmic. He says it is called calmuris in Greek. (Contin. l. ult. i, 121.) Serapion gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen under this head, but there seems no reason to suppose that they were at all acquainted with this article. He recommends it as being cooling and incisive, and a strengthener of the stomach and liver. He also praises it in all fluxes. (De Simpl. 229.) Ebn Baithar calls it astringent, stomachic, and hepatic, and says it binds the bowels and quenches thirst. He recommends it in diarrhœa connected with weakness of the liver, and in diseases of the stomach and uterus. See also Avicenna (vi, 9.) The berberry (Berberis vulgaris) is recommended by Gerard, Parkinson, and all our old herbalists as an astringent medicine in diseases of the stomach and liver. Even at the present day it is admitted to possess these virtues. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 102) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 438.) The former of these seems to acknowledge it as the Oxyacantha of the Greeks, but we think incorrectly. Dr. Royle supposes the Lycium Indicum of Dioscorides to be the berberry. It seems to us more probable, however, that the berberry was but the succedaneum of the lycium. See Schröder (Chemical Dispensatory, 475.)

Galanga.

Rhases calls it stomachic. (Antid. iii.) Serapion having described it, upon the authority of Isaac ebn Amram says of it, that it is hot and dry in the third degree, is useful to phlegmatic persons, and in humidity of the stomach (waterbrash?); promotes digestion by its heat and the solution which it occasions in the stomach, and thus relieves colic, gives fragrance to the breath, and warms the kidneys; it sets the semen in commotion, and when a piece of it is held in the mouth, it occasions erections of the membrum virile. The same virtues in the same cases are assigned to it by Aben Mesuai, and also Aben Mesabah, who recommends it in flatulent colic and eructations. (De Simpl. 332.) Avicenna, having described it, delivers the same account of its medicinal powers as Serapion, that is to say, he holds it to be hot and dry in the second degree, of subtile parts and carminative, says that it renders the breath fragrant, is good for the stomach, promotes digestion, is useful in colic and pains of the kidneys, and is aphrodisiacal. (ii, 2, 314; v, 2, 6.) The same account of it is given by “the Son of Mesue,” in the ‘Continens’ of Rhases (l. ult. i, 323.) In the pharmaceutical work of Myrepsus there is an “antidotus a Galanga,” which is said to be beneficial in affections of the stomach and spleen, and in indigestion; also for singultus, acidity of the food in the stomach, cachexia, dropsy, and coldness of the whole body: it contains cloves, ginger, cinnamon, galangal, &c. (i, 63; also, 222.) Ebn Baithar ascribes the same virtues to it as Serapion; thus he says it is a wonderful aphrodisiac, promotes digestion, cures colic, is carminative, and so forth. Although now little used, galangal root is not yet wholly unknown to the writers on the Materia Medica. Dr. Pereira says of “radix galangæ officinalis; its odour is agreeably aromatic, its taste peppery and aromatic. It is the rhizome of the Alpinia Galanga Roxb.” (Mat. Med. 698.) See also Lewis (Mat. Med. 452); Hill (Mat. Med. i, 447); Quincy (72); Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmacop. 26); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 166.) There are two species of galangal, which Dr. Lindley refers to the alpinia racemosa and galanga. He says of them, “the warm and pungent roots of the greater and lesser galangals are not only used by the Indian doctors, but are considered useful in coughs, given in infusion.” (Ibid.) On the Galangal see further Ainslie (Mat. Ind., i, 140.)

Zeduaria and Zerumbeth.

In order to understand this subject it will be necessary in the first place to see the descriptions of these substances given by modern authorities. Dr. Pereira says of the former of these: “The Zeduary root (Radix Zeduariæ officinalis) of English druggists appears to me to agree with Professor Guibourt’s description of round Zeduary (Zeduaria rotunda). It is the sliced tuber of Curcuma Zeduaria Rox. It has a warm, aromatic, bitter taste, and an aromatic odour.” (Mat. Med. 698.) And of the Zerumbet the same author says: “Cassamunar root is considered by English druggests to be identical with Zerumbet root. (Private information; also, Gray, Pharmacop.) It appears to me to be the Turmeric-coloured Zeduary of Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 490.) Is it the product of Zinziber Cassamuniar Roxb.? The Zerumbet root which I received from my friend Dr. Royle is very similar in shape to a curved and arched piece of long turmeric.” (Mat. Med. 698.) Dr. Ainslie gives an interesting disquisition on the Zeduary of which he describes three species: 1. Zeduary Kæmpferian (Kæmpferia rotunda.) 2. Zeduary Zerumbet (Curcuma Zerumbet.) 3. Zeduary turmeric-coloured (Curcuma and Amomum Zeduaria.) We shall now be better able to ascertain the meaning of the ancient descriptions of these substances. Serapion describes separately the Zerumbet Zeduaria and Zerumbet, but in such terms that one is at a loss to see any real distinction between them. (De Simpl. 172, 271.) He calls Zeduary an odoriferous tree for which cinnamon is often substituted. He refers to Galen and Paulus, but what passages in their works he alludes to it is not easy to discover. He describes it as being a great tree which grows on Mount Lebanon, and produces no fruit, but has the odour of citron, and is hot and dry in its nature, and is astringent so as both to open and astringe the bowels. Mesarugie, one of his authorities, compares its virtues to those of nutmeg; praises it as being sternutatory, and also stomachic and hepatic. This, without doubt, is the Zeduary, and the Zarnabum of Avicenna, who describes it separately from the Zerumbet, but mentions that the latter is much the same as the Zeduary. (ii, 2, 736, 738.) Rhases, in like manner, compares the Zerumbet to the Zeduary as being possessed of similar powers. He treats most fully of the former, recommending it as being alexipharmic, a good application to apostemes, &c. (Contin. l. ult. ii, 765.) Ebn Baithar treats fully of the Zerumbeth, which he describes minutely, and compares it to the great Cyperus. He says it is called camphor-root in the West. He calls it alexipharmical, cordial, intoxicating; an excellent medicine in inflation of the uterus, and possessed of emmenagogue and diuretic powers. He says it is good in affections of the liver and surrounding parts. It is said to determine downwards when applied to the soles of the feet in complaints of the head, to prove useful in leprosy when rubbed into the part affected, and to remove impotence. He also treats separately, and at considerable length, of the Zeduaria nigra. (ii, 95.) From the above account it will be seen that these two substances were nearly allied to one another, and in fact there is no doubt that the one was often taken for the other. See further Moses Charras (Royal Pharmacop. 68); Gray (Pharmacop. 26.) The Zeduary was often used as a succedaneum for the costus (Pemberton, Dispensatory, 340) in the composition of the Mithridate, and hence these two substances have been sometimes erroneously taken for the same. See also Manardus ad Mesue (De Trochiscis, 154); and Quincy (English Dispensatory, 483.)

Amomum Grana Paradisi.

There seems to be no doubt that this is the article which Ebn Baithar means to describe (i, 272). He calls it a spicy plant which comes out of Yemen and India. He describes two kinds, and says of them that they are hot, fragrant, and astringent, and hence prove stomachic and promote digestion. He says they are useful in epilepsy and faintings, and cure headaches in a sternutatory. He describes the smaller kind as being weaker but more attenuant than the larger. We are not aware of the grains of paradise, or Guinea grains, as they are sometimes called, being described by any other of the ancient authorities. We need scarcely remark that they are now well known, and occasionally used in the practice of medicine. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 27); Pereira (Mat. Med. 697); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 167.)

Macis and Nux moschata.

We have shown in the proper place that the Macer of the Greeks and Romans was not mace. The Arabian authorities, it is true, in describing Mace quote what the Greeks had written on Macer, but this does not prove their identity, for many such instances of confused reference occur in their works. Avicenna says, upon the authority of Mesue, that mace is the cortex (meaning, of course, the involucre) of nux moschata. He recommends it as a good stomachic, hepatic, and uterine medicine, and says it proves an astringent in fluxes of the bowels and in dysentery (ii, 2, 448.) The nutmeg, or nucleus of the myristica officinalis, he says, is of the size of a gall, brittle, having a fine rind (involucre), and a sharp smell. He recommends it as a styptic in complaints of the liver, spleen, and stomach, and in difficulty of urine. In oils he says it is a sedative of pain, and also in pessaries, and it stops vomiting. (ii, 2, 495.) He quotes no Greek authorities under this head. Rhases, in his ‘Continens,’ says briefly of the nux moschata, that it resembles cloves, and is good for the stomach and liver. (l. ult. 507.) In his other work (Ad Mansor. iii, 30,) he calls it hot and dry, and recommends it as an astringent in coldness of the stomach and liver. Mesue, in his electuary of lignum aloes, which he recommends for affections of the heart, stomach, and coldness of the liver, mentions nutmeg and mace as two of its ingredients. (De Electariis, i.) The ancient writer, however, who gives the fullest account of these articles is Serapion, who under this head quotes only from Arabian authorities, namely, Aaron, Isaac ebn Amram, Aben Mesuai, Miseaben, Albasari, and Rhases. They all agree in representing them to be aromatic and astringent, useful in flatulence and other complaints of the stomach, in fetid breath, indigestion, and enlargements of the spleen and liver. (De Simpl. 161.) Ebn Baithar’s extracts under this head are principally from Rhases and Avicenna. He evidently disapproves of the opinion of those that held Macer and Mace to be identical. On the nutmeg and mace we would beg to refer to Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 202, 249.) It will be there seen that the Hindoos still use these articles as cardiac, hepatic, and stomachic medicines. It appears doubtful to us whether the Greeks and Romans were at all acquainted with the nutmeg. For we have always suspected the genuineness of the last chapter but one of Aëtius, which contains a number of Indian aromatics not to be found elsewhere in the works of the Greek authorities. Our suspicions, which are of old date, have been much strengthened by the discovery that many of the formulæ contained in that chapter as given in the Latin translation are wanting in the two MSS. of Aëtius in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. This we have positively ascertained through the kindness of Dr. Greenhill, who examined this part of these MSS. at our request to ascertain the fact. It may be well to take this opportunity of stating that with the original of the last eight books of Aëtius we have no personal acquaintance further than from a cursory examination of these MSS. during a very brief visit to Oxford in 1845. In the MS. named ‘Canon. Gr.’ (109), the nuces Indicæ are called κάρυα Ινδικά. From what we have stated above, it must now be obvious that we have arrived at the positive conclusion that the νάσκαφθον of the Greek Mat. Med. was not mace. (See the Commentary on this article.)

Nux Indica.

According to Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 268) the first mention of the Cocos nucifera, or cocoa-nut, occurs in the Itinerary of Abuzeid and Wahab. No mention of it is made in the works of the Greek writers on medicine. The Arabians describe it minutely as an article of food, so that it ought to have been noticed by us in our Commentary on the 81st sect. of Book I. Rhases treats of it very fully as a dietetical article, and also as a medicine, saying of it that it purges away the tapeworm, that the oil of it is useful both internally and externally in pains and flatulence of the back, loins, knees, and in hemorrhoids; and he further quotes Bemasuy in confirmation of this character of it. All his authorities held it to be a hot and dry medicine. (Cont. l. ult. i, 506.) Avicenna gives, almost word for word, the same account of it. The flesh of the cocoa-nut, he says, is intensely white, and its juice sweet; and when there is not much juice in it, we are to understand that it is old. The inner bark, he says, is to be taken off, as being wholly indigestible. He recommends it in exactly the same complaints as Rhases does, only as a vermifuge he does not say that its oil brings away the tapeworm, but ascarides and lumbrici. (ii, 2, 498.) Serapion gives a somewhat fuller description of the cocoa-nut, which he knew to be the fruit of a palm-tree, but otherwise his account of it is the same as that of the two authorities already quoted. Of his Arabian authorities, one says that it is laxative, and another that it is astringent. (De Simpl. 228.) Haly Abbas recommends the Nux Indica as a comforter of the nerves in hemicrania, paralysis, and epilepsy. (Pract. ii, 38, 248.) Mesue notices the “oleum ex nuce Indica,” which, he says, is useful in nervous pains, purges the lungs and chest, clears the voice, fattens, and engenders semen. (De Oleis, i.) Ebn Baithar gives an interesting account of the cocoa-palm both as a medicine and an article of food. He says its milk is at times intoxicating and aphrodisiac, and that it is useful in certain complaints of the urine, in tænia and other intestinal worms. The reader will find it interesting to compare the above account of the cocoa from the ancient authorities with what Ainslie says of it in his work, ‘Materia Indica,’ i, 451; and Dr. Lindley in his late admirable publication on the ‘Vegetable Kingdom,’ (136.)

Bdellium.

It has been supposed that under this head Avicenna (ii, 2, 112), and other oriental writers, have included either that species of Palm called Borassus flabelliformis; or another congener, Hyphæne Thebaica. See Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 272); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 452); Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 90); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 136.) The term, however, was applied to other substances, as we have stated under the proper head.

Tamarindi.

There is no doubt that we are indebted to the Arabians for our first knowledge of this important medicine. Serapion, in describing this article, quotes only from Arabian authorities, which implies that he held the Greeks to have been unacquainted with it. Its leaves are said to resemble those of the willow. His first authority, Abohanifa, says it grows in Cæsaria; and his next, Aben Mesuai, says its fruit, which is of a ruddy colour, and has much pulp, is brought from India. In temperament it is said to be cold in the third degree, and has the power of purging yellow bile gently, and of repressing its pungency; of stopping vomiting, and removing pruritus. His other authorities, Abugerig, Mesebab, and Mesarugie, give a similar account of it. (De Simpl. 348.) Rhases writes of it in nearly the same terms: thus, he says, it extinguishes yellow bile, opens the bowels, removes thirst and vomiting, and strengthens the stomach. Its action is said to be similar to that of prunes. (Contin. l. ult. i, 699.) On his own authority Rhases says of Tamarinds in another place, that they are of a cold nature, loosen the bowels, repress intense bile and blood. (Ad Mansor. iii, 49.) Avicenna calls Tamarinds cold and dry in the second degree, says they are laxative, and more attenuant than prunes, and contain less juice: that they stop excessive vomiting, and thirst in fevers, and brace the stomach when it is relaxed. They are beneficial, he adds, in syncoptic fevers, and other disorders in which it is necessary to open the bowels gently. (ii, 2, 691.) Mesue describes Tamarinds as being acidulous dates, or the fruit of wild palms growing in India. He gives a very minute description of them, which we need not copy. As to temperament he says, they are cold and dry in the second degree; and in order to correct their bad effects in cold affections of the stomach, he directs them to be mixed with mace, spikenard, mastich, fennel, parsley, endive, &c. He further directs their action to be increased by giving them in the whey of goats, the infusion of fumitory or of hops. He gives very minute directions for preparing Tamarind whey, both simple and compound. As to its virtues, he says, it brings away bile, represses the ebullition of it, and the heat of the blood, is beneficial in inflammation of the liver and stomach, quenches thirst, removes all heat connected with it, is useful in jaundice, stops vomiting, and is a good medicine in acute fevers which require to be repressed. Being of a weak nature, Tamarinds, he says, require to be given to the amount of from two to five ounces. (De Simpl.) Ebn Baithar’s description of Tamarinds is full and accurate, but does not contain anything of importance in addition to the information which we have extracted from the other authorities who preceded him. (See Vol. I, 212.)

Myrobalani.

We have stated under the head of Balanus, that the Greek authorities before the Arabian period were entirely unacquainted with the stone fruits which now bear the name of Myrobalans. As these substances are now scarcely known in this country, we shall find it convenient again, in the present instance, to give, in the first place, a brief account of them from modern authorities. They are well described by Geoffroy, Alston, the Commentators on Mesue, and many other writers on the Mat. Med. They held a place in the British Dispensatory as late as the time of Quincy, and are described by Boerhaave in his Mat. Med. They have not lately been used in the practice of medicine either in Europe, or by our English physicians in the East Indies, as far as we have been able to learn. Five species are described by all writers on them, both ancient and modern, namely, the Citrine, Belleric, Chebulic, Emblic, and Indian. For a particular description of them see Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 262); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 236), and Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med.) According to the last of these authors, the Black or Indian, the Yellow or Citrine, and the Chebulic, are the product of the Terminalia Chebula; the fourth or Beleric, of the T. Belerica, all belonging to the natural tribe of medicines now called Combretaceæ; while the fifth or Emblic is the fruit of the Phyllanthus Emblica, now called Emblica officinalis. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 280.) We shall now be able to apprehend the descriptions of the ancient authors.

Rhases quotes several Arabian and Indian authorities on Myrobalans. The Citrine or Yellow, according to Badigorias (Pythagoras?), is cholagogue, and the Black stomachic. The other authorities quoted by him agree in generally holding that myrobalans are cholagogue and stomachic, and that they are useful in hemorrhoids and palpitation of the heart. Sarac, the Indian, recommends them as purgative and stomachic medicines in mental diseases, hemorrhoids, headache, dropsy, and diseases of the spleen. They all seem to be agreed in holding that myrobalans are possessed of a purgative power compounded with astringency. (Contin. l. ult. i, 473.) In his other works he recommends myrobalans for purging yellow bile, and melancholy or black bile, and also as astringents. (Divis. i, 144, and Ad Mansor. viii, 54.) In the latter work he says, that in order to purge, the proper dose of citrine myrobalans is from ten to twenty drachms. Avicenna describes four species of myrobalans, namely, the Citrine, unripe, the black Indian, the Kebulic, and the Chinese, meaning by the last, we suppose, the Emblic, or fruit of the Emblica officinalis. He describes minutely their specific differences, and states of their general virtues as medicines, that they are cold in the first degree and dry in the second; that they all extinguish yellow bile, and are useful in bilious complaints; that the black brightens the colour, and all kinds are useful in leprosy. He recommends them in diseases of the eyes, and in those of the chest accompanied with palpitation and sorrow. He also states several minute distinctions among them as to medicinal powers, which we do not think it necessary to enter upon. (ii, 2, 449.) Serapion writes very elaborately on myrobalans, of which he describes four species, the Citrine, the Black or Indian, the Kebulic, and the Chinese citrine (Emblic?). The authorities quoted by him are generally agreed, that myrobalans possess astringency with bitterness, purge bile and whet the stomach; are cordial, and prove useful in melancholy, &c. Sarac, the Indian, as quoted by him, maintains of myrobalans, that they are hot and astringent, and at the same time eccoprotic, that they strengthen the senses and the nerves, are useful in leprosy, colic, old hemorrhoids, vertigo, and dropsy, and that they induce nausea and vomiting. Honain gives minute directions for the preparation of them, but these we shall not enter upon. Some apothecaries, he says, fall into the mistake of selling Kebulic myrobalans of a black colour for the true black kind. For the true black myrobalans, he says, are brought from India, whereas of the Kebulic, some are yellow and others black according to the time of their growth at which they are gathered from the trees. He gives very minute directions for administering them with other substances, such as prunes, Sebesten plums, jujubes, and the like; but as most of these substances are not now much known, it would not be interesting to most readers to learn his remarks on this subject. (De Simpl. 107.) Mesue also gives a very elaborate and circumstantial account of myrobalans, which our necessary limits prevent us from giving at full length. He ranks them with the Blessed Medicines (medicinis benedictis); for, he adds, in loosening the bowels, they do not weaken but strengthen the stomach, heart, liver, and the whole body. The only bad effect, he says, which they ever produce, is obstruction. Their operation, he adds, is wonderfully increased by combining them with scammony. He says, of all the kinds, that they are cold in the first degree and dry in the second. His directions for correcting any bad effects from the use of them, and for increasing their operation, are most circumstantial, and bespeak an intimate acquaintance with the subject. He eulogises them in the strongest terms, declaring that they restore youth, improve the complexion, the breath, and the perspiration, impart joy and hilarity, strengthen the stomach, heart, and liver, are useful in palpitations, cleanse the stomach, are useful in hemorrhoids, extinguish heat in cholera, and this more especially the citrine. He also speaks favorably of them in a prescribed preparation for complaints of the eyes, and for tertian and bilious fevers. The Kebulic, he says, are phlegmagogue, and especially the prepared kinds; they improve the sight, cleanse and comfort the stomach, and are useful in dropsy and chronic fevers. The Black bring away black and adust bile, are useful in melancholy and palpitations, clear the colour, cure leprosy, remove sadness, and are beneficial in quartans. The dose from two to five drachms. (De Simpl. ii.) He treats separately of the Emblic and Belleric, but we need not enter upon his account of them. And here we would refer our readers to Costa’s commentary on this part of Mesue, as containing all the interesting information which can be gleaned from ancient authors on the subject of myrobalans. For the other Arabians, see Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 54); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (pluries); and Avenzoar (Antidot.) None of these supply much that is important after what we have given from the other authorities. Of the Greek writers on medicine, Actuarius is the only one that gives any distinct account of myrobalans, and he professes to derive his information from “the wise barbarian doctors,” meaning the Arabians. He first describes the Citrine, the Kebulic, and the Black or Indian, and represents them as possessing purgative powers, combined with some astringency and tonicity. Besides these three kinds he mentions, as possessing purgative powers of a like nature, two medicines, which he calls empelilez and empletze, by which he no doubt meant Emblic and Belleric. (Meth. Med. v, 8.) The five kinds of myrobalans, namely, the Citrine, the Kebulic, the Indian, the Belleric, and the Emblic, occur in one of the antidotes of Nicolas Myrepsus, who recommends them in various remittent and intermittent fevers. (i, 24.) Myrobalans have always been much esteemed by the Hindoo physicians. See the Susruta, and Wise’s Book on Hindoo Medicine (pluries.)

Manna.

Though the Arabians would certainly appear to have been the first to introduce the substance now used medicinally under this name, it is impossible to believe that the Greeks and Romans can have been wholly unacquainted with it. It, we need scarcely inform our professional readers, is procured principally from the Ornus Europæa or flowering ash, either by incision, or the puncture of an insect. The ancients, however, applied this term to a variety of the thus, as we have stated in the preceding commentary on this section, and also to the honey-dew described in Vol. I, pp. 178, 179 of this work. We have further mentioned under the head of Elæomeli, that it probably was some species of manna. Altogether then the term we are now considering is often a puzzle in reading the works of the ancient authorities. See further Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 209); Sprengel (R. H. H.); Pereira (M. M. 928); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 547, 617, 737, 341, 342.) Even the Arabians, who appear to have been perfectly well acquainted with its medicinal properties, confound it with the honey-dew, and seem to say that it falls from heaven upon the trees. Serapion describes it by the name of Tereniaben or mel roris, and says it falls from above upon certain trees, and resembles granulated honey. Its virtues he states, upon the authority of Isaac ebn Amram, to consist in opening the bowels, and moistening the chest, and he adds that it suits with persons of a hot temperament, especially when dissolved in water of jujubes, or of prunes. His other authorities recommend it in the same complaints, and also in the inflammation of ardent fevers and for quenching thirst. The dose is said to be from ten to twenty drachms. (De Simpl. 10.) We may mention that Serapion and all the other authorities mention that manna is found most abundantly on thorns. Avicenna’s account of this subject is so like to that of Serapion that it would be superfluous to give any abstract of it. (ii, 2, 694.) Rhases also gives nearly the same description of manna upon the authority of Abinerog, Mesaurice, Mesue, and Chuz. (Contin. l. ult. i, 711.) All these authorities represent it as being a gentle purgative and expectorant, and as being useful in acute and intermittent fevers. In another of his works (Ad Mansor. ix, 14), treating of hoarseness and coryza, he prescribes an expectorant decoction, one of the ingredients of which is “manna, quam aërium appellant.” In his chapter on angina (ix, 51) he prescribes a laxative medicine containing tamarinds, cassia fistula, and “manna quam veteres mel aërium appellant.” Mesue gives an elaborate account of the origin, characters, temperament, and virtues of manna, which is well worth consulting, although it contains nothing of any great importance in addition to what is stated above on the authority of Serapion, Avicenna, and Rhases. He would appear moreover to confound the manna thuris with the manna of the ash. Like the other authorities, he holds manna to be a gentle cholagogue, and says it softens the throat, the chest, the bowels, and quenches thirst. The dose from six to fifteen drachms. (De Simpl. 8.) We have not found anything further of interest in the works of Averrhoes, Haly Abbas, and Ebn Baithar. The last of these says the Ros Melleus is a substance which falls upon trees in Chorasan; that it is useful in ardent fevers, moistens the chest, proves more detergent than sugar, cools thirst, improves the memory, purges yellow bile, &c. He evidently alludes to the true manna of the ash. Actuarius mentions cassia fistula and manna as two purgative medicines which may be safely given to children and pregnant women. (Meth. Med. v.)

Turpeth.

There can be no doubt that it is the Convolvulus Turpethum. Rhases recommends turpeth for purging crude and recrementitious humours from the knees and other joints. His two authorities, Mesue the elder, and Chuz, give it the same character. (Contin. l. ult. i, 729.) Avicenna, after describing it, represents it as being efficacious in diseases of the nerves and joints, as being phlegmagogue, and if mixed with ginger, as bringing away crude humours. (ii, 2, 701.) Serapion confounds it with the tripolium of Dioscorides and Galen, as we have stated under that head. Upon the authority of Aben Mesuai he assigns it the property of purging viscid phlegm, but says that it brings on mental depression by its horrid taste, and, therefore, it ought not to be taken alone. Other Arabian authorities, quoted by him, give it the same character. He describes the medicine very minutely, and the marks by which we may determine whether it be sound or not. The dose is from one to two drachms. (De Simpl. 337.) Haly Abbas treats of it in his chapter on purgatives, but confines himself principally to a description of the medicine itself. (Pract. ii, 2, 557.) The ancient author who has treated most fully of turpeth, is Mesue the younger in his work ‘De Simpl.’ (11.) He gives a circumstantial description of it, and full directions for correcting its bad qualities by mixing it with other substances, such as scammony, dates, ginger, almonds, &c. He recommends it principally as a phlegmagogue, and an evacuant of gross humours in diseases of the joints, and as a preservative from leprosy and other diseases of the skin. It has been much disputed whether or not the turpeth of Mesue be the same as that of the other Arabians. (See his Commentators l. c.) We see little reason for questioning their identity. We have not found anything additional of much interest in the great work of Ebn Baithar under this head. The turpeth of Actuarius is the root of the pityusa, that is to say of the Euphorbia pityusa. (Meth. Med. v, 9.) Dr. Ainslie, treating of the Convolvulus turpethum, says: “Our present article had long a place in the Mat. Med., but of late years has fallen into disuse. Alston (M. M. ii, 530) speaks of turpeth as being a strong resinous cathartic, recommended in his days in gout, dropsy, and leprosy.” (Mat. Ind. ii, 384.) It is still known in the shops as a rough purgative. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm.) We are satisfied that it was not known to the Greeks before the Arabian period, that it was neither the Tripolium, as we have already stated, nor yet the Alypias, as some have supposed. It has been long used as a purgative medicine by the Hindoo physicians. See Wise (Hindoo Med. 145.)

Dende.

Serapion gives a very lengthened account of the Dend hayse, and describes two species of it. He speaks of part of it being poisonous, and states that it purges strongly, and induces tenesmus. A person who has taken of it is directed to vomit, to take butter and milk in drink with astringents of a demulcent nature, such as purslane, gum Arabic, &c. He mentions that it is a medicinal herb much used in India and Babylonia, along with other purgatives, but he adds that it induces great debility in that hot and dry country, whereas in Yemen, where the heat is attended with great rains, no class of medicines answer so well as that which possesses astringent and laxative powers combined, such as turpeth, myrobalans, manna, and the like. But dend, he says, answers only in cold countries like Seni (China?). When it brought on hypercatharsis, he says, he directed his patient to sit in a cold hip-bath, and to get cold water dashed over his body. (De Simpl. 388.) Avicenna’s description of dende is mostly taken from Serapion. He directs it to be administered only in a cold country, and along with substances calculated to restrain its violent operations, such as starch and saffron. He says it purges humours and phlegm from the joints. (ii, 2, 215.) We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the works of Haly Abbas, Rhases, Mesue, nor Averrhoes. Ebn Baithar, however, treats of it fully. He says, or at least his German translator makes him say, that it is the Ricinus, and not an Euphorbia, as some had supposed. He gives a minute description of three kinds—the Chinese, the Indian, and the Arboreus; and of these the first is said to be the best and strongest in its purgative operation. It is said to be hot, sharp, and oily, and to purge the body effectually, especially the humours in the joints. It is not given, he says, in hot countries, such as Irak, the sea-coast, the land of Egypt, and Yemen, because fluxes in these countries are common, and owing to the relaxation of the body, it cannot bear this violent medicine. One of his authorities, Honain, wisely remarks that in all hot countries severe medicines ought to be avoided. Minute directions are given for counteracting its deleterious effects. It is said to act as a hot drastic purgative, and to excoriate the intestines. Its bad effects are best counteracted by an emetic, butter, gum lac, and other demulcents. We used to think there could be little or no doubt but that Sprengel was right in referring it to the strychnos colubrinus; but of late, certain authorities, for whom we feel much respect, have held it to be the Croton Tiglium. See Royle (Antiq. Hind. Med. 36; Mat. Med. 552); Pereira (739); and Sontheimer apud Ebn Baithar. We still think that the lignum colubrinum is at least as applicable to the dende. It has been used medicinally in modern times. See Hill (Mat. Med. 693); Gray (Pharmacop. 58); and Pereira (922.) Pereira mentions that he had analysed it, and found that it contains nearly the same ingredients as St. Ignatius’ Bean. Dr. Lindley calls the tree, which furnishes the lignum colubrinum, the Strychnos ligustrina, and mentions of it that it had been used in paralysis of the extremities, and as an anthelminthic. (Veg. Kingd. 603.) Dr. Royle mentions (M. M. l. c.) that when in India the seeds of the croton tiglium were given him as the dund of the Arabians. Is it not more probable that they were merely meant as the succedaneum of the dende?

Fel.

Serapion treats of this substance under the same head with two others, bel and sel. The bel has never been well ascertained, but Sprengel and Ainslie are agreed that the sel is the Ægle marmelos, on which see Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 458.) And now with regard to the Fel, Serapion describes it as a fruit having an external covering like a filbert, containing a grain like that of the larger pine, its colour being intermediate between yellow and white, and it, he adds, is the part which is administered. He says it relieves the inflation of hemorrhoids. (c. 261.) Avicenna gives exactly the same account of Fael, which in the glossarium is described as being “radix seu fructus nenufaris Indi.” He calls it a well-known Indian medicine, useful in relaxation of the nerves, and in inflation of hemorrhoids. He says his virtues are like those of the apples of mandragora. (ii, 2, 251.) Rhases, in like manner, says briefly of Fel that it is a well-known Indian medicine, having powers like those of mandragora. (Contin. l. ult. i, 298.) Dr. Ainslie writes of it thus: “The croton nuts were known to the Arabian physicians by the name of fell (Serapion 261), and were formerly brought to England under the name of Molucca grains.” (Mat. Ind. 106.) Sprengel also in his R. H. H. refers the Fel to the Croton Tiglium. Dr. Hill says of the Molucca grains: “The grana tiglia are of the ricinus kind; they are the nucula cathartica quarta Moluccana purgatoria,” &c. See further p. 540, and Geoffroy (iii. 5, 30.) Certainly it appears to us that the medicinal virtues of the Fel, as given above by Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna, do not agree well with the known powers of the croton tiglium. We cannot, however, pretend to determine what substance the Fel was.

Santalum rubrum.

Avicenna describes the two kinds of sandal wood (lignum pterocarpi santalini) still well known in practice. He says it is a cold and dry medicine, which repels determinations to parts, and this more especially the red. The diseases he most particularly recommends it in are, palpitation of the heart, fevers, weakness of the stomach, and this both in liniments and in draughts. The white, he says, is useful in hot fevers. (ii, 2, 649.) He quotes Galen under this head, but his translator is sensible of this being a mistake. Serapion describes the white, the yellow, and the red kinds of sandal-wood, and gives a very circumstantial account of them. He says sandal-wood is brought from Sini (China?). The various authorities quoted by him concur in giving the different kinds of sandal-wood the same characters as Avicenna, representing it as being useful in complaints of the stomach, and in cardiac disease; and mixed with camphor and rose oil as an external application in hot vertigo when rubbed into the temples. They also agree in representing it along with other cooling plants as being serviceable in gout. The sandal-woods, in short, they all hold to be cold in the third degree and dry in the second. (De Simpl. 346.) Rhases gives a brief account of the red and white sandal-woods, which his authorities recommend in weakness of the stomach, and pain of the head; and also for palpitation of the heart in fevers, when rubbed over the stomach, and for erysipelas when rubbed into the face. (Contin. l. ult. ii, 1, 609.)

Azedarach.

Avicenna describes it as being a well-known tree, having fruit like the Lotus Arbor (Celtis Australis?). He says it is a very large tree, and that its flower is hot in the third degree, and dry in the end of the first, and that it is possessed of deobstruent powers; and the decoction of its leaves kills lice in the hair and strengthens it. Its fruit is bad for the stomach and chest. It is anthelminthic, and useful in colics and in pituitous fevers along with fumitory and myrobalans. (ii, 2, 17.) Rhases gives the same account of the assedarach. (Contin. l. ult. i, 89.) It is barely mentioned by Serapion as being a large tree, but we have not been able to discover it in his Mat. Med. The Arabian authorities of Ebn Baithar give an elaborate account of it, representing it as being dangerous to persons who take it in large doses, but in smaller ones useful for various purposes, and more especially for promoting the growth of the hair. (i, 30.) There can be no question that it must have been the Melia azedarach or “bead tree.” Dr. Ainslie says of it that “in India the bark of the melia azedarach has been ascertained to possess powerful tonic and antifebrile virtues,” and that “it is ordered for almost every purpose that the cinchona is in Europe.” (Mat. Ind. i, 70, ii, 454.) See further on the tree, Miller (Dictionary); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 464); and Crantz (Mat. Med. iii, 40.) The last of these says of it, that he had “read in the Encyclopedia (!!) that it kills lice, &c.” The azedarach is frequently noticed in the Susruta. See also Wise’s Book of Hindu Medicine. (119.)

Anacardium.

On this see Serapion (De Simpl. 356); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 47); and Avicenna (ii, 2, 40.) Of these authorities Avicenna describes it most minutely. They all recommend it in mental diseases, and especially in loss of memory, and say it is useful in coldness of the nerves, in paralysis, and spasms. Avicenna recommends it as a fumigation to hemorrhoids. Without doubt it is the Semicarpus Anacardium, or “marking nut tree” of commerce. It has been used in modern practice, but has now fallen into disuse. See Hill (Mat. Med. 490.) Rhases quotes Galen on the anacardium, referring, as we suppose, to his χρυσοβάλανος. (De Comp. Med. sec. gen. viii.) That the latter was the semicarpus anacardium seems not unlikely. See Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 209.) It is briefly noticed also by Myrepsus and Actuarius under the name of ξανθοβάλανος. And further, it is deserving of remark that anacardia occurs as an ingredient in one of our author’s antidotes (c. 170, Ed. Basil.) To say the least then, it appears doubtful whether the Greeks were wholly ignorant of these substances as stated by Matthiolus. (Comment. in Dioscor. 189.)

Diudar.

Avicenna says of it that it belongs to the genus abhel (sabina?) and is called the Indian pine; that it is pungent, and contains a milk which is hot and occasions thirst. He adds that it is good for relaxation of the nerves, paralysis, &c., also for cold apostemes (chronic inflammations?) of the brain, apoplexy, and catalepsy. He concludes by stating of it that it is lithontriptic, binds the bowels, and that its decoction removes relaxation of the anus. (ii, 2, 213.) In the Glossarium of Avicenna (l. c.) reference is here made to Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 31), but we can find no notice of the Diudar there, nor in any part of the works of Rhases. Ebn Baithar’s account of this article is taken literally from Avicenna. Dr. Royle has ingeniously pointed out the correspondence both of name and characters between the Diudar of the Arabians and the Pinus Deodara. (Antiquity of Hindoo Med. 36.) See also Lindley (Veget. Kingd. 228.)

Sandaracha, or Gum vernix.

It is to be remarked, on the outset, that Serapion and Avicenna in treating of the vernix do not make any reference to Dioscorides and Galen, as is their wont, from which it may be inferred that they did not recognise it as one of the articles which had been described by their Grecian masters. Serapion’s Arabian authorities on this head are, Albugerig, Aben Mesuai, Badegoras, Mesarugie, Abrix, Alabari, Rhases, and Isaac Eben. They agree in recommending it in fumigations for catarrhs, for stopping immoderate menstruation, drying fistulæ; as an anthelminthic, and remedy for hemoptysis and hemorrhoids. One of his authorities (Isaac Eben) describes it as being a gum of a yellow colour, like the karabe, and says it is brought from the land of the Christians. He adds, respecting the karabe, that Galen says it is the gum haur romane (populi Romanæ [?]). Whether by this he meant amber, we shall inquire presently. Avicenna says of the sandaracha or vernix, that it is hot and dry in the second degree, and that it has some astringency, and the power of stopping hemorrhages. He says it is used for removing obesity, for drying fistulæ, that the smoke of it cures catarrhs, and is the best of all remedies for toothache; that it cures palpitation as well as the karabe, stops fluxes of blood, cures humid asthma, and is used by wrestlers to strengthen the breath. It is good, he concludes by saying of it, in diseases of the spleen, and its fumes cure old sores and hemorrhoids. (ii, 2, 619.) It may be proper to remark here, that although Avicenna applies the term sandarach both to realgar and gum vernix he does not fall into the mistake of confounding these substances with one another. This will be clearly seen by comparing ii, 2, 48, with l. c. The Latin translation of the chapter in Rhases’s ‘Continens,’ on Sandarach, is so particularly barbarous, that some passages of it are scarcely intelligible to us, albeit we have spent more time than most people in poring over these most unclassical productions. It is clear, however, that his Arabian authorities recommend vernix in exactly the same cases as Serapion and Avicenna do, namely, in fumigations for asthma and coryza, as a drying application to fistulæ and hemorrhoids, as a stimulant in diseases of the eyes, and as a remedy for defluxion and fluxes of blood from the womb. (Contin. l. ult. i, 610.)

Dr. Lewis, treating of the Juniperus, says, “In the warmer climates, particularly on the coasts of Africa, there exudes from a larger species of juniper a resinous juice which concretes into semi-pellucid, pale, yellowish tears, resembling mastich, but larger; the sandaracha and gummi juniperi of the shops, called by some, from the use to which it is principally applied, vernix. It has been given internally against hemorrhages, old fluxes, and ulcerations; but is principally employed externally in corroborant, nervine, and traumatic applications.” (Mat. Med. ii, 24.) Recent authorities have decided that the gum sandarach is not the product of the juniperus communis, as usually supposed, but of the Callitris quadrivalris. See Pereira (Mat. Med. 727); and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 229.) On the vernix see further Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 201.)

Is this the same as the Cedria of the Greeks and Romans? See Dioscorides (i, 105); Galen (De Simpl. vi.) We are inclined to think that it either was the same, or, at all events, that both were procured from trees of the same genus. See the description of the Cedria given by Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 11) with the notes of Harduin. We have stated under Cedrus that it generally signifies a large species of juniper. And further, upon comparing the medicinal uses of the cedria as given by Pliny (who follows Dioscorides closely) with those of the Sandarach as given above from the Arabians, no one can doubt that they must apply to the same thing, or at least to substances of a like kind. The cedria must not be confounded with cedrium described by Pliny. (H. N. xvi, 21.) The latter would appear to have been a liquid procured from the wood by distillation or boiling. There appears much probability in the conjecture of Berzelius that the cedrium was a sort of pyroligneous acid. Pliny says it was used for embalming dead bodies. (l. c.)

Karabe, or Populus.

Avicenna describes it as being the gum of a tree called haur romana (populus Romana?), resembling vernix, of different colours, and when of a ruddy colour attracting chaff and other small objects. He says the gum is like the flower of the tree in virtues but colder, being astringent in the case of all fluxes, especially bleeding from the nose, and hemoptysis. He agrees with Rhases and Serapion that it is a good periapt in cases of hot apostemes. He recommends it as a good cordial medicine, and one which is useful in affections of the stomach and bowels. (ii, 2, 364.) He treats of the other parts of the poplar separately, and also gives a distinct chapter on Ambra, and in his work ‘De Med. Cord.’ he treats separately of Ambra and Karabe. Serapion under the head of haur romi first gives abbreviated translations of Dioscorides’s and Galen’s descriptions of the black poplar (ἄιγειρος), and then a translation of an extract said to be from Paulus, but which we cannot trace in the works of our author. In that extract Karabe is called the gum of the haur romi; it is said to be astringent, and to be confounded by some with the sandarach, and that it was called the funeral gum because the Latins used it in burials. He concludes by giving extracts from several Arabian authorities regarding its medicinal characters, which agree in the main with those given above from Avicenna. (De Simpl. 276.) He gives a perfectly distinct chapter on Ambra (c. 196.) Rhases has a chapter on the “haur seu fagus,” which, except that it does not contain the pretended extract from Paulus, is made up from almost the same authorities as the one of Serapion which we have just discussed. Karabe, it is said, is the gum of the tree. (Contin. l. ult. i, 256.) Although there is a good deal of confusion in the accounts of Karabe contained in these extracts, we think it impossible to avoid drawing the conclusion that the authorities meant to apply it to the resin of some balsam poplar, probably some variety of the Populus nigra, or dilatata. It would be a great mistake then to identify the Karabe with amber. Indeed, Ebn Baithar distinctly says that amber is not the gum of the black poplar as had been supposed, which he clearly establishes by showing that the characters of the gum poplar, as given by Dioscorides and Galen, by no means accord with those of amber (succinum.) See further under Electrum, Sandarach, and Ambra grisea. It is proper to mention that although our opinion with regard to the Karabe be as we have stated, most of our modern authorities have set it down as being identical with the succinum. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 215); Royle (Mat. Med. 648); Pemberton (Dispensatory, 102.) We are persuaded, however, that whoever will carefully read the ninth chapter of the first part of Avicenna’s work “on Cordial Medicines,” must agree with us that he held the Karabe and Ambra to be totally different substances, and a careful study of Mesue (De Electariis) will confirm this conclusion. The gum or resin of the black poplar is mentioned by Schroeder. (Chemical Dispensat. 442.)

Tembul and Faufel.

We treat of these substances under one head for a reason which will become apparent before the conclusion of our article upon them. Tembul, according to Avicenna, is cold in the first degree and dry in the second; it is astringent and desiccant; it strengthens the gums, and for this purpose is constantly chewed by the Indians; it also strengthens the stomach, and for this purpose also is frequently chewed by the same people. (ii, 2, 699.) Haly Abbas gives a very similar account of it; he says it is brought from India, and that seafaring men made much use of it, because they lived much upon fish. (Pract. ii, 36, 207.) Ebn Baithar treats of it at great length. One of his authorities, Abuthanifa, says it improves the state of the mouth. Elmasudi gives an interesting description of it; he says it renders the breath fragrant, improves the mouth, and even the mind, and he says further of it that it reddens the teeth. Elgafaki says it cures bleeding and swelling of the tonsils, being of an astringent and desiccant nature. Elscherif calls it hot in the first, and dry in the second degree, and says it produces exhilaration of spirits, and cures flatulence. He describes minutely the Indian mode of using it. The author himself under this head warns his readers not to confound the plant used in his time for the tembul, with the true tembul, which he says was seldom brought from India in his days because it lost its virtues by being carried to a distance. (ii, 200.)

Faufel, or Avellana Indica, is described by Serapion’s authorities as being like the nutmeg, and as having a slight degree of heat with some bitterness. Its virtues are said to be like those of the sandal tree. It is recommended as an application to hot apostemes. Some of his authorities call it hot and dry, and all seem to agree in holding it to be astringent. One of them, Mesarugie, says that it suits with toothache and scabies of the eyebrow. Mesue says it strengthens the teeth, represses the gums when swelled, and is useful in swelling of the eye. (De Simpl. 345.) Avicenna describes it as being cold with some astringency, and as being useful in hot apostemes of a gross nature, and inflation of the eye. (i, 2, 256.) Ebn Baithar calls it a palm, and says of it that it is a gentle purgative, makes the breath fragrant, is a cordial, and strengthens the gums and teeth. (i, 267.)

Now there can be no doubt that the former of these is the piper betel, and the latter the areca catechu. The nuts of the latter, which modern authorities describe as resembling the nutmeg, are cut into slices, and along with the leaves of the betel constitute the famous masticatory of the East called betel. For an account of these two substances, consult in particular Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 268, 465); Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 85); Pereira (M. M. 616); Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 137); Meyen (Geograph. of Botany, as edited by the Ray Society.)

Chubabe, or Cubebæ.

Avicenna under this head refers to the carpesium of Galen, but it evidently was a different substance. Some, he says, had called it refrigerant with some heat, but he holds it to be truly hot and dry in the second degree. He calls it aperient and attenuant, and recommends it in putrid ulcers of the members and gums, as a medicine which clears the voice when held in the mouth, and as a deobstruent of the liver in engorgement thereof; as a cleanser of the urinary passages, as a diuretic medicine which promotes the discharge of gravel and stones of the kidneys, and of the bladder, and he adds, “Sputum masticantis eam delectat eam cum qua habetur coitus.” (ii, 2, 134.) Rhases also, through some mistake, quotes Galen under this head, and gives exactly the same account of its medicinal powers as Avicenna. (Contin. l. ult. i, 242.) Serapion under this head gives Dioscorides’s description of the wild myrtle with further references to Galen and Paulus, but concludes by saying that he was sensible Dioscorides had not treated of cubebs. (De Simpl. 288.) Ebn Baithar mentions that certain of the authorities had taken it for the carpesium. He says it renders the breath fragrant and cures affections of the bladder. He further quotes Ebn Sina (Avicenna?) as stating that it enhances the delight of coitus. (i, 344.) By the way, Dr. Pereira mentions that the Indians still take them to excite the sexual feelings. We would beg to refer for further information on this subject to his excellent account of the Piper Cubeba. (754.) See also Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 204), and Royle (M. M. 562.)

Usnen.

See Avicenna (ii, 2, 713); Serapion (De Simpl. 257); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 753.) This term is used rather vaguely by the Arabian authors, but there can be no doubt that it comprehended the salsola fruticosa. They call it abstergent, cleansing, and aperient, and recommend it as an emmenagogue, and in difficulty of urine and dropsy. Rhases says it is of a hot and dry nature, and is purgative, deobstruent, and corrosive. (Ad Mansor. iii, 22.) The confectio de usnen of Serapion containing fourteen other ingredients mostly of an aromatic nature, is recommended by him for debility of the stomach. (De Antidot. 71.)

Fagara, or Fagre.

See Serapion (De Simpl. c. c.); Avicenna (ii, 2, 260); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 312.) Serapion’s authorities compare it to the vetch, and say of it that it is hot and dry in the second degree, and is stomachic. Isaac ebn Amran describes it as having a small, black, round grain within, and a red one without, as forming a good gargle in fætor of the mouth, and entering as an ingredient into powders and ointments. Avicenna’s description of it is to the same effect; he says, however, that it is hot and dry in the third degree. He recommends it as an astringent, stomachic, and hepatic medicine. Rhases’s account of it is very short, but not far different from the others. Dr. Lindley describing the Xanthoxylon hastile, says of it, “that its capsules and seeds are employed in Northern India for intoxicating fish; they are also given as the faghuret of Avicenna. The X. piperitum and Avicennæ are used in China and Japan as antidotes against all poisons; they would undoubtedly in many cases be of considerable use as a stimulant remedy.” (Veg. Kingd. 473.) See further Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 270), and Royle (M. M. 326.)

Artamita.

Avicenna gives such a description of it as fully justifies Sprengel in deciding it to be the Cyclamen Persicum. He recommends it in diseases of the joints, as a sternutatory, and for the cure of hiccup, and says of it that it is alexipharmic and produces abortion. (ii, 2, 61.) It is in use with the Hindoo physicians. See Wise (System of Hindoo Med.)

Vertz.

From Serapion’s account of it there seems no doubt that it is the Memecylon tinctorium. He gives a very minute description of three species which grow in Arabia and India, and mentions that some held the root of one of the species to be the curcuma. They are all remarkable for containing colouring matter. He recommends them for the cure of leprosy, pruritus, and pustula. (De Simpl. 170.) Rhases briefly describes it by the name of vars. He says two kinds, the yellow and the red, are brought from Yemen, and that they are collected upon trees like pounded saffron. (Contin. l. ult. iii, 110.) Avicenna describes it by the name of gures. (ii, 2, 291.) His description is very similar to that given by Rhases, and he recommends it in the very same cases as Serapion. Ebn Baithar gives a very full and interesting description of it both as a dye and as a medicine, but we need not enter into an exposition of his views, since they scarcely differ at all from the account of it given above from Serapion. We may just mention that he says clothes dyed with it are aphrodisiac. See Vol. I, 585. The memecyls constitute a genus of plants still well known in India as dyes and articles of food and medicine. See the works of Royle and Lindley.

Mahaleb.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 44); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 442); Avicenna (ii, 2, 471.) It appears to be undoubtedly the Prunus Mahaleb, that is to say, the Cerasus Mahaleb of Miller, Angl., “rock,” or “perfumed” cherry. Serapion applies to it what Dioscorides and Galen had written on the phillyrea; after which he gives the opinions of several Arabian authorities who recommend it as a medicine to expel the superfluities of the system and intestinal worms, and as being useful in gout, and as a lithontriptic. One of them, Isaac ebn Amram, describes the varieties of it very circumstantially. Avicenna and Rhases give a similar account of it.

Jesemin and Zambach.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 176); Rhases (Contin. xxii, 838; l. ult. i, 369); Avicenna (ii, 2, 611); and Ebn Baithar (591.)

Serapion describes them under the same head, the one as having a white flower, and the other a yellow, of which the latter is the weaker in its powers. It is got, he says, from Babylonia, where there is another species which has a sky-blue colour. His authorities recommend it principally in phlegmatic complaints, and more particularly in those of old persons, and as an application in impetigo and other cutaneous diseases of a like nature. He says it induces headache when administered to persons of a hot temperament. Avicenna gives a very similar account of these two plants, and neither Rhases nor Ebn Baithar supplies any additional information regarding them; the latter, however, gives a very interesting account of them. He says of the yellow species that it was used for dyeing the hair. Like the others, he speaks favorably of it, and especially of its oil in complaints of a cold nature. The latter species, in all probability, was the jasminum sambac, still well known in the East as a perfume. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 651); Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 59); and Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 242.) Whether the other be the humile or officinale, we are unable to determine.

Secacul.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 89) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 663.) From the description which they give of it, there can be no doubt, we think, that it is the pastinaca secacul, Russel; that is to say, the Tordilium orientale, secacul dictum of Miller. (Gard. Dictionary.) They agree in saying that it is decidedly aphrodisiac, more especially when preserved with honey. Avicenna concludes his notice of it with stating that buzeiden is used instead of it. In another part of his work he gives very sensible directions for preparing secacul conditum, that is to say, “preserved secacul.” (v, 1, 8.) Although, as we have stated above, we think there is little or no doubt that the secacul was a species of tordylium, it is proper to acknowledge that the learned commentators on Mesue are much divided in opinion respecting it. (De Electariis, i, 95.)

Buzeiden.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 260); Avicenna (ii, 2, 95); and Ebn Baithar (ii, 183.) Avicenna describes it as being an Indian medicine possessing virtues resembling those of beer. He says it is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first; is attenuant, proves serviceable in pains of the joints and in gout; is aphrodisiacal and alexipharmic. (ii, 295.) Serapion calls it a species of satyrion (orchis?). He calls it an Indian medicine, little used in his country. He says it resembles hermodactyls in the cure of arthritic diseases or of gout, and that it engenders semen, but hurts the testicles. Its bad effects are best corrected by mustard; its dose two drachms. Ebn Baithar, in this instance, supplies no additional information. After what we have stated of it, we need have no hesitation in agreeing with Sprengel that it is the orchis morio, or at all events some species of that genus. As Serapion does not quote any Greek authorities under this head, it may be inferred that he held it to be distinct from the orchis of Dioscorides and his followers. Several species of this genus are still used in India as medicines. The famous salep is procured principally from the O. mascula. See Royle, Lindley, and Pereira.

Mial, or Storax humida.

The liquid Storax is described distinctly by Avicenna, who states that one species of it exudes from the tree and the other is got by boiling; that the former is of a lighter colour and is highly valuable, whereas the other is darker and is less esteemed. Some, he says, held it to be beneficial in cerebral diseases, but this opinion he rejects, as it induces vertigo. See under Storax. He quotes only from Arabian authorities. (ii, 2, 423, 615.) Both kinds of storax are treated of largely by Serapion. (De Simpl. 46), and are noticed by Rhases. (Contin. l. ult. i, 687.)

It is still disputed what tree it is which produces the Liquid Storax. According to Sprengel and most modern authorities, until of late, it was held to be the Altingia excelsa. Dr. Pereira, however, shows that this is a doubtful point, and mentions that Dr. Lindley holds that the liquid storax of the shops is produced by the liquid ambar orientale. But in his recent publication on the ‘Vegetable Kingdom,’ Dr. Lindley says, “Liquid storax is thought to be yielded by the Dammar pine.” (p. 229.) Landerer has recently shown that it is obtained from Storax officinale. (Pereira, Mat. Med. 1325, 2d ed.)

Kadi.

It is described by Serapion as being a plant which grows in Arabia, from which the aromatic oil of Kadi is formed. He gives a curious description of it, but does not mention any medicinal purposes to which it was applied. (De Simpl. 40.) It would appear that it is also described by Ebn Baithar (i, 337.) He describes it as being a species of palm, which it resembles in all respects, and says that a fragrant oil is prepared from it. Its country is Arabia. He quotes on it Rhases, in his ‘Continens’ and ‘Treatise on Smallpox,’ but we have been unable to discover the passages which he refers to. His authorities describe, in glowing colours, the virtues of this substance, and more especially of its wine, in smallpox. What species of palm it was we are unable to say decidedly.

Meizaragi.

Serapion gives a full account of it upon the authority of Abugerit and Abir, who agree in recommending it in arthritic diseases. They give minute directions for using it in electuaries, pills, and decoctions. Its dose with sugar is one drachm. They mention that, when put into rivers, it intoxicates fish. (De Simpl. 365.) Avicenna describes the Mehezeheregi, as being a tree like esula (spurge?); and says it is hot and dry in the third degree, and intoxicates fish when thrown into a river. He adds, that it is carminative and phlegmagogue, and is useful in gout, sciatica, and arthritis. (ii, 2, 480.)

We need have no hesitation in agreeing with the best authorities, that it is cocculus indicus, or the seed of Menispermum cocculus L., i. q., Anamirta cocculus of Lindley. (See Veg. Kingd. 309.) He says of it, that it contains a most venomous principle, the picrotoxine, and that in its pericarp is found the not less formidable alcaloid menispermine. See also Gray (Pharmacop. 119), and Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 132.) Both these authors mention of it, that it is used to intoxicate fish. See, further, an excellent account of the cocculus indicus in Pereira (M. M. 1326.) It was used by the Hindoo physicians for the cure of nervous diseases. See Wise (System of Hindoo Med. 557.) Dr. Royle is somewhat doubtful whether the cocculus was known to the Arabian physicians, but upon the whole inclines to this opinion. (Mat. Med. 249.)

Nux Vomica.

We have briefly treated of the Nux Vomica as a poison in another place (Vol. II, 241.) We have now to say of it, that it was also used medicinally as an emetic. For example, Haly Abbas treats of it in his chapter on Medicines which procure Vomiting. (Pract. ii, 65; see also Pract. x, 12.) Serapion, in like manner, treats of it in his chapter on Emetic Medicines. (vii, 36.) Thus he gives the following formula for an emetic: “℞. Concarned (cardamomi?), nucis vomicæ, seminis raphani, omnium ān ʒ j. Terantur et dentur in potu cum aqua mellis et decoctione anethi.” Serapion treats of it also in his work ‘On Simples,’ where he states, that “easy vomiting” may be induced by administering it agreeably to the formula which we have just quoted from his other work. He adds, that perhaps it will also loosen the bowels. Abram, another of his authorities, likewise says, that given to the amount of two drachms, with two drachms of dill or of fennel seed, and drunk with warm water, it will produce vomiting and loosen the bowels. (De. Simpl. 163.) Ebn Baithar’s authorities give an interesting account of the Nux Vomica, from which it is clear that it was frequently used as an emetic, along with fennel, natron, mustard, &c. in hydromel.

Dr. Pereira, upon the authority of Dale (Pharmacol.), decides that the Strychnos Ignatia was the nux vomica of Serapion. But, notwithstanding our great respect for his opinions, we cannot agree with him in the present instance. For, considering how common the nux vomica is in Persia (Ainslie, Mat. Ind.), there is a strong presumption that the Arabians cannot have been unacquainted with it, and it is not pretended that the nux vomica is treated of by them by any other name unless it were the methel, which we will presently show it not to be, nor is it attempted to be shown when and how the misapplication of the term originated. See, however, in support of Dr. Pereira’s views, Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1601.) It is also proper to mention, that the learned Geoffroy calls the Faba sancti Ignatii the nux vomica legitima. But as it is admitted by the best authorities on toxicology, that St. Ignatius bean is much more energetic in its action than nux vomica (see Christison, 644, and Orfila, ii, 276), there is still less probability of its having been used medicinally than the other. See further in support of the views we are advocating, Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 250.) We may mention also in conclusion, that the nux vomica was used as an emetic by the Hindoo physicians, more especially in the case of poisoning. See Wise (Hindoo Med. 402.)

Nux Methel.

We have briefly alluded to this substance (Datura Methel) as a poison elsewhere. (Vol. II, 241.) Serapion, quoting from Arabian authorities, compares its nut to the nux vomica, and its seed to that of mandragora: its bark, he adds, is rough, its taste pleasant and unctuous, and its virtues cold in the fourth degree; if given in a small dose (kirat or siliqua?) it intoxicates strongly, and if two drachms are given it proves fatal at once. Rhases, as quoted by him, says it is a narcotic, a sedative, and perhaps emetic medicine, and that it proves fatal in large doses, and in small intoxicates. He directs its pernicious effects to be counteracted by taking warm butter, and thus producing vomiting, and otherwise treating the case in the same manner as in poisoning by mandragora. (De Simpl. 375.) Rhases, in his work entitled ‘Ad Mansor.,’ says of the nut methel, that it is a dangerous medicine, which induces stupor, nausea, vomiting, and inebriety. (iii, 30.) His account of it in his ‘Continens’ is very brief. Avicenna describes it in his ‘Mat. Med.’ as being a nut similar to the nux vomica, and having seed like the citron (?). Like the others, he says it inebriates, induces stupor, and is inimical to the brain and heart. In the dose of a drachm he says it proves fatal. (ii, 2, 501.) Ebn Baithar’s authorities give a full account of it, but differing little from the others already given. One of them says, that a drachm will kill on the spot, and in small doses it induces stupor, vomiting, and loss of sense. They direct these bad effects to be counteracted by the administration of an emetic of natron (soda), by giving wine and pepper, and keeping up the heat of the body. The Hindoo physicians held that it is alexiterial. See Susruta and Wise (Hindoo Med.)

An excellent modern authority says of the Datura Metel, that “its seeds are narcotic, more powerful than the Datura Stramomium, and produce temporary idiotcy.” Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 52.) Dr. Lindley, after describing the Datura Stramonium as a violent narcotic, says of the Metel, that it has a similar action. (Veg. Kingd. 619.) Comparing, then, the effects of the Nux Methel, as described by the ancient authorities with those of the Datura Methel, as given by those recent authorities, we cannot hesitate in recognising their identity.

Rachaba, or Nux Mechil.

One of Serapion’s authorities states that an Arab had told him that it is a great tree, like the nut-tree, having leaves like a great fig, and fruit like small pomegranates, and speaks very indistinctly about its being Pharoah’s nut; but it is difficult, from his language, to make out what he says on that point. He says it is sweet, has a pleasant smell, and is eaten by shepherds and others. He mentions that some had confounded it with the nux vomica; but he concludes by saying that whoever will compare the descriptions of the rachaba and nux vomica must see the difference. (De Simpl. 164.) From this description it is quite clear that this cannot be the nux vomica, but rather one of the eatable figs, probably the ficus benjamina.

Nux Henden, or Banden.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 79) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 496.) According to the latter it is a grainy mass, like the vetch, white, inclining to yellow, which is brought from Barea and Chorasan, and of which a wine is made with honey. He quotes Paulus (by some mistake we suppose) as saying of it that it is refrigerant, extinguishes inflammation, and is slightly desiccant. It suppresses fluxes of blood, fattens, cures impetigo, and is aphrodisiac. Serapion’s authorities give a more lengthy description of it, but do not supply many more particulars. Rhases, one of them, calls it the fat of the earth, and the rock of the earth, and another calls it pigeon’s root. They all agree that it makes an excellent wine, which forms semen, fattens the body, and is aphrodisiac. They also state that it stops fluxes, and causes vomiting. Ebn Baithar’s account of it is nearly the same as Serapion’s. He says it is called honey earth in Andalusia. (i, 274.) Sprengel suggests—how correctly we leave it to our readers who are better acquainted with the productions of the East than we can pretend to be, to determine—that it is the Garcinia Mangostena, or Mangosteen, a fruit which has the reputation of being the finest in the world. The description of it, given by Serapion, as far as we can judge of it from the barbarous Latin translation, would certainly seem to agree in some striking points with that of the mangosteen. Compare it with ‘Loudon, Encycl. of Gardening,’ 1531.

Meisce, or Mes.

See Serapion (De Simpl. c. 116); Avicenna (ii, 2, 481); Ebn Baithar (ii, 465.) It is described at some length, and in nearly the same terms by all these authors. They call it a small grain like a vetch, of a green colour, and say that some used it for fasils, and that it was wholesome but not very nutritious. They say of it that it is cold, and rather desiccant, useful in catarrhs and coughs, and as a plaster to bruised and torn parts. In our edition of Serapion it is marked as mango in a very old looking hand-writing, and it is recognised as the Phaseolus mango by Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 266), and by the German translator of Ebn Baithar.

Horon, or Bombax.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 66) and Ebn Baithar (i, 305.) Abuhanifa, one of Serapion’s authorities, says that some medical men had informed him that cotton grows on trees like quinces. So at least we understand the passage; but as it is very curious, and also very obscure, it may be well to give the Latin translation: “Dixerunt mihi quidam medici de kelbe quod coton nascitur inter eos in arboribus quæ sunt sicut arbores antipsicorum.” Compare Pliny (H. N. xii, 10.) The next of Serapion’s authorities, Aben Mesuai, recommends the juice of it in the diarrhœa of children. Mescha says its seed is beneficial in coughs and good for the breast. Albasari says of it that it is good for clothes, and that its juice is an excellent application in cutaneous diseases of the face. Rhases also, as quoted by him, recommends it in the same cases, and further says of it that it is aphrodisiac. Ebn Baithar’s authorities also give an interesting account of it, recommending it in much the same cases as those of Serapion, namely in infantile diarrhœa, and as an application to cutaneous diseases; and he further states that it was used to burn warts, no doubt like the raw flax, often mentioned in the works of Hippocrates. The leaves are said to have been useful in uterine complaints, and in gout mixed with rose-oil. Clothes prepared from it are much praised by the author. There can be no doubt from what we have stated, that it must have been the Gossypium arboreum or herbaceum, most probably the latter. See Meyen (Geogr. Botany.) From Ainslie’s Mat. Ind. it will be seen that oil prepared from the former is still used for cleaning the skin of spots, and that the leaves are given for the cure of diarrhœa. (ii, 284.)

Musa.

See Serapion (De Simpl. 84); Avicenna (ii, 2, 484); Ebn Baithar (ii, 535.) According to Serapion’s first authority, Aben Mesuai, it is hot in the middle of the first degree, and moistening in the end of it, little nutritious, and has the property of being useful in heat of the breast, lungs, and bladder, and softens the bowels; if much used, it creates a load on the stomach, and obstruction in the liver, and if taken by a person of a cold temperament in great quantity, he ought to take hydromel, oxymel, or prepared ginger with it. Another of his authorities, Sindaxar, says it promotes the growth of the fœtus in utero. A third, named Alchalebemen, says it is a good medicine for the chest and the kidneys, and is diuretic. The book on ancient medicine, as quoted by him, says of it that it is aphrodisiac, and heavy on the stomach; and Avicenna’s account of it is so similar that it would not be worth while to give an exposition of it. Ebn Baithar describes it minutely as being a species of Palm. Its medicinal characters, as stated by him, are nearly the same as those given above from Serapion. There can be no doubt that it is the Musa paradisiaca, or common plantain tree. On it the reader may find it interesting to consult Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 316), and Loudon (Encycl. of Garden. 1530.) The plantain tree is briefly noticed by Theophrastus (H. P. iv, 5), but does not occur in the works of the Greek and Latin physicians.

Granum Kelkel, or Alkelkel.

See Avicenna (ii, 2, 302); Serapion (De Simpl. 275); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 378); Ebn Baithar (ii, 315.) Serapion’s authorities say of it that it is hot and moistening, increases the secretion of semen, especially when taken with the oil of sesame; that when taken in too large a dose, it induces cholera, and after other food occasions vertigo. The account of it given by Rhases and Avicenna is little different. The latter says of it that it is fattening, and comforts relaxed bodies. Ebn Baithar gives a very minute description of it; he says he planted it in his own country, and that it produced fruit. He ascribes the same good and bad effects to it as Serapion. When roasted, he says, it does not engender bad chyme. Its seeds are said to be aphrodisiac. We suppose there is little or no doubt that it is the Cassia tora. On the modern use of it by the Hindoos, see Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 405.)

Lehibach, or Lahiba.

See Avicenna (ii, 2, 425); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 389.) Rhases quotes Galen as saying of it that it has powers like horehound. We are at a loss to say what substance he alludes to among the Simples of Galen. Another authority quoted by him seems to say that a portion of it flung into a lake containing fish, will make them swim on the surface, and Avicenna confirms this statement. Avicenna further says it is emetic and hydragogue. We would refer it with Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 249) to the Mussaenda frondosa.

Gilbenee.

Avicenna compares its seed to turbith, and its operation to hellebore. He says when given to the amount of half a drachm it operates as an emetic, and that one drachm may prove fatal. He mentions the case of a paralytic person who took it, and having vomited was thereby cured. He adds of it that it also acts as a purgative (ii, 2, 282.) It is evidently the gilbeuce of Rhases, who in like manner describes it as a powerful emetic, the operation of which resembles hellebore, and is useful to paralytics. More than a drachm of it, he says, given in a dose, may occasion death. (Ad Mansor. iii, 30.) It appears decidedly to be the Cerbera manghas L., i. e. Arbor lactaria, Rumphius. See Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 252); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 261.) Dr. Lindley says of it: “The kernels of Cerbera manghas are emetic and poisonous; the milky sap is purgative; the leaves and bark are used in Java as a substitute for senna.” (Veg. Kingd. 600.)

Kustberkush.

Avicenna gives a description of it which appears to us very unsatisfactory, but which determines Sprengel to refer it to the Tamarix orientalis. He calls it hot and dry in the second degree, and attenuant. (ii, 2, 371.)

Nefrin, or Nerfin.

See Avicenna (ii, 2, 506); Serapion (De Simpl. 187.) Avicenna compares it to the narcissus, and says it resembles the jasmine in virtue, but is weaker than it. He recommends it in coldness of the nerves, and as a cure in noises and pains of the ears, and in toothache. He also recommends it externally in headache, inflammations of the throat and tonsils, and for stopping vomiting and hiccup. Serapion compares it to the rose and jasmine, and recommends it in pleurisy and pains of the womb. Rhases, as quoted by him, says that in Chorasan he had seen it given to the extent of two drachms as a purgative. It seems highly probable that it is the Narcissus orientalis.

Muluchia.

Avicenna (ii, 2, 194); Serapion (De Simpl. 149); Ebn Baithar (ii, 537.) Avicenna’s description of this article, which he also calls “Olus Judaicum,” would seem to decide that it is the Corchorus olitorius or Jews’ mallow. The other two authorities quoted above are not so precise in their description of it. It is more properly an article of food than of medicine. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 372), and Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 387.)

Moschus.

Musk, the inspissated secretion of the follicle in the prepuce of the Moschus moschiferus L., would appear to be first mentioned in the works of Aëtius (xvi, 122), who gives formulæ for various fumigations (suffumigia) containing a great many aromatics, and among them musk. But as we have already had occasion to state, we entertain strong suspicions that the concluding chapters of this author may be spurious. Indeed, as this important article is not noticed by authors subsequent to Aëtius, such as Oribasius, it would appear to us that this circumstance is the strongest possible presumption, that the passage in Aëtius had been added after the Arabian period of medicine. There is one notice of it also by our author, but it also has a suspicious appearance. (p. 292, ed. Basil. See also 296.) Serapion gives a long account of it, first upon the authority of Abuhanifa, who calls the animal the musk gazelle, and says its habitat is in the countries of Tumbasci and Sini, by which he probably means Thibet and China. Of these the better kind, he says, is that procured from Thibet, as the animal in that country lives on fragrant herbs, and the inhabitants are better acquainted with the process of extracting it from its follicles. And, moreover, he says, the Sinenses (Chinese?) are apt to adulterate their musk. The animal which produces musk, he adds, does not differ in figure, colour, nor horns from other gazelles, and the best musk is procured after it is full grown. He then gives an anatomical description of its canine teeth, and of the modes of catching it by snares, gins, and by shooting it with arrows; and also the manner of extracting the musk from the animal after its death. But the best musk, he says, is procured from the animal when it is in a state of orgasm, and rubs its follicles against a rock until the musk drops out of them. The inhabitants of Thibet (homines de Thebeth) know the places where the animal feeds, and collect the musk thus procured from them. This, he remarks, is the finest musk of all, and is reserved for royal personages and held in high esteem. This authority concludes by saying that in the region of Thebeth there are many cities, but that the one, from which musk is procured, is that city which is properly called Thebeth. His next authority is Alcholabama, who calls musk hot in the second degree, and dry in the third. The following one, Aben Mesuai, says of it, that it comforts the heart and internal viscera, both when drunk and when applied externally in plasters. His next authority is Honain, who recommends musk in diseases of the eyes. The others supply little additional information on it, but in general recommend it in diseases of the brain. He says the Persian doctors applied the oil to the member as an aphrodisiac. (De Simpl. 185.) Rhases recommends musk in headache, and all cold affections of the head, and also as a stomachic. (Ad Mansor. iii, 22.) In his ‘Continens’ he quotes from several Arabian authorities, all of whom give it the characters already stated, and recommend it most especially in diseases of the brain and eyes. (l. ult. i, 483.) Avicenna gives an accurate description of it, as far as we can judge from the wretched translation of his works. He recommends it in errhines with saffron, and with a little camphor for vertigo, and other affections of the brain. He also thinks favorably of it as a cordial in affections of the heart, and in melancholy. He concludes by saying of it that it is alexipharmic, especially in cases of poisoning with napellus. (ii, 2, 452.) See also his treatise (de Med. cordial., ii.) There does not appear any distinct mention of it in the works of Mesue the younger. It occurs frequently as an ingredient in the antidotes of Myrepsus. Ebn Baithar gives a very full description of it and its medicinal virtues, but it agrees so well with the description of it by Serapion, that we need not enter much into particulars. He recommends it particularly in diseases of the eyes, and says that the oil of it is a useful application to piles, and when rubbed into the genital member, is strongly aphrodisiac. It is, moreover, said to be an excellent cordial. Of the Greek authorities Symeon Seth is the only one that gives anything like a distinct account of musk. He describes three kinds, of which the best is procured from a city east of Chorasan called Trepet (Thibet?). The next in quality is the Indian, and the worst is that which is procured from the Sines (Chinese?). All the kinds, he says, are formed in the umbilicus of an animal with one horn, resembling the gazelle. Like Serapion he states that it is got from the animal while in a state of sexual orgasm. Musk, he says, is hot and dry in the third degree, and of a volatile nature. As to its medicinal powers, it strengthens weak parts, and is beneficial in cold intemperaments of the head, but injurious in hot. It is adapted for the recovery of persons in a fainting fit, in loss of strength, and in affections of the heart. (De Alimentis.) An antidote of musk occurs in Actuarius. (Meth. Med. v, 6.)

Volubilis.

This name is loosely applied by the Arabian authorities to several genera of the climbing plants. For example under this head Serapion describes the lebleb or cussus, the acfin, the atthin, and lebleb maju. Of these the first is unquestionably the κισσὸς or ivy, and is described in extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. Of the acfin he says that it is laxative, and quotes Dioscorides as saying that it loosens the bowels. He says the atthin is styptic, and quotes Dioscorides and Galen as recommending it in rheums of the eyes, and fluxes of the bowels. The last or lebleb he describes upon the authority of Aben Mesuai, who says it is hot in the middle of the first degree, dry in the beginning of the same, of a cutting nature with some saline properties, and purges adust bile. Afterwards he describes its medicinal powers in the same terms as Dioscorides and Galen describe the cissus, that is to say, he represents it as being rather a medicine than an article of food; says it purges bile in doses of from one third to two thirds of a pound, when clarified without boiling, by means of ten drachms of sugar or penidia. His next authority, Isaac ebn Amram, says it is deobstruent. Alkanzi says it is cold and dry, is purgative and useful in indurations. His last authority, Abix, says the lebleb is cold and moistening, cholagogue, and along with cassia fistula and oil of almonds it proves useful in clearing out the bowels, and relieves coughs. (De Simpl. 42.) Avicenna under the head of Volubilis, i. e. hedera (ii, 2, 724), and under Cussus (ib. 169), describes the κισσὸς of Dioscorides, but the former of these rather confusedly so as to create suspicions that he used the term in rather a lax manner. Mesue is the ancient author who treats most elaborately of the volubilis, applying the term to five distinct species, or rather genera, of which the first is probably the Hedera, the second the Helxine, and the third the Clematis of the Greeks; the fourth, which he calls lupulus, is acknowledged to be the Humulus lupulus, and the fifth the Convolvulus scammonium. See his learned commentator Costa (c. 24.) As all the others have been already treated of, we shall confine our attention at present to the account which he gives of the medicinal powers of the hops. He says the lupulus brings away some yellow bile, clears the blood, allays its inflammation, and that its infusion or whey is of great use for this purpose, and its syrup, he adds, cures jaundice. He says it was little used by the physicians of his time. He recommends it as a deobstruent of the liver, and of other internal viscera, as a remedy in asthma, and protracted fevers; and as a plaster to the head with rose oil or oil of chamomile, &c. (i, 24.) He treats of scammony separately in the next chapter. The character thus drawn of the lupulus does not seem at first sight to agree well with the acknowledged virtues of the Humulus Lupulus. But, as Rutty remarks, he probably alludes to the stem and not to the flowers of the plant, as being a medicine which purges yellow bile. (M. M. 296.) The Humulus Lupulus is not noticed by any Greek writer, nor by any Roman, with the exception of Pliny. (H. N. xxi, 50.)

The lebleb, noticed above, there is every reason to suppose, was the dolichos lebleb. It is also treated of by Avicenna as well as Serapion. They represent it as containing saltish juices which purge adust bile. It is a well-known article in Hindoo Medicine. See Wise (Book of Hindoo Medicine, 104.)

Abrong, or Abrugi.

Serapion describes it as a round grain, spotted with black and white, which is brought from Seni (China?), having a bitter taste, hot and dry in the second degree, a laxative of the bowels, and vermifuge. (De Simpl. 153.) According to Dodonæus and Parkinson, it is the pea which the latter describes and represents under the name of pisum cordatum vesicarium. See Theatre of Plants (1378.)

Ribes.

This has been supposed the ribes or raspberry, but it is now well ascertained that it is a species of Rheum, namely the Rheum Ribes. See Sprengel (R. H. H. i, 257.) Serapion gives a full account of it; he represents it to be a cold, astringent plant, and recommends it in various complaints, such as cholera, smallpox, measles, and in hemorrhoids. (De Simpl. 241.) Avicenna briefly recommends it in nearly the same complaints. (ii, 2, 581.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 582.) Ebn Baithar gives a full and very interesting description of it. He says it grows in alpine localities in Syria, and in the northern countries, but not in Spain; that it has large, broad, round leaves, and tender reddish spots. He calls it bitter and astringent, and recommends it in palpitation of the heart, vomiting, and marasmus. He also praises it in hemorrhoids, and the red flux (menorrhagia) of women; and further commends it in measles, smallpox, and plague. Dr. Royle says (M. M. 521) that the Rheum Ribes is “the Riwas of Serapion, who mentions it as making a good sherbet.” Does he allude to the chapter on the Ribes quoted above?

Aurantium.

When we stated in another place (Vol. I, 134) that no ancient author had noticed the orange, we were unacquainted with the works of Ebn Baithar, and of D’Hanvantare, the author of the Susruta. In the latter work the orange is enumerated with acid fruits, of a somewhat indigestible nature. (140 et alibi.) Ebn Baithar says of the orange that it produces an oil which is useful in flatulence and pains of the joints. The rind of the fruit, he says, is carminative and anthelminthic, an antidote to poisons, and removes spots from clothes. The Hindoos have been long familiar with the Citrus aurantium. See the Susruta and Wise’s Hindoo Medicine (p. 191.)

Limon.

We are now inclined to think that we were mistaken in stating (Vol. I. 137) that the lemon was mentioned by Avicenna (ii, 2, 433.) His description is probably to be referred to the Statice limonium. However, beyond all doubt, the Citrus medica Limon is fully described by Ebn Baithar. He says the rind is bitter, acid, astringent, and aromatic, excites the appetite, improves digestion, renders the breath fragrant, is cordial, and an antidote to poisons. He recommends it particularly in fevers, exanthemata, palpitation of the heart, vomiting, &c. It appears also to be noticed several times in the Susruta. (See p. 142 et alibi.) Lemons are likewise noticed by the Persian writers on the Materia Medica by the names of Leemoo and Neemboo. See Royle (Mat. Med. 297.) They have been long known to the Hindoos. See Wise (Hindoo Med.)

Margaritæ.

Though the Greeks and Romans were well acquainted with pearl-mussels, as is obvious from several passages in the classical authors, it does not appear that they ever used these articles in the practice of medicine. They were used by the Arabians as an ingredient in their celebrated Electuarium de Gemmis, (Mesue de Elect.) and were reckoned among their cordial medicines. Avicenna says of pearls, that they resemble karabe in medicinal powers, but are more powerful in their operation. (De Med. Cordial.) Serapion gives a fuller account of them upon the authority of several Arabian writers, who describe pearls as being cold, desiccant, and attenuant, and recommend them in diseases of the eyes, and in hemorrhages, as dentifrices in diseases of the teeth, but more especially as cordials in palpitations and other affections of the heart. (De Simpl. 397.) We could have wished to have given in this place, since we have had no convenient opportunity to do so elsewhere, an exposition of the views of the Arabians respecting the operation of cordial medicines; but as this subject could not be understood without a fuller explanation of certain parts of the higher philosophy of the ancients than is consistent with our limits, we are reluctantly obliged to dismiss it with a very brief notice. We would beg leave to refer our readers to Avicenna’s elaborate treatise ‘de Medicinis Cordialibus.’ He there gives an ingenious disquisition on medicines which operate upon the animal spirits and dispel vapours, and first advocates views which have formed the basis of many a modern hypothesis on this subject. Among the cordial medicines described by him we would remark amber, gold, silver, citron, coral, cinnamon, camphor, myrobalans, hyacinth (the gem), lapis lazuli, myrtle, musk, mace, frankincense, silk, sandal-wood, tamarinds, zerumbet, zeduary, &c. One important class of cordials consists of medicines which evacuate black bile, namely, melanogogues, which we will have to treat of in a subsequent section of this work.

In imitation of the Arabians, Paracelsus and the modern alchemists have attributed great virtues to the precious metals and stones as cordial medicines. See Schröder (Chemical Dispensatory, pluries.) He says of pearls, that “they are an excellent cordial, that strengthens the balsam of life, resists poison, pestilence, and putrefaction, and clear the spirits.” (167.) Pearls and other precious stones have always been highly esteemed by the Hindoo physicians. See the Susruta and Wise’s Hindoo Medicine (124.)

Sericum.

We have mentioned above, that silk is one of the cordial medicines treated of by Avicenna. Silk, and especially raw silk, he says, is attenuant and desiccative, acts as a cordial, improves the memory, proves useful in affections of the eyes, in obstructions of the liver and other complaints. (De Med. Cord. ii, 3.) The silkworm (bombyx mori) and the uses of silk in medicine, are described with considerable accuracy by Serapion. Like Avicenna he ranks it with the cordial medicines, and recommends it in this capacity along with pearls, karabe, corals, and musk. (De Simpl. c. 28.) Silk forms one of the ingredients in the electuary of Mesue, to which he gives the following imposing title, “Electuarium ex granis tinctoriis ad cordis palpitationem, syncopem, mentis alienationem, seu desipentiam, moerorem sine causa manifesta, facultates enim nostrum corpus dispensantes mirifice roborat.” See f. 89, and the interesting Commentary of Costa. It is also an ingredient in several of the Antidotaria of Avenzoar. Ebn Baithar says, that various Arabian authors had written on the medicinal properties of silk. One of them quoted by him describes the use of it in medicine by burning it, and using its ashes for collyria and other purposes. He remarks, that Ebn Sina (Avicenna) says, that silk as an article of clothing prevents the formation of lice. Raw silk has been used as a medicine in modern times. Moses Charras, in his ‘Royal Pharmacopœia,’ writes thus of it: “Many writers have attributed great virtue to raw silk. But although the use thereof had been at all times unknown in physic, my judgment is that it is too fragrant, that it has too much beauty, that it affords too many conveniences to human life, that there are too many wonders in the first original, progress, labour, and metamorphosis of the worm which produces it, to be despised.” He adds, “that is called raw silk which was never boiled, but is still as it were in the grain, out of which the worm has been but newly taken.” He says further of the composition, whereof raw silk is an ingredient, namely, Confectio alkermes regia, “This confection is, without question, one of the best cordials that ever Galenic physic invented. For it repairs and recreates the vital and animal spirits, it ceases palpitations of the heart and swooning-fits; it fortifies the brain, &c.” (R. P. 149.) A still more recent authority on pharmacy, says of raw silk, Sericum, that it is “cordial, restorative, one drachm in powder.” Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 215.)

Hyacinthus.

This is one of the precious stones which often occurs as an ingredient in the Arabian formulæ for antidotes. Ebn Baithar remarks, that it is not described by Dioscorides nor Galen. He mentions three kinds, a yellow, a red, and a black, of which the red is the noblest. Its powers, he says, are increased by fire. It was used as an amulet, and was held to be cordial and alexipharmic; and, in fact, Ebn Baithar says it is possessed of many virtues. From his mentioning of it, that, when rubbed, it attracts straw, there seems every reason to suppose that it was tourmaline. Some have taken the hyacinth of the Greeks and Romans for the same, but Heeren rather supposes it to be the ruby. It is briefly noticed as a cordial by Avicenna, Mesue, and Serapion. The last of these gives nearly the same account of it as Ebn Baithar; that is to say, both had copied from the same authorities. He particularly mentions it as being an excellent phylactery to guard the body during thunder-storms. (De Simpl. 398.) The Confectio de Hyacintho has been very celebrated in modern times. See Moses Charras (Roy. Pharmacop. 147.)

Hager Albuzedi.

It is thus described by Serapion: “Hager albuzedi is a red stone, but less so than the hyacinth, the redness of which is more agreeable to the eye, as there is no obscurity in it. The mines where this stone is found are in the East. When taken from the mine it is opake; but when divested of its outer coat by a lapidary, its goodness is discovered and it becomes transparent. When this stone has been strongly rubbed against the hair of the head, it attracts chaff, as the magnet does iron.” He speaks of its being useful to the eyes when they are rubbed with it, and says that as a seal it dispels frightsome dreams. (de Mineral. 399.) According to Beckmann this is most probably not the tourmaline, although it bears some resemblance to it in properties, but belongs rather to the hyacinths. (History of Inventions.) In fact, it would appear to us highly probable, that this article like the preceding was a variety of the ruby.

Hager Salachil, or Lapis Corneolus.

Several species of it are described by Serapion, of which the best he says is the red. They are brought, he adds, from the mines of the Romans, and were used principally as an amulet and dentifrice. It must have been the same as the Sardion of Theophrastus (De Lapidibus), and of Plato (Timæus.) The term would appear to have been used in a general sense for several of the finer kinds of agates. (De Simpl. 400.) A modern authority thus describes it: “The Sarda or Cornelian. It is a gem half transparent, like the water wherein flesh is washed, or like bloody flesh: hence it is called Carneolus or Cornelian. The best cornelians are found in Sardinia.” Schröder (Chemical Dispensatory, p. 160.)

Tincar, or Borax.

We have treated of this article already under the head of Chrysocolla, with which it has been often confounded. It was introduced into medical practice by the Arabians, and there appears to us no doubt that it was the same as our borate of soda. It was very much used for the cure of toothache. See the authorities quoted under Chrysocolla. It was used medicinally by the Hindoo physicians. See the Susruta (pluries), Wise (Hindoo System of Medicine, 117); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 576); Royle (Mat. Med. 97.)

Hager Alcazaha.

It is difficult to determine precisely what this precious stone was, although it is pretty minutely described by Serapion. He says it is brought from Yemen, and is of divers colours, from white to black, and that it occasions disturbed dreams when worn as an amulet: he recommends it, however, to be thus used by infants, and says a vessel prepared from it, if used for holding any article of food or drink, prevents sleep. (De Simpl. 401.)

Lapis Lazuli.

We have in so far treated of this substance under Cyanus in the preceding Commentary. It was used, like the other precious stones, as an amulet, but was more particularly celebrated as a melanogogue medicine. It was further said to be useful in asthma, and as an emmenagogue. See Serapion (De Simpl. 369); Avicenna (ii, 256). A modern authority describes it thus: “It is a stone like a sapphire, or the flowers of cyanus adorned with golden stones or flowers, harder than the Armenian stone. It is in virtue like the Armenian stone, but weaker; it purgeth chiefly melancholy. It is worn about the neck for an amulet to drive away frights from children,” &c. Schröder, (Chymic. Dispensat.)

Berengemish, or Ozimum Gariofilatum.

Serapion, after quoting a description of it from Isaac ebn Amram, says of it, that it is hot and dry in the end of the second degree, is useful in coldness of the stomach, promotes digestion, is a hepatic and cordial medicine, dispels melancholy, renders the eructations fragrant, &c. His other authorities recommend it in similar cases. (De Simpl. 156.) Avicenna gives a similar account of it in all respects. (ii, 2, 254.) We suppose there is no doubt that it is the clove basil, or Ocimum gariofilatum of Miller; or, according to Sprengel, the O. monachorum.

Behen.

Serapion briefly describes two varieties of it consisting of fibrous roots, being brought from Armenia, and having a good smell with some viscidity. Both kinds, he says, are hot and humid, and increase the secretion of semen. (De Simpl. 223.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 82), and Rhases (Contin. l. ult. iii, 29.) Avicenna holds that it is also cordial in addition to its power of forming semen. It is the Centaurea Behen L.

Spinachia.

We have already treated of the spinach (Spinachia oleracea) as a dietetical article introduced by the Arabians. (Vol. I, 113.) According to Avicenna it is laxative of the bowels, useful in orthopnœa, and other diseases of the chest. It is noticed in like terms by Serapion (De Simpl. 140); by Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 671.) Ebn Baithar says of spinach that it is an excellent potherb, and useful in diseases of the neck and chest, being much used for this purpose by the inhabitants of Nineveh, who are very subject to such complaints.

Rhabarbarum.

We have stated under Rheum in the preceding Commentary (317), that it was the rheum rhaponticum, which is the only species of the rheum described in the regular treatises on the Mat. Med. of the Greeks and Romans. Our author, however, would seem to allude to the Rheum barbarum or purgative rhubarb, at Book I, 43, and VII, 11. Although it is stated by some learned authorities that the rheum of Trallian (viii, 3) was a species of the Rhabarbarum, we are satisfied from a careful examination of the passage, that it was the rhaponticum. There can be no doubt that the general use of the purgative rhubarb was introduced by the Arabians, of whom Ebn Baithar is by far the most copious and instructive under this head. He states decidedly that there are four species of rhubarb, three of which are perfectly distinct. On the first species, by which he evidently means the R. Rhaponticum, he gives extracts from Dioscorides, Galen, Oribasius, and Paulus. He says the older physicians knew nothing of the virtues of the purgative kinds of rhubarb until they were discovered near to his time. He says the purgative rhubarb acts as a deobstruent and strengthener of all the internal viscera, is useful in mental diseases, dropsy, jaundice, marasmus connected with obstructions, especially when combined with gum lac. He says it is most useful in chronic diarrhœa when taken in an aromatic wine and with Indian spikenard, and also in uterine fluxes, dyspepsia, and other complaints of a similar nature. He praises it most especially as a stomachic. He states, that of all the kinds of rhubarb, the Turkish possesses the purgative quality in the highest degree. Of the other Arabian authorities, Averrhoes is one who gives a very distinct account of the true purgative rhubarb. (Collig. v, 42.) Mesue describes three species of the Rhabarbarum, or Rhaued, namely, Indianum, Barbarum, and Turcicum, to all of which he ascribes purgative powers, and recommends them as being possessed of hepatic, stomachic, and deobstruent properties, which render them particularly serviceable in dropsy, obstructions of the spleen, and jaundice. The dose of the infusion, he says, is from one to ten drs.; and of the pounded, from one to three. He appears not to have been acquainted with the Rhaponticum (De Simpl. v), whereas Avicenna and Serapion would seem not to have known the other. It may be proper to mention, in conclusion, that the Rheum rhaponticum is the common culinary or tart rhubarb of this country. According to Loudon, it was introduced in 1573, but it is most probable that we owe the introduction of it to the Romans.

* * * * *

But it is time that we should draw this Appendix to a close. And now we trust it will not be thought out of place to conclude with Professor Beckmann’s eloquent eulogy on the Literature of the Arabians in his celebrated work on the ‘History of Inventions and Discoveries.’

“What a noble people were the Arabs! We are indebted to them for much knowledge and for many inventions of great utility; and we should have still more to thank them for were we fully aware of the benefits we have derived from them. What a pity that their works should be suffered to moulder into dust, without being made available! What a shame that those acquainted with this rich language should meet with so little encouragement! The few old translations which exist have been made by persons who were not sufficiently acquainted either with languages or the sciences. On that account they are for the most part unintelligible, uncertain, in many places corrupted, and besides, exceedingly scarce. Even when obtained, the possessors are pretty much in the same state as those who make their way with great trouble to a treasure, which, after all, they are only permitted to see at a distance through a narrow gate. Had I still twenty years to live, and could hope for an abundant supply of Arabic works, I would learn Arabic. But ὁ βίος βραχὺς, ἡ δὲ τέχνη μακρή.”

SECT. IV.—ON SIMPLE PURGATIVE MEDICINES.

Give of aloes one drachm, with honeyed water, in the morning. But they who administer it in the evening or after food occasion mischief, for it makes the food spoil. It evacuates yellow bile, less if given to the extent of three oboli, for in that case it proves solely and entirely eccoprotic. But purgative medicines being generally bad for the stomach, aloes alone is stomachic. Those who cannot endure the bitterness of it may take it formed into pills. It is manifest that purgative medicines do not evacuate by any one simple temperament such as heat (for then all hot things would be evacuants, such as pepper), but by some specific property of their whole substance in like manner as the magnet attracts iron. Of purgative medicines those which are simply laxative have been treated of in the First Book. We are to use drastic purgatives either in order to transfer some matter, or to dislodge and remove an indurated diathesis, or as an alterative to the system, and in order to change the temperament of it, or to displace any offending humour. There are certain mixed modes complicated of the afore-mentioned. Purgative medicines are to be given to those whose powers are firm and their understanding strong; to such as have passed the first stage of life, and have not yet come to the last; to those who have a strong stomach, and have collections of superfluous matters in the body, and are not very sanguineous. The best seasons for purging, if there be no urgent necessity, are the spring and the autumn.

On those things which evacuate bile. We may give cholagogue medicines at any season except winter, to persons in the vigour of life and in the decline; to persons of dry and muscular habits, and who are of a dark or ruddy complexion; to men rather than to women; to those whose food is apt to spoil on their stomachs, and whose bellies are constipated; to such as abound in bitter bile, are irascible, pass little urine, and use hot and dry food: in icteric, hepatic, and pleuritic affections; in phrenitis, cynanche, mania, cephalæa, ophthalmy, erysipelas, leprosy, fevers, and to such as are troubled with collections of bile. Aloes is given to such as are troubled with heaviness of the head, with ophthalmy, with thirst, with disturbed dreams without fever; to such as have a sensation of departing rigor; to those who pass acrid flatus, and have gnawing pains of the intestines; to those who are seized with burning heat about the stomach, or nausea producing eversion of it; and to those who being troubled with a collection of excrementitious matters cannot bear evacuations by clysters. For it evacuates the whole body, and does not occasion disorder of it unless given in very great quantity, and brings along with it any bile lying in the intestines, stomach, and gullet.—Hellebore agrees both with those in acute diseases and those in chronic requiring a cholagogue medicine, such as maniacs, those troubled with hemicrania, and such as have defluxions of the eyes and complaints in the chest. But it suits most with such viscera as the uterus and bladder when they require a cholagogue remedy. It is also proper for chronic affections of the trachea, for jaundice, exanthemata, lichen, herpes, erysipelas, and leprosy. Black hellebore evacuates bile, especially yellow, from the whole body and without trouble. Hence it is given to those not affected with heavy fever, and more especially to such as are free from fever, in the quantity of one drachm of the roots triturated in honeyed water or plain water, while fasting, or with honey made into pills. Some mix with it pennyroyal, savoury, or some of the volatile stomachics.—Scammony purges like hellebore, and more especially yellow bile, but of all purgative medicines it is the most prejudicial to the stomach. It is, therefore, to be given to those who are free from fever, and such as have strong stomachs, to the amount of four oboli, with salts, pepper, ginger, or some one of the volatile stomachics, or along with honey. It is also formed into pills with gum.—The medullary part of the fruit of the Colocynth evacuates especially bile and mucous matters, not from the blood like hellebore and scammony, but from the nerves and nervous parts, when given to the amount of one drachm in two cyathi of honeyed water which has rue boiled in it. But it is to be triturated for a long time, because otherwise its rough particles sticking in the internal parts produce ulcerations and nervous affections by sympathy. It is to be given to those who have affections of the head, namely, when the meninx or the pericranium is affected, such as those labouring under vertigo or hemicrania, or those troubled with cephalæa; also in epilepsy, apoplexy, cynic spasms, chronic defluxions on the eyes, orthopnœa, asthma, and chronic coughs; likewise in arthritic cases to those who have affections about the kidneys or bladder.—Elaterium evacuates like scammony. Such as is green like leeks, light, and not older than a year, is to be chosen; and it is to be given to the amount of three oboli, triturated with one hemina of milk.—Tithymallus, spurge, evacuates bile like elaterium and scammony. Four or five drops of the juice are given, mixed with polenta and quickly swallowed. For if retained long in the mouth they ulcerate the tongue and surrounding parts.—Lathyrides (a species of spurge) purge bile like hellebore and scammony. They are to be given to the amount of seven, eight, or as many as fifteen grains to such as are robust and require much purging, who are to be directed to chew them. But those who are weaker and have bad stomachs, must swallow them whole.—The dried tops of the Peplium are to be given to the amount of eight oboli in honeyed water. They evacuate bile like hellebore, and occasion the breaking of wind.—Agaric has similar powers to the colocynth, but acts slowly and is not prejudicial to the stomach. It is given to the amount of two drachms with honeyed water. It should be very white, brittle, and not very woody nor carious.—Illyrian Iris purges in like manner when given to the amount of eight oboli in honeyed water. It ought not to be old nor carious.—The small Centaury by purging bile and mucus is particularly adapted for cases of ischiatic disease. The decoction is to be drunk of a drachm and a half of centaury, boiled in a hemina of water until it be reduced to the half.—The flower with the fruit of Tragoriganum is given to the amount of two drachms, in honeyed water, to the same class of persons as the black hellebore. It is more stomachic than the hellebore, but less purgative.—Four drachms of Chamelæa (mezereon?) boiled in two heminæ of honeyed water, until reduced to a fourth part, purge like hellebore. Some administer chamelæa by making it into pills with a double quantity of wormwood.—Aristolochia, birthwort, purges like colocynth, one drachm of the species called clematis being given in honeyed water.—The dried root of Polypody when pounded and sprinkled on honeyed water, or triturated along with it, has the same effects as colocynth.

Medicines which evacuate black bile. Medicines which evacuate black bile are to be given in an especial manner to melancholic persons, to such as are easily moved to paroxysms, to passionate persons, to misanthropists, to persons of solitary habits, or to such as during convalescence require purging, during the heat of autumn, in dry habits, and to such as are not muscular.—Epithymum, dodder of thyme, is the best of those medicines which evacuate black bile. It is to be given to the amount of five drachms triturated with a hemina of milk.

Epithymbrum, or the substance which grows upon savory, evacuates in like manner with the epithymum, but is weaker. Pennyroyal, when taken to the amount of an acetabulum, in honeyed water, evacuates black bile.—The Heracleatic Tragoriganum in the same dose evacuates like pennyroyal. But both must be dried. Alypum, the seeds of it have been said to purge black bile when given in the same quantity as the epithymum with salts and vinegar; but, as Dioscorides says, it occasions slight ulceration of the intestines. It is, I think, that substance which is now called alypias. It is to be given in honeyed water.—Parthenium (matricaria?), feverfew, when dried and drunk in like manner, evacuates the same humours. Alypon, madwort, drunk with salts, purges in like manner.

Medicines which evacuate phlegm. We are to administer phlegmagogues in cold habits; to aged persons, in winter; in paralytic and apoplectic cases; for loose œdematous swellings; to such persons as have great collections of phlegm in the belly, chest, or stomach; and in cases of the female flux. They agree also with those who have a copious running from the nose and thick expectoration, with cases of anorexia and ischiatic disease when the joint becomes mucous or pituitous; but they are particularly adapted for those cases of dropsy which are called anasarca.—One drachm of white Storax, drunk with an equal quantity of turpentine rosin, evacuates phlegm.—The bark of the root of Olive to the amount of one drachm, with wine or water; nine oboli of Pellitory, with water; two drachms of the seed of Lychnis (campion); one drachm of the root of Sow-bread, with hydromel; two drachms of Garlic, with honey; ground Pine, triturated and given in the form of pills; half a drachm of the flakes of copper, with an equal quantity of rosin, in pills, purges bile strongly.—A drachm and half of the green leaves of Bay; two oboli of the bark of the root of the wild Cucumber; forty seeds of that species of ricinus called Crotones stripped of their bark and eaten, do the same. A half of that part of Parsley connected with the root (which some call chamæraphanus), when eaten; two drachms of Bdellium, with hydromel; but Gum is particularly adapted for defluxions on the eyes.

Medicines which evacuate water. We are to give hydragogues in that variety of dropsical disease called ascites; to women troubled with the whites; and to those who have ulcers accompanied with a copious discharge.—One drachm of the flakes of Copper, when drunk with honeyed water evacuates water; but a little vinegar must also be swallowed lest it be vomited.—The Granum Cnidium when stripped of its bark, triturated, and drunk with boiled honey, that it may not touch the orifice of the stomach, evacuates water. Twenty, twenty-five, or thirty grains are to be given, and to those who are stronger, as many as forty.—One drachm of Euphorbium, drunk with boiled honey, evacuates phlegm, but more especially water.—Eight oboli of the seed of rough Spleenwort, with honeyed water, evacuate water.—Cneorum, in like manner, purges water when drunk with polenta.—Five drachms of the seed of Cnicus, when triturated together in ptisan, are swallowed with a small quantity of salts.—One drachm of Ammoniac perfume, drunk in honeyed water, evacuates water. Some give it in affections of the spleen with oxycrate.—The juice of the bark of the root of the Elder-tree, when drunk to the amount of two ounces with wine, evacuates water.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The philosopher Aristotle thus explains his ideas respecting the action of purgatives: “When purgatives are conveyed to the stomach, and are there dissolved, they are carried by the same passages as the food, and when they cannot be digested, but their prevailing power remains unsubdued, they return, and carry with them whatever opposes them, and this is called purging.” (Problem. 43.) See also Alexander Aphrodisiensis (Probl. ii, 58.)

Hippocrates administered purgative medicines freely and boldly, but at the same time he cautions against the unseasonable and rash administration of them in several parts of his works. We do not find any theory, however, of the modus operandi of purgatives, nor any general remarks on the cases in which they are applicable, in any of the Hippocratic treatises which are now acknowledged to be genuine. Some ingenious remarks, however, may be found on this subject in the work ‘De Nat. humana.’

Celsus has a chapter on purgative medicines which contains much curious and valuable matter. He says the more ancient physicians gave various purgative medicines very freely, such as black hellebore, polypody, squama æris, the milky juice of lactuca marina (euphorbia paralias?), the milk of asses, with a little salt; but he holds that purgatives hurt the stomach, and are not to be given when any fever is present. The rules, which he lays down for the administration of them, are highly judicious, and deserving of consideration. He approves of them when the head feels heavy, when the eyes are misty, when there is obstruction of the bowels, and when there is pain there or in the hip-joint, when the stomach is oppressed with bile or phlegm, and when there is dyspnœa, when venesection is indicated, but the powers of the system will not admit of it, and in several other cases. (v, 12.) He mentions that Asclepiades totally rejected the use of purgative medicines. (i, 3.)

Galen has devoted a complete treatise to the discussion of the question regarding the modus operandi of purgatives. He decidedly inclines to the theory that every purgative by some specific property attracts, and as it were, sucks to it the humour to which it has a natural alliance, in like manner as the magnet attracts iron. He divides Purgatives into Cholagogues, Melanogogues, Hydragogues, and Phlegmagogues. He rejects the hypothesis of Erasistratus, who maintained that each medicine converts the juices presented to it, into its own specific nature: thus that cholagogues convert them into yellow bile, melanogogues into black bile, and so forth. Although Galen flatters himself that he effectually demolishes this hypothesis, we have long looked upon it as a very plausible one, and believe that at the present time the prevailing opinion in the profession inclines much in that direction. For example, the green and dark discharges which are brought off by mercurial purgatives, are now generally supposed to be occasioned by the fluids in the secretions entering into combination with the medicine administered. It is to be regretted that no ancient author has given us a clear exposition of the hypothesis of Erasistratus. Galen gives a long list of cases, in which purgatives prove beneficial, such as erysipelas, epilepsy, apoplexy, gout, rheumatism, melancholy, and many chronic complaints. He insists strongly on the benefit derived from cholagogues for the cure of jaundice. (De purg. Med. vi.)

Antyllus, in an extract preserved by Aëtius, espouses the theory which maintains the specific operation of purgatives, and that they act by attracting the humours to which they are allied. He recommends them for various complaints, as malignant cutaneous diseases, spontaneous ulceration, and rheumatic affections. (iii, 23.)

The account of this subject, given by Oribasius, is taken from the works of Galen and Ruffus. It is too lengthy for our limits. Ruffus directs the surgeon to consider well the patient’s constitution, and regulate the dose of the medicine accordingly, as there is a great difference in the susceptibility of persons to be acted upon by purgatives. The following is a list of the purgatives described by Ruffus in this fragment: Polypody, iris, colocynth, phacoides (a species of spurge olive?), peplos, peplium, aloe, hippophaes, hippophæstum, clematis, pycnocomon, vines, thyme, epithyme, marjoram, Greek savory, poppies, cucumber, the smaller heliotrope, the lesser sesamoides, the tithymalli or spurges, the chamelæa, lathyris, agaric, and euphorbium. His description of the operation of each medicine bespeaks a good acquaintance with the subject. (Med. Collect. vii, 26.) See also Actuarius (Meth. Med. iii, 7.)

Haly Abbas makes some acute remarks on the action of Cathartics. Every purgative, he says, attracts the humour, to which it is allied. Different opinions, he adds, have been entertained regarding the modus operandi in this case. Some maintain that, when such a medicine is swallowed, it goes to the members where its cognate humour is lodged, from which both are expelled by the expulsive faculty of the part, and return to the bowels together. This theory, however, he rejects. He mentions further that others maintain that the medicine attracts its peculiar fluid, as a magnet does iron; and of this theory he adopts a modification. He states it as his opinion that, when such a medicine has been swallowed, it attracts its cognate fluid from the surrounding parts, to which all the similar fluids in the body are afterwards determined, being conveyed thither by the veins. He gives a full account of all the purgatives known in his time. (Pract. iii, 53, 54.) Much the same theory is advocated, and fully explained by Serapion. (De Antidot. vii, 10.)

Avicenna and Rhases object to the doctrine of Galen that he appears to have maintained that there is a peculiar alliance between a purgative medicine of a certain class and the fluid or humour which it attracts, whereas they argue that, as there is no alliance between the magnet and the iron which it attracts, so is it in like manner with purgatives and the peculiar fluids which they evacuate. This, however, is only a more precise exposition of the theory advanced by Galen. Rhases (Cont. xii, 1); Avicenna (i, 4, 4.) The ancient theory is very acutely stated by Averrhoes (Collig. v, 21.) See also Mesue (Canones universales.) There appears to be some originality in the theory of Mesue. He says that a purgative medicine operates by occasioning a preternatural increase of the vital, or, as it is now called, animal heat of the part to which it is applied, whereby its attractive powers are increased. He maintains very ingeniously that purgation is an act of Nature, that is to say, an operation of the vis medicatrix naturæ, and that the medicine is merely the instrument of Nature in this case, for, he adds (as Hippocrates says), it is Nature, and not the physician, that cures diseases. A purgative medicine, then, he argues, acts by rousing the expulsive power of Nature. He joins the preceding authorities, however, in illustrating the attractive power of purgatives, by comparing it to the property which the magnet has of attracting iron, and amber of attracting straws. Purgative medicines, he says, have the faculty of clearing away the humours from the different parts of the body; from the stomach and intestines they do so readily; from the meseraic veins less easily; still more difficultly from the liver, and with the greatest possible difficulty from the joints, especially when the humours are impacted there. He forbids purgatives to be given in the extremes, either of hot or cold; in this practice observing the rule of Hippocrates. In hot weather, he says, emetics, and not purgatives, are indicated. The directions which he gives for correcting the noxious qualities of purgative medicines are highly important, but they are too lengthy for our limits. Aromatics added to purgatives, he says, dispel flatus; bitters do the same, and strengthen the stomach; saltish things increase their purgative powers; unctuous, by lubricating the intestines, accelerate their operation, and render it easier; and sweet substances render them less nauseous, and diminish their acrimony.

On the ancient arrangement of purgative medicines Dr. Paris makes the following pertinent remark: “It is impossible to concede to the opinion of Dr. Hamilton, that the different species of purgative medicines do not possess distinct powers over the different species of matter to be evacuated; on the contrary, there is reason for reviving the ancient theory, too inconsiderately abandoned, and which acknowledged these different distinctions in the operations of cathartic medicines under the appropriate names of hydragogues, cholagogues, &c.” (Pharmacop.) Dr. Alston likewise writes thus: “We have a very learned essay in confirmation of the ancient doctrine of the specific operation of purgatives by Dr. G. Martyn (Lond. 1740, in 8vo.) I shall not enter into the controversy, but only observe that there is nothing impossible, yea, nor improbable in the theory.” (Lectures.) See a learned dissertation on the action of purgatives in Mangeti ‘Bibliotheca Anatomica,’ i, 159. We may mention further that Dr. Murray in his Materia Medica inclines to the Galenic theory of the specific operation of purgatives. (c. viii.)

On Cholagogues. Most of these medicines are sufficiently well known, and therefore do not require to be treated of at greater length. See also Aëtius (iii) and Oribasius (M. Col. vii.)

The Arabian author Mesue gives the following table of Cholagogues:

Clementer. Valenter. { Aloe { Agaricus. { Absinthium } Trahendo et { Asarum. { Rosa } astringendo, { Aristolochia. { Rhabarbarum } flavæ: nam aliæ { Bryonia. { Myrobalani } aliud vacuant. { Cyclaminus. { Pruna. { Cucumer agrestis. Cholagoga { Tamar Indi } Astringendo. Radices { Dracunculus et arum. { Cassia } { Elleborus. { Manna. { Esula. { Viola nigra } Lubricando. { Hermodactylus. { Psyllium } { Iris. { Adiantum etiam phl. { Scilla. { Turbith.

It will be perceived that this list contains several articles with which the Greeks were unacquainted, namely, myrobalani, tamarindi, manna, and turbith. Of all these substances we have already given some account in the Appendix to the Third Section. Mesue calls the tamarinds, the fruit of an Indian palm-tree, the word tamur signifying a date. He says, that they are excellent medicines for repressing the acrimony of the humours, purging bile, cooling the heat of the blood; that they prove useful in hot fevers, jaundice, inflammation of the stomach and liver, and that they stop vomiting. He calls them refrigerants and desiccants of the second order. To prevent them from hurting the stomach by their coldness, he recommends to give them with spikenard, mace, mastich, wormwood, fennel, or any such calefacients. Avicenna states their medicinal characters in the same terms. Serapion says, that they are desiccants and refrigerants in the third degree. Averrhoes ranks them among the refrigerants of the third, and desiccants of the second order. We have already mentioned, that the earlier commentators are decidedly of opinion, that the tripolium of the Greeks was turbith, but this is now generally acknowledged to have been a mistake. Mesue calls it the root of a milky herb, having leaves like a ferula, but smaller. Probably, however, as his commentator Manardus remarks, there is some mistake in the comparison of it to the ferula, as there is no resemblance between them. An accurate modern author, Moses Charras, calls it the bark of a milky root, which is chosen by its weight, dark-coloured without, white within, and clear from its pith, which is hard and fibrous. Mesue represents it to be a hot, nauseous purgative. It is given in powder, he says, to the amount of from one to two drachms.

Serapion recommends Cholagogues particularly in jaundice, inflammatory affections of the brain, mania, epilepsy, erysipelas, herpes, and tertian fever. He describes the following medicines as cholagogues: aloes, southernwood, black hellebore, scammony, colocynth, agaric, claterium, two species of mezereon, lathyris, the root of the lily, centaury, polypody, birthwort, myrobalaus (the yellow, the black, and the chebulic), pomegranate, cassia fistula, violet, ivy, and two Arabian substances anabac and alterariabin. We are unable to determine what the last two were.

A modern writer, Christianus Margravius, in his ‘Materia Medica Contracta,’ thus enumerates the cholagogues of his time.

Cholagoga, Cassia, manna, tamarindi, succusque rosarum, Scammonium, myrobalani, rhabarbarum, aloe.

Professor Alpinus gives an accurate account of the ancient cholagogues. (Meth. Med. iii, 9.) The following medicines are said to be used as purgatives by the Hindoos; we give the scientific names as given by Dr. Wise: 1. Convolvulus turpethum. 2. Panicum frumentaceum. 3. Croton polyandrum. 4. Anthericum tuberosum. 5. Abrus precatorius. 6. Cessampelos hexandra. 7. Asclepias geminata. 8. Clotoria ternata. 9. A kind of convolvulus. 10. Shabraba. 11. Cassia fistula. 12. Plumbago zeylanica. 13. Acheranthes aspera. 14. Poa cynosurides. 15. Saccharum spontaneum. 16. Jelaka?. 17. A variety of the convolvulus turpethum. 18. Ramaka. 19. Bignonia suaveolens. 20. Terminalia chebula. 21. Indigofera tinctoria. 22. Ricinus communis. 23. Costus speciosus. 24. Euphorbia. 25. Suptachetta. 26. Calotropis gigantea. 27. Halicacabum cardiospermum. Of these the turbet, myrobalans, and castor oil, are particularly commended. (On Hindoo Medicine.)

On Melanogogues. The other Greek authorities treat of nearly the same number of Melanogogues. They are treated of methodically by Galen, Oribasius, and Aëtius. The Alypias is supposed by Bernard (Nota in Nonni Epit.), and Prosper Alpinus, to have been the turbith; but, as is now maintained, erroneously. See Sprengel’s Notes on Dioscorides (iv, 177) and the preceding Appendix.

The following is Mesue’s list of Melanogogues:

Clementer. Valenter. { Stæchas. { Balanus Myrepsica. { Aqua lactis. { Centaurium. { Fumaria. Fructus et { Colocynthis. { Epithymus. Flores { Coccum Gnidium. Melanogoga { Thymus leviter, magis phleg. { Genista. { Polypodium. { Ricinus. { Jus gallorum phleg. cum phleg. { Senna. { melanogogum cum melanogog. { Armenus lapis. { Cyanus lapis. Terrea { Nitrum. { Salis genera.

Of these medicines, the only one which we owe to the Arabians is Senna. Mesue, it is true, quotes Galen as an authority on it, but this is most probably a mistake, as no mention of it is now to be traced in any part of his works. Averrhoes, accordingly, ranks it among the newly-discovered medicines. He says, that it is both phlegmagogue and cholagogue. Serapion and Rhases give nearly the same account of it. They state the minimum dose of the powdered leaves at one drachm, and of the decoction at five drachms. Mesue directs us to prepare a vinous tincture by infusing the leaves in musk. He recommends us to correct its nauseousness and unpleasant effects by the addition of ginger, and other cordials. He says that it cleanses the liver and spleen. Actuarius briefly notices it. He says it evacuates bile and phlegm. (Meth. Med. v, 8.) See Appendix. The Arabian authors represent the lapis lazuli to be the same as the lapis armenus of the Greeks. We have stated what we believe to be the truth of the matter in the preceding commentary. Margravius, in his enumeration of melanogogues, makes a distinction between them:

Melanogoga— Sunt ludiæ balani, lazuli lapis, armenusque, Senna, polypodium quernum, helleborusque, epithymum.

Averrhoes states that the lapis lazuli is the most potent medicine of this class. (Collig. v, 43.)

On Phlegmagogues. Mesue’s list is as follows:

Clementer. Valenter. { Cnicus. { Euphorbium. Phlegmagoga { Lupulus. Lachryma { Opoponax. { Hyssopus. { Scammonium. { Eupatorium etiam cholag. { Sagapenum. { Sarcocolla.

Serapion directs us to administer these medicines to persons of a cold habit, in cold seasons of the year, to those affected with anasarca and apoplexy, in sciatica and hemorrhages. His list is little different from our author’s. Margravius enumerates the phlegmagogues as follows:

Phlegmagoga— Carthamus, agaricus, turpeth, mechoaca, jalappa, Emblica, belliricæ, chebulæ, colocynthis, amara, Hermodactylus, euphorbium, opoponax, sagapenum.

On Hydragogues. The hydragogue properties of the elder-tree are commended by Boerhaave and Sydenham. See the section on Dropsy in the Third Book.

There is some difficulty in determining what the cneoros was. We are inclined to think that it was the cassia fistula, the medicinal characters of which, as stated by Mesue among the Arabian, and Prosper Alpinus among the modern, authorities, correspond with the account of cneoros given by our author.

Gum ammoniac is an ingredient of the purgative salt, a receipt for which is given by Apicius. It also enters into the sales purgatorii of Myrepsus. (ii, 9 and 10.) See the commentary on the next Section.

Prosper Alpinus says of the coccum gnidium, or fruit of the thymelæa, that in doses of fifteen grains it is a strong purgative, and evacuates principally serous humours in dropsy. He reckons the squama æris among the drastic purgatives.

Serapion’s account of the hydragogues is nearly the same as our author’s. The following is Margravius’s list of them:

Esula, gratiola, atque ireos succus, mechoaca, Post ebuli semen, et succus, cortexcque elaterium, Soldanella virens, et gummi gutta, jalappa.

SECT. V.—ON COMPOUND PURGATIVES.

Pills from aloes. Of the medullary part of colocynth, p. j; of the juice of wormwood, p. j; of aloes, p. j; of scammony, p. ij; make with water pills of the size of a chick-pea. The dose xj grains.

The oxymel of Julian. Of rue, oz. iij; of marjoram, oz. iij; of the hair (capillary-leaves?) of thyme, oz. iv; of dill, oz. iss; of iris, oz. j; of the root of mandrake, oz. iss; of agaric, oz. ij; of fatty dead pines, oz. xij; of the granum Cnidium, oz. iv; of lathyrides, oz. iij; of alypias, oz. iij; of polypody, oz. ij; of the cassia-leaf (malabathrum), oz. j; of costus, oz. j; of spikenard, oz. j; of rha Ponticum, oz. iss; of squills, oz. iij; of the tops of the elder-tree, oz. iij; of canopus, which is the bark of elder, oz. iij; of asarabacca, oz. j; of pennyroyal, oz. iij; of dodder of thyme, oz. ij; of hellebore, oz. ij; of sweetflag, oz. ij; of water-parsnip, oz. j; of amomum, oz. j; of St. John’s wort, oz. j; of cumin, oz. j; of anise, oz. ij; of vinegar, ten sextarii; of honey, five sextarii: macerate the herbs in the vinegar for three days; then, having boiled it until more than one half be consumed, add the honey, and having strained, add the lathyrides, the costus, the granum Cnidium, and the spikenard triturated, and, if you please, after it is fully boiled, the oxymel. The full dose is oz. j; or according to the patient’s strength. It is useful in gouty affections and epilepsies; and when we require at the same time to evacuate or dislodge thick humours.

The purgative hydragogue from cloves. Of aloes, of dodder of thyme, of cloves, of granum Cnidium, of stone-parsley, of rha Ponticum, of each, oz. ss; of euphorbium, scr. iv; of honey, q. s. The dose is one spoonful.

The purgative medicine from rhodomel, of Alexander. Of the juice of roses, two sextarii; of honey, one sextarius; of scammony, oz. iv. A full dose is five spoonfuls, a small, two, a medium dose three spoonfuls.—Otherwise: of honey, lb. j; of the juice of roses, lb. j; of pepper, dr. ij; of scammony, dr. viij; of mastich, dr. iv; and of ginger, dr. ij.—Otherwise, one which I use: of spikenard, of asarabacca, of dodder of thyme, of each, oz. ss; macerate in a hemina of water for three days; and having boiled it to a moderate degree, mix with the water of the juice of roses, half a sextarius; of honey, half a sextarius; and having boiled it until it acquire consistence, add scammony to the amount of oz. iss.

A purgative medicine from quinces. Of roasted quinces, oz. iv; of pepper, oz. ss; of scammony, dr. j; of honey, oz. v. Having triturated it, give one spoonful, according to the strength.

The stomachic purgative from citrons. Boil of the bark of a citron, and of the flesh of the same, lb. j, in a sextarius and a half of water, until a third be left; add half a sextarius of honey, and having boiled until it acquire the consistence of honey, sprinkle of the powder of long pepper, oz. j; of scammony roasted in leaven, oz. j.

The purgative called Buccellatus. Of baked scammony, oz. j; of pepper and of parsley-seed, of each, scr. j; of fennel, of anise, of each, oz. j; of honey, lb. j; having roasted it moderately, give in hippocras to the amount of one ounce.

Purgative olives. Of scammony, oz. j; of pepper, oz. j; of dodder of thyme, of toasted cumin, of stone-parsley, of rue, of the green leaves of mint, of each, dr. iv; of laserwort, dr. j; of dates, oz. v; of honey, oz. v; of vinegar, two heminæ; of pickled olives (namely of schistous), one sextar. Some add a moderate quantity of fish-sauce. The dose is v, vij, or ix.

A purgative trochisk. Of scammony, dr. iv; of euphorbium, dr. iv; of the cassia-leaf (malabathrum), dr. ij; of pepper, dr. ij; of honey, lb. j. The dose is oz. j.

A purgative and stomachic posca. Of cumin, of fennel, of each, oz. j; of pennyroyal, of parsley, of anise, of each, oz. ss; of dodder of thyme, of scammony, of each, oz. j; of salts, oz. ij. The full dose is two scruples in the oxycrate. Some add also of euphorbium, scr. iv.

A purgative wine for dropsical cases. Of squills, oz. iij; of parsley-seed, oz. vi; of pepper, dr. j; of the root of capers, dr. iv; of the granum Cnidium stripped of its bark, dr. j; of the leaf malabathrum, two balls; of wine, twelve heminæ; of honey, oz. iij. Having pounded the squills, macerate in wine, and mix the other things when triturated.

Purgative salts. Of common salts toasted, dr. vj; of parsley-seed, of ginger, of dried bread, of each, scr. vj; of anise, of pepper, of each, oz. ss; of scammony, of dodder of thyme, of each, oz. j. The dose is one spoonful.

The podagric purgative from hermodactylus. Of hermodactylus, oz. iij; of anise, of Ethiopian cumin, of bishop’s weed, of the clusters of thyme, of white pepper, of ginger, of each, scr. iij; of dodder of thyme, oz. ss; the dose is scr. iv; some give scr. vj. It is administered in the morning with hippocras, honeyed water, or strong wine heated.

The same purgative otherwise. Of hermodactylus, oz. j; of Ethiopian cumin, of anise, of agaric, of ginger, of each, scr. vj; of mastich, scr. ij; of spikenard, scr. ij; of musk, one siliqua; of cnicus, scr. ij. The dose is scr. iv with hydromel. We reject scammony, because it is bad for the stomach. But if more evacuation be required, mix with the dose three siliquæ of scammony; give after the bath.

Pills from the lapis Armenicus, given principally in arthritic cases. Of aloes, oz. iv; of scammony, oz. vj; of agaric, oz. j; of dodder of thyme, oz. j; of lapis armenicus, scr. xij; of cassia, oz. j; of spikenard, oz. j; of baked squills, oz. ij; of saffron, scr. xij; add to rhodomel. The dose is scr. ij.

The purgative from coronopodium, applicable in the same cases as that from hermodactylus, a stomachic. Of ginger, scr. ij; of pepper, scr. j; of agaric, scr. j; of the internal part of cnicus, scr. iv; of the root of buckthorn plantain (coronopodium), scr. vj; the dose is scr. iij, but to those persons whose belly is difficult to move, twenty-three siliquæ, which make altogether seven oboli, or nearly eight. After evacuation, having bathed, let them take eggs and bread for food.

That from Cyrenaic juice, for quartans. Of Cyrenaic juice, of pepper, of ginger, of the leaves of rue, of each, dr. j. The dose is the size of a filbert.

A purgative pap, useful in cases of œdema and aggravated elephantiasis, and when one wishes to dislodge a thick and viscid humour. Having cut up two colocynths, evacuate the seed, and allowing the medullary part to remain, fill them with sweet oil, and covering them up with their proper covers allow them to remain a night and a day. On the following day, having evacuated the oil, boil the colocynths in water until they are reduced to a soft consistence; then throw them away, and the oil being mixed with water, add to it three oboli of black hellebore, and of scammony, dr. j; but boiling along with them a pap of similago, or dried bread pounded, and then give of it to the patient, who has been formerly restricted to a simple diet, to the size of eight, ten, or at most fourteen filberts; and let him drink hot water.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It may be proper in this place to apprize the reader of the reason why he will not find the remainder of the work so copiously illustrated by notes as the preceding parts of it. The combination of simple medicines in pharmaceutical preparations is so arbitrary, and so little regulated by any fixed principle, that it is seldom we can find any two authors exactly agreeing as to the ingredients which enter into any one preparation. Now to follow all the ancient writers on pharmacy through all their complex formulæ, and point out every little difference which prevails among them, would be a very wearisome task, and one which would scarcely recompense us or our readers for the time and attention which such an undertaking would necessarily demand; and neither is it much required, since, as will be seen, our author’s system of pharmacy is sufficiently copious and accurate for all practical purposes. We shall therefore be content with giving a general explanation of each class of these medicinal preparations, and only offer some occasional remarks on a few of the more important articles.

Under this head we shall give some account of the Halatia Cathartica, or Purgative Salts of the ancients. The ἅλες κοινὰι πεφρυγμέναι are the same as the sal commune frictum of Apicius. Humelbergius thus explains it: “fricti, id est cremati et torrefacti.” The following is Apicius’s receipt for the “Sales conditi ad multa:” Of common salt roasted, lb. j; of sal ammoniac roasted, lb. ij; of white pepper, oz. iij; of ginger, oz. ij; of bishop’s weed, oz. iss; of thyme, oz. iss; of parsley-seed, oz. iss. The purgative salts of Aëtius contain sal ammoniac mixed up with many purgative and cordial medicines, such as scammony, laserwort, parsley-seed, ginger, pennyroyal, spikenard, and pepper. (iii, 109.) These are the ingredients of a sal purgatorius recommended by Actuarius. (Meth. Med. v, 10.) Myrepsus gives prescriptions for various purgative and stomachic salts. They all consist of sal ammoniac, or common salt mixed with scammony and aromatics in different proportions. (Sect. ii.) See also Haly Abbas. (Pract. x, 10.)

SECT. VI.—ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THOSE WHO TAKE PURGATIVE MEDICINES; AND WHAT IS TO BE DONE TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT PURGED BY A PROPER DOSE OF PURGATIVES.

In general when any of the drastic purgatives is to be taken, the medicine is to be given to the patient with an empty stomach, and after digestion has been performed; and he is to be prevented from sleeping until it has been wholly purged off, and if possible he should make moderate motion, and abstain during the time from all food and drink, until the purging is over.

From the works of Philagrius. But if he cannot endure abstinence from food, either because the mouth of the stomach is troubled with bile from long fasting, which has preceded, or any such cause, we must give him bread out of diluted wine, or the juice of ptisan, or of chondrus, not after the evacuation has begun, lest it spoil in the stomach, but straightway after the medicine has been taken; for in this way by its weight it contributes to the speedy evacuation of the medicine. But if, after taking any of the laxative medicines, one does not purge nor evacuate, provided the case be not at all serious, we need not be very solicitous about it; but if the greatness of the disease be urgent, or the patient experiences acute tearing pains with distension of the belly, we must necessarily administer a clyster. But if even thus the belly is not evacuated, and there is a pungent pain and disorder of the body, he is to be bathed and rubbed freely with oil; or if he feels full and heavy, a vein must be opened, more especially if he is of a sanguineous habit of body, and if his eyes be red and prominent, not naturally but incidentally, owing to his having drunk the medicine. When none of these symptoms trouble him, but he experiences a gnawing and lancinating pain, he may take food immediately after the bath, and drink wine freely, and in the meantime he is to receive a clyster, if he does not settle; and again he is to be bathed. The oil used in the clyster, should be that of rue or prepared from some other of the carminative medicines.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Hippocrates, as Galen mentions, recommends a draught of ptisan to be swallowed immediately after taking a purgative medicine, in order to facilitate the operation of the medicine and wash away any particles of it which may lodge in the intestines. Both forbid it to be given after the operation has commenced, as it tends only to blunt the powers of the medicine. Galen remarks, that sometimes a purgative does not operate, either from idiosyncrasy of the patient, or from the smallness of the dose, or from the intestines being blocked up by indurated fæces, which must be removed by means of a clyster before the medicine can operate. At other times, he adds, the medicine is determined to the kidneys, or is digested and converted into food. As all purgatives are bad for the stomach, he recommends us to weaken the impression of them by the mixture of aromatic seeds, which possess attenuating and cutting powers—Quosnam oportet purgare, &c.

Oribasius treats fully of this subject in two extracts from the works of Galen and Ruffus. Ruffus directs us, when the bowels are difficult to move, to give beforehand a soup of shell-fish, with mallows, beet, and the like, or to administer a clyster. He forbids us to give purgatives to persons who are apt to vomit. (Med. Collect. vii, 26.)

Mesue has treated more fully of all the circumstances connected with the administration of purgatives than any other ancient author. When the operation of the medicine is retarded by flatus, or the bad state of the humours, he recommends us either to administer a clyster or give an emetic. When this arises from debility of the expulsive faculty of the intestines, he directs us to give, first, a moderate draught of cold water, and then some astringent potion, such as one from quinces, or pears. When the passage is obstructed, he directs a clyster to be administered; and in this case he forbids cold water to be given, as it will increase the contraction of the intestine. When violent pains are excited in the stomach by the medicine, he recommends an emetic, and if in the bowels, a clyster. (Canon. Univers. iii.) See also Avicenna (i, iv, 8), and Rhases (Contin. xii.)

SECT. VII.—ON THE TREATMENT OF HYPERCATHARSIS.

In cases of hypercatharsis the body is to be rubbed and bathed in hot water, and before the bath a thin, pale-coloured and yellow wine is to be given (for such is the most speedily distributed), and bread soaked in it, and pomegranates. But if the evacuation continue, the limbs are to be bound with ligatures, extending from above downwards, and tightened so as to intercept the blood and spirits. A moderate quantity of the theriac from the flesh of vipers is also to be given. For it soon passes to the skin, and quickly gives a counter-determination to the defluxion of fluids upon the belly, and blunts the poisonous and deleterious property as it were of the cathartics. When in want of it we may use the theriac trochisks, and also that from seeds, and the antidote called Philonius. Cupping-instruments are also to be applied over the stomach, and cataplasms from polenta, and wine and honey; after which we must use the astringent epithemes. But they will derive the most sensible advantage from frictions of the whole body, and draughts of the aforesaid medicines. They must abstain from very cold and very hot air; for the one occasions a determination from without inwards, and increases the discharge, and the other dissipates and reduces the strength. But if the evacuation is increased by irritation in the bowels, we must apply cataplasms of the afore-mentioned things, and injections of emollients, such as the fat of geese, sweet wine, nard, and the like.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Oribasius remarks, that when an overdose of a purgative medicine has been taken, it purges first yellow bile, then black bile, and at last blood. He recommends us, in cases of hypercatharsis, to give a hot draught, to apply tight ligatures and violent friction to the extremities, and cupping-instruments to the hypochondrium and back. When the patient can readily be made to vomit, he directs us to produce this operation by the administration of a copious draught of tepid water, and by putting a feather or the fingers down the throat. This is in accordance with Celsus’s rule of practice: “Longas dejectiones supprimit vomitus.” (ii, 8.)

Hippocrates and Aëtius, in cases of excessive purging from the administration of medicine, recommend the bath and a light-coloured wine before and after it.

Avicenna lays down the rules of treatment with great precision, but they are mostly the same as our author’s. After friction, cupping, tight ligatures, and restorative draughts have been tried, should the excessive purging continue he recommends us to administer narcotics. (i, 4, 7.) See, in like manner, Rhases (Contin. xiii, 1, 2), and Serapion (de Antid.) But Mesue is the author who has treated of all the symptoms connected with hypercatharsis at the greatest length. He recommends us to reserve narcotics as an ultimum remedium, as from the unseasonable administration of them much harm might result. He directs us to add cordials and aromatics to the narcotics. When the tenesmus is severe he directs us to stop it by suitable enemata and suppositories. For the debility and lassitude occasioned by too great purgation he recommends a tepid bath of sweet water, and friction with warm oils. (Canones Universales.)

SECT. VIII.—ON THE ANTIDOTES CALLED HIERÆ.

The hiera of Antiochus. Of germander, of agaric, of the medullary part of colocynth, of cassidony, of each dr. x; of opoponax, of sagapen, of stone-parsley, of the species of birthwort called clematis, of white pepper, of each dr. v; of cinnamon, of spikenard, of troglodytic myrrh, of the leaves of saffron, of each dr. iv; of honey, q. s.—Another hiera. Of the medullary part of colocynth, dr. xx; of baked squills, of agaric, of ammoniac perfume, of the bark of black hellebore, of scammony, of St. John’s wort, of each dr. iij; of dodder of thyme, of dried polypody, of bdellium, of aloes, of germander, of horehound, of cassia, of each dr. viij; of troglodytic myrrh, of opoponax, of sagapen, of stone-parsley, of the common long, and white pepper, of cinnamon, of saffron, of castor, of the long birthwort, of each dr. iv; of honey, q. s.

The hiera of Justus. Of dodder of thyme, dr. xij; of horehound, of cassidony, of germander, of black hellebore, of scammony, of agaric, of long pepper, of baked squills, of each dr. xvj; of euphorbium, of the medullary part of colocynth, of aloes, of saffron, of gentian, of stone-parsley, of ammoniac perfume, of sagapen, of each dr. viij; of opoponax, of poley, of cinnamon, of myrrh, of spikenard, of the flower of the rush, of pennyroyal, of each dr. iv; of long and of round birthwort, of each dr. ij; of honey, q. s. The dose is two, three, or four scr., with honeyed water and salts.

The hiera of Galen. Of germander, of long pepper, of white pepper, of cassidony, of black hellebore, of scammony, of spikenard, of baked squills (and some of dodder of thyme), of each dr. xvj; of myrrh, of saffron, of ammoniac perfume, of euphorbium, of each dr. viij. Mix with honey.

The hiera of Ruffus. Of sicyonia, or the medullary part of colocynth, dr. viij; of germander, dr. x; of sagapen, dr. viij; of stone-parsley, dr. v; of round birthwort, dr. v; of white pepper, dr. v; of cinnamon, dr. iv; or of cassia, dr. viij; of base horehound, of saffron, of poley, of myrrh, of each dr. iv; of honey, q. s.

The hiera of Archigenes. Of horehound, of agaric, of germander, of the medullary part of colocynth, of cassidony, of each dr. x; of opoponax, of sagapen, of stone-parsley, of round birthwort, of white pepper, of each dr. v; of cinnamon, of spikenard, of myrrh, of the cassia leaf (malabathrum), of saffron, of each dr. iv; pound the dry things together, and strain. The opoponax, sagapen, and myrrh, being bruised, are to be put into a mortar to macerate with honeyed water for one night; then triturate and add the dry things; then mixing them with the finest honey lay them up in a glass or leaden vessel. This is the common method with all the hieræ. The full dose of them is dr. iv. Add to it also of salts, dr. j; of honey, two cyathi; of water, q. s. If we wish to make those compositions of this class which have not scammony more purgative, we must add to each of them an obolus of it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The hieræ, for the most part, consist of drastic purgatives, combined with aromatics. There is a great variety of these compositions described in the works of the ancient winters on pharmacy. Galen makes mention of an aloetic hiera, which was much used by the celebrated Archigenes. The following is his prescription for it: “R. Aloes, dr. c; cinnamomi, nardi, xylobalsami, mastichæ chiæ, asari, croci, ā ā dr. vj.” Galen remarks, however, that the proportion of aloes is too great, and recommends us to substitute xc or lxxx dr. instead of the quantity directed. (De comp. Med. acc. loc.) Mesue describes the composition of 6 hieræ, Haly Abbas of 5, and Serapion of a much greater number. But for variety, Myrepsus surpasses all the other authorities. He describes the composition of 30 hieræ. The following is his receipt for the Hiera Picra Galeni: “℞. Aloes flavæ, dr. xivss.; cinnamomi, croci, costi, floris junci odorati, xylobalsami, cassiæ fistulæ puræ, mastiches, asari, rosarum, amomi, absinthii, ā ā dr. j; Tere subigendo cum mellis Attici q. s.” Moses Charras’s receipt for it is very little different. (Royal Pharm. i, 20.)

SECT. IX.—ON LINIMENTS TO BE APPLIED TO THE ANUS, AND PURGATIVE APPLICATIONS TO THE NAVEL.

A liniment to the anus for the discharge of flatulence. Rue is triturated with honey so as to form one juice, and the inner parts of the fundament rubbed with it. It becomes more efficacious if a small quantity of cumin and natron, or the juice of sowbread be added. It is daubed upon flocks of wool and introduced; or a suppository is formed with the addition of honey. For the flatus escapes freely, affording relief.

A liniment to the anus, evacuating the belly; called Chezananche. Alum being triturated with honey is to be boiled until it become yellowish, and the anus is to be rubbed with it. It forces a free evacuation of many things, but not without trouble.

An application to the navel as a laxative of the bowels. Of sowbread, dr. iv; of natron, dr. iij; of black and white hellebore, of each, dr. ij; of colocynth, dr. iij; of scammony, dr. ij; of the juice of elaterium, dr. iv; of granum Cnidium, dr. iv; of fatty dried figs, oz. ij; of the gall of bulls, oz. j. Another very excellent one: of elaterium, of lathyrides, of galbanum, of sowbread, of black hellebore, of each, dr. iv; of the medullary parts of colocynth, dr. viij; of fresh wild cucumber, of scammony, of granum Cnidium, of each, dr. ij; of spurge, dr. ij; of turpentine, dr. iij; mix these with the gall of bulls, and use as a liniment. Some, by mixing with them of wax, oz. vij, and of Sicyonian oil, q. s., make it of the form of a plaster.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is clear that the liniments applied to the anus were a sort of suppositories. The Chezananche is described in much the same terms as our author’s by Myrepsus. The rest of his compositions of this class are also very similar to our author’s. (xxvi, 2.) Actuarius gives a full account of them. (Meth. Med. v, 9.)

Purgative applications to the navel were much trusted to by the ancient physicians as laxatives, but they are now seldom used. The late Dr. Kerr, of Aberdeen, however, sometimes had recourse to them, and spoke highly of their efficacy.

SECT. X.—ON EMETICS, AND THE MODE OF ADMINISTERING HELLEBORE.

Persons in health have recourse to emetics when the system is loaded with too much food or humours, and those in acute diseases, when troubled with phlegm or the like. But neither persons in health nor those in acute diseases should be permitted to use emetics, but only in chronic affections, more especially in cases of indurations, and for such matters as require to be dislodged by forcible means, as in gout, epilepsy from the stomach, elephantiasis, dropsy, melancholy, and the like. They are improper in spittings of blood, weakness of the stomach, and suffocative complaints. The readiest of the emetics is the oil of privet (oleum Cyprinum), the fingers or some feathers being dipped in it and pushed down the throat. And dr. vij of Celtic nard taken in honeyed water evacuate upwards powerfully. In like manner v or vj dr. of betony drunk in honeyed water, and three green leaves of the daphnoides pounded and eaten. And an obolus of elaterium taken in a draught of water, purges phlegm and bile upwards; and fifteen grains of stavesacre with thick honeyed water. Of plants with bulbous roots, those usually eaten if taken raw, and the boiled roots of narcissus purge upwards. And the upper part of the root of parsley, namely, that which is exposed to the air, when eaten, purges upwards. Some call it chamæraphanum. The under part of the root purges downwards. When the whole is eaten it purges both upwards and downwards. Radishes purge less than the aforementioned, but more usefully. They are to be taken when very acrid and fresh, and cut into small parts; and having allowed them to soak in oxymel for two or three hours, as many of the pieces as possible are to be swallowed, so that one may vomit three or four times after supper, and once if fasting. But after, large draughts of oxymel are to be swallowed; and after walking about for two hours, and drinking tepid water, one may compel one’s self to vomit by inserting the fingers or some feathers into the throat.

Modes of administering hellebore. Hellebore is to be given in protracted and severe complaints, and when all hope from other remedies is precluded, because the disease has proved stronger than them all. It is to be given in continued diseases, as dropsy, elephantiasis, cachexia, paralysis, and the like; and in certain complaints which attack at intervals, as epilepsy and gout. There being many modes of administering hellebore, the simplest, and rather the preparative for a course of hellebore, is this method: having perforated radishes with a reed, pieces of the dried roots of the finest white hellebore are to be inserted into the perforations, and having been allowed to remain for one night they are to be removed. Having cut the radishes in pieces they are to be given with oxymel, in the manner described, to the patient who has been accustomed before to emetics, and after an interval of the number of hours mentioned, he is to be forced to vomit. The established mode of administering hellebore is as follows: having allowed two ounces of the best hellebore to macerate in a hemina of water for five days, boil until only a third part of the water remain, and having expressed the hellebore, mix with the water an equal quantity of honey, and boil it until it thicken; and after the patient has been exercised with vomits in the manner described, give it to him when fasting, and after digestion has been performed, and the contents of the bowels evacuated, either spontaneously or by one or two injections, according to his strength. But the most efficacious mode is this: having cut the roots of the hellebore into pieces resembling the seeds of Indian corn (for when reduced to a downy powder it occasions suffocation by its powerful action), give to those who are of a weaker constitution dr. ij, at most, or, at least, dr. j of the hellebore, in the juice of ptisan, of halica, or the like; but to those who are stronger, it is to be given in hot water or honeyed water. The purging begins after three or four hours; but when it is longer of commencing, it operates more effectually. When the vomiting is slow of beginning, give honeyed water to drink, and let the patient be compelled to vomit by inserting feathers dipped in oil into the throat. If even thus he will not vomit, let him be put into the bath. When vomiting commences, if it go on properly, we need not interfere; but if lancinating pains or convulsions supervene, we must give a mixture of water and oil to drink. For thus is an evacuation downwards occasioned (which otherwise sometimes takes place when hellebore has been administered), and they bear the concentration of the medicine better. When the patient falls into deliquium animi he is to be resuscitated by strong-smelling things and the like. Any other symptoms which may happen to occur are to be treated in a suitable manner. When the purging is excessive, they are to be allowed to take food and sleep, and do otherwise as mentioned in describing the treatment of hypercatharsis. But if it continue, cupping-instruments are to be applied over the stomach, and ligatures tied round the limbs. When the evacuation proceeds properly we must give to drink a moderate quantity of honeyed water, in order to wash away the superfluous particles of the medicine. After a little while, give some food of easy digestion. When apprehensions are entertained of the administration of hellebore by the mouth, and the medicine is by all means required, Antyllus uses the following injection: having allowed two drachms of white hellebore to macerate in a sextarius of water for a day and a night, on the day following we are to boil the hellebore in the water until but a half remain. Then we are to inject it by the anus so as to produce vomiting. It purges upwards somewhat more feebly than when the medicine is drank. After sufficient purging, an acrid suppository is to be introduced so as to occasion the discharge of the injection and stop the vomiting. After the discharge of it, an injection of honeyed water is to be given once or twice in order to wash out the gut. The same person says: A suppository is made of white hellebore, pounded and strained, and mixed with boiled honey, which purges like the injection of hellebore. But the following is a better method; for we have it in our power to regulate the purging: The quantity is to be dr. ij of hellebore, and the suppository is to be wrapped round, or bound with some flocks of wool firmly. The head of this ball of wool is to be allowed to hang out of the anus, in order that after sufficient purging it may be in our power to remove the suppository. This method purges effectually, and neither occasions convulsive suffocation nor any other dangerous symptom.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The gentle emetics used by the ancients on ordinary occasions have been treated of in Book I. We have now to give some account of the more drastic emetics.

Galen and Oribasius recommend, as effectual emetics, the bulb of the narcissus, the seed of the anagyrus, and the fleshy part of nut ben. The Unguentum irinum and the U. cyprinum are stated by Aëtius and most of the other authorities to be safe and effectual emetics. Aëtius also commends the decoctions of hyssop and of thyme, the seed of bastard saffron pounded with oily grain, the oils of sesame, radishes, and narcissus, and the leaves of the daphnoides. Nitre or an impure carbonate of soda was also a medicine in general use as an emetic. The Lemnian earth was often given as an emetic, being a sort of red ochre. Avicenna and Rhases make mention of a species of black turbith, called gilbenec, which they describe as an effectual emetic, but somewhat unsafe. See the Appendix. Avicenna says that tickling the throat with a feather, smeared in the oil of sesame, readily excites vomiting. He remarks that vomiting is promoted by motion and stopped by rest. The bulbus emeticus was in general use to produce vomiting. Serapion directs us to give it boiled along with honey. He also commends the nux vomica as an emetic when given along with a small quantity of salt. We need scarcely say that it is now seldom or never given for this purpose, although it still holds a place in some of the continental systems of Materia Medica. The earlier modern writers on medicine recommend it freely as an emetic. See Guido de Cauliaco. (vii, 1.)

But of all the medicines of this class the white hellebore was undoubtedly the most powerful, and in important cases was the most generally used. We must, therefore, take this opportunity of describing the forms in which it was administered. Hippocrates appears to have been familiarly acquainted with it as a medicine, and to have administered it very freely. Aretæus concludes his work with a spirited eulogium on hellebore; “But in all inveterate chronic diseases, when other remedies have failed to produce the effect, this alone is to be depended upon for the cure. For, in power, white hellebore resembles fire, and with still greater powers hellebore, by pervading the inward parts, produces freedom of respiration from obstruction, a healthy colour from paleness, and plumpness of body, in place of emaciation.” But on the modes of administering hellebore, the fullest and most accurate of the ancient authorities is Oribasius, whose interesting account of it we shall now attempt to give in an abridged form. His description is mostly taken from Archigenes, Herodotus, and Antyllus. He sets out, then, with giving directions about preparing the patient for entering upon a course of hellebore. This consists principally in putting him upon a regulated diet, and administering occasionally some of the gentler emetics, especially the one from radishes. He, then, describes at considerable length the marks by which good hellebore may be recognised. When broken, he says, it ought to be white in the inside; and when taken into the mouth it ought to be felt hot and acrid, but at first of a sweetish taste; thereafter gradually becoming more stimulant, and provoking a great flow of saliva, and that frequently attended with vomiting. He recommends the following preparation of hellebore as being efficacious and perfectly safe: A pound of hellebore is to be macerated for three days in six heminæ of water, which we are to boil at a gentle fire until a third part of the water is consumed, when the hellebore is to be expressed; then two heminæ of honey are to be added to the decoction, which is to be again boiled until it no longer stain the finger. Of this preparation, the dose, to those who do not require strong purging, is two cochlearia, but to robust persons, the quantity called a mystrum. Another of his authorities, Antyllus, directs us to allow five drachms of the shavings of hellebore to macerate for three days in half a hemina of rain-water, after which it is to be strained and heated in a double vessel. Oribasius also mentions that the medicine may be given in a coarse powder. He afterwards lays down the rules of treatment when the action of the medicine superinduces dangerous symptoms. We need not go over this part minutely. Suffice it to say that, according to circumstances, he directs us to provoke vomiting by tickling the throat with feathers dipped in one of the emetic oils; to open the bowels with oily clysters; and to rouse the patient when in a state of stupor, by stimulants, restoratives, shaking him, pinching him, or tossing him in a garment. He recommends hellebore in cases of mania, melancholy, inveterate pains of the hip and other joints, epilepsy, catalepsy, vertigo, chronic headache, lethargy, leprosy, and other cutaneous diseases. He also praises it as a remedy in hydrophobia. (Med. Collect. viii.)

Aëtius states that hellebore is given in infusion, in decoction, and in substance, either cut into pieces or pounded and sifted. When administered in pieces it soon begins to act as a purgative, generally within two hours, bringing away bile and phlegm without much trouble, and after four or five hours the medicine itself is generally vomited up, and the purging stops. When given in a fine powder it acts violently but slowly, so that four or five hours have generally elapsed before its operation commences. He adds that in all its forms it evacuates bile and phlegm, but that it is attended with danger of bringing on convulsions or hypercatharsis. On the infusion he remarks, that it suits with old persons and children, to those who have a feeble constitution, and for the cure of elephantiasis. Five drachms of cut hellebore are to be allowed to macerate for three days in half a hemina of rain-water, after which it is to be strained and heated, when the whole of the infusion is to be taken. The decoction he recommends to be given to persons of a firmer habit of body, and in cases of mania and melancholy. It is to be thus prepared: A pound of hellebore, cut into pieces, is to be allowed to macerate for three days in two sext. of rain-water; after which it is to be boiled gently upon the coals until only a third remain; then, having strained it, we add to the decoction two pounds of scummed honey, and boil to the consistence of honey. It may be given as a linctus to the amount of a large spoonful, or mixed with hot water in a draught, when it will not superinduce spasms, contractions, or hypercatharsis. To those who stand in need of more violent concussion, who are of a strong habit of body and possess fortitude, and vomit readily, it is given cut into pieces; and to persons of still greater determination, or who have been accustomed to it, in the form of a sifted powder. It is to be cut into pieces of the size of malt or bran, and taken in ptisan or barley-water, a draught of mead or plain water being swallowed after to wash it away. The maximum close of it is dr. iiss. Hellebore may also be pounded and sifted in a fine sieve, when the larger particles may be given in halica (barley-water?) or pottage; but the smaller particles may be formed into pills with boiled honey. (iii, 131.) Macer Floridus concludes that scr. ij. is a sufficient dose of the white hellebore. (De Herb. vir.)

The Arabians give this medicine in the same forms and under the same circumstances as the Greeks. They estimate the dose of it at from dr. j to dr. ij. Mesue forbids it to be given in the form of a powder. He and Haly Abbas, however, recommend it in pills with hiera, colocynth, agaric, and various aromatics for the cure of elephantiasis and melancholy. Serapion states that there is great danger of its inducing convulsions if improperly administered. Avicenna’s account of the modes of giving it is very interesting.

Upon this subject we shall give the observations of the celebrated Prosper Alpinus: “Elleborus albus inter medicamenta vomitoria perpetuo apud omnes gentes præcipuum locum obtinet, fuitque in usu elleborismus, id est, purgatio per elleborum album, admodum familiaris apud antiquos, ad morbos sanatu difficillimos tollendos, cujus quidem usu complures ab affectibus ferè prorsus insanabilibus sanabantur, atque ita cito, et probè, ut eæ sanationes miracula viderentur; unde olim antiquorum illorum medicorum laus insigniter augebatur. Nunc vero non sine ægrotantium damno, atque magno artis medicæ dedecore, ipsius usus apud omnes ferè medicos obsolevit, qui nunc neque audent, neque sciunt, quomodo veratrum album exhibendum est.” (Med. Meth. iii, 10.) He gives the following prescription for making a preparation of hellebore: “Nonnulli ex recentioribus parant elleborum accipientes, ʒiss; vini dulcis aromatici, lb. j; turis, ʒiss; hyperici, ʒj; sacchari, ʒij; bulliant ad consumptionem mediatatis. Cujus decocti dant uncias tres.” He likewise approves of giving hellebore by boiling it in oil. (Ibid.)

The following is a very simple receipt for the preparation of the mel helleboratum or honey of hellebore: “Take of the roots of white hellebore, dried and sliced, one pound; of clarified honey, three pounds; of water four pints. After steeping the roots three days in the water, boil them a little while, then boil the liquor, well pressed out and strained, with the honey to a due consistence.” Dr. Pemberton (London Dispensatory, A. D. 1746.) By due consistence is meant the consistence of honey.

SECT. XI.—ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ANTIDOTES.

The Preface of Galen’s work on Antidotes. Those compositions which cure affections not when they are applied externally, but when taken internally, are named antidotes by the ancients. There are three different kinds of them. The first are those which are administered for deleterious substances; the second, for those animals called venomous; and the third are the remedies for affections occasioned by bad articles of food. Some antidotes profess to fulfil all these three purposes, such as the one called theriac.

The preparation of the hedychroum, which forms an ingredient of the theriac. Of the bark of the root of aspalathus, of calamus aromaticus, of costus, of asarabacca, of xylobalsam, of valerian, of amaracus, of mastich, of each, dr. vj; of carpobalsam, dr. ij; of marum, dr. xvj; of the flower of the rush, dr. ij; of cinnamon, dr. xxiv; of amomum, of cassia, of rheum, of each, dr. viij; of Indian nard, of the cassia leaf (malabathrum), dr. xij; of myrrh, dr. xxiv; of saffron, dr. xij; mix with fine wine, and form into trochisks, having smeared the finger with opobalsam.

The preparation of trochisks of squills. Having covered over the squills with clay or dough, roast it moderately, and taking of the inner parts of it, p. ij; and of the flour of tares, p. j; and having triturated in like manner, form trochisks.

The preparation of the theriac trochisks. Having chosen four or five vipers of a tawny colour, and recently taken, cut off their heads, and four fingers’ breadth of the part next the tail, and having removed the skins and entrails, boil the rest in a new pot, with dill and a moderate quantity of salts, until the spines be separated from the flesh. Then removing and cleaning away properly the flesh from the spines, and having mixed with them an equal quantity of clean bread, and triturated them in like manner, form into small balls, having your fingers smeared with opobalsam, and cool in the shade.

The preparation of the theriac antidote. Of the trochisks of squills, dr. lxviij; of the theriac trochisks, dr. xxiv; of hedychroum, dr. xxiv; of cinnamon, dr. xxiv; of common pepper, dr. xxiv; of the juice of poppies, dr. xxiv; of dried roses, dr. xv; of water-germander, of rape-seed, of Illyrian iris, of agaric, of liquorice, of opobalsam, of each, dr. xij; of myrrh, of saffron, of ginger, of rhaponticum, of the root of cinquefoil, of calamint, of horehound, of stone-parsley, of cassidony, of costus, of white and long pepper, of dittany, of the flower of sweet rush, of male frankincense, of turpentine, of mastich, of black cassia, of spikenard, of each, dr. vj; of the flower of poley, of storax, of parsley-seed, of seseli, of shepherd’s pouch, of bishop’s weed, of germander, of ground pine, of the juice of hypocistis, of Indian leaf (malabathrum), of Celtic nard, of spignel, of gentian, of anise, of fennel-seed, of Lemnian earth, of roasted chalcitis, of amomum, of sweet-flag, of balsamum, of Pontic valerian, of St. John’s wort, of acacia, of gum, of cardamom, of each, dr. iv; of carrot-seed, of galbanum, of sagapen, of bitumen, of opoponax, of castor, of centaury, of the species of birthwort called clematis, of each, dr. ij; of Attic honey, lb. x; of Falernian wine, oz. ij. Put into a mortar the opium, hypocistis, myrrh, sagapen, liquorice, storax, acacia, and opoponax, and having poured in some honey pound and dissolve: then pouring in wine so as to cover them, macerate for three days; then having pounded the others, unite them, and scum the honey. It is to be laid up in vessels of silver or glass, not quite full, and the covers taken off every day. In case of need it may be used for persons bitten by venomous animals, and those who have taken anything poisonous, after seven years, a quantity of it, to the size of a filbert, being drunk twice a day, in three cyathi of wine. In like manner, to those who are in a dangerous state from some obscure cause, when the disorder in the body imitates the quality of a mortal poison, as is the case particularly in pestilential diseases, it is to be given once a day. But in all other affections, it is to be used from the tenth to the twentieth year. For coughs, pains of the chest or side, it is to be given at night, if free from fever, with wine and honey; but if feverish, with hydromel, to the extent of an Egyptian bean. In all cases of hæmoptysis, it is to be given morning and evening, to the size of an Egyptian bean; if recent, in oxycrate; or, if chronic, in the decoction of comfrey. In cases of flatulence, tormina, or cæliac affections, it is to be taken in the morning, to the size of an Egyptian bean, in hot water. It excites an intense appetite, and removes rigors, coldness, and vomiting of bile when drunk before the attack. It promotes menstruation, and expels the fœtus when dead, if drunk to the size of an Egyptian nut with honeyed water, or sweet wine, in which rue or dittany has been boiled. In the case of loss of voice, it is drunk alone, and with double the quantity of tragacanth in wine and honey, or sweet wine, being retained under the tongue and allowed to melt. For diseases of the spleen or liver, it is given with oxycrate; but if they are in a scirrhous state, with a cyathus and a half of oxymel, or vinegar of squills. For nephritic complaints, it is given with oxymel to the size of an Egyptian bean. In dysenteric cases it is given to the same amount, with the decoction of sumach, morning and evening. For dimness of vision it answers excellently thus: Mix oz. ij of the antidote, and of opobalsam, with one cyathus of honey, and after a little anoint with it. It is also used as a dentifrice. Many, for the sake of prophylaxis, take it at new moon to the size of a Grecian bean, after digestion, with a cochleare of honey and two cyathi of water. In like manner they use it when upon a journey they suspect that the air or water is bad.

Theriac salts. Take four female vipers recently caught; and then putting into a mortar one Italian modius of ammoniac or common salt, pound into thick pieces, along with it, of gentian, lb. iss; of round birthwort, lb. iss; of the hair of the small centaury, lb. ij; of cardamom, of horehound, of each, oz. vj; of water germander, of parsley, of Cretan germander, of each, lb. j; of the seed of garden rue, sext. ij: unite these with a sufficient quantity of Attic honey, and throwing the half of them into a new pot, and then the four vipers alive, add to them fresh tender squills, cut into small pieces, and then join to them the remaining half of the mixture formerly mentioned. Then having covered up the pot carefully, make three or four perforations in its lid to allow the vapour to escape, that it may indicate to you the progress of the operation of roasting. At first much smoke will be seen issuing, fuliginous and very turbid, indicating that the fire is acting upon the animals. You must then take care lest you inhale any of this smoke, which is infected with the exhalation from the vipers. When this vapour has ceased, you may see a fine flame issuing through the holes, by which you may know that they are properly roasted. Then having removed the pot from the fire, and allowed it to cool for a whole day and night, take out the ashes, pound them carefully, and sift them along with these mixtures: of the seed of wild rue, of Cretan hyssop, of each, oz. ix; of the seed of fennel, of Celtic nard, of Scythian base horehound, of each, oz. vj; of Macedonian stone-parsley, of Indian leaf, of each, oz. iv; of amomum, of grapes, of the seed of horminum toasted, of each, oz. iij; of the shoots of marjoram, of the shoots of thyme, of each, oz. ij; of juniper berries, of white and of long pepper, of each, lb. j; of the root of laserwort, oz. x; of coriander seed, of ginger not perforated, of the seed or root of satyrium, of pennyroyal, of the seseli of Marseilles, of mint, of each, oz. vj; of cassia fistula, oz. ij; of cinnamon, oz. j. I, however, have made the preparation, so that I did not burn the animals, but mixed the trochisks from them, as related under the theriac, with those things which are burnt along with the vipers, that the bitterness which they have in them may be laid aside during the burning. I added just such a proportion of the trochisks as I conjectured to agree with the contents of the four vipers. And truly in this way they turned out excellent.

The Mithridatic antidote from scinks. Of troglodytic myrrh, of ginger, of cinnamon, of each, dr. x; of spikenard, of frankincense, of shepherd’s pouch, of opobalsam, of schœnanth, of costus, of cassidony, of seseli, of galbanum, of turpentine, of long pepper, of castor, of hypocistis juice, of storax, of the leaves of malabathrum, of each, dr. iv; of black cassia, of poley, of white pepper, of water germander, of carrot-seed, of carpobalsam, of cyphi, of bdellium, of Celtic nard, of gum, of stone-parsley, of opium, of cardamom, of the seeds of fennel, of gentian, of rose-leaves, of each, dr. viij; of dittany, of anise, of sweet flag, of valerian, of each, dr. iij; of Athamantic spignel, of acacia, of the belly of a scink, of the seed of St. John’s wort, of each, dr. iss; of wine and honey, q. s. Prepare it in like manner as the theriac. Galen says, that it applies to the same cases as the theriac, with the exception of those who have been bitten by the viper, for there the theriac is more efficacious.

The antidote from different kinds of blood being a remedy against all venomous animals and deadly poisons. Of white and long pepper, of costus, of sweet flag, of valerian, of anise, of Cretan dittany, of each, dr. ij; of amomum, of opobalsam, of the seed of wild rue, of the seed of fennel, of Ethiopian cumin, of dill, of the dried blood of a male duck, of the blood of a kid, of the blood of a goose, of the blood of a female duck, of the seed of the wild rape, of each, dr. iij; of gentian root, of trefoil, of the schœnanth, of frankincense, of dried roses, of each, dr. iv; of cinnamon, dr. ij; of water germander, dr. viij; of stone-parsley, of poley, of myrrh, of nard, of each, dr. vj; of cassia, dr. iij; of Cyrenaic juice, dr. iij; of cassidony, dr. v; of asarabacca, dr. ij; of ammoniac perfume, dr. iij; of Athamantic spignel, dr. ij; of agaric, dr. ij; of carpobalsam, gr. xx; of boiled honey, q. s.

Simple oxymel. Of the most acrid white vinegar, sextar. j; of water, sextar. ij; of honey, sextar. j; boil to the consistence of the most liquid honey, despumating the honey.

The vinegar of squills. Of white squills cut into pieces, dried in the shade for forty days, and again cleaned, one mina; of good vinegar, sextar. xij. Put them into a vessel, cover it up, and allow to remain in the sun for sixty days; after which the squill is to be expressed and thrown away, and the strained vinegar laid up in a vessel. Some add one mina of squills to sextar. vj; others add the same quantity of green squills to the vinegar, and allow them to remain in the vessel six months; and it becomes more penetrative. It is applicable for defluxions of the mouth, as a gargle, and when drunk, for many internal affections, excepting when there is ulceration, and for many other purposes.

The oxymel of squills. Of the internal tender parts of squills, lb. ij; of strong white vinegar, sext. xv; of pepper, of Macedonian stone-parsley, of each, dr. ij; of Cretan carrot, of bishop’s weed, of anise, of Celtic nard, of lovage, of asarabacca, of cardamom, of spikenard, of amomum, of rha Ponticum, of each, oz. ss; of the seed of fennel, of cumin, of laserwort, of ginger, of pellitory, of Cretan hyssop, of costus, of pennyroyal, of each, oz. j; of green mint, one fasciculus; of green rue, five branches; of Attic honey, one sextarius; of rob, sext. ij; of green parsley, one fasciculus. Put the white inner parts of the squills bruised into the vinegar, and allow it to macerate seven days during the heat of the dog-days: then taking out the squills, which, if dried, are to be pounded, but if green, not pounded, add to the vinegar, and again, after seven days, having strained all, add the honey and rob to the vinegar, and having boiled to a proper consistence, lay them up in a glass vessel. This remedy is to be taken as a potion before food, or along with food for a sauce. It is much used.

Galen’s medicine from squills, answering particularly with epileptics. Having broken down squills with your hands into small pieces, put into a vessel used for containing honey, and having covered it up properly, put it in a place exposed to the midday during the heat of the dog-star; forty days after the rising of the dog-star loose it, and you will find that the body of the squill is melted down. Taking, then, its juice, sweeten it with some very fine honey, and give every day a spoonful of it, if to children, a small one, but if to adults, a large one. But triturate the body of the squill itself with honey and give a spoonful of it. It is inferior in power to the juice.

The antidote of Philo. Of white pepper, dr. xx; of hyoscyamus, dr. xx; of the juice of poppies, dr. x; of saffron, dr. v; of pellitory, of euphorbium, of spikenard, of each dr. j; of Attic or any other fine, well-boiled honey, q. s. Give to adults the size of a filbert, to smaller persons, that of a bean, and to children, the size of a chick-pea. It is an excellent anodyne and soporific medicine.

The Athanasian anodyne and pleuritic antidote, from Oribasius. Of cassia, dr. viij; of spikenard, of amomum, of saffron, of opium, of storax, of myrrh, of costus, of each, dr. iv; of despumated honey, q. s. The dose the same as that of the antidote of Philo.

The antidote from two peppers of similar powers. Of cardamom, of castor, of opium, of each, dr. iij; of myrrh, of costus, of white and of long pepper, of galbanum, of each, dr. iij; of saffron, dr. iij. Mix with well-boiled honey, and give to the size of a bean.

The antidote from poppy-heads and rob. Having macerated, in a sextarius of rob, eight or ten green, but not watery heads of poppy the day after they are gathered, and an ounce of liquorice for one day, boil until they are dissolved; and after they have acquired a moderate consistence, take from the fire, and put into a vessel, and use in the case of watchfulness, accompanied with fever, and when there is a thin defluxion from the head upon the chest.

The antidote from poppy-heads and honey. Boil the poppy-heads, as mentioned above, and the ounce of liquorice in oz. j of rain-water or spring-water until dissolved; and having squeezed it out, add to the decoction half a sextarius of honey and boil until it acquire consistence. Give it in those cases which, along with a mitigation of pain and the production of sleep, require purgative and detergent medicines, for the parts within the thorax, or about the lungs and kidneys.

The compound antidote from poppy-heads. Take of the water in which poppy-heads have been boiled, according to the above-mentioned proportion, sext. j; of sweet wine, two heminæ; of honey, lb. j; of saffron, of the juice of hypocistis, of each, dr. iv; boil to a proper consistence. That which is prepared from honey, poppy-heads, and quinces is more grateful to the stomach. It becomes more efficacious if along with the poppy-heads some melilot and liquorice be also boiled in the water.

A simple linctus or lohock from horehound, principally for consumptions. Boil a pound of the hair of horehound in six heminæ of water until but a third remain; then throw away the herb, and adding to the water an equal quantity of honey, boil to the consistence of honey, and give one cochleare (spoonful).

A compound lohock from horehound. Of the hairy parts of horehound, of Illyrian iris, of hyssop, of pennyroyal, of liquorice, of parsley, of each, oz. ij; of fatty dried figs, oz iij; of the kernels of the pine containing rosin, oz. iij; bruise the dry things into large pieces, and macerate with the figs in sextar. iij of water, and boil to a third part. Then having strained the water, add of honey, lb. ij, and boil to the consistence of honey.

The lohock from tares. Of bitter almonds, oz. ij; of the flour of tares, oz. iv; of hyssop, oz. iv; of iris, oz. ss; of toasted pine-nuts, oz. ij; of honey, sextar. j, or q. s.

The lohock called Dodecatheon. Of Illyrian iris, oz. iv; of tares, oz. iv; of hyssop, oz. ij; of nettle-seed, oz. ij; of liquorice, oz. ij; of fenugreek, oz. ij; of the bulbi, oz. iv; of toasted linseed, oz. iv; of gith, scr. xviij; of pennyroyal, scr. viij; of toasted pine-nuts, oz. ij; of pepper, scr. vj; of honey, q. s.

The antidote Sotira. Of spikenard, scr. xxxix; of myrrh, scr. xxvij; of saffron, scr. xxxvij; of castor, scr. xxxix; of opium, scr. xxxvj; of stone-parsley, scr. xlv; of anise, scr. ix; of parsley, scr. vij; of the schœnanth, scr. xxxvj; of cassia, scr. xij; of long pepper, scr. xij; of the seed of sinon, scr. vj; of storax, scr. xviij; of amomum, scr. xij; of seseli, scr. xij; of hedychroum, scr. xviij; of costus, scr. xviij; of asarabacca, scr. xviij; of honey, q. s.

The cough medicine from storax. Of amomum, of cassia, of each, oz. ij; of storax, of spikenard, of each, oz. iss; of saffron, of white pepper, of each oz. j; of honey, sext. j; give a spoonful.

The medicine of Philoxenus for empyema and chronic defluxions. Of turpentine, dr. xxviij; of nard, dr. xvj; of the oil of myrrh, dr. vj; of cardamom, of the bulbi, dr. vj; of saffron, dr. xij; of galbanum, dr. xvj; bitter almonds, lxxx; of honey, a hemina. It is given in water to drink to the size of an Egyptian bean.

The much-used antidote of Esdra; it is very desiccative. Of amomum, scr. vj; of saffron, scr. xviij; of the seed of carrot, scr. iss; of the seed of fennel, scr. iij; of cassia, scr. iss; of schœnanth, scr. iiiss; of cinnamon, scr. iij; of the juice of hypocistis, scr. ivss; of sulphur, scr. v; of poppy-seeds, scr. v; of pellitory, scr. iij; of stone-parsley, scr. iss; of Illyrian iris, scr. vijss; of the seeds of henbane, gr. xiijss; of spikenard, scr. vijss; of the seeds of rue, scr. iss; of dill, scr. iij; of cardamom, scr. iij; of dried roses, scr. ivss; of the flower of nerium (it is, as it were, the flower-cup from which the rose of the rose-bay emerges), and of the rose of it, of each, scr. iij; of Pontic rhubarb, scr. vj; of gentian, scr. vj; of hedychroum, scr. iss; of tragacanth, scr. xv; of buckthorn, scr. vj; of the leaves of citron, scr. vj; of the seed of basil, scr. iss; of anise, scr. iij; of euphorbium, scr. iij; of Indian leaf, scr. ij; of Celtic nard, scr. vj; of spignel, scr. iij; of costus, of myrrh, of each, scr. vj; of bdellium, scr. xvj; of the juice of southernwood, scr. xiij; of Syriac sumach, scr. xxvss; of asarabacca, of the belly of a cormorant, of the jasper-stone, of each, scr. iij; of pepper, scr. xv; of castor, scr. iss; of Cimolian earth, scr. vj; of sison (bishop’s weed?), scr. ix; of storax, scr. ix; of opobalsam, scr. xij; of the herb seseli, scr. iss; of honey, oz. xxviij; of wine, q. s.

The medicine from the flesh of quinces. Three pounds of clean quinces are boiled in three sextarii of old wine, then pounded, and there is added to them, of pepper, of anise, of lovage, of each, when triturated, oz. j. Some also add, of ginger, oz. ss; and others, instead of the wine, use vinegar.

The medicine from the juice of quinces of approved efficacy for anorexia and dyspepsia. Of the juice of ripe quinces, sext. ij; of fine honey, sext. ij; of vinegar, sext. j; of ginger, oz. iij; of white pepper, oz. ij: boil to a proper consistence. Galen prepares it for those affected with cold. But, he says, when bile prevails, prepare it without the pepper and ginger.

The preparation of a tablet from quinces. Six pounds of clean quinces are boiled in wine until they become soft. Then being strained and triturated, some add, of honey, lb. viij, and boil at a slow fire, stirring with a piece of reed until the whole will not stain the hand; and then they add the following things bruised: of pepper, oz. iij; of anise, oz. iij; of stone-parsley, oz. j. Some also add of ginger, oz. j, and of mastich, oz. j. When mixed, they are formed into cakes of half an ounce each, and are composed along with bay-leaves.

Another medicine from quinces, having the pieces bruised, but entire. Of clean quinces cut into pieces, lb. viij are boiled in sext. viij of wine moderately, so that they may not be dissolved. Then there are mixed with them of despumated honey, lb. viij; of pepper, oz. viij; of stone-parsley, of anise, of each, oz. iij; of ginger, oz. v; of spikenard, oz. iss; of cloves, oz. j. When all these things are pounded and moderately boiled to the consistence of broth, take them off, and having cooled it, add the pieces of quinces to the broth.

The antidote from three peppers. Of common, of white, and of long pepper, of each, dr. vij; of ginger, of anise, of thyme-tops, dr. ij; of honey, q. s.

Another, of Oribasius. Of white pepper, oz. ij; of black and of long pepper, of spikenard, of cinnamon, of bishop’s weed, of walnut, of hyssop, of seseli, of carrot, of stone-parsley, of each, oz. j; of ginger, dr. iv; of honey, lb. iij.

Another. Of common pepper, oz. iij; of white pepper, oz. j; of long, oz. j; of stone-parsley, of cinnamon (or double the quantity of cassia), of ginger, of each, oz. j; of honey, oz. xxj, or q. s.; and have also mixed of the corymbi of thyme, oz. j.

The diospolites. Of cumin, which has been macerated in water and toasted, oz. j; of pepper, of ginger, of each, oz. ij; of green rue, oz. iss; of natron, dr. iiss. Mix with honey.

The medicine from calamint. Of stone-parsley, of penny-royal, of seseli, of calamint, of each, oz. iij; of parsley-seed, oz. j; of the corymbi of thyme, oz. j; of lovage, oz. iv; of pepper, dr. xij; of honey, q. s.

The medicine from citron, for those of slow digestion. Of vinegar, heminæ iij; of the flesh of citron, lb. j; of hyssop, of rue, of origany, of each, a fasciculus; having been allowed to macerate for a night and a day in the vinegar, they are to be boiled to a third, and being expressed, are to be thrown away. But with the vinegar is mixed of honey, sext. j; and then it is to be boiled to the consistence of honey. When it acquires consistence, there is to be added to it, of asarabacca, of spignel, of white pepper, of each, oz. ij. The dose is a spoonful in the morning and at bedtime.

The picra of Galen. Of aloes, dr. c; of xylobalsam, of mastich, of saffron, of spikenard, of asarabacca, of cinnamon, of each, dr. vj; some add also, of schœnanth and of cassia, of each, dr. vj. Give dr. j in hydromel.

The picra from oxymel for stomach complaints, colics, affections of the uterus, and dropsy. Of aloes, oz. iv; of Indian leaf, oz. ij; of costus, of cassia, of amomum, of iris, of each, dr. j; of the bark of the root of fennel, lb. j; of mastich, of Celtic nard, of ginger, of each, dr. j; of pepper, dr. j; of spignel, dr. j; of vinegar, sext. iss; of honey, sext. iss. The fennel being first boiled in the vinegar is thrown away, then the honey is added, and after boiling to the consistence of honey, the other things are sprinkled in powder.

An excellent composition from the liver of a wolf. Of gentian, of ground-pine, of stone-parsley, of horehound, of the gall of a bear, of mustard, of ceterach, of the root of panax, of rubrica, of madder, of cabbage-seed, of long birthwort, of white pepper, of spikenard, of costus, of the seed of rocket, of the seed of eryngo, of poley, of viper’s bugloss, of hemp-agrimony, of juniper-berries, of the liver of a wolf, of elecampane, equal parts. Mix with well-boiled honey. The dose is the size of a filbert, with boiled wine and honey.

The antidote Theodoretus with anacardia. Of anacardia, oz. iss; of saffron, of cassia, of Indian leaf, of spikenard, of cloves, of spignel, of agaric, of schœnanth, of Pontic rhubarb, of dodder of thyme, of each, dr. iv; of sweet-flag, of pepper, of each, oz. iss; of aloes, oz. iij; of saxifrage, of mastich, of Illyrian iris, of each, oz. iss; of nutben, oz. j; of honey, lb. vj, or q. s.

The Theodoretus without anacardia. Of aloes, dr. lx; of agaric, dr. xxiv; of saffron, of cassia, of Pontic rhubarb, of sweet-flag, of cinnamon, of mastich, of each, dr. x; of costus, of the seed of rue, of white pepper, of each, dr. viij; of spikenard, dr. iij; of xylobalsam, of asarabacca, of germander, of spignel, of each, dr. iv; of honey, q. s. Some here add two anacardia. The dose is dr. ij, with honeyed water.

The cyphoides for hepatic affections and complaints in the chest. Of the flesh of dried grape, dr. xxv; of saffron, dr. j; of calamus, dr. ij; of bdellium, dr. iiss; of cassia, dr. iss; of cinnamon, three oboli; of nard, three oboli; of sweet rush, dr. ij; of myrrh, dr. iv; of turpentine, dr. iv; of the scrapings of aspalathus, twelve oboli; of honey, dr. xvj; of wine, q. s.

Another cyphoides, of Alexander. Of saffron, of cinnamon, of bdellium, of each, dr. iv; of myrrh, of calamus, of each, dr. ij; of bitumen, of schœnanth, of each, dr. iij; of cassia, of nard, of each, dr. j; of turpentine, dr. xvj; of the flesh of dried grapes, dr. clx; of honey, hemin. iss; of Chian wine, q. s.

An hepatic medicine from cacanus. Of cacanus, oz. j; of costus, oz. j; of Indian leaf, scr. viij; of white pepper, scr. vj; of spikenard, scr. vj; of honey, q. s. Give a spoonful with hippocras.

The Zopyrius. Of myrrh, dr. v; of saffron, of cassia, of each, dr. iv; of cinnamon, dr. iij; of spikenard, dr. ij; of schœnanth, dr. ij; of white pepper, dr. iss; of frankincense, dr. j; of costus, dr. j; of honey, q. s.

The Pæonian antidote. Of the styrax calamite, dr. vj; of frankincense, of amomum, of saffron, of each, oz. iss; of spikenard, dr. vj; of Indian leaf, dr. ij; of white pepper, dr. vj; and of common, dr. viij; of myrrh, oz. j; of costus, oz. j; of honey, q. s.

The hepatic pills, of Dositheus. Of aloes, oz. j; of spikenard, of Indian leaf, of costus, scr. ij; of agaric, scr. viij; of mastich, scr. xiij; of dodder of thyme, dr. iv; of Pontic rhubarb, scr. j.

The splenic oxymel. Of the bark of the root of capers, of scolopendrium, of spikenard, of asarabacca, of iris, of schœnanth, of the flower of cyperus, of anise, of cumin, of fennel, of sweetflag, of the fruit of heath, of each, oz. j; of the leaves of tamarisk, of the leaves of willow, of the root of parsley, of the frankincense tree, of squills, of each, oz. ij; of vinegar, sextar. iij; of honey, sext. iij; of ammoniac perfume, oz. iij. Prepare like that from squills. Give two spoonfuls.

An oxymel for calculous complaints. Of saxifrage, of bettony, of couch-grass, of maiden-hair, of spikenard, of carpesium, of asarabacca, of eryngo, of each, oz. j; of Macedonian stone-parsley, of the seed of rue, of each, oz. ss; of green fennel, of iris, of baked squills, of knee-holly (chamædaphne), of each, oz. ij; of the bark of the root of capers, oz. iij; of water-parsnip, oz. ij; of water, of vinegar, of honey, of each, sext. ij.

The lithontriptic posca. Of pennyroyal, of mastich, of parsley-seed, of dried mint, of each, oz. j; of common salt toasted, lb. j; of coriander-seed, of spikenard, of anise, of bishop’s weed, of each, scr. vj; of Indian leaf, scr. iv; of white pepper, oz. ss, (or of common oz. j); of the seed of gromwell, oz. vj; of bettony, oz. vj; of fine vinegar, sext. v. When all are pounded, sifted, and triturated very fine, let them be mixed with vinegar for three days, and exposed in the sun for forty days. At the time of using, having made a decoction of black chick-peas, and of the root of asparagus, and of maiden-hair, and of parsley, add, for the sake of temperament, of vinegar hemin. ij, and let the patient drink it in the hot bath. Some give scr. xij of the afore-mentioned things, in powder with oxycrate mixed with the decoction of the afore-mentioned herbs; and the medicine is no less efficacious.

A lithontriptic hippocras. Of white pepper, of saxifrage, of spikenard, of gromwell, of bettony, of each, oz. j; of stone-parsley, of Indian leaf, of each, oz. iss; of the seed of wild rue, oz. ss; of honey, sext. j; of Ascolonitic wine, sext. xvj.

The medicine from the blood of the buck-goat. When the grape begins to ripen, take the blood of a full-grown buck-goat, and having dried it in the sun, give to persons affected with calculi two spoonfuls of it with Cretan must. Some also mix, of amomum, of Indian leaf, of each, oz. iij; and others of myrrh, scr. iv.

The nephritic composition from cicadæ. Of gromwell, of the garfish burned, of seseli, of each, oz. j; of bishop’s weed, of the seed of the garden cucumber, of common saxifrage, of grapes without their stones, of the seed of marsh-mallows, of the white fasil, of lyncurium, of each, oz. ss; of spikenard, of valerian, of spignel, of the stones from sponges, of each, dr. j; of maidenhair, of the seed within the Christ’s thorn, of water-parsnip, of the root of brambles, of couch-grass, of polypody, of each, dr. iij; of goat’s blood dried, as described, scr. vj; of dried cicadæ, without the head, wings, and feet, oz. iv; of white pepper, dr. vj; of boiled honey, q. s. The dose is the size of a filbert in hippocras, or the decoction of caltrops, or of saxifrage, or of sinon, or of the root of asparagus, or of couch-grass, or of cinquefoil, or of the root of fullers-herb.

The antidote from gromwell. Of gromwell, of betony, of saxifrage, of stone-parsley, of white pepper, equal parts. Mix with honey.

The antidote from the seed of leeks. Of white and of black pepper, of Cretan carrot, of the seed of the garden cucumber, of the seed of fennel, of the seed of leeks, of Macedonian stone-parsley, of pellitory, of ginger, of the Indian leaf, of each, oz. j; of honey, q. s.

The antidote from tecolithos, or lapis Judaicus. Of spikenard, of hyssop, of lapis Judaicus, of each, scr. viij; of pepper, scr. xij; of ginger, of stone-parsley, of costus, of saxifrage, of each, scr. vj; of cassia, of parsley-seed, of each, scr. iij; of cyperus, scr. vj; of the scrapings of ivory, scr. iv; of the wood of cardamom, scr. vj; of gromwell, scr. iv; of honey, q. s.

The antidote from the seed of the wild mallow. Of the seed of the garden cucumber, dr. xij; of the seed of henbane, dr. vj; of the seed of hemlock, dr. iij (but some use vj); of opium, of fennel, of the seed of the wild mallow, of saffron, of each, dr. iij; of parsley-seed, dr. vj; of cassia, dr. iv; almonds, x; walnuts, x; filberts, x; of asarabacca, dr. iv; mix with Cretan must, and give three oboli, if the patient be free from fever, with rob. But some mix it with honey.

A nephritic medicine from dessert-fruits, for ulceration of the bladder and kidneys. Of the white grape, deprived of its stones, of fresh pine-nuts, of each, oz. ij; of the seed of cucumber, stripped of its bark; of myrtles deprived of their bones; of bitter almonds, of fatty dates, of parsley-seed, of poppy-seed, of saffron, of each, dr. j; of myrrh, oz. ij. Give a drachm of it in must to the patient, fasting.

The satyriac antidote. Of ginger, of the superior satyrion (herb dogs-tooth?), of each, dr. viij, of the tail of a scink, of spignel, of asarabacca, of stone-parsley, of cardamom, of seseli, of each, dr. iv; of the seed of rocket, of cinnamon, of each, dr. iij; of all-good (horminum), of white pepper, of the seed of bastard saffron, of each, dr. ij; of the schœnanth, of spikenard, of each, dr. j, of goat’s blood, a mystrum (spoonful). A drachm is given with wine, but to those who are weaker, with milk.

Pills from xylomacer for dysenteries. Of xylomacer, of opium, of Pontic rhubarb, of each, scr. vj; of gall, of myrrh, of each, oz. j; mix with palm wine.

Remedies for the gout. The antidote from corallium. Of rheum barbarum, of pæony, of troglodytic myrrh, of spikenard, of each, oz. ij; of Indian leaf, oz. j; of cloves, gr. xv, of the pimpernel having the purple flower which they call corallium, oz. ss; of long birthworth, oz. iv, and of round, oz. vj. One scruple is to be given as a dose every day to the patient, when digestion is accomplished. We must begin at the autumnal equinox, which is about the 24th of the month of September; and it is to be taken regularly for fifty days, and then interrupted for fifteen days; and this is to be done until the whole 365 days be completed. It is to be given up during the whole of the dog-days, that is, from the 24th of June to the end of August. The patient must abstain from venery, from flesh, particularly that of swine, and from pickle, sauce, beet, carrot, mint, and from boiled lettuces and pompions; from fishes, as the mullet, gomphi (gobii?), mollusca, and the testacea; from all the legumes, and in short from all things which furnish a thick chyme, and from black wine, and from much wine of any kind. He is to bathe every day, and take exercise either on foot or on horseback, or in a vehicle. Those who are of a drier habit have not been injured by a less restricted diet.

The podagric antidote of Agapetus. Of Indian leaf, of rheum barbarum, of saffron, of spikenard, of troglodytic myrrh, of costus, of germander, of each, oz. ij; of hepatic aloes, oz. v; of St. John’s wort, of pæony, of each, oz. iij; of long birthwort, of valerian, of spignel, of vervain mallow, of pimpernel, of each, oz. iv. The mode of using it is the same as that of corallium.

The podagric remedy, called atactos. Of Indian leaf, of spignel, of vervain mallow, of the pimpernel having the blue flower, of madder, of mastich, of saffron, of cassia, of hepatic aloes, of gentian, of germander, of each, oz. j; of cloves, of white and of black pepper, of each, oz. ss; of spikenard, of myrrh, of rheum barbarum, of the root of pæony, of the long birthwort, and of the round, of each, oz. ij. To be used in like manner.

The podagric antidote of Proclus, answering also with ischiatic disease. Of germander, oz. ix; of centaury, oz. viij; of birthwort, oz. vij; of gentian, oz. vj; of St. John’s wort, oz. v; of Macedonian stone-parsley, oz. iv; of spignel, oz. iij; of agaric, oz. ij; of valerian, oz. j; of Attic honey, two heminæ.

The composition from seven ingredients for the same purposes. Of St. John’s wort, of long birthwort, of each, oz. j; of centaury, of ground pine, of agaric, of each, oz. iij; of germander, oz. vj; of gentian, oz. v. Some add likewise, of stone-parsley, oz. j; of honey, dr. v. The dose is dr. j.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Celsus thus defines the nature of antidotes: “Antidota raro, sed præcipue interdum necessaria sunt, quia gravisismis casibus opitulantur. Ea recte quidem dantur collisis corporibus vel per ictus, vel ubi ex alto deciderunt, vel in viscerum, laterum, faucium, interiorumque partium doloribus; maxime autem desideranda sunt adversus venena, vel per morsus, vel per cibos, aut potiones nostris corporibus inserta.” He gives prescriptions for three antidotes. They consist principally of stimulant and aromatic medicines, mixed with honey and wine. (v, 23.)

Most of the antidotes treated of in this chapter are copied from Galen’s work ‘De Antidotis,’ but our author, in many instances, has used the liberty to introduce various alterations, either with the view of simplifying or improving upon the formulæ of Galen. Mesue also treats fully of antidotes in his work, ‘De Electariis,’ wherein he substitutes a considerable number of Arabic articles for those used by the Greeks. Serapion describes these compositions with extreme prolixity. (Tract. vii.) But what shall we say of Myrepsus, who gives prescriptions for 511 antidotes? Of these, and such like multifarious compositions, it would be idle to attempt any general analysis, and therefore we shall pass by all the articles treated of in this chapter unnoticed, with the exception of the Theriac, which was so celebrated in the records of ancient medicine, that we think ourselves called upon to give some further account of it. Galen devotes two distinct treatises to the consideration of the celebrated theriac from vipers, besides giving a general description of it in his work on antidotes. Our author’s account of it is merely an abridgment of his. Galen mentions that Mithridates, king of Pontus, had, by repeated experiments upon condemned malefactors, acquired a most thorough knowledge of the proper antidotes for almost every venomous reptile and poisonous substance, and hence he constructed the composition bearing his name, which was long esteemed as a general antidote to deleterious substances. From it Andromachus, the chief physician to the emperor Nero, formed his famous theriac, having added the flesh of vipers, and otherwise altered some of the ingredients in the theriac of Mithridates. The prescription for it was translated into verse by Damocrates, and the poem, consisting of 174 lines, is preserved in Galen’s work, ‘De Antidotis.’ As stated by Galen, it was composed of inspissated juices, liquid juices, barks, roots, flowers, seeds, and fleshes. Of the vegetable substances which entered into the composition of it, it is difficult to remark any one general character, although one can have no difficulty in perceiving that by far the greater number of them are hot, volatile stimulants, which, agreeably to the ancient views of practice, as explained by us in the Fifth Book, were supposed to counteract the frigidity of poisons. It was, no doubt, with the same intention that Andromachus added the flesh of vipers, from which, as a modern author, Moses Charras, remarks, a volatile salt and oil are procured. In preparing the vipers, Galen directs us to cut off the head and tail to the extent of four fingers’ breadth, and then to take out their entrails and fat, and boil them until the backbone be separated from the flesh, when the latter is to be taken out and formed into trochisks, with crumb of bread. We need not occupy time with detailing all the other steps in the formation of this multifarious composition, as our author’s account is sufficiently ample and accurate. Galen expresses great confidence in it, especially as an antidote to poisons, and a remedy for inveterate diseases of the skin, such as leprosy and elephantiasis. It derives its name, he says, either from its being used as a remedy for the stings of venomous animals (θήρια), or because the flesh of such a reptile, namely, the viper, entered into the composition of it.

The Greek authorities subsequent to Galen repeat his directions for forming this celebrated medicine, and any alterations which they make in it are not very important. The Rheum barbarum instead of the Rhâ Ponticum appears in the prescription given by Myrepsus. Like his predecessors, he praises the theriac not only as an antidote to poisons, but as a preservative from pestilential diseases. Actuarius, who describes it very accurately, pronounces it to be the best of all the antidotes.

Averrhoes’s treatise on the theriac is interesting and worth consulting, although his views are upon the whole much in accordance with those of Galen. He seems to have referred its action as a medicine to its power in rousing the vital heat of the system; and hence he very properly forbids it to be administered in all cases of an inflammatory and bilious nature. He therefore condemns the use of it in pleurisy unless when the pain is dull and chronic. He says, it ought not to be given in cases of difficult parturition, unless when it is wished to rouse the expulsive faculty, or when the fœtus is dead. According to his account, the composition has not arrived at perfection, when it is four years old, and it retains its powers until after forty years.

Haly Abbas sums up the medicinal properties of the theriac with stating that it dries the natural humidity, strengthens the viscera, cleanses the organs of food and respiration, and expels superfluities from the brain. Hence he pronounces it to be a remedy for all the diseases which attack the human body. (Pract. x, 4.)

Serapion describes the following methods of trying whether the theriac be good: 1st. Give of it to the amount of a drachm to a person who has taken a powerful emetic or cathartic, such as white hellebore or scammony, and if it counteract the effect of the medicine that has been taken, we know that it is genuine. 2d. As Galen directs, having got a wild cock, allow it to be stung by a venomous reptile, and then give it a proper dose of the theriac. If the fowl escape unhurt we are sure that the medicine is good; but if he die we know that it is not to be depended upon. 3d. Give a poisonous substance, such as opium, to a cock or a dog, and then administer the theriac, the powers of which may be judged of from the result.

Moses Charras, who published ‘The Royal Pharmacopœia’ about the end of the seventeenth century, thus enumerates the medicinal uses of the theriac of Andromachus: “Treacle being composed of a great quantity of hot medicaments, ought to be very much esteemed for the cure of cold diseases, and of all those where the natural heat is feeble and languishing, especially, among the rest, of palsies, epilepsies, convulsions, and all cold diseases of the head. It is proper against all weaknesses and want of retention in the stomach and intestines; against the diarrhœa, dysentery, lientery, morbus cholera, and all sort of colics; against agues, and particularly the quartan; against the worms; against all sorts of poison, the pestilence, smallpox, the measles, and all epidemic diseases; against the biting of mad dogs and all sorts of venomous animals; against want of sleep, and griping pains in children; against hysteric passions, the jaundice, and an infinite sort of other diseases.” (P. i, c. 20.)

This famous medicine was expelled from the ‘British Pharmacopœia’ about the middle of the last century. When its rejection was proposed by Dr. Heberden, the College divided upon the question, and there were found to be 13 votes for retaining, and 14 for rejecting it. Its medicinal virtues had been previously questioned by Capivaccius, Trincavallius, and Julius Alexandrinus. It is still retained, however, in the ‘Codex Medicamentarius’ of Paris; and, we understand, is much used by the Greek physicians in Constantinople. A formula for a theriac is contained in the Greek Pharmacopœia of the present day. Although it still retains the name of “Theriaca Andromachi,” it consists of but a very small number of ingredients in comparison with the original preparation. Dr. Mead says of it, “The physicians in Italy and France very commonly prescribe the broth and jelly of viper’s flesh to invigorate and purify the mass of blood exhausted with diseases or tainted with some vicious and obstinate ferment.” (On Poisons.) Upon the virtues of viper’s flesh, Duemerbroeck expresses himself in the following terms: “Carnes viperinas ac serpentinas adversus multa venena eximiam antidotalem vim obtinere adeo notum est ut absolutè negari non possit, idque non tantum liquet ex Galeni testimoniis verum etiam ex quotidianâ experientiâ. Sic Hartmannus scribit se propriis oculis vidisse, a quodam experto medico tribus diebus continuis intra corpus gravissima quædam venena assumpta eademque paulo post sine ullâ noxâ, ab exhibito pulvere cum astantium admiratione iterum expulsa fuisse.” (De Peste, iii, 5.)

SECT. XII.—ON TROCHISKS, OR TROCHES.

Trochisks are so named from their form. There are three kinds of them. For some of them are to be swallowed, some injected, and some rubbed in. Of those which are swallowed, some are for restraining the belly, or a flow of blood, or any other discharge, by their cooling, astringent, obstruent, or desiccative qualities, such as that from Egyptian thorn, that from seeds, and the like. Some are anodyne, either by deadening the sensibility, such as the saffron, or by dispelling, like those from aromatic substances. Some act as deobstruents on the spleen, kidneys, and liver, such as that from bitter almonds. Of those which are injected, some are for blunting acrimony, as in dysentery, such as those from pompholyx, starch, and Samian earth, injected with the juice of ptisan, or the like. Some act as astringents upon the alvine discharges, or a flow of blood, as those from alum, acacia, and omphacium, such as that of Philip; or that consisting of Egyptian thorn, injected with the juice of roses or of plantain. Those that are caustic agree with spreading dysenteries, being composed of sandarach, arsenic, quicklime, and burnt pepper; but they are to be injected with the juice of lentils or of rice, the intestine being first washed out with salt water, and the patients having eaten and drunk beforehand, so that none of the powers of the medicine may be carried up to the stomach. Those trochisks which are injected prove serviceable principally in affections below the navel, for their power does not reach higher up. Those which are rubbed in are possessed of similar powers to those which are injected. But the astringent ones are applicable in herpes, exanthemata, intertrigo, hemorrhage, and ulcers attended with discharges, such as that of Andron and that of Polyides. Those possessed of blunting powers agree with carbuncle, and ill-conditioned ulcers, such as the white trochisks, and that from lotaria. Those which burn as those mentioned above, like the Faustian, are applicable in spreading ulcers in the pudenda and anus, and for pterygia and sarcomata.

The trochisk aster. Of saffron, of castor, of spikenard, of cassia, of myrrh, of Lemnian earth, of the bark of mandragora, of each, oz. iv; of carrot, of parsley, of anise, of seseli, of the seed of henbane, of storax, of each, dr. viij. Triturate with wine.

The trochisk trigonus. Of the seed of parsley, of the seed of henbane, of each, dr. ij; of anise, dr. viij; of opium, dr. iij. Triturate with water.

The trochisk from seeds. Of anise, of bishop’s weed, of the seed of fennel, of each, dr. iv; of the seed of parsley, of opium, of the seed of henbane, of each, dr. ij. Triturate with water.

The trochisk croceus, or saffron trochisk. Of anise, of the seed of Cretan carrot, of each, dr. iv; of myrrh, of castor, of each, dr. ij; of saffron, of opium, of each, dr. iij; of the seed of parsley, of storax, of each, dr. iv; of the seed of henbane, dr. vj. Triturate with water.

The trochisk from roses. Of acacia, of gum, of the flower of roses, of pomegranate flowers, of the juice of hypocistis, of galls, of each, dr. iij; of the juice of green roses, of the seed of plantain, of each, dr. j; of Indian buckthorn, dr. j.

The trochisk from corallium. Of the seed of henbane, of frankincense, of each, dr. viij; of Samian earth, of corallium, of Sinopic vermilion, of opium, of each, dr. iv; of starch, of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of each, dr. ij. Mix with the juice of knotgrass.

The trochisk from amber. Of fleawort, oz. v; of mastich, oz. iv; of the scrapings of amber, of iris, of saffron, of each, oz. iv; of opium, oz. ij.

The trochisk from Egyptian thorn. Of Egyptian thorn, of sumach, of frankincense, of acacia, of stone-alum, of the juice of hypocistis, of galls, of Lemnian earth, of corallium, of comfrey, of Samian aster, of aloes, of Cretan cistus, equal parts. Mix with wine.

The trochisk which Galen entitles the aphrodisiasticum clidion. Of the flowers of the cultivated pomegranate, of Egyptian thorn, of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of the juice of hypocistis, of acacia, of each, dr. vj; of buckthorn, of Pontic rhubarb, of opium, of each, dr. iv; of myrrh, dr. ij. Mix with myrtle wine, or the decoction of roses or of myrtles.

The clidion of Oribasius, for dysentery and cæliac affection. Of the immature gall, dr. viij; of opium, dr. iv. Form into pills with water, and give three or four.

The trochisk from hartshorn for dysentery and hæmoptysis. Of snails, dr. xij; of burnt hartshorn, of roasted galls, of roasted acacia, of each, dr. v; obol. xij; of black myrtles, dr. xv; of dried opium, of the juice of hypocistis, of each, dr. v; of the œnanthe, dr. v; of the juice of the root of mandragora, of terra aster, of each, dr. xij; of the sumach used for condiments, dr. xiv; of roasted pomegranate rind, dr. vij; of frankincense, dr. viij; of the roasted bark of pine, dr. xiv; of the seed of henbane roasted, dr. x; of the rhus coriaria, sext. ii; of dark-coloured wine, what will be sufficient to boil the sumach until the wine become thick. When it is strained, add the other things, and form the trochisks.

The trochisk of the Amazons. Of the seed of parsley, of anise, of each, dr. vj; of the hair of wormwood, dr. iv; of myrrh, of pepper, of opium, of castor, of each, dr. ij; of cinnamon, dr. vj. Mix with water.

The trochisk from bitter almonds. Of anise, of the seed of parsley, of asarabacca, of bitter almonds, of the hair of wormwood, equal parts; form, with water, trochisks of dr. j each. Give to those who are free from fever in wine and honey, and to those who have fever in water and honey.

The splenic trochisk from heath. Of the fruit of heath, dr. iv; of white pepper, of Syriac nard, of ammoniac perfume, of each, dr. ij. The ammoniac is dissolved in water, and added to the powders, and trochisks are formed containing a drachm each. The dose is one trochisk, with one cyathus of oxymel.

The trochisk from alkakengi. Of the seed of the cultivated cucumber, stripped of its bark, oz. iv; of the seed of henbane, of hemlock, of each, oz. ij; of fennel, of the seed of dock, of saffron, of pine nuts, of bitter almonds, of opium, of each, oz. j; of alkakengi, sext. iij; of wine, q. s.

The trochisk of Philip, for dysentery. Of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of acacia, of the juice of hypocistis, of opium, of sumach, of frankincense, of myrrh, of saffron, of gall, of aloes, of Pontic rhubarb, of the rind of pomegranate, of myrtles, of each, dr. iv. Mix with austere wine, and form into trochisks of three oboli each. Give to those who are free from fever with wine, and to those in fever with hydromel.

The trochisk of Musa. Of alum, of aloes, of myrrh, of copperas (blue vitriol?) of each, oz. iss; of pomegranate rind, of saffron, of crocomagma, of each, dr. vj, in wine.

The preparation of the crocomagma. Of saffron, oz. ij; of roses, of starch, of myrrh, of aloes, of frankincense, of gum, of each, oz. j; of costus, of spikenard, of each, dr. j, in wine. In the prescription for oil of saffron another mode of preparing crocomagma is described.

The trochisk Nerè, from the works of Hera. Of myrrh, of aloes, of saffron, of each, dr. viij; of fissile alum, dr. c. Mix with water.

The sigillum of Polyides. Of fissile alum, dr. iij; of frankincense, dr. iv; of myrrh, dr. viij; of copperas (chalcanthum?), dr. ij; of the flowers of the cultivated pomegranate, dr. xij; of the gall of bulls, dr. vj (others use dr. xvj); of aloes, oz. j. Mix with austere wine.

The trochisk of Pasion. Of squama æris, dr. xij; of burnt copper, of sal ammoniac, of round alum, of scraped verdigris, of frankincense, of each, dr. viij; of wine, q. s.

The trochisk Andronius. Of the flowers of the cultivated pomegranate, dr. x; of myrrh, dr. iv; of galls, dr. viij; of round birthwort, dr. iv; of copperas, of saffron, of fissile alum, of crocomagma, of misy, of frankincense, of each, dr. ij. Triturate with astringent wine or vinegar.

The trochisk of Faustinus. Of arsenic, dr. xij; of sandarach, dr. vj; of quicklime, dr. viij; of burnt paper, dr. j. Mix with the juice or decoction of myrtles; make into trochisks, and inject along with the decoction of myrtles, of lentils, and of the roots of bramble.

The trochisk from paper. Of burnt paper, lb. ij; of quicklime, of arsenic, of sandarach, of each, oz. j. Mix with the juice of plantain.

The trochisk called Thronus Marcellius. Of burnt paper, dr. x; of sandarach, of arsenic, of squama æris, of fissile alum, of each, dr. iv; of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, dr. iij; of opium, dr. ij; of quicklime, dr. iij; of omphacium, dr. j; of the juice of hypocistis, dr. iij. Mix with myrtle wine, and form troches of four drachms each. When you have boiled the pomegranate rind, myrtles, and roses to a third part, give one trochisk, or simply dr. iv to six cyathi of wine.

The trochisk from cork. Of burnt galls, of burnt paper, of burnt cork, of burnt bread, of each, dr. xv. In another prescription there is added of burnt hartshorn, dr. xv; of arsenic, dr. ij; of sandarach, of quicklime, of each, dr. xv; of acacia, of ceruse, of each, dr. v; of litharge, dr. iij. Triturate in wine.

The trochisk Bithynus. Of pomegranate rind, dr. x; of calamine, oz. iij; of birthwort, of galls, of the root of all-heal, of iris, of copperas, of fissile alum, of chalcitis, of misy, of squama æris, of manna (and some also of costus), of each, oz. iss. Mix with vinegar.

The trochisk from castor, for ulcers, spreading sores, and defluxions. Of saffron, of aloes, of frankincense, of each, oz. j; of the flowers of the cultivated pomegranate, of fissile alum, of castor, of manna, of scraped verdigris, of each, oz. j; of sinopic vermilion, lb. j. Mix with old wine.

The trochisk from castor, for colics. Of myrrh, of castor, of each, scr. vj; of saffron, of opium, of each, scr. ix; of anise, of parsley seed, of carrot seed, of each, oz. ss; of the seed of henbane, scr. xviij.

The trochisk from wine and oil, for the fundament and pudendum. Of ceruse, oz. x; of litharge, oz. v; of frankincense, of the dross of lead, of fissile alum, of each, oz. ij. Triturate with wine that does not contain salt water. At the time of using it, mix with wine and rose oil, or wine and myrtle oil.

The trochisk from Phrygian stone, for the pudenda. Take three Phrygian stones burnt and extinguished, and mix the first with butter or rose oil; the second with wine; and the third with honey, to the extent of oz. ij; add, of the flower of roses, oz. iv; of pomegranate rind, oz. j.

The trochisk from lotaria to the fundament and pudendum. Of ceruse, of starch, of glaucium, of saffron, of alum, equal parts. Triturate with the juice of lotaria or wine.

The white trochisk. Of terra aster, oz. iv; of pompholyx, of ceruse, of starch, of each, oz. ij; of opium, scr. iv. Mix with water.

The trochisk from halicacabus, or winter cherry. Of litharge, dr. xxiv; of ceruse, dr. xij or xxj; of winter cherry, dr. viij; of copperas (chalcanthum), dr. iv; of fissile alum, dr. iv; of vermilion enough to give it colour. Mix with water.

The trochisk from the two hellebores, and also from the two acacias. Of the black and of the yellow acacia, of artificer’s glue (in another prescription of fish-glue), of each, oz. iv; of ammoniac perfume, of glaucium, of aloes, of each, oz. ij; of male frankincense, of black and of white hellebore, of each, oz. j. Mix with vinegar of squills, and at the time of using it dissolve either in the same or in common vinegar, and anoint before and after the bath.

The trochisk Criogenes. Of myrrh, of burnt copper, of round birthwort, of scraped verdigris, of the squama stomomatis, of the straight vervain, of round alum, of each, oz. j; of vinegar, q. s. The vervain is to be gathered when the sun is in Aries. It may be made into a plaster thus: take of the trochisk, of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of oil, equal parts; of vinegar what will be sufficient for the trituration of the trochisk.

The trochisk melanchlorus, or black-coloured. Of myrrh, of aloes, of burnt squama æris, of arsenic, of fissile alum, and of round alum, of iris, of chalcitis, of misy, of fossil salt, of copperas, of ceruse, of natron, of litharge, of the root of all-heal, of calamine, of pomegranate rind, of galls, of round birthwort, of the squama stomomatis, of scraped verdigris, of each, oz. j; of vinegar, q. s. It is formed into a plaster thus: of the trochisk, oz. ij; of Colophonian rosin, of wax, of oil, of each, oz. vj; of vinegar, what will be sufficient for the trituration of the trochisk.

The trochisk pantolmius, for chironian and malignant ulcers, and for discharges. Of cassia, of burnt copper, of ceruse, of litharge, of scraped verdigris, of fissile alum, and of round, and of liquid, and of the plinthitic alum, of the root of all-heal, of the long and of the round birthwort, of pomegranate rind, of copperas, of purslain, of the iris called astragalitis, of chalcitis, of misy, of ammoniac perfume, of sal ammoniac, of verdigris, of iron, of squama æris, of aloes, of diphryges, of frankincense, of galls, of sarcocolla, of burnt lead, of olive leaves, of sori, of myrrh, of liquid melanteria, of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of the Egyptian thorn, of sulphur which has not been touched with the fire, of natron, of red sumach, of Syriac sumach, of chrysocolla, of elm-leaved sumach (rus coriaria), of acacia, of the spuma salis, of omphacium, of arsenic, equal parts. Triturate during the heat of the dog-days with vinegar for thirty days.

The trochisk of Nymphodotus. Of aphronitrum, oz. j; of Alexandrian natron, of Gallic soap, of each, oz. j; of Cappadocian salt, of mastich, of galls, of each, dr. iv; of rose leaves, of amomum, of starch, of each, oz. j; of Indian leaf, dr. j; of fissile alum, of costus, of each, dr. ij; of myrtle wine, q. s.

The trochisk from thapsia, for hemicrania. Of the juice of thapsia (deadly carrot), dr. xvj; of myrrh, dr. viij; of opoponax, of euphorbium, of each, dr. vj; of natron, of the Parthic juice, of each, dr. iv; of pepper, of sagapen, of each, dr. ij; of vinegar, q. s. In using it, rub it in with vinegar, and after six hours wash it off. If you wish to use in a reduced state, mix with equal parts of cerate, and spread it, allowing it to remain for a day and a night.

The trochisk called subdititious, for dysentery and pains of the anus. Of terra aster, of starch, of each, oz. iij; of saffron, oz. ij; of acacia, of tragacanth, of each. oz. j; of castor, of frankincense, of buckthorn, of each, oz. ss; and in hotter temperaments, also, of opium, oz. ss; mix with the juice of fleawort, and form into oblong trochisks.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Celsus informs us that they are the same as the pastilli of the Latins. He thus describes their general properties: “Pastilli hæc ratio est: arida medicamenta contrita humore non pingui, ut vino vel aceto, coguntur, et rursus coacta inarescunt, atque, ubi utendum est, ejusdem generis humore diluuntur.” He gives prescriptions for six trochisks. (v, 20.)

Galen remarks that trochisks derive their name from their spherical shape. He treats of them at great length in the fifth book of his work ‘De Comp. Med. sec. gen.’ Many of our author’s receipts are copied from him.

For an account of the Arabian trochisks, see in particular Serapion (vii, 18); Haly Abbas (Pract. x, 14); and Mesue (i, 8.) The following is Mesue’s formula for the trochisks of camphor: “The trochisks of camphor, for ardent fevers, heat of the blood and bile, warm intemperament of the liver, insatiable thirst, jaundice, consumption, and hectics.—℞ Of rose leaves dr. iv; of spodium, of liquorice āā, dr. ij; of yellow saunders, dr. iiss; of the seeds of citrons, melons, cucumbers, and gourds, of saffron, of tragacanth, of gum, of spikenard, āā dr. j; of lignum aloes, of cardomum, of starch, of camphor, āā dr. j; of white sugar, of manna, āā dr. iij. Mix with the mucilage of fleawort and water of roses.” Myrepsus’s formula for the same is little different. He describes the composition of 136 pastils.

Moses Charras gives the following account of trochisks: “They are also called pastils, rolls, cakes, and lozenges. Trochisks were invented as well to preserve a long time the virtue of certain medicaments as to unite together the virtue of several. To which purpose having finely powdered the ingredients, which are to be powdered, they are to be incorporated with some juice, syrup, or other viscous liquor, to make therewith a solid paste, out of which are formed little trochisks, flat, round, triangular, square, long, or otherwise, which being spread upon paper, and dried out of the sun, and at a distance from the fire, to the end they may be dried in all parts alike, may be put up in boxes or pots for use.” (Royal Phar. ii, 21.)

Troches are pharmaceutical preparations still frequently used. According to the directions in the ‘Edinburgh Dispensatory,’ “they are composed of powders made up with glutinous substances into small cakes, and afterwards dried.” There is this difference, however, between the troches of the moderns and the trochisci of the ancients, that all the former are given internally, whereas many of the ancient trochisci were used as external applications. Of this description are five out of the six pastilli described by Celsus. Le Clerc says of them: “Ils differoient des emplâtres, et des collyres, en ce qu’il n’entroit aucune matière huileuse dans les trochisques et qu’ils servoient pour le dedans aussi bien que pour le dehors.” (Hist. de la Méd.)

SECT. XIII.—DRY APPLICATIONS AND ABSTERGENTS (SMEGMATA.)

Of dry applications or powders, some suit with ulcers, and some are applied to the skin. Of those which suit with ulcers, some act as incarnants of hollow ulcers, and some restrain fungous flesh, and some are cicatrizing, some caustic and septic, and some styptic. The incarnative applications act either by cleansing foul ulcers, such as those from tares, birthwort, iris, all-heal, myrrh, frankincense, and aloes; or by drying the superabundant discharge, as those from copper, diphryges, squama æris, burnt paper, the bark of pine and thorn. But these promote cicatrization, either by blunting acrimony and pungency, such as those from pompholyx, starch, ceruse, sphecla (impure potass), the lapis specularis, burnt oysters, terra Samia, and the like, and the compositions from them possess similar powers. Of repressing medicines, some are mild, such as those from squama æris, those from misy and chalcitis, when burnt, and galls; but those from copperas, verdigris, misy, and chalcitis, not burnt, are stronger. The caustics and septics are prepared from quicklime, arsenic, sandarach, and sphecla, which is the burnt lees of wine. All these things when reduced to a fine powder and sprinkled upon ulcers, are less pungent. The coarser the powder to which they are reduced, the more pungent are they. Styptics restrain bleeding, either by astringing or cooling, or proving desiccative or obstruent by burning and forming an eschar; and the materials of them have been mentioned in the section on Trochisks. Of those which are applied to the skin, some cleanse and absterge, such as those from Cimolian earth, pumice, bean-meal, barley-leaven, the flesh of pompions, and the flower of salt; some are attenuant and discutient, such as those from hellebore, alcyonium, sulphur, stavesacre, mustard, pellitory, the seed of the rosemary, lemnitis, or adarce, and the shell of the cuttle-fish. But those having quicklime and arsenic added to them, with some liquid, become depilatory and abstergent. Some are applied to the head in order to dry up the discharge from it, such as those from natron, salts, galls, the rind of pomegranate, and the like. All the smegmata or abstergents should be applied to the skin when it is not anointed.

The dry cephalic application. Of tares, oz. v; of iris, oz. iss; of manna, oz. iss; of birthwort, of squama æris, of each, oz. iss.

Another. Of the bark of pine, dr. vj; of frankincense, dr. iv; of pumice-stone, dr. iv; of iris, dr. ij; of dry rosin, dr. vj; of birthwort, dr. ij.

From aloes. Of aloes, dr. vj; of tares, dr. viij; of manna, dr. iv; of galls, dr. iij; of fissile alum, dr. ij.

The dry application of Manetho from the burnt lees of wine. Of calamine, burnt and washed, oz. j; of terra aster, oz. j; of burnt lees of wine, oz. iv; of lapis specularis, oz. iv; of frankincense, oz. iv; some add, also, of starch, oz. iv.

The melitera of Oribasius. Of chalcitis, of squama æris, of galls, of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of long birthwort, of each, oz. j; of pomegranate rind, of fissile alum, of each, oz. ss.

From oysters. Of calamine, of frankincense, of each, oz. j; of oysters burnt, oz. iij.

The powder from frankincense. Of litharge, of frankincense, of calamine, of ceruse, equal parts.

The powder called aphroditarium. Of frankincense, of squama æris, of rhœdarium (a preparation from sumach), of starch, of ceruse, equal parts.

The Rhodian styptic for spreading ulcers and fungous flesh. Of unripe galls, dr. vj; of galls burnt, and extinguished in wine and dried, dr. xij; of the black squama æris, or, if not, of the red, dr. viij; of copperas, dr. xxiv; of fissile alum, dr. xxvij; triturate for a sufficient number of days.

The powder called flavus. Of burnt chalcitis, dr. xl; of burnt copperas, dr. viij; of burnt misy, dr. x; of burnt copper, dr. v.

The powder called psarus. Of misy, oz. v; of galls, oz. iv; of chalcitis, oz. ij; of squama æris, oz. ij; of copperas, oz. j; of scraped verdigris, oz. ij.

The caustic powder called heliocaes. Of arsenic, lb. j; of calx viva, lb. ij. Triturate with water during the dog-days, then dry and use.

The florid powder. Of cyperus, dr. viij; of myrrh, dr. xij; of sandarach, dr. iij; of the flowers of roses, dr. ij; of saffron, dr. ij; of crocomagma, of fissile alum, of Illyrian iris, of each, dr. ij.

The powder from paper, principally for spreading ulcers of the mouth and those of the pudendum. Of squama æris, of burnt paper, of each, dr. viij; of arsenic, of sulphur vivum, of each, dr. xij; of burnt lead, dr. vj. For the more humid mortifications use it dry, but for such as are dry mix it with rose-oil, and sometimes with honey along with rose-oil.

The powder from butcher’s broom (oxymyrsine), for the same purposes. Of elm-leaved sumach, oz. ij; of the leaves of butcher’s broom, of sandarach, of each, dr. viij; of the dried leaves of willow, of pomegranate rind, of each, dr. vj; of fissile alum, of chrysocolla, of aloes, of crude chalcitis, of squama æris, of arsenic, of common salts, of each, dr. iv.

The powder of Massaliotes. Of roasted natron, of chrysocolla, of Asian stone, of sandarach, of misy, of chalcitis, of fissile alum, of diphryges, equal parts. Use dry.

The dry abstergent application (smegma) called the Æsculapian. Of bay berries, of Alexandrian natron, of roasted salt, of Cappadocian salt, of ammoniac perfume, of aphronitrum, of pumice-stone, of each, lb. j; of black hellebore, of fuller’s herb, of pellitory, of the burnt lees of wine, of stavesacre, of mustard, of cyperus, of fissile alum, of the schœnanth, of iris, of galls, of each, oz. vj; of sampsuchum (a species of marjoram), lb. j; of the seed of the chaste tree, of pennyroyal, of the flour of beans and of lupines, of each, oz. vj; of the black chamæleon, of sulphur, of gum, of frankincense, of pepper, of the root of the wild cucumber, of horehound, of Cimolian earth, of pæony, of the shell of the cuttle-fish, of the leaf of fenugreek, of costus, of cumin, of euphorbium, of spikenard, of each, oz. iij. But Alexander adds the following things: of bitter salts, of salts from nitrous fountains, of Tragesæan salt (“see Plin. xxxi, 61”), of each, lb. j; of adarce, oz. j; of liquid alum, of Celtic, of cnicus, of granum Cnidium, of dried grass, of dried bryony, of each, oz. iij.

The abstergent application from pompions (smegma peponaton). Of frankincense, of mastich, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. j; of tragacanth, oz. iss; of the juice of wild grape, oz. ix; of the fresh seed of pompion, oz. iij; of similago, sext. v; the whites of xxi eggs, of iris, oz. iv. Some also use of black hellebore, oz. ij.

Otherwise, that of Crito. Of bean meal, one modius; of similago, sext. iv; of trefoil, of nutben, of Illyrian iris, of each, lb. iv; of ammoniac perfume, lb. j; of costus, lb. j; the whites of seven eggs, of the flesh of pompions, sext. ij; of the juice of unripe grape, sext. ij. Mix, and having formed trochisks, dry, then having pounded and strained, use.

Otherwise. Of tragacanth, of frankincense, of mastich, of ammoniac perfume, of each, dr. x; of the juice of unripe grape, dr. v; of similago, sext. v; of the white of an egg, oz. j; of the flesh of pompions, oz. j. Prepare as above described.

A desiccative smegma for defluxions of the head. Of the tawny-coloured Alexandrian natron, oz. v; of common salts, roasted, oz. iss; of Cappadocian salts, oz. j. Having mixed these with the strongest vinegar, put into a linen bag, and burn in a furnace until it be reduced to cinders. Then having cooled it, rub with it triturated, adding a little wine in the bath.

The soap of Constantine. Of dried roses, of aloes, of galls, of pomegranate rind, of Indian leaf, of sarcocolla, of each, oz. iij; of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of myrrh, of sandarach, of spikenard, of each, oz. ij; of costus, oz. j; of Gallic soap, lb. j. Mix with the decoction of lupines.

The depilatory powder for the gout. Of mastich, of male frankincense, of stavesacre, of white hellebore, of litharge, of each, oz. iij; of Indian leaf, of starch, of black hellebore, of the flower of Asian stone, of each, oz. j; of alcyonium, of roasted pumice-stone, of Cimolian earth, of sampsuch (marjoram), of each, oz. iij; of spikenard, oz. j; some also add of aloes, oz. j. Having pounded them, keep the powder in a vessel; and when going to use it, put the juice of rice and of ptisan in a pot, and after it boils add of the powder, oz. iss; of Gallic soap, oz. iss; of arsenic, of fissile alum, of each, oz. iss; of sandarach, oz. iss; of recent quicklime, lb. j. Use this unguent thrice a month, on the 9th day of the moon, the 19th, and the 29th, for a whole year, and afterwards once a month on the 29th day of the moon.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The terms are thus explained by Blancard: “Diapasma. Plinio, medicamentum aridum ex siccis pulveribus conflatum inspersile, quod aut vestibus ad gratiam odoris, aut ulceri vulnerique variâ ratione, aut potui etiam ad luxum inspergitur, διάπασμα, κατάπασμα, κατάπαστον φάρμακον. Oribasius non malè discrimen inter has voces ex Antyllo ponere mihi videtur ut ἐμπάσματα sint, quæ sudoribus cohibendis, et commovendo pruritui adhibentur: quæ Sympasmata et aspergines Aurelianus nominat: καταπάσματα sunt quæ ulceribus superponuntur, ξήρια etiam dicta: διαπάσματα vero conciliandæ in vento fragrantiæ.” (Lexicon Medicum.) The different forms of medicines are thus characterized by Dr. Blomfield: “Quatuor sunt φαρμάκων genera, quorum principuè mentio fit apud auctores Græcos: φάρμακα χριστὰ, παστὰ, πλαστὰ, et πιστὰ vel πότιμα, quibus interdum additur quintum genus, τὰ βρώσίμα, et sextum ἐπωδὰι, prout eis ad unguendum, inspergendum, emplastro obtegendum, bibendum, edendum, vel incantandum utebantur.” (Glossarium ad Æschyli Prometh. l. 488.) Theocritus uses the word ἐπίπαστον in its medical sense. (Idyll. xi, 2.) He says, no medicine, either in the form of ointment or powder, is a remedy for love. Le Clerc thus explains the medicines of which we are treating: “Les poudres s’appelloient en Grec ξήρια ὀυ ξηρὰ c’est à dire, médicamens secs. On les appelloit Diapasmata, Catapasmata, Catapasta, Sympasmata.” He says of the Smegma: “On s’en servoit particulièrement pour nettoyer le peau, pour ôter le démangeaison, &c.” He adds: “Lorsque il s’agissoit de faire tomber le poil on prenoit des matières encore plus fortes et plus acres que celles qu’on a indiquées, comme de l’orpiment, de la sandaraque, de la chaux vive, et l’on les détrempoit avec les sucs. En ces cas on donnoit à cette composition le nom particulière de psilothrum ou dépilatoire.” (Hist. de la Méd.) On the meaning of the terms see, further, Eustathius (ap. Iliad, iv); Scholiast. Aristoph. (Plaat); and Gataker’s Antoninus (v, 9.)

Celsus gives the following general description of these medicines: “Quædam autem mixturæ medicamentorum sunt quibus aridis neque coactis utimur, sic ut inspergamus, aut cum aliquo liquido mixta illinamus.” The powder of gollas, if prepared according to his directions, would consist of potass, sulphur, quicklime, and orpiment. His ninth preparation of this class is a sternutatory, and the tenth is one for making a gargle. (v, 22.)

Most of our author’s formulæ are borrowed, with a few alterations, from Galen. (De Med. sec. gen. v.)

For a description of the Arabian Pulveres, see, in particular, Haly Abbas (Pract. x, 16,) and Mesue, (i, ix.) Many of Mesue’s compositions are internal medicines, consisting principally of aromatics. Thus, his first preparation, which is intended to dry humidity of the stomach, dispel flatulence, and assist digestion, consists of lignum aloes, oz. ss; of galls, dr. iss; and of white sugar, oz. iss.

Nicolaus Myrepsus, in his copious ‘Dispensatory,’ describes the composition of 50 smegmata and 143 pulveres. The far greater number of the former are intended as applications to the skin in diseases thereof, such as impetigo, leprosy, itch, and the like. The pulveres consist of applications to the skin, sternutatories, gargles, and injections. None of them, we believe, are to be taken inwardly.

SECT. XIV.—ON LINIMENTS TO THE MOUTH AND THROAT.

As much as the coat which lines the mouth is finer and softer than the skin, such a difference must there be with regard to the applications made to the mouth. At the commencement, therefore, of inflammation, medicines for repelling the defluxion are required, such as the dry applications, namely, omphacium, the gall omphacitis, the juice of sumach and of hypocistis, and alum, the bark of pine and of the frankincense-tree, and the flowers of the wild pomegranate tree; and, in a word, all the astringents, with the exception of those which are unsavoury and deleterious; and the liquid applications, such as the juice of the blackberries, both of the brambles and those called mulberries: also the juice of the bark of green walnuts and of pomegranates, more especially such as are acid, and of quinces and Aminean must. Honey is mixed at the commencement solely for the preservation of the medicines. But when the humour lodges in the part, digestive and moderately-repellent articles are to be mixed, such as saffron, myrrh, and the juice of liquorice. And during the whole time that intervenes between the acme and decline, a compound of both kinds is to be used, I mean, the repellent and discutient; and at first the repellent are to be the prevailing ingredients, but afterwards the discutient. In the decline we must use discutients, which have no astringency, such as natron, aphronitrum, origany, hyssop, thyme, calamint, iris, besasa and the like. The liquid application then should be rob, that from boiled must, that from dried figs and palm-nuts, and the sweet must itself with honey. When but a little of the inflammation remains, we are to mix also some sulphur vivum. We must first boil the juice with honey, to the consistence of the more liquid honey, and then sprinkle the powders finely levigated, and afterwards boil moderately until the whole are properly united, and then it is to be laid up in vessels of glass.

The simple liniment to the mouth from mulberries. Of the juice of mulberries, sext. iij; boil until a third part be consumed, add of honey, sext. j, and boil to the consistence of honey.

The compound one from mulberries. Of the juice of mulberries, hemin. vj; boil to the consistence of the sordes in baths, then mix, well triturated, of saffron, dr. j; of myrrh, dr. ij; of the juice of unripe grape, dr. j; of fissile alum, three oboli; of honey, one hemina; and boil to a proper thickness.

Of the bramble-berries. The composition from bramble-berries is prepared in like manner, being more astringent.

The simple one from walnuts. Of the juice of the pounded bark of green walnuts, hemin. v; of honey, hemin. j; it is boiled like that from mulberries.

The compound one from walnuts. In the commencement, and at the acme of inflammations in the mouth, mix of saffron and of alum, of each, oz. j; of myrrh, dr. ij; and in the decline add, as a discutient, of natron, dr. j; of sulphur, dr. j, to the aforementioned proportions of the juice and of honey.

The preparation from the juice of pomegranates. Of the juice of sweet pomegranates, without their kernels, sext. iv; of the juice of acid pomegranates, sext. ij; of honey, sext. j; of the Minnæan myrrh, dr. viij; of crocomagma, of galls, of each, dr. viij; of fissile alum, dr. iv; of Illyrian iris and of omphacium, of each, dr. viij. Prepare like that from mulberries.

The same otherwise. Of the juice of sweet pomegranate bruised with their kernels, sext. vj; of fine honey, sext. j; of fissile alum, oz. j; of myrrh, oz. ss.

The preparation from must. Of must, sext. vj; of galls, of fissile alum, of each dr. ij; of saffron, of myrrh, of each, dr. j. If you mean it for a demulcent, let the must be sweet, but if as a repellent, austere. The middle state has intermediate properties.

The Egyptian stomachic. Of honey, lb. j; of oil, oz. viij; of turpentine, oz. ij; of saffron, dr. iv. They are melted in a double vessel.

The stomachic medicine, from besasa. Of anise seed, of parsley seed, of the schœnanth, of the seed of bishop’s weed, of fissile alum, of Illyrian iris, of besasa (which some call harmala, it is the wild rue), of cinnamon, of troglodytic myrrh, of saffron, of gall, of each, oz. j; of long birthwort, of cassia, of crocomagma, of dried roses, of each, oz. j; of costus, of the fresh ashes of pigeons, oz. iij; of Indian nard, of amomum, of each, oz. ss; of honey, q. s.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Celsus thus sums up the general properties of these preparations: “Gargarizationes autem aut lævandi causa fiunt, aut reprimendi, aut evocandi. Lævant, lac, cremor vel ptisanæ, vel furfurum: reprimit aqua, in qua vel lenticula, vel rosa, vel rubus, vel cotoneum malum, vel palmulæ decoctæ sunt: evocant, sinapi, piper.” (v, 22.)

Galen treats of these compositions very systematically, and at great length, in the sixth book of his work, ‘De Comp. Med. sec. loc.’ The far greater number of our author’s prescriptions are copied from it. Myrepsus likewise gives a long list of such like compositions (§ ix.) See also Aëtius (viii.)

SECT. XV.—ON DELICIOUS AND OFFICINAL POTIONS.

Of delicious officinal potions, some are composed of wine, having certain articles added to it, such as pepper, wormwood, sowbread, and many other things, from which they sometimes receive their appellation, sometimes having honey mixed with them and sometimes not; and some are composed from water in which have been boiled apples or roses, with certain juices, such as those of unripe grapes, pomegranates, and myrtles.

On this account the finest scummed honey is mixed with them for the sake of preservation, sweetness, and sometimes of utility. The austere and vinous hydromel brought from Cebyra in small vessels is an exception; for I have known it formed without honey, as the apomel is made from honey alone and water, without any other substance. But those things which are prepared from wine, which are called propotions (or “whets”?) receive sext. j of scummed honey to four of wine and are made without being boiled. Those which are prepared from water and juices, if boiled, receive one part of honey to three of the liquor, about two parts of which are consumed in the boiling; but if they are not boiled they receive one part of honey to two of the liquor. Those things which are not boiled are to be isolated for a sufficient time, and particularly the omphacomel. Those from water require to be boiled, because from their weakness they are readily changed. They are all to be laid up in small pitched earthen vessels, which are to be carefully covered up and deposited in situations above ground until they are concocted. They are to be used as attenuants, and well mixed with water. But the omphacomel after being boiled like must, and settling, is to be covered up. Those composed from wine we use principally in cases which are free from fever, or for the relish only (with the exception of those which are prepared from scammony, the granum Cnidium, or the like purgatives); or in such affections as when we would use the medicines which are the ingredients of them by the mouth. Those prepared from water, or the juices we use in febrile cases, or as sweeteners, when the disease does not admit the use of wines, and sometimes as agreeing with the affections, as apomel for a sialogogue, diuretic, laxative of the bowels, or attenuant of humours; and hydromelon and hydrorosaton in cases of thirst, ardent fevers, resolutions, and derangements of the stomach; and omphacomel, myrteton, rhodostacton, and rhoita, in cæliac and dysenteric cases, and for vomitings and other defluxions. They are frequently used as washes in affections of the mouth.

The hydromelum from the juice of apples. Of the juice of clean quinces bruised, sext. ij; of honey, sext. iij; of water, sext. vj. Boil, scumming it until it be reduced to a third part. Another.—Of clean quinces cut into pieces, lb. v. Boil in sext. j of well-water until they become soft. Then removing them from the fire, after they become cold, strain, and having filtrated the apples throw them away. Having measured the water, mix with it half the quantity of honey, and boil again, scumming it until the eighth part be consumed. Some compose the hydromelum in like manner from sweet apples.

The composition of the hydrorosatum. Of roses deprived of their nails (the white parts of the leaves), lb. iv; of water, sext. v; of honey, sext. ij.

The preparation of the Rhodomelum. Of the juice of quinces, sext. j; of roses, lb. iij; of honey, sext. iij; of water, sext. v. But since the apples are not found at the same season with the roses, these are to be added to honey at the proper season, and when the apples appear, the composition is to be completed.

The preparation of the omphacomel. Of the juice of unripe grapes, sext. iij; of honey, sext. j. Having mixed, expose it to the sun for forty days, or boil.

The preparation of Myrteta. Of the juice of myrtles, sext. iij; of honey, sext. j. Boil till the third is consumed.

Apomel from the works of Phalagrius. Of white honeycombs filled with honey, lb. j; of spring water, lb. iiiss; having broken down the comb and united them, boil the water with the honey until the scum of it and the waxy part swim on the top and is separated, then cool and cover it up carefully.

The composition of rhodostactum. Of the juice of roses without their nails, sext. ij; of honey, sext. j. Boil, scumming it, until the fourth part be consumed.

The preparation of rhætes. Of the juice of pomegranate, sext. iij; of honey, sext. j. Boil to a third part.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We shall in the first place give some account of the Propoma. It was a draught generally containing wine, which was taken at the commencement of the supper, or principal meal of the ancients. Horace alludes to it in the following lines:

“Anfidius forti miscebat mella Falerno, Mendose: quoniam vacuis committere venis Nil nisi lene decet: leni præcordia mulso Prolueris melius.”—(Lib. ii, Sat. 4.)

Catius here condemns the practice of using strong wine for the composition of the Propoma. Old Falernian wine was thought the best. Thus Macrobius says of it: “Mulsum quo probe temperes, miscendum esse novo Hymetto et Falerno vetulo.” (Saturn. vii, 12.) “To the Propoma,” says Athenæus, “were added pepper, Indian leaf, myrrh, cyperus, and Egyptian ointment.” (Deip. ii, 25.) A long list of receipts for Propomata is given by Myrepsus (§ 38.) Most of them contain wine, honey, and aromatics. See a learned Dissertation on the Propoma by Casaubon (in Athen. Deipnos. ii, 17); also Lister (in Apicii Op. i, 1.)

It will be proper here to give some account of the medicated wines, or, as we would now call them, the Vinous Tinctures, of the ancients. Dioscorides details the composition of them very fully in the fifth book of his ‘Materia Medica.’ The following is his prescription for the wine of squills: Take a mina of squills, and having pounded it, sift, and bind it in a thin piece of linen; then put it into 20 sextarii of good fresh must, and allow it to macerate for three months; afterwards strain the wine into another vessel, and cover it up carefully. The wine of quinces is to be prepared by putting 12 minæ of quinces, deprived of their seeds, into a cadus of must, and allowing it to remain for thirty days. Wines from other kinds of apples, such as medlars, services, and pears, may be prepared in like manner. He afterwards gives similar directions for preparing the following medicated wines:

Wine of wild vine. pomegranate. roses. myrtles. lentisk. turpentine. palms. figs. sycamores. resin. cone of the pine. cedar or juniper. cedar-rosin. pitch. wormwood. hyssop. germander. cassidony. betony. tragoriganum. bunium. dittany. horehound. thyme. savoury. marjoram. calamint. fleabane. aromatics. myrrh, pepper, and iris. elicampane. spikenard. asarabacca. wild nard or valerian. carrot. sage. panacea. sweet-flag. parsley. fennel and dill. hellebore, wild cucumber, or scammony, for procuring abortions. spurge-flax. mezerion. ground-pine. mandrake. hellebore. scammony.

The preparation of these factitious wines is also described by Pliny. (H. N. xiv, 19.) To this class we may refer the Vina condita of Apicius. (Cap. i.) See also in particular Aëtius (iii); Myrepsus (§ 27); Haly Abbas (Pract. x, 21); Serapion (vii, 35); Actuarius (Meth. Med. v, 7.) Actuarius gives the following prescription for preparing a vinous tincture of poppies, which he recommends for coughs, cholera, and such like complaints: Of poppy-heads, c; of liquorice-root, lb. j; of sodden must, lb. c.

SECT. XVI.—ON COLLYRIA AND AGGLUTINATIVE APPLICATIONS.

The materials from which ophthalmic medicines are composed are various. For inspissated and liquid, seeds, fruits, the parts of herbs, and metals are ingredients in them. Of these, some sooth acrimonies, and are, as it were, obstruents, such as pompholyx, spodium, starch, lead, Samian aster, calamine, all washed substances, and the white of an egg. These are to be used after evacuation of the head, for if there should be plethora of it, there will be danger of the coats of the eyes being ruptured by distension. The opposite class of collyria being of an acrid nature, are deobstruents and evacuants of the humours permanently lodged there; such as the Cyrenaic and Median juices, sagapen, euphorbium, and the like. Some are detergents of foul ulcers, such as the squama æris, copper, chalcitis, misy, sori, the flowers of copper, and antimony burnt. Allied to these are those called abstergents, such as arsenic, sandarach, the flower of Asian stone. Some are astringent, and of these such as are moderately astringent are of extensive use for ophthalmies, ulcers, and defluxions, as the leaves, fruit, and flowers of roses, spikenard, Indian leaf, saffron, glaucium, and hypocistis. Those possessed of a stronger astringency are mixed with those remedies which are used for sharpening the sight, such as omphacium, acacia, the flowers of the wild and of the cultivated pomegranate, and galls. Some are concoctive and discutient, such as myrrh, saffron, castor, rosemary, and the juice of fenugreek. Of compound ophthalmic medicines, some are simply called plasta, some xerocollyria, and some hygrocollyria. The first class admit of all the materials formerly mentioned, and agree with all states. They are to be prepared most commonly in spring, for in summer their strength is apt to evaporate, and in winter the articles being constricted do not mix properly. They are to be rubbed with the addition of a fluid, but not in great quantity that the metallic parts may not subside, nor the aromatic float on the surface, but in small quantities, so that it may be rubbed until it is like the sordes of baths. Rain-water should be used, because it is finer and moderately astringent. But if not, those things are to be levigated and triturated with wine or some juice; the metallic substances for a longer time, and the juicy substances for a shorter. At last, after sufficient trituration, we must add the gum, and having formed them, lay them up in copper vessels especially, or in glass. Those prepared from juices are to be used immediately, but the metallic improve by keeping. Of the xerocollyria, some melt down, and absterge callus, sycosis, pterygium, and scabious affections, being composed of chalcitis, verdigris, and misy. Some occasion a discharge of tears, agreeing with obstructions and dimness of sight, and are composed of these things, pepper and spikenard. Some are prophylactics for preventing influxes, such as those from Phrygian stone, sarcocolla, glaucium, aloes, calamine, antimony, and saffron. All these medicines are to be applied to the eyes in a state of the finest powder. But the hygrocollyria are prepared from Attic honey, opobalsam, oil of the most subtile kind from age, the juice of fennel, the galls of different animals, the Cyrenaic juice, and many other things. Those things which are attenuant, calefacient, and purgative are useful for dimness of sight, and incipient suffusions. These and all acrid things are to be used when the head is free from plethora, and when the atmosphere is serene and pure, and the wind is northerly, and not very hot nor very cold. Those preparations called agglutinants are made from such things as are obstruent, agglutinative, constringent, refrigerant, styptic, or desiccative, such as pollen, manna, Samian earth, myrrh, shells, acacia, opium, with the white of an egg. They are glued to the forehead when the humour is not under the scalp, but external to it.

The collyrium monemeron for incipient and old ophthalmies. Of acacia, dr. xxxvj; of gum, dr. xxxij; of calamine, dr. xxiv; of burnt and washed copper, dr. viij; of opium, dr. j. Triturate in austere wine. It is discutient and desiccative.

The collyrium chiacum. Of sinopic vermilion, of the immature gall, of saffron, of the flower of fresh roses deprived of their nails (which we call the pouch), of gum, of each, oz. iv; of opium, oz. j. Triturate with Aminæan, Falernian, or Chian austere wine. But the wine must not contain salt water.

The collyrian cygnarium. Of calamine, burnt and washed, oz. vj; of washed ceruse, oz. iv; of pompholyx, oz. iv; of starch, oz. ij; of tragacanth, of roasted opium, of gum, of each, oz. ij. Triturate with rain-water.

The pale-coloured cygnus. Of calamine, burnt and washed, oz. ij; of terra aster, oz. ij; of ceruse, oz. iv; of pompholyx, oz. viij; of starch, oz. ij; of opium, oz. ij; of acacia, of tragacanth, of each, oz. j; of gum, oz. iv. Triturate with rain-water.

The white cygnus. Of calamine, oz. xv; of ceruse, oz. xvij; of opium, dr. viij; of frankincense, dr. vij; of starch, oz. vij; of gum, oz. xiij. Triturate with rain-water.

The collyrium pelarion for ulcers. Of calamine, of ceruse, of each, dr. xxiv; of acacia, of opium, of each, dr. xviij; of gum, of tragacanth, of starch, of each, dr. ix; of myrrh, dr. iij; of copper, of saffron, of each, dr. iss. Triturate with water.

The brown collyrium, for hypopium and great affections. Of tender calamine, dr. xxiv; of ceruse, dr. xvj; of scraped verdigris, dr. xij; of antimony, dr. viij; of fissile alum, dr. iij; of burnt chalcitis, dr. iij; of Indian nard, dr. iv; of the oil of unripe olives, dr. ij; of copper, dr. ij; of squama æris, dr. viij; of the fruit of heath, dr. xiij; of the juice of poppy, dr. xxiv; of saffron, dr. iv; of castor, dr. iij; of myrrh, dr. vj; of Indian buckthorn, of acacia, of gum, of each, dr. iv; of fresh roses, dr. iiss. Triturate with Falernian, Surentine, Aminæan, or Chian austere wine. It is rubbed in three times a day, in a watery state, being diluted with the juice of fenugreek, then the white of an egg or milk, and at last, with water, thicker.

The collyrium severianum. Of calamine, oz. vj; of ceruse, oz. xij; of tragacanth, oz. iij. Triturate with the juice of fenugreek. Having burnt the calamine, dissolve it in milk and then wash.

The collyrium from decoctions. Of calamine, oz. xvj; of ceruse, oz. viij; of starch, of opium, of tragacanth, of acacia, of each, oz. ij; of gum, oz. vj. Triturate with the decoction of dried roses, of melilots, of poppy, of poppy-heads, of liquorice, in equal parts.

The repellent collyrium, from hydria or water vessels. Of the sand found in copper vessels used for heating water, lb. iij; of calamine burnt and washed, lb. j; of washed ceruse, of washed pompholyx, of washed terra aster, of each, oz. vj; of frankincense, oz. j; of myrrh, oz. j; of the juice of linseed, of fleawort, of ptisan, of fenugreek, of each, lb. j; of tragacanth, oz. vj; of gum, lb. j.

The collyrium of Nilamon. Of calamine, oz. viij; of pompholyx, oz. iv: of ceruse, lb. j; of tragacanth, of gum, of opium, of each, oz. iv. Rain-water.

The collyrium spodiacon, for inflammations, defluxions, and chemoses. Of frankincense, of antimony, of each, dr. c; of calamine, of ceruse, of each, dr. xxiv; of Samian earth, of the juice of poppy, of each, dr. iij; of gum, dr. xv. Triturate with the juice of fresh olive leaves. Prepare the juice thus: having pounded in a mortar the more tender leaves of olive, washed, add a moderate quantity of water, and filtrate through a piece of linen rag.

The tender collyrium from olive leaves. Of frankincense, dr. iv; of antimony, dr. xv; of calamine, dr. xxviij; of ceruse, dr. xlix; of Samian earth, dr. xviij; of opium, dr. vj; of gum, dr. j; of lead, burnt and washed, dr. viij. Mix with the juice of green olive leaves.

The yellow collyrium from green olive leaves. Of burnt copper, dr. xij; of sandyx, oz. xxiv; of olive leaves, oz. ij; of opium, oz. ij; of gum, oz. x. Mix with palm wine, or Aminæan.

The Claudiac collyrium from myrrh. Of glaucium, of sarcocolla, of each, dr. xlviij; of saffron, dr. xxiv; of opium, of myrrh, of bloodstone, of each, dr. vi; of tragacanth, dr. xlviij; of gum, dr. xvj. Mix with Italian wine. To be used with an egg.

Another collyrium from myrrh, for fistula lachrymalis. Of calamine washed, of bloodstone washed, of each, dr. xxviij; of myrrh, of Cyprian spodium, of each, dr. xxiv; of opium, dr. viij; of saffron, dr. iv (but some use dr. viij); of white pepper, grs. xxx; of gum, dr. xvj. Mix with Italian wine. To be used with an egg, and in recent cases diluted with water.

The stacticon of Prosechius. Of calamine, of gum, of each, dr. xx; of antimony, of copperas, of each, dr. viij; of opium, dr. xiv; of scraped verdigris, dr. x; of white pepper, dr. vj; of saffron, dr. viij; of raw misy, dr. viij; of opobalsam, dr. iv. Water.

The hygidium of Ammonius. Of calamine, of copper, of each, dr. xvj; of ceruse, of castor, of aloes, of saffron, of each, dr. iv; of squama (æris?), dr. v; of the flower of roses, of burnt lead, of each, dr. viij; of buckthorn, dr. iij; of the stone schistos, dr. iv; of opium, dr. x; of acacia, dr. xj; of gum, dr. xlviij. Water.

The collyrium Olympus, or Olympiacum. Of acacia, of spikenard, of frankincence, of each, dr. viij; of copper, burnt and washed, of antimony, burnt and washed, of ceruse, burnt and washed, of calamine, of each, dr. xij; of myrrh, of roasted opium, of each, dr. iv; of saffron, dr. v; of scraped verdigris, dr. iij; of the stone schistos, of the red squama, of Indian buckthorn, of the oil of unripe grapes, of each, dr. j; of castor, of the flower of roses, of each, dr. ij; of palm-nuts, dr. iv; in like manner the bones of burnt palms, to the number of v; of gum, oz. v. Rain-water. Let there be soaked in water for three nights and days, of the aromatic reed, of the seed of henbane, of dried roses, of each, dr. iv; of Indian leaf, dr. j.

The collyrium of nard. Of calamine, of saffron, of gum, of each, dr. xxxvj; of burnt copper, dr. xviij; of antimony, of acacia, of each, dr. xxx; of Syriac nard, dr. xij; of opium, of myrrh, of each, dr. xvj. With water.

The small Theodotian collyrium. Of antimony, of acacia, of each, dr. xx; of burnt copper, dr. viij; of ceruse, dr. iv; of myrrh, dr. iv; of verdigris, dr. ij; of aloes, of meconium, of buckthorn, of each, dr. j. Rain-water.

The collyrium rhinarion. Of bloodstone, of the stone schistos, of each, dr. xvj; of burnt copper, of calamine, of verdigris, of each, dr. viij; of opium, dr. v; of chalcitis, dr. ij; of gum, dr. viij. In wine.

The collyrium xyster. Of burnt pumice-stone, of burnt misy, of burnt shells, of each, oz. vj; of calamine, of opium, of burnt chalcitis, of saffron, of hepatic aloes, of castor, of Indian leaf, of each, dr. ij; of antimony, of acacia, of each, oz. j; of burnt copper, oz. iv; of troglodytic myrrh, dr. iv; of spikenard, dr. j; of ceruse, dr. viij; of gum, dr. iv. Rain-water. Some also mix wine.

The hecatomb collyrium for thick cicatrices. Of calamine, burnt and washed, of copper, burnt and washed, of each, dr. viij; of antimony burnt, of the yellow acacia, of gum, of each, dr. xv; of aloes, of galls, of ærugo vermiculata, of castor, of buckthorn, of spikenard, of saffron, of opium, of myrrh, of ceruse, of the shavings of ebony, of chalcitis, of each, dr. j; of roses, dr. lx. Rain-water.

The collyrium from horn, of Galen. Of burnt lead, of burnt hartshorn, of each, oz. ij; of ceruse, of squama æris, of starch, of frankincense, of cuttle-fish, of burnt shell, of verdigris, of myrrh, of gum, of each, oz. j. Rain-water.

The collyrium from frankincense. Of frankincense, oz. vj; of calamine, of pompholyx, of terra aster, of starch, of gum, of each, oz. iij; of ceruse, oz. vj; of squama æris, oz. iv; of tragacanth, oz. iij; of opium, oz. vj. Rain-water.

The Libanian collyrium. Of washed calamine, of starch, of each, dr. xij; of ceruse, dr. xij; of spodium, of pompholyx, of terra aster, of lead, burnt and washed, of tragacanth, of each, dr. viij; of opium, dr. xij; of gum, dr. iv. Rain-water and the whites of twenty eggs. Some add also of myrrh, dr. iv.

The collyrium called the aster of Magnus. Of pompholyx, of calamine, of ceruse, of each, dr. xvj; of lead, dr. viij; of starch, dr. xviij; of frankincense, dr. x; of terra aster, dr. xij; of myrrh, dr. ij; of tragacanth, of gum, of each, dr. viij. Water.

The collyrium Uranium. Of terra aster, washed, oz. iij; of spodium, washed, oz. j; of gum, oz. iv; of antimony, burnt and washed, oz. ij; of squama æris, washed, oz. j; of opium, dr. vj; of calamine, burnt and washed, dr. ij. Rain-water. It is an incarnant and repellent.

The collyrium from the juice of fenugreek. Of calamine, of tragacanth, of each, oz. viij; of ceruse, oz. xxx; of starch, oz. xxx; of opium, oz. j. Triturate with the juice of fenugreek.

The collyrium of Cleon. Of pompholyx, of lead, of each, oz. v; of saffron, oz. iss; of the squama stomomatis, oz. j; of gum, oz. ij. Rain-water. Inject diluted.

The collyrium containing lxxii ounces of roses. Of green roses, oz. lxxii, of calamine, burnt and washed, dr. xxiv; of scraped verdigris, dr. ij; of spikenard, dr. j; of squama æris, washed, dr. ij; of antimony, burnt and washed, of opium, of myrrh, of each, dr. iij; of saffron, dr. viij; of starch, dr. ij; of gum, dr. xxiv. Rain-water.

The white collyrium from roses. Of calamine, burnt and washed, of ceruse, washed, of each, lb. j; of starch, of opium, of tragacanth, of each, oz. iij; of aloes, oz. iss; of gum, oz. iij; of saffron, oz. iss; of roses without their nails, oz. vj. Water.

The collyrium from aloes. Of calamine, of ceruse, of aloes, of each, oz. x; of green roses, oz. vj; of starch, oz. iij; of opium, oz. j; of tragacanth, oz. ij; of gum, oz. iij. Rain-water.

The saffron collyrium from roses. Of spikenard, of dried roses, of aloes, of each, dr. ij; of the white henbane, dr. iss; of saffron, dr. ivss; of glaucium, oz. vj; of sarcocolla, oz. vj; of opium, dr. ij; of tragacanth, oz. j. Rain-water.

The collyrium from roses, of Nilus. Of tender roses, dr. iv; of saffron, dr. ij; of poppy, obol. j; of gum, dr. iv. Rain-water.

The collyrium lynceus for sharpening the sight. Of calamine, of burnt copper, of ammoniac perfume, of each, dr. xij; of myrrh, of bloodstone, of Thebaic opium, of each, dr. vj; of hepatic aloes, of the gall of bulls, of galbanum, of sagapen, of each, dr. iv; of scraped verdigris, of opoponax, of sal ammoniac, of each, dr. j; of gum, dr. vj. Rain-water.

The collyrium Proteus, for the same purposes, and it also attenuates cicatrices. Of calamine, of ceruse, of crude chalcitis, of each, dr. xl; of pepper, dr. iss; of Cyrenaic juice, dr. viij; of saffron, dr. xij; of Thebaic opium, dr. x; of sagapen, dr. xij; of Ethiopian olive, dr. xij; of arsenic, of fissile alum, of each, dr. viij; of myrrh, dr. xij; of ammoniac perfume, dr. xx; of opoponax, dr. xvj; of opobalsam, dr. x; of gum, dr. xx. In rain-water.

The collyrium from the juice of fennel. Of calamine, dr. xvij; of Indian ink, dr. xvj; of long pepper, dr. xiij, and of white, dr. xij; of Cyrenaic juice, dr. viij; of opobalsam, dr. vj; of spikenard, dr. vj; of sagapen, of opoponax, of each, dr. v; of opium, dr. iv; of euphorbium, dr. j; of gum, dr. j. Triturate with the juice of fennel.

The collyrium from opobalsam. Of calamine, of ceruse, of each, dr. viij; of the oil of unripe olives, dr. iv; of white pepper, dr. xvj; of opium, dr. iv; of opobalsam, of gum, of each, dr. xvj. Rain-water.

The collyrium called thalasseros. Of calamine, oz. viij; of verdigris, oz. ij; of Indian ink, oz. viij; of white pepper, oz. iv; of Median juice (assafœtida?) oz. j; of opobalsam, oz. ij; of gum, oz. vj. Water.

The collyrium harmation. Of ammoniac perfume, of burnt copper, of the bark of frankincense, of each. dr. iv; of verdigris, dr. j; of gum, dr. iv. Rain-water.

The collyrium malabathrinum, called also isotheon. Of calamine, dr. xvj; of copper, burnt and washed, dr. xiv; of opium, of Indian buckthorn, of Indian leaf, of Indian nard, of saffron, of aloes, of each, dr. ij; of ceruse, dr. viij; of castor, dr. ij; of myrrh, dr. iv; of acacia, of antimony, of each, dr. xl. With water. To be used with an egg.

The thicker collyrium from wine. Of calamine, of the lapis hæmatitis, and schistos, of each, dr. xl; of burnt copper, dr. xxx; of chalcitis, dr. xxxij; of the seed of poppy, dr. xiij. Having boiled the poppies in water, and strained the juice, add and triturate with palm wine or Aminæan.

Another from wine. Of burnt copper, of the calamine called placitis, of each oz. ix; of bloodstone, washed, oz. vj; of saffron, of myrrh, of aloes, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. iij; of Indian buckthorn, of spikenard, of each, oz. j; of white pepper, gr. cl; of the yellow acacia, oz. ix; of gum, oz. iij. Triturate with Falernian or Aminæan wine.

The collyrium from two stones for asperities. Of lapis hæmatitis and schistos, of cassia, of each, dr. xviij; of copper, of calamine, of opium, of scraped verdigris, of each, dr. ix; of gum, dr. ix; of burnt chalcitis, dr. vj. Water.

Xerocollyria. The prophylactic of Galen. Of Asian stone cut into small pieces and burnt in a pot, until it become red-hot and extinguished in butter not old, and then again burnt and extinguished in Falernian wine; and a third time burnt and extinguished in honey, and dried, lb. j; of burnt copper, of white pepper, of Indian leaf, of each, oz. j; of antimony, oz. iss: and when all the things are levigated, and you wish to lay up the medicine, add of the juice of balsam, not thick (for this prevents the preparation from getting dry) but of the most transparent, oz. j. Apply it to the eyelids only, not allowing the pencil to touch the coats, but so that it may only reach the eyelids when opened. They are to be anointed, not once, but often before food and after it, and more especially if a sense of ophthalmy be present. It preserves in a wonderful manner, before every other medicine.

The dry collyrium from saffron. Of sarcocolla, dr. viij; of saffron, dr. iv; of glaucium, dr. iv. Anoint often in the day. Some also add aloes.

Another dry collyrium for xerophthalmy, sycosis, mortifications, and hypersarcoma. Of calamine, dr. x; of chalcitis, dr. xx; of pepper, gr. xv; of Celtic nard, dr. j; triturate the calamine and chalcitis with wine, and when dried add the other things and reduce to a fine powder.

The liquid collyrium from wild carrot. Of the juice of wild carrot, of germander, of cresses, and sometimes of othonna, equal parts. The othonna is the great celandine.

Another, for sycosis, encanthis, and sarcoma. Of roasted misy, dr. vj; of copperas, dr. iv; of Attic honey, sext. j.

The liquid collyrium panchrestus of Erasistratus, having wonderful efficacy, in complaints of the eyes, tonsils, pudenda, and suppurated ears. Of copper, dr. vj; of roasted misy, of myrrh, of each, dr. iij; of saffron, dr. iss; of pepper, dr. j; of Chian wine, and of Cretan must, of each, hemin. iss. Having triturated all the things in the wine until dry, pour in the must and boil to the consistence of honey.

Agglutinants for defluxions of the eyes. Of Samian earth, of manna, of frankincense, of myrrh, equal parts. Adding to it the white of an egg, apply to the forehead spread upon linen.

Another.—Of the seed of henbane, dr. j; of opium, dr. j; of myrrh, dr. ij; of saffron, dr. j; of pollen, dr. iv; the yelks of two roasted eggs. Mix with the white of an egg.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Gorræus derives the word collyrium from κολοβὴ ὀυρὰ, i. e. cauda trunca, being expressive of their conical shape. (Defin. Med.) Blancard prefers the derivation from κωλύω and ῥοῦς. (Lexicon Medicum.)

Oribasius states that collyria were applied—to the eye, to the uterus, and to fistulous ulcers. (Med. Coll. x, 23.) It is obvious, therefore, that the ancients used the word in a more general signification than the moderns do. Le Clerc gives the following description of the ancient collyria: “Les uns, qui étoient composés de matières sèches, eurent le nom de ξηροκολλούρια, collyres secs. Les autres, où il n’entroit que des matières liquides, s’appellèrent ὑγροκολλούρια, collyres humides ou liquides. Les ingrediens des premières, qui étoient les mêmes que ceux des collyres entières, étoient des poudres métalliques, de ceruse, de pompholyx, d’antimoine brulé, de vert-de-gris, de chalcitis, de cadmia, et autres semblables. Il y entroit aussi des poudres tirées des plantes, quelques sucs d’herbes, et quelques gommes, comme du saffran, des roses, du suc de chelidoine, et de fenouil, de l’aloes, de la myrrh, de l’opium. On mêloit tous ces ingrédiens et on en formoit des masses que l’on faisait sécher, et dont on faisait de la poudre lorsqu’on vouloit s’en servir. Les collyres liquides étoient seulement composés de matières liquides. On prenoit, par exemple, du miel d’Attique, qui étoit estimé le meilleur, de l’opobalsamum, avec du fiel de vipre, de perdrix, ou de quelque autre animal, et du suc de fenouil. On faisait de cela un mélange, dont on laissoit tomber quelques gouttes dans les yeux de ceux qui avoient la vue foible, ou quelque suffusion commençant.” (Hist. de la Méd. iii, ii, 1.)

The Ophthalmic Collyria are treated of with extraordinary accuracy and minuteness of detail in books iv and v of Galen’s work ‘De comp. med. sec. locos.’ Notwithstanding the success with which the surgery of the eye has been cultivated of late, we are confident that the oculists of the present day might derive still further improvement from an attentive study of these books. It is to be remarked that several of his collyria, as well as those of Celsus, contain opium, so that the use of the vinum opii in modern practice is not an original invention. Many of them contain very powerful escharotics, such as copper and arsenic, which indicates a great degree of boldness in ancient practice. Why is arsenic never used now for the cure of complaints of the eye? Our author’s account of them, which is mostly taken from Galen, is very accurate and deserving of consideration.

All the collyria of Celsus are ocular remedies. As he states, they consist principally of soothing and refreshing medicines variously mixed.

Scribonius Largus describes fully the composition of collyria, which he divides into the soothing and the acrid. The former consist of saffron, gum, tragacanth, calamine, antimony, opium and the like. The latter contain such ingredients as these, burnt copper, verdigris, chalcitis, misy, alum, ammoniac, and galls.

Myrepsus gives prescriptions for 87 ocular collyria, of every possible variety of character.

For the Arabian collyria, see particularly Serapion. (De Antidot. vii, 34.) Camphor is an ingredient in many of them.

SECT. XVII.—ON PLASTERS, AND THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ADDED TO THE BOILING OF THEM, FROM THE WORKS OF ANTYLUS, AND,

On the proportion of wax to oil. Of those medicines which are the ingredients of plasters, some are terrene, as the metals, and some are kinds of stones and earth, as lees, ashes, and shells; some are oily, some tears, some soluble, some inspissated juices, some liquid juices; also a few admit seeds, herbs, and roots. Of plasters themselves, some are vulnerary, and are called bloody, agglutinative, and plasters for fractures, which must be composed of desiccants, not in the extreme, but in the second order complete, and the commencement of the third. Such are willow, oak, cypress, the barks of pine and pitch-tree, myrrh, rosemary, bitumen, aloes, birthwort, the ashes of the wood of vine, ceruse, litharge, and the most of the metals. They are boiled until they do not stain. The cicatrizing plasters are also composed of desiccants, but more so than the agglutinants. Such are, burnt copper, the squama æris and ferri, verdigris, chalcitis, the flower of burnt copper, alum, gall, molybdæna, calamine, pumice-stone, and the shells. The discutient are formed from the calefacient and moderately desiccative, such as birthwort, thapsia, old oil, and the oil of radishes, honey, opobalsam, pitch, turpentine, galbanum, burnt salts, and the flower of salt. The emollient are formed from litharge, fats, marrow, old oil, bee-glue, ammoniac, storax, galbanum, bdellium, mastich, turpentine, the root of marsh-mallows, and of the wild cucumber. The desiccative are made of sulphur, natron, salts, ashes, bitumen. The epispastic are formed from salts, natron, bee-glue, verdigris, leaven, dung, sulphur, turpentine. The digestive are composed of wax, ladanum, dried grape, amomum, saffron, frankincense, pitch, Egyptian mastich, storax, myrrh, galbanum, butter, œsypum, fats, verdigris. The suppurative are formed from water and oil, pollen, wheaten bread, chondrus, butter, the fat of swine and of calves, frankincense, pitch, rosin. The paregoric are made of litharge, ceruse, oil, dill, camomile, starch, white wax. The bloody-plasters (as they are called) are to be applied when the wounds and fractures are recent, and to co-operate with them, sponges soaked in oxycrate are to be bound on, above the pledgets, and are to be loosened on the third day, and the same pledgets and not others, again applied. The emollient, epispastic, discutient, and suppurative are applied after the use of cataplasms and cerates. But the suppurative agree best at the commencement and in cases of extreme pain. Of the boiling of them we will speak afterwards.

The plaster tetrapharmacon, basilicon. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of pitch, of bull’s suet, equal parts.

The plaster from the juice of linseed for discussing and breaking. Of old oil, lb. ij; of wax, oz. xx; of Colophonian rosin, of axunge, of each, lb. iss; of litharge, lb. j; of ceruse, oz. vj; of the juice of linseed, oz. vj; of pollen, oz. j; of frankincense, oz. iv.

The plaster from honey. Of litharge, of wax, of oil, of each, lb. iv; of turpentine, lb. ij; of honey, of axunge, of each, lb. j. Another. Of litharge, lb. vj; of oil, lb. vss; of Colophonian rosin, lb. viiss; of wax, lb. iiiss; of honey, lb. iij.

The diachylon, or plaster from juices. Of litharge, lb. vj; of oil, in summer, lb. vij, but in winter, lb. ix; of fenugreek, sext. ss; of linseed, sext. ss; of marsh-mallows, lb. iij. Boil the marsh-mallows and seeds in sext. xx of water, until but a little be left, and of it, mix lb. iv to the oil, and boil until the bubbles cease; then sprinkle with the litharge finely levigated, and boil at a gentle fire until it no longer stain.

The plaster from pollen. Of fine flour, of ammoniac perfume, of each, lb. j; of pine-rosin, of wax, of axunge, of each, lb. iij; of the juice of linseed, q. s.

The botanicon, or plaster from herbs. Of dock, of sordid oil, of the anchusa called the Chærospelethos (it is the Onoclean), of the plantain which has seven fibres (Plantago major?), of each, oz. iij; of oil, lb. vj; of axunge, lb. vj. The herbs, being boiled in the oil, are thrown away, but the other things are melted in the oil.

The plaster from king’s-spears. Of the juice of the root of asphodel, lb. j; of oil of roses, of oil of camomile, of the fat of geese, of each, oz. ij; of axunge, oz. iij; of wax, oz. iv.

The leaven-plaster for breaking abscesses. Of leaven, of axunge, of each, oz. vj; of salts, oz. iv; of pine-rosin, oz. iij; of wax, oz. iv; of aphronitrum, oz. j; of ammoniac perfume, oz. ij; of honey, oz. vj; of soap, oz. ij.

The dothiene, or plaster for furunculus. Of ammoniac perfume, lb. j; of Alexandrian natron, oz. vj; of aphronitrum, oz. vj; of swine’s seam, lb. ij; of wax, lb. ij; of turpentine, lb. j; of old oil, oz. j; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster from soapwort for discussing strumous swellings. Of litharge, of soapwort, of birthwort, of each, oz. iv; of galbanum, of squama æris, of aloes, of each, oz. j; of manna, oz. ij; of ammoniac perfume, oz. vj; of pine-rosin, oz. xvj; of vinegar of squills, sext. iv; for the trituration of the powders.

The plaster smilium for abscesses. Of old oil, lb. iss; of litharge, of red natron, of sal ammoniac, of the lye of figs called protostacton, of rosin, of each, lb. j; of galbanum, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. iij; of copperas, oz. iv; of wax, oz. vj; of verdigris, of opoponax, of each, oz. j; of vinegar, q. s. Boil the litharge and the verdigris in the oil until it cease to stain, and then add the other things.

The plaster from garlic for breaking abscesses. Of wax, oz. vj; of Colophonian rosin, oz. iv; of pine-rosin, oz. iij; of bull’s suet, oz. iv; of yellow natron, oz. iss; the heads of garlic cleansed, xx; of oil, sext. ss. Having boiled the garlic in the oil, throw it away, and mix the other things.

The discutient plaster from apyranon. Of the fat of geese and of pheasants, of each, oz. iij; of old oil, oz. xxvj; of fleawort, oz. iij; of nettle-seed, of the green root of apyranum, of each, lb. j; of white wax, oz. x; of diachylon plaster, oz. ij; of turpentine, oz. j. Having divided the root into small pieces, macerate in the oil with the fleawort and nettle-seed a night and a day; and then having boiled, throw them away, and mixing the soluble substances with the oil, dissolve.

The wheat-plaster for hardness and scirrhous swellings. Of marsh-mallows, of palm-nuts, or of Nicolan dates, of each, lb. ij; of fenugreek, of linseed, of each, sext. ss; of camomile, of melilot, of the bark of palms, of each, oz. vj; of Aminæan wine, sext. vj; of litharge, lb. j; of ceruse, of Colophonian rosin, of each, lb. ij; of wax, of turpentine, of each, lb. j; of old oil, lb. v; of water, lb. ij; of dried bread broken down and sifted, lb. v. The juice of the herbs is extracted by boiling in wine, and the bread is soaked in it; on the day following, the litharge and ceruse are triturated in the water, and afterwards the oil is added and boiled until it ceases to stain; and then the other things are added. Being removed from the fire, the bread is added and stirred strongly. To these are then added, of scraped verdigris, of the flower of salt, of each, oz. vj; of iris, of birthwort, of each, oz. vj; of turpentine, lb. j.

The plaster Pelarion, from the dross of silver, for excoriations and the like. Of wax, of the fat of bulls, of each, oz. v; of the dross of silver, oz. vj; of Colophonian rosin, oz. iv; of pitch, of oil, of each, oz. ij; the dry dross is triturated in wine or the juice of fenugreek. When the dross is not at hand we may use molybdæna.

The plaster from marshmallows, in gouty cases and other indurations. Of the juices of fenugreek, linseed, and marshmallows, of each, lb. iij; of oil, lb. ij; having boiled it until the juice be consumed, add of Colophonian rosin, lb. j; of turpentine, lb. j; of the tear of ivy, oz. iij. When dissolved, having taken it from the fire, add of wax, lb. j, of galbanum, oz. iv, both pounded together, and having dissolved, stir with a spatula.

The plaster kissinon, or ivy plaster, for wounded nerves and punctures, especially chronic. Of red squama, oz. ivss; of frankincense, oz. j; of misy, oz. iss; of chalcitis, dr. iv; of vinegar, vj. Triturate in the summer sun until consumed, when having dissolved, of wax, oz. viij; of oil, oz. xviij (“deest aliquid”); mix. But if a nerve be divided and laid bare, instead of the galbanum, add of turpentine, oz. ij.

The melanchlorus, for the same purposes, and for bleeding wounds. Of pomegranate rind, of burnt copper, of galls, of round birthwort, of sal ammoniac, of squama æris, of fissile and liquid alum (but some instead of the liquid use the round), of iris, of misy, of copperas, of chalcitis, of scraped verdigris, of calamine, of aloes, of myrrh, of frankincense, of the root of all-heal, of litharge, of ceruse, equal parts. All of which are triturated in the sun during the season of summer, with vinegar for a sufficient number of days, and formed into trochisks. It is made into a plaster thus: of the medicine, oz. ij; of wax, oz. vj; of oil, oz. viij; when for wounded nerves the oil is to be old, but otherwise the common.

The plaster from groundsel. Of the juice of groundsel, lb. ij; of old oil, lb. iss; of oil of privet, oz. iv; of old axunge, lb. j; of turpentine, oz. j; of galbanum, oz. ss; of pine rosin, oz. vj; of verdigris, of frankincense, of the medicine œsypum, of each, oz. j; of squama æris, scr. viij; of wax, oz. x; of the old pitch of ships, oz. xiv. Boil the oil with the juice to the consistence of the sordes of the oil in baths, with swine’s seam, and triturate the powders with oil of privet; beat the galbanum with the wax, and put it into a pot. And if the pitch of the ships be dry, having triturated and strained it, weigh and sprinkle it. If it cannot be triturated let it be strained, with part of the oil dissolved, and then let all the things be mixed.

The discutient plaster of Mnasæus. Of wax, of axunge, of each, lb. j; of Colophonian rosin, oz. vj; of litharge, lb. ij; of fine wax, lb. iv.

The Ariobarzanian plaster, for the same affections. Of litharge, oz. iss; of ceruse, lb. j, oz. v; of sea-water, oz. xxv; of old oil, lb. iss; of buccina burnt, oz. viiss; of yellow wax, oz. ix; of turpentine, oz. vj; of frankincense, oz. iij, scr. iiiss.

The plaster from dracunculus, or dragon-herb. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of dried pitch, of axunge, of rosin, of each, lb. iv; of ammoniac perfume, lb. ij; of the root of dracunculus, lb. v. The root being dried and triturated is sprinkled, with the other things dissolved.

The plaster called Psittacion. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of swine’s seam, of the tender leaves of henbane, or the juice of them, equal parts. But in Alexandria, of wax, lb. iiss; of henbane, lb. ij; of axunge, lb. iiss; of Colophonian rosin, lb. x. This is more discutient.

The myrtle plaster, or emplastrum myrsinatum. Of litharge, of ceruse, of sandyx, of lead, burnt and washed, of each, oz. j; of wax, oz. vj; of myrtle oil, lb. j; of wine, q. s.

The plaster from ceruse, or from eggs. Of white wax, oz. vj; of rose oil, lb. iss; of litharge, oz. ij; of ceruse, oz. ij; of starch, oz. iij; the whites of v eggs.

The plaster Parygron, of Oribasius. Of litharge, oz. iss; of ceruse, oz. iss; of wax, oz. iv; of swine’s seam, oz. vij; of Colophonian rosin, oz. ix; of the juice of linseed, of oil, of each, oz. x. It answers admirably for fissures of the heels. But, says he, it must be kept from ulcers, for it becomes fetid.

The epulotic plaster from calamine. Of burnt chalcitis, oz. ij; of calamine, of manna, of each, oz. j; of wax, of colophony, of myrtle oil, of each, lb. j; of wine, q. s.

The palm plaster, or emplastrum palmulatum. Of old axunge, lb. ij; of old oil, lb. iij; of litharge, lb. iij; of crude chalcitis, oz. vj. First the chalcitis is to be levigated in a proper vessel, or in the sun. After it has become of the consistence of the lees of the oil in baths, add the litharge, previously triturated, and afterwards the suet. After they are properly triturated, boil with a gentle fire until it cease to stain, stirring with palm branches.

The plaster from alkanet, for burns. Of white wax, oz. ix; of rose oil, oz. xviij; let these be melted, and sprinkle upon them of the dried root of the purple alkanet, finely levigated, oz. iv. Another. Of the green root of alkanet, of the hair of horehound, of each, oz. iij. Boil in oz. ix of oil, and throw away. Add to the oil v oz. of white wax and dissolve.

The plaster called pompholygeron. Of pompholyx, oz. ij; of litharge, oz. iij; to be triturated with the juice of linseed, and then to be added when dissolved and cooled; of wax, oz. vj; of the grease of geese or domestic fowls, oz. ij; of chamomile, oz. vj.

The anodyne plaster phycotyche, for the fundament. Of frankincense, oz. xvij; of myrrh, oz. vij; of opium, dr. iv; of fissile alum, dr. ij; of butter, dr. iv; the yelks of iv eggs roasted; of calamine, burnt and washed, dr. iv; of pompholyx, dr. vj; of Tuscan wax, oz. viij; of the grease of geese, dr. xvj; of stag’s marrow, dr. xj; of lead, burnt and washed, dr. viij; of bloodstone, dr. j; of liquid œsypum, dr. iv. Triturate the powders with Italian wine, and mix the soluble substances.

The plaster of Amythaon, for distorted and torn joints. It is also epispastic. Of ammoniac, of wax, of bdellium, of each, dr. viij; of turpentine, of Illyrian iris, of galbanum, of each, dr. xx.

The Aristophanian emollient plaster. Of pitch, lb. iv; of the pitch of ships, lb. ij; of wax, lb. j; of opoponax, oz. j; of vinegar, hemin. j.

The plaster from molybdæna, for hot affections. Of molybdæna, oz. iv; of litharge, oz. ij; of ceruse, oz. ij; of wax, oz. viij; of myrtle oil, lb. ij. Triturate the dry things with wine.

The plaster coracon from oxymel, for the pudendum and spreading sores. Of galls, oz. ij; of squama æris, oz. iss; of chalcitis, of frankincense, of each, oz. j. Triturate with vinegar for a sufficient number of days; then mix of honey, oz. v. But having made separately a cerate from oz. ij of myrtle or rose oil, and of the seam of bulls, oz. viij; of wax, oz. iv; of turpentine, oz. j; having mixed, triturate together, and use like that from paper, both by means of an instrument for extracting pus and by a pledget.

The plaster from vinegar and oil. Of litharge, p. j; of oil, of vinegar, of each, p. ij, some make it iij.

The plaster from agate, being discutient and emollient. Of agate stone, half burnt, oz. iss; of wax, oz. v; of roasted rosin, oz. iij; of oil, oz. j.

The plaster Isis, for bloody wounds, being agglutinative, incarnative, and cathartic. Of squama æris, of burnt copper, of round birthwort, of each, dr. viij; of fissile alum, dr. vj; of ammoniac salts, dr. viij; of frankincense, dr. viij; of ammoniac perfume, dr. viij; of myrrh, dr. xij; of aloes, dr. xij; of galbanum, dr. xij; of the juice of the root of dracunculus, dr. viij; of wax, lb. j; of Colophonian rosin, lb. ij; of old oil, oz. iij; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster Athena, for foul ulcers, infarctions, and wounded nerves. Of pomegranate rind, of burnt copper, of galls, of round and long birthwort, of sal ammoniac, of ammoniac perfume; of squama æris, of fissile alum and of round, of iris, of misy, of copperas, of chalcitis, of scraped verdigris, of calamine, of aloes, of myrrh, of frankincense, of bee glue, of galbanum, of each, oz. j; of wax, dr. cc; of pitch, dr. cc; of Colophonian rosin, dr. c; of oil, oz. vj; of vinegar, q. s.

The agglutinative plaster from dittany, for the bites of dogs and all sorts of ulcers. Of litharge, lb. ij; of squama æris, oz. iss; of old oil, sext. ij; of diphryges, oz. iij; of gentian, oz. iss; of birthwort, of scraped verdigris, of each, oz. iss; of dittany, of burnt copper, oz. iss; of Colophonian rosin, lb. j; of manna, of galbanum, of aloes, oz. iij; of ammoniac perfume, oz. vj; of bee glue, oz. ij; of common wax, oz. viss. The oil must first be boiled with the litharge, until it cease to stain. Then taking it off the fire, we are to add the verdigris and squama, and again boil until it cease to stain; and again taking it off the fire, add the rosin, the ammoniac sifted, and stir until it cease boiling; and place it at the fire, and when it boils but a little add the copper and diphryges and boil again until it thicken; then add the common wax, and boiling until it cease to stain, put in the bee glue, and after a little the aloes, manna, dittany, birthwort, and gentian, are to be sprinkled finely levigated when but a little cooled.

The Barbaric plaster, for bloody sores, and for promoting the formation of callus in fractures. Of Judæan asphaltos, of dried pitch, of wax, of rosin, of each, lb. j; of turpentine, oz. ij; of litharge, oz. j; of ceruse, oz. iss; of manna, oz. ij; of opoponax, oz. ij; of myrrh, oz. ij; of oil, oz. iij; of vinegar, q. s.

The agglutinative plaster from willows, for hæmoptysis and empyema when applied to the chest. Of misy, of chalcitis, of verdigris, of ceruse, of galls, of fissile alum and of round, of melanteria, of each, oz. vj; of wax, lb. ij; of pine-rosin, lb. ij; of pitch, lb. ij; of pomegranate rind, oz. vj; of asphaltos, lb. ij; of willow-leaves, lb. ij; of the oil of roses, oz. iv; of copperas, oz. vj; of vinegar, q. s. Some add also of turpentine, oz. ix.

The plaster of Nicolaus, for bloody wounds and an agglutinant of sinuses. Of squama æris, oz. iv; of scraped verdigris, oz. iss; of litharge, oz. iss; of long and of round birthwort, of each, oz. j; of fissile and of round alum, of copperas, of each, oz. j; of sulphur vivum, oz. j; of the gall omphacitis, oz. iv; of ammoniac salts, oz. j; of misy, oz. j; of marjoram, oz. j; of chamæleon, oz. j; of the calamine called racemosa, oz. j; of white hellebore, oz. j; of hog’s-fennel, oz. iij; of parsley-seed, oz. ij; of the root of comfrey, oz. iss; of ceruse, oz. iss; of the juice of mandragora, oz. ss; of chalcitis, oz. iss; of Samian aster, oz. j; of male frankincense, oz. j; of aloes, oz. j; of bdellium, oz. ij; of Thebaic opium, oz. ij; of troglodytic myrrh, oz. ss; of ammoniac perfume, oz. j; of fenugreek, oz. vj; of the juice of perdicias, oz. vj; of yellow wax, lb. iij; of Colophonian rosin, lb. ij; of pine-rosin, lb. j; of bitumen, lb. j; of mastich, oz. vj; of black pitch, lb. ij; of old oil, lb. j; of storax, oz. j; of opoponax, oz. iss; of vinegar, q. s.

The Icesian plaster, for strumæ, abscesses, the spleen, joints, and ischiatic disease. Of litharge, dr. cxx; of old oil, sext. ij; of vinegar, sext. j; of verdigris, dr. iss; of the bark of the pine, dr. viij; of chamæleon, with the root, dr. xvj; of euphorbium, dr. xvj; of the juice of hypocistis, dr. xvj; of bee-glue, dr. xvj; of myrrh, dr. xvj; of elicampane, dr. xvj; of pellitory, dr. xvj; of wax, lb. iij.

The plaster of Nero, for blows and all pains of fleshy parts. Of old oil, lb. iss; of litharge, lb. j; of ammoniac perfume, oz. j; of ceruse, oz. iv; of galbanum, of manna, of myrrh, of frankincense, of each, oz. j.

The much-used emplastrum oxyrum. Of dried pitch, dr. ij; of wax, lb. j; of ammoniac perfume, oz. j; of turpentine, lb. ss; of galbanum, oz. ij; of manna, oz. ij; of vinegar, sext. iss.

The agglutinative plaster without wax, or emplastrum aceratum of Galen. It is digestive and promotes the suppuration of ulcers, with oleum ricini and old oil, when spread upon a pledget. Of litharge, lb. iij; of oil of ricinus, or old oil, lb. iv; of the most acrid vinegar, lb. ij; of the black squama æris, of chalcitis, of verdigris, of each, oz. ij. Boil the litharge with the oil to the consistence of the lees in baths; then add the metallic substances, triturated for many days with vinegar.

The plaster from metals. Of chalcitis, oz. j; of misy, oz. ij; of squama æris, oz. iij; of frankincense, oz. iij; of Colophonian rosin, oz. ij; of galbanum, oz. iss; of wax, lb. j; of oil, oz. xv; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster harmonia, for fractures. Of chalcitis, oz. iv; of squama æris, oz. iiss; of burnt copper, oz. j; of frankincense, oz. ij; of oil, lb. j; of vinegar, lb. j. Boil the metals in the oil until it cease to stain, then add the frankincense.

The emplastrum melinum of Serapion. Of litharge, lb. j; of wax, oz. vij; of ammoniac perfume, oz. iiiss; of galbanum, of verdigris, of each, dr. ix; of Colophonian rosin, oz. vij; of myrrh, dr. j: of oil, hemin. iss. Boil the litharge with the oil until it cease to stain, then add the other things.

The emplastrum anicetum, being agglutinative, discutient, removing scales, and answering with distortions. Of bay-berries, of dried iris, of frankincense, of each, dr. lx; of burnt copper, dr. xx; of natron, of sal ammoniac, dr. xx; of pellitory, of stavesacre, of the seed of rosemary, of the granum Cnidium, of mustard, of pigeon’s dung, of birthwort, of cumin, of verdigris, of cyperus, of the seed of rocket, of each, dr. viij; of vinegar, hemin. xii. Triturate during the heat of the dog-days until the vinegar is consumed, then add, of the thickest decoction of dried figs, oz. ix; and having mixed, form trochisks and dry. In using it, triturate of the trochisks, oz. ij, with vinegar, and mix, of rosin, oz. iij; of Tuscan wax, oz. ij; of oil, oz. ij.

The plaster from darnel. Of pitch, lb. ij; of pine-rosin, oz. ix; of Tuscan wax, oz. v; of oil, oz. iij; of strained bitumen, oz. ij; of the flour of darnel, sext. j; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster from the juice of mulberry-tree. Of litharge, of dried pitch, of bull’s-seam, of each, oz. viij; of turpentine, oz. iij; of wax, oz. v; of scraped verdigris, of opoponax, of galbanum, of each, oz. j; of the oleum ricininum, oleum susinum, or very old oil, hemin. j; of liquid pitch, hemin. j; of the juice of the mulberry, the fruit of which is called sycomora, hemin. j.

The double-coloured plaster, or dichromos. Of burnt copper, of fissile alum, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. j; of wax, lb. j; of Colophonian rosin, lb. j; of swine’s seam, lb. j; of vinegar, q. s.

The Indian agglutinative plaster, for spreading ulcers and hæmoptysis. Of wax, of roasted rosin, of dried pitch, of the liquid Zacynthian bitumen, of each, lb. j; of ceruse, of chalcitis, of misy, of melanteria, of fissile and of round alum, of the gall omphacitis, of the rind of the pomegranate, of each, oz. vj; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster from the ashes of asps, for discussing strumæ and gout. Of turpentine, of Asian stone, of Judæan bitumen, of each, dr. ccclx; of wax, of bay-berries, of ammoniac perfume, of aphronitrum, of the fat of calves, of each, dr. cccxl; of the lapis pyrites, of quicklime, of each, dr. cxl; of the ashes of asps, dr. cxl; of old oil, hemin. ij. Sprinkle the ashes upon the medicine when cooled. It is prepared also without the ashes, because some have an aversion to them, and it is no less efficacious.

The desiccative and discutient plaster, called leæna or lioness. Of ammoniac perfume, of plumbago, of each, dr. c; of mustard, dr. viij; of the root of chamæleon, dr. xvj; of Colophonian rosin, dr. c; of squama æris, of the root of soapwort, of euphorbium, of verdigris, of each, dr. viij; of birthwort, dr. xvj; of pellitory, dr. viij; of old oil, hemin. j; and of the oil of radishes, q. s.—Another. The leæna for altering and evacuating humours. Of copperas, oz. ij; of arsenic, oz. j; of black hellebore, of cantharides’ breasts, of each, dr. iss; of sandarach, oz. iij; of wax, lb. iss; of roasted rosin, lb. j; of oil, hemin. ij.

The Macedonian plaster. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of pitch, of the suet of bulls, of rosemary, equal parts. Having melted and removed them from the fire, sprinkle the frankincense.

The plaster sphærion, for febrile complaints. Of ceruse, of litharge, of quicklime, of each, oz. iij; of wax, oz. iss; of Berenicarian natron, of rose oil, of each, oz. j. Pour the melted things upon the dry and form small balls. In using, melt, of oil, oz. vj, with oz. ij of wax, and add, of the medicine, oz. j, and stir with a spatula. When cooled, bruize with oz. ix of water; add also of rose-oil, oz. iij.

The anti-inflammatory plaster from ochre, both for those cases of inflammation which occur spontaneously, and those occasioned by judicial torture. Of Attic ochre, lb. ij; of chalk, lb. j; of litharge, oz. viij. Triturate with wine, of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of pitch, of pine rosin, of each, lb. j; of turpentine, oz. viij; of oil, lb. ij. It is dissolved thus: of wax, lb. j; of old oil, lb. iij; of the medicine, lb. j. Bruise with wine.

The plaster from cedria, being agglutinative, discutient, and detergent. Of wax, of dried pitch, of each, lb. j; of Colophonian rosin, oz. viij; of cedar rosin (gum juniper?), oz. vj. Having melted them together, boil until they cease to stain.

Another emollient plaster. Of wax, of pitch, of each, oz. viij; of Colophonian rosin, dr. xxv; of bee-glue, dr. xvij; of cedar rosin, dr. xx.

The cicatrizing plaster from pumice-stone. Of myrtle oil, lb. ij; of wax, lb. j; of pumice burnt and extinguished in wine, dr. vj; of the squama stomomatis, dr. vj; of burnt copper, of Cimolian earth, of each, dr. v. It is put upon a pledget, and a sponge out of water is applied above.

The plaster called Paula or Rest, for strumæ and buboes. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of natron, of each, lb. j.

The plaster from natron, for carbuncles. Of roasted natron, oz. iij; of wax, of oil, of Colophonian rosin, of each, dr. iss; of Cyrenaic or Median juice, dr. x. It is applied, diluted, upon a pledget.

The plaster from anemone. Of anemone stripped of its nails (“the white parts of its flowers”), oz. ij; of wax, oz. v; of oil, oz. iv; of rosin, oz. vss; of Colophonian rosin, lb. iiss.

The green plaster of Machærion for ischiatic diseases, infarctions of the joints, and abscesses. Of opoponax, of galbanum, of verdigris, of myrrh, of iris, of ammoniac perfume, of birthwort, of each, oz. j; of turpentine, of wax, of the oil of unripe olives, of each, oz. vij.

Another simple green plaster. Of rosin, lb. iij; of wax, lb. j; of scraped verdigris, lb. ss; of frankincense, dr. xxv; of vinegar, q. s.

Another green plaster for humid and fungous ulcers. Of Colophonian rosin, oz. vj; of scraped verdigris, oz. iss; of wax, oz. ij; of Cappadocian salts, oz. j; of rose oil, oz. ij; of vinegar, q. s.

The plaster from rue, for pleuritic cases. Of green rue, lb. j; of butter, lb. iss; of turpentine, oz. xv; of the medicine œsypum, oz. xv; of opoponax, oz. iij; of galbanum, oz. iij; of oil of dill, lb. j.

The plaster from lye, for ischiatic, arthritic, and œdematous complaints. Of wax, of old oil, of protostacton (“a mixture of lime with some other sort of lixivial ashes”), of each, lb. j; of roasted rosin, of Alexandrian natron, of white natron, of turpentine, of each, oz. vj. Triturate the natron with the ashes.

The plaster from natron, for abscesses and scirrhous swellings. Of old oil, of wax, of aphronitrum, of soap, of ashes, of each, lb. j; of turpentine, oz. vj; of galbanum, of bee-glue, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. j. Prepare like the former.

The plaster from salts. Of wax, oz. iv; of oil, lb. j; of common salts, oz. iv; of aphronitrum, oz. iv; of ceruse, oz. viij; of vinegar, oz. ij, for the trituration.—Otherwise. Of common salts, of natron, of each, oz. iv; of wax, of old oil, of each, oz. vj; of sea-water, q. s.

The plaster from bacon, for dissolving tophi. Of the fat of old swine’s bacon, of ammoniac perfume, of the old cheese of cow’s or goat’s milk, of bull’s fat, of the pitch of ships, of each, lb. j; of the marrow of stags, oz. viij; of the cerate of œsypum, oz. iij; of the oil of privet, oz. vj: of Egyptian wine, q. s.

The plaster from dragon’s blood (cinnabaris), for tophi and all other scirrhous swellings. It is called pampathes. Of litharge, lb. j; of old oil, sext. j; of squama æris, oz. j; of burnt copper, oz. j; of sanguis draconis, scr. xviij; of a living magnet, oz. j; of Phrygian stone, dr. vj; of the stone pyrites, of calamine, of scraped verdigris, of frankincense, of each, oz. j; of diphryges, oz. ij; of aloes, oz. iss; of galbanum, oz. iss; of the Scythian stone onites, scr. xviij; of the bloodstone, oz. j; of bee-glue, lb. j, scr. xxviij; of wax, oz. xvij; of the stone perdicites (another edition has perdiciaton), oz. j; of betony, oz. j, scr. viij; of gentian, oz. j; of long and of round birthworth, dr. iv; of the black chamæleon, oz. j; of dittany, scr. xij; of dried rosin, lb. j; of the fat of the ostrich, lb. j. Triturate the stones with the litharge, adding of the flower of salt, lb. ij, gradually until the whole be consumed.

The plaster from filberts, of tried efficacy, for tophi of the joints. Of protostacton (“a mixture of lime with some lixivial ashes”), oz. vj; of the inner part of filberts, oz. ij; of aphronitrum, oz. vj; of old oil, lb. j; of gallic soap, oz. iv; of honey, oz. viij; the whites of six eggs; of wax. oz. x; of turpentine, oz. ij. Triturate with the protostacton.

An admirable anodyne cerate from the torpedo, for gout. On the fifth day of the month of March, put into a pot under ground of common oil, sext. ij, boil with the wood of vine, and when it boils, add of the sea-fish torpedo, lb. j; and of the blood of the mole, which some call madaniuda, oz. iv, and boil until the flesh of the fish be dissolved or toasted; then, having strained, add of oil and of wax what will be sufficient to give it consistence, so that the cerate may be very tender, which, having spread upon a linen rag, apply.

The plaster from the urine of a mule, for gout. Of the urine of a male mule, sext. iv; of litharge, lb. ij; of old oil, one mina. Having triturated all the things for a long time until they become of the consistence of the lees of baths, boil till it cease to stain.

The plaster from the flower of Asian stone, of Philagrius, for scirrhus. Of the root of hog’s fennel, of the flower of Asian stone, or, if it is not at hand, of salts, of ammoniac perfume, of unscoured wool burnt, of each, oz. j; of round birthwort, of pumice-stone, of dog’s dung, of scraped verdigris, of squama æris, of misy, of each, scr. xviij; of castor, scr. xviij; of myrrh, oz. iij; of the most acrid vinegar, oz. iij; of wax, oz. xiiss; of pine rosin, of Brutian pitch, oz. xviiiss, scr. vj; of old oil, and of the most acrid vinegar, q. s.

The same, of Galen. Of wax, of turpentine, of each, lb. j; of Asian stone, of manna, of each, oz. iij; of oil of privet, oz. ij; of the bonnet-maker’s water, q. s.

The arthritic plaster from the flower of salt, in the decline of the complaint. Of turpentine, of roasted rosin, of pine rosin, of wax, of each, lb. j; of dried pitch, of fissile alum, of the flower of salt, of each, lb. ss. Boil in a double vessel.

An incarnative plaster for ulcers. Of rose-oil, of turpentine, of honey, of each, oz. ij; of ceruse, of butter, of each, oz. j. Some add also of frankincense, oz. j.

The Italian plaster for cleansing and incarnating foul ulcers. Having boiled the tender bark of the wild fig in oil, throw it away, and having melted in the oil a sufficient quantity of dark yellow wax, use on a pledget.

The erective plaster. Of satyrion, of the testicle of a stag, of the tail of a skink, of each, dr. ij; of the seed of rocket, of pellitory, of the seed of rosemary, of wax, of each, dr. iv; of turpentine, oz. j; three eggs of troglodytic sparrows, (“wrens?”) three swifts, of oil of bay, or of iris, q. s. The swifts are soaked alive in vinegar for forty days, the vessel being buried in dung.

The golden plaster for bloody wounds. Of frankincense, of fissile alum, of each, oz. ij; of Colophonian rosin, of common rosin, of each, lb. j; of oil, oz. iij; of arsenic, oz. ij. Triturate the arsenic in the vinegar.

The plaster for fractures, of Oribasius. Of Brutian pitch, lb. j, oz. iv; of litharge, lb. j, oz. iv; of frankincense, oz. viij; of turpentine, oz. v; of bull’s suet, lb. j, oz. iv; of galbanum, of opoponax, of each, oz. j; of wax, oz. iv; of old oil, lb. j; of vinegar, oz. v.

A plaster for fractures with a wound and without a wound. From Heraclitus. Of dried pitch, mina j; of litharge, mina j; of manna, mina ss; of calves’ suet, mina j; of Tuscan wax, oz. xxvj; of opoponax, dr. viij; of scraped verdigris, of Cyprian copper, of each, the fifth and tenth part of a mina; of turpentine, min. iss; of copper, oz. j; of oleum ricini (castor oil), or old oil, hem. j; of vinegar, hemin. ss.

The preparation of the medicine called the liquid œsypum. Of melilot, oz. iv; of cardamom, oz. ij; of unscoured wool, oz. vj: having macerated in sext. ij of wine for three days, boil until little is left; and having filtrated mix with the wine, oz. iij of oil, and boil until little of the wine remain, and then add of Colophonian rosin, oz. x; of turpentine, oz. x. Some add likewise of wax, oz. x, and of the herb hyssop, oz. j, and boil with the others. Others clean the wool in wine, and having dried the wine with the sordes, which they call pinon, at the time of using, add of it, oz. iij, and the other things as mentioned.

On the mixture of wax to oil. If you wish to prepare ointments like those called Acopa, add four parts of the oil to the wax; but if, as in fractures, you wish to make a soft cerate, make it double. When we wish to give the medicine the form of a plaster, then we mix equal parts of oil with wax, if the atmosphere be of a moderate temperature. But if the wax be old or dry, and the atmosphere cold, then there must be a little more of the oil than of the wax; when the wax is soft and the atmosphere warm, the wax should be a little less than the oil. This little should be the twelfth part on each side of the middle, for in this case you will mix xj or xiij oz. of oil to the pound of wax.

From the works of Antyllus, on the boiling of those medicines which are the ingredients of plasters.—Litharge. In the boiling of the medicines, the litharge will be boiled with the oil; but the litharge having been previously triturated, is to be triturated again with the oil, so as to become viscid, and then it is to be boiled at a gentle fire, stirring incessantly. At first, then, it swells and bubbles; but when nearly boiled sufficiently, it becomes of a more feculent colour. It has attained its measure of boiling when the swelling subsides, and it no longer stains. The molybdæna is to be boiled in a similar manner to litharge; but the measure of the boiling of it is not only when it ceases to stain, but when it changes from a fiery colour to a yellow and strongly florid. Burnt copper in boiling is not to be put in at the commencement, but when the plaster is half boiled: the measure of the boiling, unless a small quantity only is put in, is when its colour predominates and renders the plaster yellow; sori and diphryges are put in during the boiling. The measure of the boiling of the diphryges, like the squama, is to be when its colour predominates. With regard to the sori, there is no particular measure, except the common one, to make the plaster of such a consistence that it does not stain. The chalcitis is boiled like copper, and the measure of it is the degree to which it renders the plaster of a deeper yellow and more ruddy colour. The flower of copper is like copper, and is regulated by the common measure of boiling. Copperas (blue vitriol?) is added in the middle of the boiling, and when boiled it gives a stronger shade to the colour of the plaster; and if not prevented by other circumstances, it renders the plaster black; misy is added in the end, but there is no particular measure with regard to it; arsenic and sandarach are added at the end of the boiling; burnt lead is put in at the middle of the boiling; ceruse is put into white plasters at the end, for thus it preserves their colour and whitens them still more, but it is added to the black at the commencement, for by being more boiled it becomes blacker; verdigris is added to the green plasters after the boiling; and, in some cases, it is not put into the pot at all, but being triturated with vinegar, and remaining in the mortar, the other things are mixed with it: to those of an apple colour (pale red?) it is added when the preparation is half boiled; for when it undergoes moderate boiling, it puts on the apple colour; but in those which are to have a double appearance, and double colour, we must boil the verdigris immediately after the commencement; when the boiling is persevered in, it first puts on the apple colour, then the double appearance, and at last its colour becomes yellow; alum is added for the most part after the boiling, but there is no measure of its boiling; vermilion is added at the end; calamine and pompholyx are added at the commencement; salts and natron are added at the middle of the boiling; sulphur at the end, the boiling of it blackens the plasters. All earths and stones are added at the end for the most part: pumice-stone, too, at the end. Burnt shells are added at the end. Oil, if added at the commencement to rosin and liquid pitch, prevents the plaster from acquiring consistence. The oil, therefore, is to be added after it has acquired consistence. Other fatty substances which do not contain salt, are to be added at the middle of the boiling. Of ointments, the Irinum bears boiling, the Cyprinum and Rosaceum less; the others, none at all. The ingredients are, therefore, to be added at the end of the boiling. Wax is not boiled alone by itself, for it burns, neither with liquid rosin nor liquid pitch, for it remains disunited. But it is added to pure oil or oily matters boiled with the metals, or to rosin and pitch, previously boiled and thickened with other things which are to be added. Dried rosin is added with wax. The liquid, before all other things, is boiled by itself, unless a very small quantity is used. Pitch is added before all other things. The measure of the boiling of the liquid is its acquiring consistence; but of the dry especially, if boiled with vinegar, when it ceases to bubble and swell. The pitch of ships, when triturated and separated by a sieve from its recrements, is sprinkled upon a plaster when boiled; but if soft, it is dissolved with the oil. The former method is the more correct, because in the second the weight is not preserved. Bitumen (asphaltos) is boiled by being added at the commencement. But it is not to be levigated, because it contains asperities like grains of figs. It is, therefore, to be broken into large pieces and boiled in vinegar, not stirring it lest it bubble. I, says Timocrates, have succeeded by boiling it in oil. Bee-glue (propolis) is to be softened and boiled. For, by the boiling, it is not entirely incorporated. But if the plaster receives, as an ingredient, common wax, the bee-glue, like the galbanum, is to be pounded with the wax and added. Ammoniac is added about the middle of the boiling. But if it can be levigated, it should be sprinkled in the state of a powder, but if not, it may be triturated with some liquid; but if it be a plaster for fresh wounds, it is to be triturated with vinegar or wine; but if for fistulæ or strumæ, by all means with vinegar. If it be a soft plaster (such as those for the fundament), it is to be triturated with water; then, being levigated, it is to be added to the other things when cooled that they may not boil. Opoponax is added much later than ammoniac: it requires but very little boiling; but it must be frequently triturated with wine or vinegar. Galbanum does not bear boiling. But when the plaster has attained such a consistence that it does not stain, it is to be taken off the fire, and it is to be softened and added. Sagapenum is pounded in a mortar, and when it becomes tender it is softened with the plaster after being removed from the fire. Aloe is sprinkled after the boiling. Poppy-juice is macerated for one day in a little water, and is then levigated in a mortar, and in this state the plaster is poured upon it. Thapsia is sprinkled last, or triturated with some fluid. Bdellium being levigated, is sprinkled after the plaster is taken from the fire; but if it is of a fatty nature, and cannot be levigated, it is to be pounded like sagapen, and made into the form of a plaster, and softened with the plaster after the boiling. Frankincense and manna are sprinkled at the end of the boiling, becoming glutinous, with a little honey, vinegar, water, or wine, if the plaster admit a liquid. Myrrh is added when the boiling is over. None of the seeds, roots, and herbs can endure boiling; but when levigated, and while they remain in the mortar, the other things are poured upon them in a state of solution.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The following are the general directions given by Celsus for the formation of plasters: “Emplastrum hoc modo fit: arida medicamenta per se teruntur; deinde mixtis his instillatur aut acetum, aut si quis alius non pinguis humor accessurus est, et ea rursus ex eo teruntur; ea vero quæ liquari possunt, ad ignem simul liquantur, et si quid olei misceri debet, tum infunditur: interdum etiam aridum ali quod ex oleo prius coquitur.” He describes the composition of 28 plasters. (v, 19.)

The composition of plasters is treated of by Galen at so great length that it is quite out of the question to attempt even an abstract of his account of them. His accuracy of detail and attention to minutiæ are almost inconceivable. See the first four books of his work (De Med. sec. genera.) Our author, as usual, is much indebted to him.

For further information regarding the emplastra of the ancients, see also Haly Abbas (Pract. x, 18); Mesue (De Unguentis); and Myrepsus (§ x.) Myrepsus, as usual, is most copious: he gives formulæ for 199 plasters.

The diachylon plaster is described by Galen and Mesue, but as the ingredients of theirs are nearly the same as in that of our author, we need not give their formulæ.

The Ægyptiacum, which is still celebrated as a remedy in certain cases is thus described by Mesue: “Take of verdigris, dr. v; of honey, dr. xiv; of very acrid vinegar, dr. vij: boil to a proper consistence. Some also add dr. iiss of triturated frankincense.”

The following is an itch ointment by Mesue: “Take of ceruse, of litharge, of aloes, of saffron, of calamine, of mercury extinguished, equal parts; make into an ointment, with oil of oleander and vinegar, q. s.”

An itch ointment of Myrepsus consists of the fresh leaves of the bay-tree boiled with oil, and having wax and sulphur added to it. We can say, from ample experience, that such an ointment is a most effectual remedy for scabies.

The preparation of the basilicon, as directed by Avicenna, is a nearer approach to the modern ointment of that name than our author’s: “Of rosin, of pitch, and of wax, equal parts, prepare with olive oil.”

SECT. XVIII.—ON EMOLLIENT PLASTERS AND EPITHEMES.

Of those applications called emollient plasters, or malagmata, some are applied to the middle parts of the body when in a state of chronic inflammation, or indurated, or in a hot or cold state, or affected with defluxions; and some to the extremities when infarcted, or to the nerves when affected with cold; or they are serviceable to the other parts when scirrhous. These have been treated of in the section on Plasters, and will be treated of in that on Acopa. Of those which agree with the middle parts of the body (which are properly called epithemes), those applied for the stomach and liver, of whatever kind they are, must require a strengthening power from astringents; for without these there will be danger to the life, the functional operations of these parts being extensive; and, therefore, they are principally composed of aromatics. When the stomach then is affected with dyspepsia, atony, or inflation, those from seeds, and from melilots, aloes, and wormwood, from sampsuchum (marjoram), nard, and mastich are to be applied. To the liver, those from nutben, ammoniac, fats, and chamomile ointment; and to the spleen, those from quicklime, arsenic, capers, willows, cardamom, verdigris, ammoniac, and vinegar are to be applied. For defluxions about the belly, those from wild vine, alum, apple ointment, and other astringents are to be used. And these by a misnomer are called by the general name of malagmata or emollient plasters, although their power be the reverse of softening. When the viscera are in a hot state, as in ardent fevers, those from saffron, oil of roses, the juice of linseed, endive, knot-grass, hog’s lard, or litharge are to be applied; but when in a cold state those from opobalsam, Indian leaf, sowbread (cassamum), and pepper. In expectorations of blood, astringent and desiccative applications, composed from alum, willow, and bitumen, are to be applied to the breast; and in consumptions, those from bay berries, horehound, cardamom, and lye.

The malagma from melilots. Of saffron, of Celtic nard, of cyperus, of cardamom, of iris, of myrrh, of each, oz. ij; of melilots, lb. j; of ammoniac perfume, lb. j; of wax, lb. iij; of turpentine, lb. j; of oil of privet, lb. iij; of gleucinum, lb. ij; of bdellium, oz. vj. Some add also of cyphi, oz. ij; of wine, q. s.

The malagma Polyarchium, from Galen’s work, ‘according to the parts.’ Of wax, of turpentine, of bdellium, of ammoniac perfume, of cardamom, of cyperus, of each, one mina; of melilot, of amomum, of Indian nard, of saffron, of myrrh, of frankincense, of the wood of cinnamon, of each, dr. xxv; of oil of privet, hemina j; of Italian wine, q. s. Prepare and use sometimes unmixed and sometimes diluted with the cerate of privet.

The Polyarchium, otherwise. Of xylobalsam, of costus, of iris, of cyperus, of myrrh, of the schœnanth, of cardamom, of frankincense, of spikenard, of mastich, of storax, of bdellium, of amomum, of Indian leaf, of saffron, of cassia, of pellitory, of long birthwort, of each, oz. j; of ammoniac perfume, oz. iss; of roasted rosin, oz. iij; of turpentine, lb. j; of stag’s marrow, oz. ij; of wax, lb. ij; of opobalsam, oz. vj; of wine, oz. viij.

The malagma Philagrianum. Of saffron, oz. iss; of aloes, of ammoniac perfume, of bdellium, of storax, of each, oz. j; of the fat of geese, oz. ij; of the medicine œsypum, oz. iv; of palm-nuts, oz. ij; of wax, lb. j; of nard, oz. vj; of the ointment of apples, oz. vj; of wine, what will be sufficient for triturating the dry things.

The fragrant malagma. Of saffron, of aloes, of mastich, of wormwood, of storax, of wild vine, of sowbread, of cloves, of each, oz. iij; of nard, lb. j; of wax, lb. j; of oil of apples, oz. vj; palm-nuts, xij; of wine, q. s.

The malagma Baion. Of cardamom, of cassia, of Celtic wild vine, of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of virgin wax, of each, scr. viij; of savin, of sowbread, of amomum, of each, scr. vj; of the schœnanth, scr. xviij; of iris, scr. iv; of cloves, scr. iss; of the lily perfume, oz. ij; of frankincense, of myrrh, of each, oz. j; of ladanum, oz. vj; of bdellium, of mastich, of aloes, of nard, of the oil of lentisk, of each, oz. ss; of maple rosin, of pine rosin, of turpentine, of each, oz. iij; of opobalsam, oz. j; of ammoniac perfume, scr. vj; of wax, oz. vj. The bruised juicy and dried things are to be pounded with oil of wild vine. In another prescription, some add, of pepper, scr. xviij, and of musk, scr. j.

The Galenian malagma. Of saffron, oz. ss; of aloes, oz. j; of mastich, oz. iij; of the fruit of wormwood, scr. viij; of wild vine, scr. viij; three large dates; of wax, oz. iij; of oil of apples, oz. vj.

The malagma Brythrion. Of storax, oz. v; of quinces, oz. xx; of masucha or masuaphium, of saffron, of each, dr. x; of crumbs of bread, of cyphi, of each, dr. v; of wild vine, oz. iiss; of sowbread, of wormwood, of each, dr. x; of cloves, scr. xv; of ammoniac perfume, scr. x; of opobalsam, scr. viss; of nard, oz. v; of Colophonian rosin, of gleucinum, of oil of apples, of each, oz. x; of oil of roses, dr. x; of bee-glue, oz. v; of turpentine, oz. x; of honey, coch. x; of Indian leaf, dr. x; of spikenard, dr. x; of wax, oz. viiss. Triturate with Falernian and Aminæan wine.

The splenic malagma of Nilus, for all other cases of induration. Of wax, lb. j; of ammoniac perfume, lb. j; of oil of privet, lb. j; of saffron, oz. ss (some make it, oz. j); of vinegar, q. s.

The malagma citrinum. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of each, lb. j; of ammoniac perfume, of arsenic, of lime, of alum, of vinegar, of each, cyath. viij. Triturate the dry things with the vinegar.

The barber’s malagma. Of dried pitch, lb. j; of wax, of pine rosin, of ammoniac perfume, of natron, of dry bay-berries, of the fat of bulls, of each, lb. ij; of the flour of fenugreek, sext. j; of pollen, sext. j; of the dried root of the black chamæleon, lb. j.

The malagma, from goat’s dung, of Oribasius, for splenic affections, dropsies, and scirrhous liver. Of oil of privet or very old oil, lb. iij; of wax, lb. iiss; of the dung of goats, of bay-berries stripped of their bark, of Illyrian iris, of each, sext. j; of turpentine, lb. j; of mustard, of natron, of cyperus, of the seed of radish, of the bark of the root of capers, oz. iij; of the medullary part of colocynth, oz. ij; of fenugreek, oz. j. Sometimes the dry things are added to the soluble and sometimes they are mixed with vinegar. But if there is a flux of the bowels, the colocynth must not be added.

The malagma spongiola, from goat’s dung, for dropsies. Of Brutian pitch, lb. iiss; of natron, lb. j; of the medullary part of colocynth, of pellitory, of opoponax, of granum cnidium, of each, oz. iij; of bark of the root of capers, of frankincense, of iris, of the fat of bulls, of elaterium, of squama æris, of parsley-seed, of the seeds of spurge (lathyrides), of each, oz. vj; of bay-berries, sext. ss; of the flour of fenugreek, oz. ss; of bull’s gall, oz. ij; of oil of privet, sext. ss; of wax, lb. j; of roasted rosin, lb. iij; of mountain goat’s dung, of the seed of rosemary, of cyperus, of cardamom, of each, oz. vj.

The malagma from bay-berries. Of wax, of rosin, of pitch, of bay-berries, of bull’s fat, of each, lb. j; of natron, of ammoniac perfume, of each, oz. vj; of vinegar, q. s.

The malagma from seeds. Of cardamom, of cyperus, of savin, of natron, of bay-berries, of cassia, of melilot, of fenugreek, of Celtic nard, of parsley-seed, of sampsuchum, of anise, of the root of panacea, of frankincense, of ammoniac perfume, of turpentine, of each, oz. iij; of honey, of wax, of nard, of each, lb. j; of the fat of bulls, lb. j.

The fetid malagma for pleurisy. Of pine rosin, lb. j; of wax, of green rue, of oil of privet, of each, oz. vj; of sulphur vivum, of opoponax, of sagapen, of each, dr. iv. Some add also of galbanum, dr. iv.

The malagma from sampsuchum. Of wax, lb. j; of turpentine, lb. ij; of sampsuchum (marjoram?), of bay-berries, of fenugreek, of each, sext. j; of nard, q. s.

The malagma of Apollophanes for hepatic diseases. Of wax, dr. lxxx; of turpentine, of manna, of each, dr. xl. Pound with the lees of iris-oil and anoint the mortar.

The malagma copton, for hardness of the stomach and liver. Of bee-glue, oz. vj; of storax, oz. ij; of mastich, oz. j; of turpentine, oz. ss; of the lees of nard, q. s.

The malagma from wild vine. Of wild vine, of aloes, of saffron, of acacia, of fissile alum, of dried roses, of the juice of wormwood, of galls, of the oil of unripe olives, of Syrian sumach, of manna, of each, dr. j; of myrtle-oil, of wax, of each, lb. j; five large palm-nuts; of Aminæan wine, q. s.

The Antyllian malagma. Of fissile alum, oz. ss; of aloes, oz. j; of mastich, scr. vj; of wild vine, scr. viij; of the oil of unripe olives, scr. viij; of dried roses, scr. viij; of Syriac sumach, scr. x; of the Egyptian thorn, scr. x; of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, scr. xx; of galls, scr. xv; of wax, oz. v; of oil of apples, q. s.

The malagma from grape stones. Of saffron, of sandyx, of wild vine, of each, oz. j; of dried alum, oz. iv; of the flowers of the wild pomegranate, of oil of unripe olives, of the flower of roses, of dried myrtles, of each, oz. ij; of white wax, lb. j; of oil of apples, lb. ij; of quinces, oz. iv; ten Nicolan palm nuts; of Aminæan wine, q. s.; of dried grape stones, oz. viij. In using, take of the medicine, oz. iij; of wax, oz. j.

The malagma from dill. Of green dill, oz. vj; of melilot, oz. ij; of chamomile, oz. ij; ten green heads of poppy. Having boiled, mix of the decoction, lb. iij; and as much of oil; and when the decoction is consumed, add of fresh hog’s lard, lb. ij; and separately triturate of the inner part of baked squill, oz. ij; and of stag’s marrow, oz. ij. Mix all together.

The malagma ambrosia, for stopping fevers. Of litharge, lb. j; of fresh hog’s lard, oz. vj; of the juice of linseed, oz. vj; of white wax, oz. ix; of oil of roses, lb. j; of honey, oz. iij; of saffron, oz. j. Some add also the raw yelks of ten eggs.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Le Clerc thus describes these preparations: “Ce qu’on appelloit malagma ne différoit fort de l’emplâtre. Galien déclare (Pharmac. gén. vii, 5) qu’il est indifférent qu’on se serve du terme de malagme, ou de celui d’emplâtre.” He adds, “Ce qu’on appelloit epithème étoit aussi à peu près le même chose.” (Hist. de la Méd.) According to Galen, the malagmata derived their name from being used as emollient applications to parts in an indurated state, and were all moderately calefacient, being in general neither desiccative nor humectative. He describes the composition of these preparations with his usual accuracy and minuteness.

Celsus gives a full account of the malagmata. He says plasters, malagmata, and pastils differ, inasmuch as malagmata consist principally of aromatics, whereas, the other two are rather formed from metallic substances. In general, he says, they are rather calefacient than refrigerant; some, however, are refrigerant, and are used as applications to the joints in gout. A few are not only calefacient but also epispastic. He gives prescriptions for 35 malagmata. He makes no mention of epithemes. (v, 17, 2.) Scribonius Largus, likewise, treats fully of the malagmata (§ cclv-cclxvii).

Oribasius states that there are three varieties of malagmata: the first consisting of dry things, namely, roots and herbs; the second kind, of metallic substances, or a certain proportion thereof; and the third, of juices, suet, and tears. (Med. Collect. x, 28.)

A full account of them is given by Actuarius (Meth. Med. vi, 9) and Myrepsus (§ xi, xxxiv.) The following epitheme is said to be powerfully purgative: “Of scammony, of elaterium, of spurge, of each, dr. viij; of white and of black hellebore, of bull’s gall, of each, dr. iij; of the root of the wild cucumber, of the leaves of wormwood, of each dr. x; of Tuscan wax, dr. viij; of turpentine rosin, dr. iv; of Attic honey, oz. viij; of red nitre, oz. j.” (Myrepsus, l. c.)

The following is a malagma for luxated joints and contusions: “Of galbanum, oz. j; of saffron, dr. ij; of ammoniac perfume, of pure wax, of each, oz. iss; of dried pitch, lb. iss; of very acrid vinegar, coch. iss.” (Ibid.)

SECT. XIX.—ON RESTORATIVE OINTMENTS (ACOPA), LINIMENTS, CALEFACIENT PLASTERS (DROPACES), AND SINAPISMS.

The acopa are so named for having been first invented for the feeling of lassitude, as a tensive, ulcerative, and osseous lassitude; but they agree with many other complaints. Some, then, are calefacient, some emollient, and some stimulant. The calefacient are prepared from pepper, pellitory, the seed of rosemary, and the like. They agree with affections of the nerves, and strong frigidity which cannot be readily restored to heat. The emollient agree with induration, scirrhus, and infarction of the joints; and the materials of which they are formed have been pointed out by us when treating of plasters. The stimulant being composed of lemnestis, the seed of rosemary, euphorbium, the granum cnidium, and the like, are to be used in chronic affections, and such as are difficult to dislodge, namely, in such cases as sinapisms are applicable. The consistence of all the acopa is to be intermediate between the cerates and plasters. The liniments resemble the acopa, but have a more liquid consistence. The dropax has a two-fold composition, the one being like a plaster, and the other like a malagma. Some rub them into the part warm. Their materials are like those of the acopa and plasters. It serves the purpose of a cataplasm, agreeing with the same chronic affections in which sinapisms are applicable. A dropax (“calefacient plaster”) is applied before a sinapism, in order to prepare the body for the mustard; and after the sinapism, in order to remove the residue of the complaint. The sinapism is not composed of many ingredients, but is a most powerful application, agreeing particularly with chronic affections after all other remedies have been tried in vain. It is more especially applicable in cephalæa, hemicrania, epilepsy, vertigo, and mania, when applied to the head; and in asthma, orthopnœa, and chronic cough when applied to the chest; and in chronic catarrh, a sinapism may be applied both to the head and chest; and to the stomach and belly in chronic affections of them. It is a suitable remedy in all ischiatic and podagric cases, to any part which has lost its tone, or is in a cold state, and cannot easily be warmed. The limits of the action of the medicine are, when violent pain has been produced, and the flesh becomes more livid and swelled up, and so that after the bath it may become blistered in a mild manner. But if the sensibility has been lost, care must be taken lest the burning proceed too far without being perceived, and therefore the part is to be often uncovered and examined. Of acute diseases, lethargy, cataphora, and catochus admit of sinapisms, which, if at the commencement, are to be applied to the legs, but if the matter has fixed in the part, to the head. Those which are in a cold state and cannot be warmed but with difficulty, must have sinapisms applied to the legs and arms. Sinapisms are to be entirely proscribed when there is continued fever or an ulcer; also in affections of cartilaginous parts, and such as have no flesh. For the parts which are devoid of flesh are sometimes burnt black when sinapisms are applied to them.

The acopon called Bromion. Of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of common rosin, of each, lb. j; of hog’s lard, oz. iv; of butter, oz. vj; of marshmallows, of fenugreek, of linseed, of each, lb. ij; of oil, lb. j; of galbanum, oz. iiss. Having boiled the juice with the oil until the most of the juice be consumed, add the other things with wax and galbanum.

The complex acopon. Of the juice of marshmallows, of fenugreek, of linseed, of rue, and of cumin, of each, lb. ij; of stag’s marrow, lb. j; of old oil, lb. j; of the fat of geese, of opobalsam, or nard, of each, lb. j; of wax, of Colophonian rosin, of common rosin, of each, lb. iss; of euphorbium, of turpentine, of opoponax, of each, oz. vj; of castor, oz. iij; of the herbs from which the juice is formed, of each, lb. j, is to be taken and boiled like the former.

The acopon of Azanites. Of hog’s lard, lb. ij; of the fat of bulls, of rosin, of Colophonian rosin, of the medicine œsypum, of wax; of each, lb. j; of galbanum, oz. iij.

The acopon of Basilius. Of marshmallows, of chamomile, of melilot, of linseed, of fenugreek, of each, oz. iss; of amomum, oz. iij. These things are macerated in sext. viij of the wine of Ascalon or the Cilician for three days, and boiled to a milky consistence. Then lb. v of the juice, with lb. ivss of old oil are boiled until a moderate quantity of the juice remain; and then there are added to it of butter, oz. vj; of turpentine, oz. iv; of the fat of geese, oz. xv; of stag’s marrow, triturated with a little oil, oz. v; of white wax, lb. iij.

The acopon Lysiponium. Of pepper, of castor, of storax, of mastich, of aloes, of elecampane, of iris, of each, oz. iv; of euphorbium, of costus, of ammoniac perfume, of myrrh, of marjoram (sampsuchum), of frankincense, of cyperus, of cassia fistula, of the seed of rosemary, of each, oz. iij; of adarce, of amomum, of bdellium, of xylobalsam, of each, oz. ij; of Indian leaf, of spikenard, of pellitory, of saffron, of each, oz. j; of opobalsam, lb. j; of the ointment of nard, of the ointment of privet, of gleucinum, of each, lb. ij; of wax, lb. j.

A fetid acopon from Galen’s work, secundum genera. Of wax, of turpentine, of each, dr. xxiv; of galbanum, of ammoniac perfume, of each, dr. vj; of old oil, hemin. ij; of stag’s marrow, dr. viij. Use both undiluted and diluted.

Another fetid acopon. Of turpentine, dr. lvj; of wax, dr. xxviij; of œsypum, of honey, of each, dr. vj; of stag’s marrow, dr. vj; of ammoniac perfume, of galbanum, of aphronitrum, of bay berries, of each, dr. vj; of old oil, sext. j; of wine, cyath, ij. Some add also of castor, dr. iij.

The barbaric acopon from euphorbium, for ischiatic diseases, and many other purposes. Of opoponax, oz. j; of Tuscan wax, lb. j; of turpentine, lb. iiss; of galbanum, oz. j; of ammoniac perfume, oz. ij; of euphorbium, of castor, of white pepper, of each, oz. ij; of stag’s marrow, oz. iv; of œsypum, oz. iv; of lemnestis, (a saline concretion), it is the same as adarce, oz. ss; of the oils of storax, of bay, of iris, and of sweet marjoram, of each, oz vj; of old oil, lb. ij; of hedychroum, oz. vj.

The acopon called Pyxis. Of Colophonian rosin, lb. iss; of turpentine, oz. viij; of ammoniac perfume, oz. iij; of frankincense, oz. ix; of old oil, lb. ij; of the juice of linseed, lb. j; of cow’s milk, lb. j; of the fat of geese, oz. vj; of butter, oz. viij; the whites of xxiv eggs. Having prepared it, lay it up in a vessel of box wood.

The acopon from the fir, of Galen. Of the ripe seed of the fir tree, j Italian modius, i. e. sext. xvj; of oil, lb. xv; of wax, lb. iv; of rosin, of pine-nut, or of turpentine, of each, oz. iv. Having bruised the seed of the fir, add it to the oil, and allowing it to remain forty days, filtrate and throw away; and having mixed the other things, use for spontaneous lassitude, paralysis, and coldness of the joints. But if the necessity for using it be urgent, we must boil the seed of the fir with the oil, mixing with them, sext. iv of water, to prevent them from being burnt. They are used in podagric and arthritic affections.

The same otherwise. Of oil, hemin. xxv, i. e. sext. xiiss; of the fruit of the fir, mod. j, i. e. sext. xvj; of the rosin of ash, lb. iij; of the rosin of pine-nut or of turpentine, lb. iij; of wax, lb. j.

The acopon from the black poplar, for the same affections. Instead of the fruit of the fir, adding an equal quantity of the fruit of the black poplar, prepare the other things in like manner.

The liniment of Zosimus, celebrated for tremblings. Of pine rosin, oz. xvj; of wax, oz. iv; of old oil, lb. j; of opoponax, oz. ij; of adarce, oz. j; of euphorbium, oz. j; of natron, oz. iv; of tender aphronitrum, oz. iv. Triturate the natron, euphorbium, and adarce with wine, then add the opoponax, and triturate together. Melt the soluble substances separately with alkanet, that they may acquire colour, and having cooled, mix.

The dropax, or calefacient plaster Gallus. Of Oribasius. Of the Colophonian rosin which is redolent of frankincense, of pine rosin, and of that which is called the woody, being found only in Italy, of the pitch of ships, of dried pitch, of each, lb. iv; of wax. lb. iv; of roasted rosin, oz. xv; of Brutian pitch, lb. ij; of natron, lb. j; of bitumen, of galbanum, of adarce, of pellitory, of each, oz. vj; of opoponax, of euphorbium, of white hellebore, of pepper, of each, oz. iv; of sulphur vivum, oz. iij; of castor, of ammoniac, of the wild grape dried, of each, oz. ij; of Sicyonian oil, lb. j; of opobalsam, oz. vj.

Otherwise, a simple dropax. Of wax, lb. j; of dried pitch, lb. iss; of Brutian pitch, lb. j; of pine pitch, lb. iss; of roasted rosin, lb. j, oz. iij. Having first prepared the part with natron, apply.

The preparation of a sinapism. On the preceding day, dried figs are to be macerated in tepid water, and next day they are to be properly filtrated and strongly pounded. Then some acrid mustard, such as the Syriac and Egyptian, is to be triturated separately, pouring on it a little of the infusion, and mixing and forming into a mass; if we wish to form a strong sinapism, joining two parts of mustard to one of dried figs, but if weak, in the inverse proportion; and if a moderate one, mixing equal parts. If the mustard before it is triturated, be allowed to macerate in vinegar, as some do, it becomes weaker. After the mustard has been cleared away, and the bath used, if the pain continue violent, or if redness and blisters supervene, we are to wet a cloth in the juice of mallows, or of fenugreek, with oil of roses, and apply. Then we may use the rose cerate with ceruse. But in cases of paralysis, when the sensibility is impaired, care must be taken, and the part frequently uncovered and examined, for often they are burnt immoderately without being sensible of it. And goat’s dung, applied with vinegar, is more efficacious than mustard, especially in diseases of the hip-joint.

The liniment from writing-ink acting as a rubefacient, especially in cases of hemicrania. From the works of Alexander. Of euphorbium, of writing-ink, of each, dr. iv; of troglodytic myrrh, of crocomagma, of white pepper, of each, oz. iij; of saffron, dr. ij; of vinegar, q. s., so that these things may be properly triturated, and become of the consistence of the sordes in baths; and then anoint with it, beginning from the middle of the eyebrow to the whole temple, especially if it be bare of hairs; and after it cools, anoint again, and when the remedy acts properly, let the man be put into a bath.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Le Clerc says of the Acopa: “On les appelloit acopa comme qui diroit, Unguens qui ôtent les douleurs, ou la lassitude, parcequ’on s’en servoit principalement pour le délasser, ou pour apaiser les douleurs qu’on sent après le travail et la fatigue.” (Hist. de la Méd.) Galen explains that although this class of ointments derived their name from their being originally used as soothing applications to parts which were pained from severe exertion, they came afterwards to be applied for various other purposes, as for removing all deep-seated pains, indurations, contractions, and the like. Their consistence, he says, is nearly the same as that of the liquid cerates or the ointments made from wax and oil. According to their qualities, he adds, they have the epithets of emollient, calefacient, anodyne, relaxant, or alterative, applied to them. He describes, in prose and verse, the composition of an almost countless variety of these preparations. (De med. sec. gen. vii.) Celsus says of the acopa: “Acopa quoque utilia nervis sunt.” He gives formulæ only for two acopa, which consist of aromatic and stimulant medicines mixed with oil or some fragrant ointment. (v, 25.) Oribasius divides them into three kinds, the emollient, the calefacient, and the scarifacient; the last being a near approach to sinapisms. On the acopa see further Scribonius and Actuarius.

The liniments of the ancients seem to have been very much the same as those of the moderns. Celsus says of them: “Ἔγχριστα autem Græci vocant liquida qui illinuntur.” (v, 243.) In consistence and qualities they nearly resembled the acopa, being composed of a large proportion of oil with a small quantity of wax or honey. Myrepsus gives prescriptions for a considerable number of them.

The dropax is thus described by Le Clerc: “On étendoit une certaine quantité de cette emplâtre sur la toile, ou la peau; on appliquoit cela sur quelque partie du corps, on le levoit, ou on l’arrachoit, et on l’appliquoit derechef, reitérant souvent la même chose, pour faire rougir la partie, dans le dessein d’attirer en dehors les humeurs, ou les sucs qui servent à la nourriture des parties, ou dans la vue d’ouvrir les pores. Pour rendre cette emplâtre plus efficace on y ajoutoit quelquefois des poudres acres, comme du pyréthre, du poivre, du sel, du soufre. On emploit aussi le dropax pour faire tomber, ou pour arracher le poil de quelque partie.” (Hist. de la Méd.) Hesychius appears to have confounded the dropax with the psilothron or depilatory. The former was merely a sort of calefacient plaster, and was applied to parts not covered with hairs. Oribasius says of it that it is prepared like the malagma. When it is desired to make it calefacient, he directs us to add to it pellitory, the seed of rosemary, and bitumen; when desiccative, the sulphur vivum, salts, and the ashes of vegetables; and when it is wished to make it of such a nature as to scarify the parts, he directs us to add to it limnesium (adarce) and spurge. The part to which it is to be applied, he says, if weak, should be shaven, but in the more robust, and when a stronger application is required, it need not be shaven, unless it is to be applied to the head, chin, or pubes. Myrepsus commends the following dropax: “Take of bitumen, oz. ij; of wax, oz. j, sext. j; of dried pitch, dr. j; of pine-rosin, of natron, of each, oz. j; of sulphur vivum, of pellitory, of white hellebore, of adarce, of each, sext. j; of stavesacre, of spurge, of each, dr. ⅛; of oil, q. s.” Certain forms of the dropax seem to have been allied to the blistering plasters of the moderns. On this subject we cannot do better than copy the remarks of Dr. Clinch, in his Preface to Ruffus Ephesius: “Quantum usus cantharidum, ex quibus hodierna vesicantia ubique fere componuntur, veteribus innotuit, vir Doctissimus Johannes Freind luculenter satis explicuit. Nequeo autem hic silentio transire, quam graviter erratum sit a Georgio Baglivi, qui Oribasii meminit, utpote primi ex Arabibus, qui de usu vesicantium scripsit, quum eundem et Græcum fuisse, et Græcorum idiomate scripsisse, nemo non noverit. Is profecto aliquid suggerit de eo vesicantium genere, quæ dropaces et sinapismi dicuntur, qui ex sinapi, pipere, pyrethro et ejusmodi acribus medicamentis conficiebantur, et semel quidem cantharidum mentionem facit, neutiquam vero, quod scio, de his loquitur tanquam de medicina, quâ ad vesicas in cute excitandas utebantur. Ætius quidem dropacis formam exhibuit, quæ tres cantharidum drachmas recipit, unde dropax exulcerans vulgo audit.”

Oribasius gives, from Antyllus, a most interesting and judicious account of the sinapism. He says that it does not suit with acute diseases, or, at least, only when the patient is of an inert constitution, and the sensibility is obtuse. It is applicable, however, he says, in almost all chronic diseases when other remedies have failed, except in the case of an ulcer in the lungs or liver, or when the disease is seated in a cartilaginous part. He recommends it in all cases of diminished sensibility. The only acute diseases in which he represents it as applicable are lethargy, catochus, carus, or fevers attended with loss of heat and diminished sensibility. Like our author, he directs us to prepare the sinapism with dried figs and mustard. Aëtius, upon the authority of Archigenes, details its medicinal properties in nearly the same terms. Both Aëtius and Oribasius represent goat’s dung, pounded with vinegar, as being equally efficacious as the sinapism, and applying particularly to ischiatic diseases. Myrepsus’s account agrees exactly with that of our author. He mentions that some macerate the figs in vinegar instead of water, but says that it renders the preparation weaker. The Arabians prepared the sinapism exactly as the Greeks, and applied it in similar cases. See Mesue (De Unguentis, i.)

SECT. XX.—DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF OILS AND OINTMENTS.

Of unguents and ointments, or of oils in the form of ointments, some are simple, having only one article added to the oil, and some are prepared and compounded from more substances. Of the simple some are formed from flowers put into the oil, such as the oil of roses, that of chamomile, and the susinum, or oil of lilies; some are formed from fruits and seeds, and some from certain shoots, as of rue, which are boiled along with the oil, none of the flowers admitting boiling, and therefore they are rather exposed to the sun. But if their fragrance be strong and permanent, if exposed for a number of days to the sun, they become finer and more useful, such as the oils of roses and chamomile. But such flowers as are weaker and more volatile bear less insolation, being easily dissipated, such as the lily and violet. Of those formed from fruits and seeds, some are formed from them added whole to the oil, such as the melinum or oil of apples; and some have them pounded or altered, and the oily part of them removed, either by being squeezed out in a press and thus separated, such as the oils of walnuts, of sesame, of almonds, of lentisk, of bay, of Palma Christi, of radish, and the like. The compound ones are principally composed of aromatic herbs, which are boiled in the oil with wine, must, or water, and filtrated, some juices, and sometimes fats and marrows, being mixed with the oil. Of these, some being of a strictly oily consistence, are called, simply, ointments or unguents, as the gleucinum, nardinum, sicyonium, and cyprinum: but some having the consistence of acopa, and receiving wax, rosin, or the like, into their composition, are called myracopa, such as the decamyron, amaracinum, and those resembling them. And some are boiled only once, namely, such as do not consist of complex materials, as the metopium, mastichinum, and sicyonium; and some at two, three, or four successive additions, the articles which are most difficult to boil being first put in, such as rosewood, spathe, frankincense-tree, and bay; then the aromatics, Indian-leaf, spikenard, amomum, savin; and, last of all, the juices, fats, marrow, and perhaps wax and rosins being added. The juice of balsam, or opobalsam, is not boiled at all, but is added after the boiling is over, and the ointment moderately cooled; and of the ointments some do not admit of boiling at all, but the ingredients are only mixed, as the mendesium; but some, when wishing to prepare the green ointment, after taking it from the fire, an oz. iss of well-triturated verdigris having been put into lb. v of oil, as in the cyprinum and amaracinum, dip the ointment in this mixture. The simple ointments are possessed of the powers of the articles added to them, or which are pounded in them, the oil being but the groundwork (as it were) or vehicle of them. The nature of all the complex ointments inclines to heating; but some are powerfully calefacient and emollient, so as to agree with cases of ancylosis and infarction, as the metopium, mendesium, marciatum. The pentamyron is more moderate, as the decamyron is stronger, so as to abrade the surface; but those which are moderately hot are subtile, paregoric, and digestive, such as the susinum, amaracinum, irinum, crocinum, foliatum. Some, in addition to their heating qualities, are sufficiently desiccative and cutting, such as the cyprinum and sicyonium: some are powerfully heating, and rather tonic, and hence they agree with the stomach and viscera in particular when relaxed, such as the mastichinum, nardinum, gleucinum; but the most tonic are those prepared from wild olives; but some ointments are used only by women for their fragrant smell, as the foliatum, spicatum, commagenum, and those called moschelæa or compositions of musk and oil.

The rosaceum, or oil of roses. Of red roses deprived of their nails (or the white extremities of their flowers), and dried for a night and a day, oz. iij; of the oil of unripe olives, one Italian sextarius. Having bound up the vessel carefully, so that it may not evaporate, expose to the sun in open air for forty days, and then deposit the vessel, not on the pavement, but upon a table: some instead of the insolation put the vessel into a well, in order that its fragrance may be preserved by the cold, but others bury it underground.

The chamæmelinum, or oil of chamomile. Of the flower of chamomile, without the white petals, which has been dried for a night and a day, oz. ij; of oil, one Italian sextarius. Cover over the vessel with a plain piece of cloth, so as to allow it to transpire for forty days, after which it is to be carefully covered over and laid up.

The anethinum, or oil of dill. Of the hair of the green dill, dried, oz. j; of sweet oil, an Italian sextarius: expose to the sun in like manner. The oil of dill may likewise be prepared at once, without exposure to the sun; for the hair of dried dill may be boiled in a double vessel, and used; and the oil of chamomile may be prepared in like manner; but they are weaker than those from green dill, and especially if made by exposure to the sun.

The liliaceum, or oil of lilies, called also susinum, perhaps from having been invented in Susa. Of the petals of white lilies, dried in like manner, oz. ij are to be added to an Italian sextarius of oil, and carefully covered over so as to prevent it from evaporating, and exposed to the sun for three days, after which, the first being filtered and thrown away, other two ounces are to be added for other three days, and thus laid up.

The compound susinum, or oil of lilies. Of oil, sext. iij; of aromatic cane, oz. v; of myrrh, oz. v; of cardamom, oz. iij; of the petals of lily, deprived of their nails and dried, lb. j; of cinnamon, oz. iij; of Cilician saffron, oz. v. The whole process is to be divided into three successive additions. First, we are to macerate the myrrh and the calamus in wine for five days, stirring it three times a day, and then we are to boil it with the oil for a very short time. Secondly, we are to macerate the cardamom in water for three days, stirring it in like manner, and then we are to boil it with the oil for one hour. Having filtrated, we add to the pure oil the third part of the lilies, and after three days, again having filtrated, we put in the other third of the lilies; and again, after three days having filtrated and thrown away the first, we are to add the remainder with triturated saffron. But after other three days, the oil being filtrated, we add to it the cinnamon pounded, or, instead of it, arnabo, or double the quantity of cassia or carpesium, and lay it up.

The iaton, violaceum, or oil of violets. They prepare the oil of violets, some from the purple, some from saffron-like, and some from white violets, adding oz. iij of the leaves deprived of their nails to an Italian sextarius of the oil of unripe olives; and covering it up carefully to prevent it from evaporating; they insolate it for ten days, changing them three times after every three days like the lilies. And in laying them up, they add a few completely dried.

The melinum, or oil of apples. This is prepared from Cydonian apples or quinces, which are to be rubbed externally with a piece of cloth and cut into pieces with their bark; and then lb. iij of them are to be added to x Italian sext. of oil of unripe olives, and insolated for forty days.

The sesaminum, or oil of oily-grain. The oil of sesame is prepared from oily grains bruised, softened, and squeezed in strainers with screws, or from the oily part separated in hot water and laid up in vessels of glass.

The raphaninum, or oil of radishes. And this is prepared after the same manner in Egypt from the seed of the radishes with small roots, pounded, and the oil separated.

The ricinum, oil of Palma Christi, or castor-oil. This also is prepared after the same manner in Egypt from the seed of the ricinus, which is called croton, similarly pounded or levigated.

The ægirinum, or oil of the black poplar. It is found in the season of spring when there is much rosin in the seed. For breaking down the grains of black poplar, they add oz. iv of them to sext. j of sweet oil and insolate for forty days, or boil in a double vessel for three hours, and thus filtrate and lay up.

The amygdalinum, or oil of almonds. This is prepared like the aforementioned, pure bitter almonds being bruised, a little water poured in, and the oil separated as described above. Some add oz. ij of pounded almonds to an Italian sextarius of sweet oil, and boil in a double vessel.

The oil of almonds, which is called metopium. The Egyptians, who invented this oil, called it metopium, because it contains galbanum, and the shrub from which the galbanum is got is called metopium. It admits the following things: of the oil of unripe olives, sext. xx; of bitter almonds, lb. ij; of cardamom, lb. j; of the schœnanth, of calamus aromaticus, of carpobalsam, of each, lb. j; of myrrh, of galbanum, of each, oz. vj; of turpentine, lb. ij; of fragrant wine to soak the dry articles, sext. iv; of Attic honey, lb. iij. The rosin and galbanum being triturated and dissolved in part of the oil, we put them into the other things boiled, and then add the honey. When all the things are properly mixed, and while it is still tepid, we remove it from the fire and strain it, for it becomes thick when it cools.

The balaninum, or oil of acorns. The oil of acorns is prepared like the oil of almonds, from the acorns of oaks.

The caryinum, or oil of walnuts. This is prepared like the aforesaid, from old walnuts.

Laurinum, or oil of bay. The plain oil is formed in the same manner from the fruit of bay, but the mixed is prepared thus: of ripe olives, sext. j is added to sext. ij of bay-berries, and all pounded and expressed. Some mix equal parts of each.

The lentiscinum, or oil of lentisk. And this is prepared in the same manner as the oil of bay, from the fruit of lentisk, in two ways, by itself and with olives, not ripe but sour.

The mastichinum, or oil of mastich. The most simple kind is formed of Chian mastich, oz. j, being added to an Italian sextarius of oil of unripe olives, and boiled in a double vessel. Some add also, of wormwood and of storax, of each, oz. j.

A more complex oil of mastich. Of oil, sext. L; of elecampane, lb. v; of xylobalsam, lb. x; of the schœnanth, lb. v; of cardamom, lb. vij; of mastich, lb. v; of the wood of mastich, lb. viij; of turpentine, lb. iij; of the hair of wormwood, lb. j; of fragrant wine, sext. v; of water, sext. j. The dry things being previously macerated in wine for three days, are mixed with the oil and the water, and boiled for six hours, and then the mastich and turpentine are added, and being properly mixed are filtrated, and when cooled are put into a vessel.

The simple sicyonian, or oil of cucumbers. This is prepared by adding oz. ij of the dried root of the wild cucumber to an Italian sextarius of oil, and boiling in a double vessel.

The compound oil of cucumbers. Of oil, sext. x; of the scraped root of the wild cucumber, lb. j; of wild thyme, of melilot, of each, oz. v; of fatty dead pines, of marsh-mallows, of each, oz. v; of asplenium, oz. vj; of fenugreek, sext. ij. The fenugreek is first soaked in the water for one day and then filtrated, and is added to the things mentioned with oil and sext. ij of wine; and when all are boiled, there are added of stag’s marrow, triturated with a little oil, oz. iv; of the grease of fowls, oz. iv; and when the oil is again filtrated, it is to be deposited in a vessel. Some also expose it to the sun after boiling forty days.

Another oil of cucumbers, more efficacious. Of the juice of elaterium, sext. iij; of round and of long birthwort, of storax, of elecampane, of hyssop, of iris, of colocynth, of pennyroyal, of origany, of cyperus, of frankincense-tree, of centaury, of bay-leaves, of each, oz. ij; of oil, sext. v. Having mixed, boil until but little of the juice remain.

The cyprinum, or oil of privet, from the works of Posidonius. Of oil, sext. j; of cyperus, of elecampane, of iris, of each, lb. j; of sampsuchum, of hyssop, of the seed of chaste-tree, of sage, of each, oz. iij; of the flower of privet, lb. j. All the other things having been previously macerated in wine for one day, are to be boiled with the oil for six hours. To the pure filtrated oil the privet is added, if the green be at hand, with its tender branches not bruised, but otherwise the dried are to be pounded with a little water, and boiled for an hour and a half. But if you wish to give it colour after taking it from the fire, add of pure verdigris, lb. iss. Posidonius, wishing to avoid the acrimony of the verdigris, directs, after the boiling, to leave the oil for three days in a vessel not tinned, and it will acquire the colour, with its powers unimpaired.

Another formula for the oil of privet. Of citron-leaves, of bay-leaves, of iris, of cyperus, of sage, of each, oz. iij; of frankincense-tree, of the long birthwort, of the seed of chaste-tree, of each, oz. iv; of elecampane, of rosewood, of each, oz. vj; of rue, oz. ij; of cypress, oz. ij; of oil, sext. j. Having first macerated these things in wine, boil with oil; and having filtrated, add again of xylobalsam, of xylocassia, of each, oz. iv; of sampsuch, of cumin, of myrtle, of storax, of mastich, of each, oz. iij; of opoponax, oz. ij; of the flower of privet, oz. vj; of verdigris, oz. j.

The amaracinum, or oil of marjoram. Of elecampane, lb. x; of xylobalsam, lb. xx; of cyperus, lb. viij; of the schœnanth, of rosewood, of savin, of each, lb. viij; of opoponax, of seed of amaracus, of each, lb. ij; of primary oil, sext. lxxx; of fragrant oil, sext. v. All the other things, being first macerated in wine, are to receive the first addition, but the second addition is to be the savin; and the former articles are to be boiled six hours, but this only three. Some dip it and add of verdigris, oz. iij.

The irinum, or oil of iris. Of iris, of rosewood, of cyperus, of each, lb. v; of opoponax, oz. iij; of alkanet, oz. ij; of oil, sext. xxx; of water, sext. xv. Some add also, of the schœnanth, oz. vj; of cassia, oz. iij; of xylobalsam, oz. vj; of Celtic nard, oz. vj. All these things, being bruised, are to be first macerated in water and oil for five days, and then boiled in a double vessel for six days, and laid up.

The crocinum, or oil of saffron, in which is contained the composition of another crocomagma. Of the fragrant oil of unripe olives, lb. j; of calamus aromaticus, oz. v; of troglodytic myrrh, oz. v; of cardamom, oz. vij; of Cilician saffron, oz. vj. The first addition is to be of the calamus and myrrh, which, being triturated with wine, are to be macerated for three days, and three times a day stirred with a spatula of palm: then they are to be boiled with the oil. The second addition is to consist of the cardamom which has been macerated in the water for one day before; and the third, of the saffron in wine. Some add other five ounces of the myrrh with the saffron. Having filtrated, the pure oil is laid up. The whole deposit of the articles is formed into trochisks, which, being dried, constitute what is called the crocomagma.

The Mendesium. It is so called because it was invented in Egypt where Mendes is worshipped. It receives of the oil of acorns, lb. x (in another formula, sext. x); of myrrh, of cassia fistula, of each, oz. iij; of turpentine, lb. x (in another formula, sext. x); of cinnamon, oz. iij. This is not boiled, but the dry things being put in, are stirred for sixty days: then the turpentine being melted, is added to part of the oil, and afterwards stirred for sixty days, in which state it is laid up.

The marciatum. Of mastich, of wax, of storax, of each, oz. iij; of the medicine œsypum, oz. ss; of opobalsam, oz. iss; of oil of nard, of gleucinum, of oil of unripe grapes, of each, oz. iij; of stag’s marrow, oz. iss; of turpentine, oz. j.

The oil of unripe olives. The first addition.—Of rosewood, of the branches of palms, of melilots, of iris, of the schœnanth, of xylobalsam, of dried roses, of sweet-cane, of each, oz. iij; of oil of unripe olives, lb. x; of the juice of unripe olives, sext. x.

The second addition.—Of Indian leaf, of amomum, of spikenard, of costus, of cloves, of cassia, of cassamum, of each, oz. iij (in another formula also, of arnabo, oz. iij); of wine, q. s.

The third addition.—Of frankincense, of ammoniac perfume, of storax, of bdellium, of myrrh, of mastich, of each, oz. iij; of wine, q. s.; of white wax, oz. v; of opobalsam, oz. vj (some make it oz. viij). The articles of the first addition are to be first macerated for one day in the juice of unripe olives and the oil; but those of the second in another vessel, in Aminæan or some other old and fragrant wine, stirring every day with a spatula of palm three times for three days; after which boil in a vessel lined with tin; first, the articles of the first addition until little remain of the unripe olive juice: then, immediately add those of the second with the wine. But it is better, having first filtrated, to add these things to the pure oil; and when boiled until little of the wine be left, in order that the oil may not be burnt, take it off the fire and filtrate, and add again to the pure oil the succulent articles of the third addition, which have been previously triturated in a mortar with wine such as I mentioned, all except the storax, for it, if added with the other things, is straightway dissolved. And they are to be boiled upon coals until the preparation appears to be in a proper state, when it is to be taken off the fire and allowed to cool. Next day, having filtrated the oil carefully, and warmed it sufficiently upon the fire, add the wax, and when it is taken off, stir with a spatula. After it is cooled add the opobalsam, and lay it up in vessels of glass.

The gleucinum, or oil of must. The first addition.—Of oil, sext. x; of Aminæan must, sext. vj; of rose-wood, oz. iv; of palm-branch, oz. vj; of the schœnanth, oz. vj; of melilots, oz. iv; of roses, oz. j; of myrrh, oz. iij; of bay-leaves, oz. ij; of frankincense-tree, oz. vj; of xylobalsam, oz. vj; of elecampane, oz. vj; of long birthwort, oz. iij; of iris, oz. iij. Macerate these things in the must.

The second addition.—Of Celtic nard, oz. iv; of cassamum (or sow-bread), oz. ij; of cyperus, of cassia, of spikenard, of asarabacca, of amomum, of costus, of sampsuch, of each, oz. iij; of calamus aromaticus, of cloves, of Indian leaf, of each, oz. j; of cardamom, oz. iv. Macerate in fragrant wine.

The third addition.—Of mastich, oz. iv; of troglodytic myrrh, of bdellium, of each, oz. ij; of ladanum, oz. iij; of liquid storax, of male frankincense, of each, oz. iv; of opobalsam, oz. vj (some add also of saffron, oz. ij). Prepare like the ointment from unripe olives, except the wax. But here the articles of the two additions are to be macerated for seven days.

The nardinum Cyzicenum, or nard oil of Cyzicus. The first addition.—Of primary oil, sext. x; of rose-wood, of cyperus, of elecampane, of iris, of xylobalsam, of birthwort, of cardamom, of the schœnanth, of each, oz. vj; of sampsuch, oz. iv; of savin, oz. ij. Some add also of calamus aromaticus, oz. ij. These things are to be macerated in sext. iv of fragrant wine.

The second addition.—Of cassia, of cassamum, of arnabo, of each, oz. ij; of spikenard, oz. iij; of cloves, oz. j; of costus, of amomum, of each, oz. ij (some add also of Celtic nard, oz. ij). These things are to be macerated in wine.

The third addition.—Of troglodytic myrrh, of aloes, of frankincense, of each, oz. ij; of storax, oz. iij; of mastich, oz. iv; of opobalsam, oz. vj (some add also oz. j of saffron, triturated in wine). Prepare this also as said above.

The decamyron, or oil containing ten ingredients. Of spikenard, of Indian leaf, of euphorbium, of pepper, of costus, of adarce, of each, oz. j; of mastich, oz. iss; of opobalsam, oz. vj; of oil of nard, lb. j; of wax, oz. vj.

The pentamyron. Of storax, oz. j; of mastich, oz. ij; of white wax, oz. iij; of opoponax, oz. iv; of nard, oz. v.

The foliatum, or ointment of Indian leaf. Of Indian leaf, oz. iij; of amomum, oz. j; of cassia, oz. vj; of ladanum, oz. j; of white pepper grains, xl; of troglodytic myrrh, dr. j. These things being bruised and sifted are to be again triturated in a mortar, with the addition of one pound of oil of nard. To render the medicine darker, triturate the burnt barks of walnuts in a mortar, and add; then mix of opobalsam, cochl. iij, and use.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The preparation of oils and ointments is fully treated of by Dioscorides in the first book of his Materia Medica; and in like manner by Pliny (H. N. xv, 7, and xiii, 2.) See also Avicenna (v, 1, 10, 11); Serapion (vii, 25); Haly Abbas (Pract. x, 19); and Mesue (De Unguentis et De Oleis.)

Notwithstanding the importance of these articles for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes, we think it unnecessary to treat of them more at large, as our author’s account is sufficiently ample and accurate, and few articles of any great consequence are omitted by him. It will be remarked that most of the unguents and ointments here described are of a fragrant nature.

SECT. XXI.—ON ŒNANTHARIA.

It is not because they contain the wild vine (œnanthe) that they are called œnantharia, for some of them have no wild vine at all; but it is from the wine and flower of the lilies that they have obtained this appellation. The œnantharia are used by some solely for their fragrance, and for luxury alone; these persons having them poured over their bodies after coming out of the bath, and having their tables wiped with sponges dipped in them. But to those who use them properly, they prove remedies in cases of paralysis and syncope, if mixed with the tonic cataplasms, for the stomach; and to convalescents more especially from febrile diseases. They are to be poured upon the bodies of such persons, and applied to their noses if they can still inhale. For they are drawn in deeply, and strengthen the mental and vital spirits. They are useful, likewise, as preservatives from pestilential diseases, when the state of the atmosphere appears to be of this nature. The following is the œnantharium of Posidonius, which he calls Mesopotamenum.

The preparation of the œnantharium. Of cassia, of myrrh, of frankincense, of Indian leaf, of amomum, of mastich, of costus, of carpobalsam, of opobalsam, of each, oz. iij; of fatty storax, oz. iv; of fragrant Aminæan wine, x Italian sext. Having pounded and filtrated all the things, divide the storax into small pieces, put into a vessel with a broad mouth along with the leaves of lilies, dried the preceding day and stripped of their nails, placing them alternately; let the lilies be ccc in number; then put in the wine and the opobalsam, which have been mixed and stirred together before their addition, and having covered up the mouth of the vessel, expose to the sun for forty days. Use after the bath, as a restorative from disease, sprinkling the house and vessels with it, or dipping sponges in it and applying to the face.

Another, of our own invention. Of costus, oz. iij; of spikenard, of arnabo, of cloves, of each, oz. j; of amomum, oz. iij; of cassia, of wild vine, of calamus, of each, oz. ix; of storax, of opobalsam, of each, oz. iv; lilies, ccc; of Falernian wine, sext. x. Prepare after the same manner.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See also Aëtius (xii, 116) and Myrepsus (§ 37.) The Œnantharia were fragrant preparations, made with wine and aromatics. The prescriptions given by Aëtius and Myrepsus are so similar to our author’s that we need not repeat them. We are not aware of the Arabian authors having treated of them anywhere; at all events, they have not done so by this name.

SECT. XXII.—ON PERFUMES AND CYPHI.

In materials the cyphi are intermediate between the trochisks which are drunk and the antidotes. We use them sometimes in fumigations on account of their fragrance, and so also the perfumes; sometimes we smell to them, in order to concoct catarrhs and defluxions, and as deobstruents, and to clear the parts about the brain, and as preservatives from pestilential disorders; they are also taken by the mouth for these purposes, and to concoct matters lodged in the chest, and for cold affections in the liver: hence the ancients invented the antidotes called cyphoid. They are mixed also with compound medicines, and more especially with epithemes and antidotes.

Suffimentum rosatum, rose perfume. Of costus, of amomum, of myrrh, of cassia, of each, oz. j; of Chian storax, of bdellium, of onyx, of moss, of ladanum, of each, dr. ij; of pure roses, oz. xxix; of opobalsam, of wine, q. s.

Suffimentum liliaceum, the perfume from lilies. Of lilies deprived of their nails (i. e. the white parts of their flowers), lb. j; of primary storax, oz. ix; of spikenard, oz. iij; of costus, of cloves, of amomum, of mastich, of burnt onyches, of honey, of each, oz. iss; of opobalsam, oz. v; of wine, q. s. Triturate and form trochisks.

The cyphi magnum called the solar, consisting of thirty-six ingredients. Of storax, of myrrh, of bdellium, of ladanum, of rosewood, of elecampane, of each, oz. vj; of Celtic nard, of Indian leaf, of cypress-seed, of ammoniac perfume, of pine-nuts, of the moss of trees (splanchnon), or, instead of it, of two large onyches, of carpobalsam, of each, oz. iij; of cassia, of iris, of seseli, of sphagnon (muscus arboreus?), of cyperus, of cardamom, of sweet-cane, of each, oz. v; of dried roses, of saffron, of spikenard, of savin, of the root of kingspear (but some use the juice), of each, oz. iv; of lacaphthus (it is the bark of a pine or of some other tree), oz. ix; of costus, of the flower of schœnanth, of each, oz. ij; forty large juniper-berries and fifty small; of amomum, of turpentine, of pure palm-nuts, of each, lb. j; of dried figs without their stones, of dried grapes without their stones, of each, lb. ij; of scummed honey, lb. v. Posidonius adds, likewise, of fragrant wine, sext. iij.

Another cyphi, called the lunar, consisting of twenty-eight ingredients. Of bdellium, of elecampane, of each, oz. vij; of schœnanth, oz. ij; of the moss of trees, oz. v; fifty small juniper-berries; of cardamom, oz. v; of rose-wood, oz. vij; of cassia fistula, oz. v; of spikenard, oz. ij; of cyperus, oz. v; of the root of kingspear, of savin, of each, oz. iv; of cypress-seed, of Celtic nard, of malabathrum with the leaves, of dried roses, of each, oz. iij; of costus, of saffron, of each, oz. ij; of ladanum, of myrrh, of each, oz. vij; of fatty dried figs, of grapes deprived of their stones, of each, lb. ij; of pine-nuts, oz. viij; of turpentine, lb. j; of storax, oz. vij; of fatty palm-nuts, lb. j; of honey, lb. v; of fragrant wine, q. s.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Aëtius (xiii, 37); Oribasius (Synopsis, iii); Myrepsus (i, 299); Actuarius (Meth. Med. v, 6.) These are sweet-smelling compositions which were used as restoratives, or in order to sooth. The following suffitus of Oribasius is soporific: Of storax, of amomum, of costus, of ammoniac perfume, of Scythian bdellium, of the root of mandrake, of the juice of poppy. The cyphoid antidotes of Myrepsus are very multifarious compositions, consisting of a great variety of aromatics, mixed up with honey and fragrant wines.

Similar preparations are described by the Arabians among the confections and antidotes. See Avicenna, Serapion, and Haly Abbas.

SECT. XXIII.—THE PREPARATION OF MASUCHA, WHICH SOME CALL MASUAPHIUM.

Of melilots, oz. x; of the wood of balsamum, of rose-wood, of savin, of myrrh, of amomum, of the schœnanth, of bay-leaves, of the fat of myrrh (stacte), of storax, of calamus aromaticus, of sampsuchum, of each, oz. ij; of iris, oz. v; of Indian leaf, of saffron, of each, oz. j; of opobalsam, oz. ss; of gum, lb. j; of dried roses, oz. vj; of wine, q. s.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Aëtius (xiii, 118); Myrepsus (§ xxi, 14); Actuarius (Meth. Med. v. 8.) The following is Myrepsus’s formula for the suffimentum called Masucha: Of yellow aloes, of bay-leaves, of costus, of amomum, of cardamom, of cassia, of carpobalsam, of ladanum, of each, lb. iss; of myrrh, of iris, of melilot, of Indian leaf, of roses, of the leaves of olive, of Celtic nard, of each, lb. ss oz. iij; of saffron, oz. iij; of galbanum, oz. ss; of gum, lb. iss; of fragrant wine, q. s.

SECT. XXIV.—ON PESSARIES, FROM THE WORKS OF ANTYLLUS.

Pessaries are applied to the womb. There are three different kinds of them; for some are emollient, some astringent, and some are anastomative, i. e. they open the mouths of vessels. We use the emollient in inflammations of the womb, in ulceration and coldness of it, in ascension upwards, eversion and inflation thereof. They are prepared from Tuscan wax, the oil of privet and of lilies, the fat of geese and of fowls, unsalted butter, burnt rosin, stag’s marrow, fenugreek, and the like. The anastomative, or those which open the mouths of vessels, are used when we wish to recall the menstrual purgation that has been stopped, or to correct the state of the womb when it is shut up or contracted. These are prepared from honey, mugwort, dittany, the juice of cabbage, liquorice, the juice of horehound, rue, scammony, or the like. The astringent are used in cases the reverse of those for which the anastomative are applied; for they restrain the female discharge, contract the womb when it is open, and impel it upwards when prolapsed. The materials of the astringent have been already pointed out in the chapter on Collyria and Trochisks. The pessary is to be made of the thickness of bath sordes, and a little thicker; and then some wool, like a narrow tent, is to be doubled and dipped in the medicine, and applied to the mouth of the womb, having a long thread attached to it to draw down the pessary readily when it is thought proper.—The Saffron Pessary, for inflammations, eversions, hardness, and inflation of the womb: Of white wax, of calf’s marrow, of each, dr. xvj; of stag’s marrow, dr. xj; of the grease of geese, dr. viij; of the grease of fowls, dr. viij; of mastich, dr. iv; of the medicine œsypum, dr. iij; of honey, dr. ij; of saffron, dr. viij; of rose oil, q. s. Triturate the saffron with the milk of a woman.—The Golden Pessary, an excellent emollient: Of saffron, dr. j; of unwashed wool (œsypum), dr. j; of stag’s marrow, dr. ij; of turpentine, of wax, of the grease of geese, of each, dr. iij; the yelks of sixteen eggs roasted; of oil, of iris, of roses, q. s.—The Libanian Pessary, being emmenagogue, and agreeing excellently with affections of the womb: Of nard ointment, oz. vj; of Tuscan wax, oz. v; of the ointment of lilies, oz. iv; of fresh hog’s lard, oz. iij; of the grease of geese and of domestic fowls, of stag’s marrow, and of the ointment of amaracus, of each, oz. ij; of bull’s tallow, of turpentine, of œsypum, of each, oz. j. It is dissolved in a double vessel, as are all the other pessaries.—The Pessary Enneapharmacus: Of the ointment of roses, of that of ricinus, of turpentine, of wax, of honey, of the grease of geese and of oxen, of stag’s marrow, and of butter, equal parts.—The Titian emollient Pessary: Of wax, oz. vj; of Colophonian rosin, oz. ivss; of bull’s tallow, oz. iv; of ammoniac perfume, oz. iv. Triturate the ammoniac with water.—The Egyptian Pessary: Of honey, of turpentine, of butter, of oil of roses or of lilies, of saffron, of each, p. j; and when there is no inflammation and the parts are foul, of verdigris, p. ss.—The Pessary called Genitura, for conception: Of butter, oz. vj; of the medicine œsypum, of stag’s marrow, of the grease of geese and of domestic fowls, of turpentine, of aloes, of each, oz. iij; of Tuscan wax, oz. vj; of oil of roses, lb. ij; of myrrh, of cassia, of each, oz. ij; of spikenard, oz. j; of honey, q. s.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The pessaries of the ancients bore no resemblance to the instruments of box-wood and other solid materials now used to prevent prolapsus of the uterus. Those of the ancients were medicated ointments or liniments, which were generally applied to the natural parts upon wool, most commonly for the purpose of correcting the menstrual discharge. A modern authority describes them in the following terms: “Pessaries are made like a finger, of medicines for the womb, taken into a long linen bag, well-waxed, or incorporated with honey, ladanum, galbanum, wax and juices. They are in shape like a suppository, but longer and thicker.” Schröder (Chym. Dispensat. p. 134). They were also frequently resorted to for the wicked purpose of producing abortion. Hippocrates, in his Oath, obligates the medical apprentice not to give such a pessary to a woman. Pessaries of this description consisted of strong stimulants, such as cantharides, elaterium, colocynth, &c. The emmenagogue pessaries were formed of such-like ingredients, weakened by mixture with others of less activity.

Celsus gives a very distinct account of pessaries. He says of them: “Sed alia quoque utilia sunt; ut ea, quæ fœminis subjiciuntur; πεσσους Græci vocant. Eorum hæc proprietas est: medicamenta composita molli lana excipiuntur, eaque lana naturalibus conditur.” (v, 21.) He gives formulæ for seven pessaries. One, for expelling the dead fœtus, consists of pomegranate rind pounded with water. (v, 21.)

Pessaries are treated of at great length by Oribasius, Aëtius, and Actuarius, and preparations are described for every imaginable condition of the uterus. Aëtius gives formulæ for pessaries to procure sterility, the ingredients of which, for the most part, are powerful astringents and bitters. But Myrepsus is the most copious writer on this subject, for he describes the preparation of forty-five pessaries (§ 38). Their ingredients, of course, are various, according to the purpose for which they are to be applied. The Emmenagogue consist of cumin, ginger, birthwort, the pulp of colocynth, castor, musk, rue, &c., mixed up with wax, suet; or honey.

As there is nothing original in the views of the Arabians, we need only say with regard to them that they prepared and applied pessaries on the principles laid down by their Grecian masters. See, in particular, Rhases (Cont. xxii); Avicenna (iii, 21, 2); Serapion (de Ægritudinibus Matricis.)

SECT. XXV.—ON MEDICINES WHICH MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ONE ANOTHER, FROM THE WORKS OF GALEN.

In Alexandria, he says, wishing to obtain the campion (lychnis) for a certain woman who was in danger, and not having got it, if I had not found and used the seed of acanthium, the woman would have been soon lost. Hence, having been requested by my companions, I made out a list of the medicines which may be substituted for one another, in order, beginning with this same article:

Instead of the seed of acanthium, campion (lychnis). southern-wood (abrotonum), origany. agallochus, sweet-cane (calamus aromaticus). agaric, euphorbium. Indian aloes, glaucium, lycium, or centaurium. winter-cherry (halicacabus), the seed of strychnos. asphaltum, the Bruttian liquid pitch. aconite or wolfsbane, the root of the wild iris. wormwood, southernwood. opobalsam, myrtle-juice. quicklime (calx-viva), adarce. alkanet, hyacinth. sal ammoniac, Cappadocian salts. arsenic, sandarach. starch, dried flour. ammoniac perfume, bee-glue. rose-wood (aspalathus), the fruit of heath, or the seed of the chaste-tree. aracus (a species of pulse), Indian corn. bitter almonds, wormwood. Armenian stone, Indian ink. the elder, thorn. prickly-poppy (argemone), seriphium. kingspear, the juice of beet. wall-pepper, the juice or leaves of lettuce. maiden-hair, aphroselinum. Ethiopian olive, two parts of the tears of acacia. Asian stone, gagate stone, or sal ammoniac burnt. fox’s grease, that of a bear. shoots of the black poplar, sampsuchum. buprestis, bugs (blattæ). butter, cow’s milk coagulated. the juice of balsam, the juice of myrrh. bdellium, the aromatic moss of trees (sphagnus). gentian root, aromatic parsley. Samian earth, the Egyptian leucographis. Eretrian earth, Thebaic lime. turnip, the sun-flower. liquorice juice, the juice of mulberry. vulture’s dung, pigeon’s dung. soft earth, plumbago. dorycnium, the seed of henbane. dittany, sage. bay-berries, dried wild thyme. carrot, the seed of water-parsnip. diphryges, Phrygian stone. dracunculus, wake-robin. sage, calamint. the tear of olive, the juice of hypocistis. wild thyme, potamogeton. the seed of rocket, the seed of hedge-mustard. the juice of elaterium, the juice of the leek. the seed of hedge-mustard, soapwort. the fruit of heath, the gall omphacitis. ebeny, the wood of the lotus. the leaves of wild fig, the dung of ibis (?). the root of butcher’s broom, the leaves of the mulberry (?). black hellebore, the root of papyrus (?). enneaphyllon, the potamogeton. old oil, boil a double quantity of oil with old hog’s lard. ginger, pellitory. deadly carrot (thapsia), the juice of the black chamæleon. thapsia, the seed of cresses or rocket. sulphur vivum, red arsenic (sandarach). the rust of iron (rubigo ferri), the squama ferri. the mistletoe of the oak, that of black chamæleon. Illyrian iris, the aromatic elecampane. cinnamon, double the quantity of cassia. cyperus, the large juniper. cardamom, cyperus. costus, juniper-berries. juniper-berries, ladanum. calamus aromaticus, the moss of trees. saffron, crocomagma. crocomagma, Indian aloes. castor, laserwort (assafœtida). calamine, the Egyptian leucographis. the tallow of the crocodile, that of the sea-dog. hemlock (conium), the seed of coriander. cantharides, phalangia. the seed of bastard saffron, the seed of chaste-tree. the juice of ivy, that of peach. the palma Christi, the sordes from the palestra. the root of capers, the root of heath or tamarisk. the dung of the turtle, pigeon’s dung. ceraunium, leucographis. coral, moly. cat’s dung, that of the ichneumon. dragon’s blood (cinnabaris), the rhodoides. cumin, the seed of cabbage. field basil (clinopodium), the sun-flower. calamint, the wild mint. colocynth, the seed of the palma Christi called croton. navelwort (cotyledon), the onocardium. Colophonian rosin, the pitch of ships. cynosbatos, the seed of the winter cherry. linseed, the juice of beans. pumice stone, Cretan earth. cyphi, burnt dried fig. buccina, oysters. cardamom, xylocarpasum. wax, bruised beans boiled and pounded with bee-glue. frankincense, the terra ampelitis. lathyrides (a species of spurge), the granum Cnidium. dittander (lepidium), madder. the magnet, the Phrygian stone. the Phrygian stone, the agerat. the seed of lovage, the seed of carrot. the stone pyrites, the stone pyrobolus. the flower of the stock gilly-flower, soapwort. the seed of the lotus, the seed of beet. the root of dittander, the leaves of capers. the sea-hare, the sea-shell(?). the root of dock, the root of pellitory. Indian leaf (malabathrum), cassia or Indian nard. mandrake (mandragora), dorycnium. myrtle oil, the juice of mulberry. mastich, the juice of lentisk(?). myrobalan, rue. mallows, fenugreek. honey, rob. manna (of frankincense?), the bark of frankincense. mice dung, an equal quantity of flies. stag’s marrow, stag’s grease or the marrow of a calf. quinces, melilots. Cyprian misy, Cyprian ochre. spignel, myrobalan. the juice of mulberries, the leaves of brambles. roasted misy, diphryges. Syriac nard, the aromatic rush. navew, turnip-seed (?). xylobalsam, the root of stock gilly-flower. poppy-juice, the juice of mandragora. opoponax, the milk of mulberry. Cyrenaic juice, Syriac juice. juice of carpasum, the juice of myrtle. juice of the fig, the juice of mulberry. juice of the willow, the juice of the black ivy. juice of the rose bay, the mistletoe of the oak. juice of the œnanthe, that of the cultivated vine-tree. all-good (horminum), linseed. rice, barley-flour. Italian wine, Mendesian wine. Rhodian wine, austere wine. the star of Bethlehem (ornithogallum), anthyllis. the unripe olive, the gall omphacitis. onocardium, the herb psyche. juice of hog’s fennel, liquorice-juice. bee-glue, ladanum. canker-worm of the pine, the wasps on the unripe rosin. pepper, ginger. fern, the seed of cneoros. polypody, the root of mezereon, or of the chamæleon. vervain, ground poplar. polytrichon, wormwood. rosin of the fir-tree, turpentine rosin. dried roses, the dried leaves of the peach-tree. oil of radishes, the oil of ricinus (castor oil). rhodoides, Sinopic ochre. Colophonian rosin, the pitch of ships. aromatic rush, cardamom. Cyprian spodium, the ashes of olive-leaves. troglodytic myrrh, the calamus aromaticus. stag’s grease, the grease of geese. grease of the hyena, the grease of foxes. grease of the fox, the grease of the bear. root of soapwort, the root of the black hellebore. satyrium, the seed of rocket. salamander, the green lizard. aromatic moss of trees, the sweet-rush. syricum (psoricum?), litharge. dross of lead, the scoria argenti. marjoram (sampsuchum), the dried culinary sumach. mustard, cresses. sagapen, dried pine rosin. scammony, the internal parts of the seed of palma Christi. pine-nuts, the seed of cucumber. alum, fossile salt. the skink, satyrium. antimony, the squama æris. sweet rush, the root of knot-grass. dross of copper, the Egyptian melanteria. water-cress, basil. cultivated grape, the flesh of the Syrian palm. Saunder’s herb, southernwood, the shell of the cuttle-fish, pumice-stone. orchis (serapias), the root of pœony. squill, bolbus. sesamoides, what remains after the filtration of amaranth. Indian grain, linseed. the seed of henbane, the seed of sweet briar. juice of hypocistis, the juice of acacia. liquid pitch, opoponax. unscoured wool (œsypum), the marrow of a calf. hyacinth, the flower of woad. St. John’s wort, the seed of dill. burnt lees of wine, sandarach. sea-weed, alkanet. valerian, the moss of trees. the gall of the hyæna, the gall of partridge. the gall of the viper, that of the ichneumon. gall of the shrew-mouse, that of the camel. gall of the camel, that of the swift. galbanum, sagapen. germander, the root of the wild dock. chamomile, anthemis. ceruse, the dross of lead (scoria plumbi). fleawort, the marsh lentil (lens palustris). basil (ocimum), water-cress (sisymbrium). ocimoides, the wild mint.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This is taken from a work ascribed to Galen, the authenticity of which, however, is very doubtful. Cornarius has attempted many corrections of the text, and we have found ourselves compelled to make other alterations.

SECT. XXVI.—ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

The weight is determined by the degree of heaviness; the measure by the capacity of the vessel: but the vessel is the measure either of a dry or of a liquid quantity. So then there are three differences of a measured quantity: first, that of weight; second, that of a dry substance, and, as it were, of such things as can be heaped; and third, that of a liquid. There being many and almost infinite varieties of weights and measures according to the practice of places, and of those who use them, we shall treat only of those which are familiar to all.

On the characters used by the Greeks for indicating weights and measures. But since some do not indicate these by whole letters, but by characters, it will be better for us, in imitation of the ancients, to explain these characters in the first place.

Transcriber’s Note: The symbols in this paragraph are included as illustrations in the HTML version.

First, then, the letter χ having alpha placed above it, signifies chalcus (i. e. æreus), thus [symbol]; but if the χ has ο, chus (i. e. congius), thus [symbol]; but if οι, chœnix, thus [symbol]; but if η, cheme, thus [symbol]; Κ if it has ε placed above it, and a straight line obliquely intersecting the lower curvature of it indicates ceration (i. e. siliqua), thus [symbol]; but if the Κ has υ, cyathus, thus [symbol] and if ο cotyle (i. e. hemina), thus [symbol]. The circumflex line not surrounded by anything, and placed altogether obliquely, indicates obolus, thus 𐅼; but if there are two lines not surrounded, they signify two oboli, thus 𐅽, which make a gramma (i. e. scrupulum), which is indicated by γ having ρ near it, intersected by a straight line, thus [symbol]. Two lines united at one extremity so as to make an angle, like the two wings which join the straight line of the letter K, indicate drachma (or drachm), which is synonymous with holca, thus [symbol]. But the holca is properly indicated by λ with ο in its middle, thus [symbol]. But if the λ has ι, it indicates libra (a pound), thus [symbol]. Some, however, indicate a pound, by another line intersecting the line of the λ obliquely, thus [symbol]. But Γ having the letter o within its angle, signifies uncia (an ounce), thus [symbol]. The letter μ having ν in its middle, indicates mna, or mina, thus [symbol]; but if the μ has υ, it indicates mystrum, thus [symbol]; but if ε, medimnus, thus [symbol]; and if ο, modius, thus [symbol]. The letter τ followed by a ρ with a υ about it, indicates tryblium, thus [symbol]. The letter χ, if it has ε placed above it, indicates xestes (i. e. sextarius), thus [symbol]. But if it has ο written above, it signifies oxybaphum (i. e. acetabulum), thus [symbol]. Some indicate a sextarius by a χ, with a straight line intersecting it, thus [symbol]. The letter η, having μ placed above it, indicated hemina, thus [symbol]. The letter κ prefixed to ρ, and having μ placed above it, indicates ceramium, thus [symbol].

On Weights.

The Attic and Egyptian mna (i. e. mina) contains oz. xvj. The Roman mina ” oz. xx. The libra (i. e. pound) ” oz. xij. The uncia (i. e. ounce) ” dr. viij. The drachma (i. e. drachm) ” scr. iij. The scrupulus (i. e. scruple) ” oboli ij. The obolus contains ceratia or siliquæ iij. The siliqua contains chalci (i. e. ærei or æreoli) ij. and ⅔. So that an obolus contains viij æreoli.

On the Measures of Liquids.

The Italic ceramium contains choes (or congii) viij.

The chus or congius contains sextarii vj.

The sextarius contains cotylæ ij, which are also called tryblia.

The cotyla, or tryblium, contains great mystra iij, but acetabula iv.

The great mystrum contains acetabulum j, and a third.

The acetabulum contains cyathus j, and a half.

The cyathus contains small chemæ, or small mystra ij.

But if you would wish to know the measure of the weights of liquids (for there are many differences of liquid substances according to weight), we shall illustrate this by the example of oil, wine, and honey. Honey, then, is heavier than wine by a fourth part, and a tenth part more, which makes altogether almost a third part. For the same measure of honey as of wine contains the weight of the wine and a third part more. Honey is heavier than oil by one half; for it contains the whole weight of the oil, and a half part of the weight besides. Wine exceeds oil by a ninth part, for it contains the whole weight of the oil and a ninth part more. In order to make this appear more manifest, we shall subjoin, as in a diagram, the proportion of the particular measures, it being obvious that the words oil, wine, and honey, are to be understood as expressed in every line of the series.

The Italian Of oil. Of wine. Of honey. Ceramium contains lib. lxxij lib. lxxx lib. cviij. Chus, or congius lib. ix lib. x lib. xiiss. Sextarius oz. xviij oz. xx oz. xxvij. Cotyle or hemina oz. ix oz. x oz. xiiiss. Great mystrum oz. iij oz. iij, scr. viij oz. ivss. Acetabulum dr. xviij oz. ij, scr. xij oz. iij, scr. ix. Cyathus dr. xij oz. iss, scr. iv oz. ij, dr. ij. Small mystrum dr. vj scr. xx dr. ix.

Oribasius says, on the authority of Adamantius, that the Italian sextarius of wine contains oz. xxiv by measure, but lb. j oz. viij by weight; and that a sextarius of honey contains lb. iiss by weight.

On the Measures of Dry Substances.

The Egyptian artaba contains modii iij.

The Egyptian and Italian modius contains chœnices viij.

The chœnix contains sextarii ij.

The sextarius contains two semisextarii, which are called heminæ.

The hemina contains cyathi viij.

The Attic medimnus contains hemiecta xij.

The hemiecton contains chœnices iv. Hence the medimnus contains modii vj, chœnices xlviij, and sextarii xcvj.

But of these it is not easy to give the weight, because of dry things the difference, according to the inclination of the balance, is immense.

The end of the Seventh and Last Book of PAULUS ÆGINETA.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See, further, Galenus (De Pond. et Mens.); Cleopatra (De P. et M.); Celsus (v, 17); Pliny (H. N. xxi, 34); Rhemnus Fannius (De Pond. et Metr.); Marcellus Empiricus; Pollux (Onomast.); Hesychius et Suidas (pluries); Serapion (de Antid. vii, 37); Avicenna (v, 2, 8.) The best modern writers on the weights and measures of the ancients are, Arbuthnot (On Ancient Coins, Weights, and Measures); Milligan (Præfatio et Notæ in Celsum); Poucton (Métrologie); Raper (Philosoph. Transact. London, 1770, 1771); J. F. Wurm (De Pond. &c.); Conger (Weights, Measures, &c. of the Greeks and Romans.)

Since a proper knowledge of this subject is indispensably necessary, in order to attain a practical acquaintance with ancient pharmacy, we shall not scruple to avail ourselves freely of the information contained in the works of the modern authorities referred to above. It will be seen, that in the following sketch, we have followed Arbuthnot very closely; indeed, it is proper to mention, that when we originally wrote this, our concluding Commentary, we were not acquainted with the labours of Wurm and Conger. We now remark that, although the later authorities agree with Arbuthnot on general principles, they differ from him on a few points, as will be perceived upon a comparison of his tables with those of Conger. The discrepance between them, we find, arises from two causes, only one of which, it will be observed, is of any practical importance. First: Arbuthnot mixes the fractional with the decimal mode of computation, whilst Conger uses the decimal method alone. Second: They give different estimates of the length of the Pes. For example, Arbuthnot states the contents of the ligula to be ¹⁄₄₈ pint, and the decimals ·117⁵⁄₁₂ solid inch; whereas Conger rates it at the decimals ·62 pint, or the decimals ·69 solid inch. Now the 48th part of a pint equals the decimal ·6, which, when added to the former decimals ·117 solid inch, amounts to ·717: the difference between this number and ·69 is ·027, which being multiplied successively by the tabular values of the ligula, cyathus, acetabulum, &c., and the product divided by the number of solid inches in a pint, gives 12 pints, or 1 gal. 2 qts. as the difference between Arbuthnot’s and Conger’s contents of the amphora. By Arbuthnot’s table the contents of the amphora is 7 gal. 1 pint, 10·66 solid inches; by Conger’s, it is 5 gal. 2 qts. 1 pint, and the decimal ·64 of a pint. For example,

gal. qts. pts. sol. inch. Arbuthnot’s amphora = 7 0 1 10·66 Conger’s ” = 5 2 1 --------------------------- Difference 1 2 0 10·66

The Pes is the standard from which the contents of the amphora, and of the other names of weights and measures in the table are deduced; and, as our authorities assign slightly different estimates to the length of the pes, the other measures in the table are consequently affected by this difference in the assumed standard. Arbuthnot assumes the pes to be 11·604 inches, whereas Conger, with the later authorities, makes it to be ·97075 ft. or 11·649 inches. Now the amphora, being the cube of the pes, equals, according to Arbuthnot, 1562·5112 solid inches, whereas the cube of Conger’s pes makes the amphora to contain 1580·75 solid inches.

Having thus pointed out the source of the discrepance between the tables of Arbuthnot and the later authorities, we shall now proceed with our extracts, beginning with Dr. Milligan, who, although he can have no pretensions to be reckoned an original authority on the subject, has been particularly fortunate in giving from Targa and Arbuthnot, a very lucid exposition of the weights, measures, and characters, which occur in the works of Celsus.

Extracts from Dr. Milligan’s edition of Celsus.

Characterum in Celso obvenientium Tabula.

P = Pondo: cum aliis notis junctum quasi pondere; Anglice, by weight, significat. P., per se = 1 Libra. 𐆖 = 1 Denarius. 𐆐 non per se = 1 sextantem denominationis antecedentis signat. 𐆐 per se = fere unius drachmæ sextantem. 𐆐 𐆐 = 2 sextantis. ⍪ = 1 sextantem. — = ½ sextantis. Z = 1 sextantem. 8 = 1 sextantem.

Porro P. 𐆐, P ⍪, P Z, P 8, characteres compositi sunt, qui omnino secundum tabulam superiorem, libræ sextantem singuli significant. Pari quoque ratione, P. 𐆖. 𐆐, P. 𐆖. ⍪, P. 𐆖. Z, P. 𐆖. 8, denarii sextantem, vel unciæ quadrigesimam secundam partem designat.

Notæ Celsi lectoribus negotii nonnihil facessere solent. Cum ipso igitur, id anticipandum nobis erit; ut ponderum divisio quam decimo septimo libri quinti capite descripsit, hic quasi prærogetur.

Libra } { Uncias duodecim. Uncia } { Denarios septem. Denarius } valet { Sextantes sex. Sextans } { Obolum unum. Obolus } { Scrupulum dimidium.

Denarius autem (Greaves, Diss. on the Denarius) grana 62 (English Troy weight) habebat; unde unciæ essent 434, sextanti ejus 10⅓ grana; fere scrupulum dimidium, ut Celsus, loco citato, docet.

His præposites scire licet,

ά. Notam P., per se libram significare.

β´. Notam 𐆐, sextatem indifferenter significare, sed non drachmæ magis quam libræ, vel cujuslibet denominationis præcedentis, sextantem. Sic Notam P. 𐆐, uncias duas æquare.

γ´. Notam 𐆐 𐆐, duos sextantes indicare.

δ´. Notam 𐆑, sextantis dimidium representare.

έ. Notam 𐆖, Denarium indicare 𐆐 ⅐ unciæ. Quam vero notam, propter similitudinem, librarii sæpe cum X, decem indicante confundunt. Nam 𐆖, perinde ac X decem olim significabat.

Videmus ergo Notam P, libram esse; cum aliis autem notis pondo significat, quasi pondere (Anglice by weight) adeo ut ista textus P. 𐆖 𐆐, Denarii sextantem pondere, vel grana 10⅓ indicet. Pari ratione P. 𐆖, denarius pondere, vel absolute denarius, qui grana 62, est.

Porro P. 𐆐, P Z, P 8, P⍪, libræ sextantem pondere: P. 𐆖. 𐆐, P. 𐆖 Z, P. 𐆖 8, P. 𐆖 ⍪, denarii sextantem, vel unciæ quadragesimam secundam partem, designant.

Constat 1. Denarium Romanum grana Trojana Britannica 62⁴⁄₇ pependisse.

2. Pedem Romanum pollicum Britannicorum 11·604 valuisse.

Ab his sequitur, pedem Romanum, ad pendulum latitudinis Londinii per spatium inane, ad 62 Farenheiti thermometri calefactum, oscillans, rationem habere quam 11·604 ad 39·1393. Porro congium Romanum ad congium (gallon) Britannicum Imperialem, ut 189·64 ad 274, esse.

Tabula Ponderum et Mensurarum Pliniana.

= 1 obolus = 10 chalci. 1 denarius argenteus = 1 drachma Attica = 6 oboli = 60 chalci. 1 cyathus = 10 drachmæ = 60 oboli = 600 chalci. 1 acetabulum = 15 drachmæ = 90 oboli = 900 chalci. 1 hemina = 60 drachmæ = 360 oboli = 3600 chalci. 1 mna = 100 drachmæ = 600 oboli = 6000 chalci.

Tabula Ponderum Celsiana.

1 sextans = 1 obolus. 1 scrupulus = 2 + sextantes = 2 + oboli. 1 denarius = 3 scrupuli = 6 sextantes = 6 oboli. 1 uncia = 7 denarii = 21 scrupuli = 42 sextantes = 42 oboli.

Sed ut ostendemus, 1 denarius = 62 grana (Troy weight), hinc 62 grana = 1 denarius = 6 sextantes = 6 oboli; dividendo, 10⅓ grana = 1 sextans = 1 obolus.

Tabula, pondera Trojana, tam mensurarum capacitatis, tam gravitatis, Romanorum sistens.

Urna. Libra. Uncia. Denarius. Scrupulus. Sextans. Chalcus. Grana. Amphora = 2 = 80 = 960 = 6720 = 20160 = 40320 = 403200 = 420480 Urna 1 = 40 = 480 = 3360 = 10080 = 26160 = 210600 = 210240 Congius ¼ = 10 = 120 = 840 = 2540 = 5040 = 50400 = 52920 Sextarius 1⅔ = 20 = 140 = 420 = 840 = 8400 = 8760 Libra 1 = 12 = 84 = 252 = 504 = 5040 = 5256 Hemina 8⁴⁄₇ = 60 = 180 = 360 = 3600 = 3759 Acetabulum 2⅐ = 15 = 45 = 90 = 900 = 939 Sesqi-cyathus 2⅐ = 15 = 45 = 90 = 900 = 939 Cyathus 1³⁄₇ = 10 = 30 = 60 = 600 = 626 Sescuncia 1½ = 10½ = 31½ = 63 = 630 = 657 Uncia 1 = 7 = 21 = 42 = 420 = 438 Cochleare 2½ = 7½ = 15 = 150 = 156 Drachma 1 = 3 = 6 = 60 = 62⁴⁄₇ Denarius 1 = 3 = 6 = 60 = 62⁴⁄₇ Scrupulus 1 = 2 = 20 = 20⅔ Scrupulus dimidiatus ½ = 1 = 10 = 10⅓ Obolus 1 = 10 = 10⅓ Sextans 1 = 10 = 10⅓ Chalcus 1 = 1¹⁄₃₆

Denario infra hanc lineam 62 grana, compendii numerique rotundandi gratia tribuimus. Qui accuratiora volunt ⁴⁄₇ illud Grævii in valorem per denariorum columnam ducant, et nostris superaddant.

Sed post tot annorum lapsum, quomodo ista pondera ad nostra Trojana referamus? Diligentia antiquariorum illud perfacile effecit. Inclytus enim J. Grævesius Angliæ decus, pondus Denarii, per plurima exemplarium centena, in Italicis aliisque cimeliis conservata, ipsa statera trutinavit: et pondus omnium meliorum denariorum ad grana Trojana 62⁴⁄₇ librare reperit. Sed cognito denarii, qui veteribus non tantum nummus fuit, sed ponderis rerum arbiter, pondere, ceterarum denominationum valorem calculo simplicissimo, in granis Trojanis habebis.

Tabula Ponderum ac Mensurarum relationis quas passim Celsus usurpavit.

Septunx. Semis. Bes. Quincunx. Dodarans. Triens. Dextans. Quadrans. Deunx. Sextans. Quævis Unc. unctar. 1 Uncia 1 = ½ = ⅓ = ¼ = ⅕ = ⅙ = ⅐ = ⅛ = ⅑ = ⅒ = ¹⁄₁₁ = ¹⁄₁₂ 2 Sextans 1 = ⅔ = ½ = ⅖ = ⅓ = ²⁄₇ = ¼ = ²⁄₉ = ⅕ = ²⁄₁₁ = ⅙ 3 Quadrans 1 = ¾ = ⅗ = ½ = ³⁄₇ = ⅜ = ⅓ = ³⁄₁₀ = ³⁄₁₁ = ¼ 4 Triens 1 = ⅘ = ⅔ = ⁴⁄₇ = ½ = ⁴⁄₉ = ⅖ = ⁴⁄₁₁ = ⅓ 5 Quincunx 1 = ⅚ = ⁵⁄₇ = ⅝ = ⁵⁄₉ = ½ = ⁵⁄₁₁ = ⁵⁄₁₂ 6 Semis 1 = ⁶⁄₇ = ²⁄₄ = ⅔ = ⅗ = ⁶⁄₁₁ = ½ 7 Septunx 1 = ⅞ = ⁷⁄₉ = ⁷⁄₁₀ = ⁷⁄₁₁ = ⁷⁄₁₂ 8 Bes 1 = ⁸⁄₉ = ⅘ = ⁸⁄₁₁ = ⅔ 8 Octunx 1 = ⁸⁄₉ = ⅘ = ⁸⁄₁₁ = ⅔ 9 Dodrans 1 = ⁸⁄₁₀ = ⁹⁄₁₁ = ¾ 10 Dextans 1 = ¹⁰⁄₁₁ = ⅚ 11 Deunx 1 = ¹¹⁄₁₂

Unc. |Characteres. 1 Uncia | ⊥ 2 Sextans | 𐆐, Z 3 Quadrans | 𐆐 𐆑 4 Triens | 𐆐 𐆐 5 Quincunx | 𐆐 𐆑 𐆐 6 Semis | S. S.ʺ 7 Septunx | V. 8 Bes | 𐆑 S. 𐆑 8 Octunx | 𐆑 S 𐆑 9 Dodrans | S 𐆐 𐆑 10 Dextans | S 𐆐 𐆐 11 Deunx | S 𐆐 𐆑 𐆐

His cujusvis unitatis, libræ, unciæ, denarii, congii, partes duodecimæ, hoc est unciæ, distributæ erant.

Extracts from Dr. ARBUTHNOT’S Tables of Ancient Coins, Weights, and Measures.

1. Roman Measures of Capacity for things Liquid.

English Wine Measure. Gall. Pints. Sol. Inc. Dec.

Ligula 0 0¹⁄₄₈ 0·117⁵⁄₁₂ +-----+ | 4| Cyathus 0 0¹⁄₁₂ 0·469⅔ +-----+------+ | 6| 1½| Acetabulum 0 0⅛ 0·704½ +-----+------+----+ | 12| 3 | 2| Quartarius 0 0¼ 1·409 +-----+------+----+----+ | 24| 6 | 4| 2| Hemina 0 0½ 2·818 +-----+------+----+----+----+ | 48| 12 | 8| 4| 2| Sextarius 0 1 5·636 +-----+------+----+----+----+---+ | 288| 72 | 48| 24| 12| 6| Congius 0 7 4·942 +-----+------+----+----+----+---+---+ | 1152| 288 | 192| 96| 48| 24| 4| Urna 3 4½ 5·33 +-----+------+----+----+----+---+---+--+ | 2304| 576 | 384| 192| 96| 48| 8| 2| Amphora 7 1 10·66 +-----+------+----+----+----+---+---+--+--+ |46080|11520 |7680|3840|1920|960|160|40|20| Culeus 143 3 11·095 +-----+------+----+----+----+---+---+--+--+-----------------------------

2. Attic Measures of Capacity for things Liquid.

English Wine Measure. Gall. Pints. Sol. Inc. Dec.

Κοχλιάριον 0 ¹⁄₁₂₀ 0·0356 +------+ | 2 | Χήμη 0 ¹⁄₆₀ 0·0712 +------+------+ | 2½ | 1¼ | Μύστρον 0 ¹⁄₄₈ 0·089 +------+------+----+ | 5 | 2½ | 2| Κόγχη 0 ¹⁄₂₄ 0·178 +------+------+----+----+ | 10 | 5 | 4| 2| Κύαθος 0 ¹⁄₁₂ 0·356 +------+------+----+----+-----+ | 15 | 7½ | 6| 3| 1½ | Ὀξύβαφον 0 ⅛ 0·535 +------+------+----+----+-----+---+ | 60 | 30 | 24| 12| 6 | 4| Κοτύλη 0 ½ 2·141 +------+------+----+----+-----+---+---+ | 120 | 60 | 48| 24| 12 | 8| 2| Ξέστης 0 1 4·283 +------+------+----+----+-----+---+---+--+ | 720 | 360 | 288| 144| 72 | 48| 12| 6| Χόυς 0 6 25·698 +------+------+----+----+-----+---+---+--+--+ |8640 |4320 |3456|1728|864 |576|144|72|12| Μετρητής 10 2 19·626 +------+------+----+----+-----+---+---+--+--+---------------------------

3. Attic Measures of Capacity for things Dry.

English Corn Measure. Pecks. Gals. Pints. Sol. Inch.

Κοχλιάριον 0 0 0 0·276 +----+ | 10| Κύαθος 0 0 0 2·763 +----+-----+ | 15| 1½ | Ὀξύβαφον 0 0 0 4·144 +----+-----+---+ | 60| 6 | 4| Κοτύλη 0 0 0 16·579 +----+-----+---+---+ | 120| 12 | 8| 2| Ξέστης 0 0 0 33·158 +----+-----+---+---+----+ | 180| 18 | 12| 3| 1½ | Χοῖνιξ 0 0 1 15·705 +----+-----+---+---+----+--+ |8640|864 |576|144|72 |48| Μέδιμνος 4 0 6 3·501 +----+-----+---+---+----+--+---------------------------------------

N.B. Besides this Medimnus, which is the Medicus, there was a Medimnus Georgius, equal to 6 Roman Modii.

4. Less ancient Grecian and Roman Weights reduced to English Troy Weight.

Lb. Oz. Dwts. Grs.

Lentes 0 0 0 0⁸⁵⁄₁₁₂ +----+ | 4| Siliquæ 0 0 0 3¹⁄₂₈ +----+----+ | 12| 3| Obolus 0 0 0 9³⁄₂₈ +----+----+---+ | 24| 6| 2| Scrupulum 0 0 0 18³⁄₁₄ +----+----+---+---+ | 72| 18| 6| 3| Drachma 0 0 2 6⁹⁄₁₄ +----+----+---+---+----+ | 96| 24| 8| 4| 1⅓ | Sextula 0 0 3 6⁶⁄₇ +----+----+---+---+---------+ | 144| 36| 12| 6| 2 | 1½ | Sicilicus 0 0 4 13²⁄₇ +----+----+---+---+----+----+----+ | 192| 48| 16| 8| 2⅔ | 2 | 1⅓ | Duella 0 0 6 1⁵⁄₇ +----+----+---+---+----+----+----+--+ | 576| 144| 48| 24| 8 | 6 | 4 | 3| Uncia 0 0 18 5⅐ +----+----+---+---+----+----+----+--+--+ |6912|1725|576|288|96 |72 |48 |36|12| Libra 0 10 18 13⁵⁄₇ +----+----+---+---+----+----+----+--+--+---------------------------

N.B. The Roman ounce is the English avoirdupois ounce which they divided into 7 denarii as well as 8 drachms; and since they reckoned their denarius equal to the Attic drachm, this will make the Attic weights ⅛ heavier than the correspondent Roman weights.

The above Tables are thus given by CONGER.

I. Roman Measures of Capacity.

For Liquids (Unit: Amphora = 5⁷⁄₁₀ gallons).

Cub. inch.|Gal. Pints. | Qts. Ligula 0·69| 0·02 +-----+ | | 4| Cyathus 2·74| 0·08 +-----+------+ | | 6 1½| Acetabulum 4·12| 0·12 +------------+---+ | | 12 3 2| Quartarius 8·23| 0·24 +----------------+----+ | | 24 6 4 2| Hemina 16·47| 0·48 +---------------------+----+ | | 48 12 8 4 2| Sextarius 32·93| 0·95 +--------------------------+---+ | | 288 72 48 24 12 6| Congius 197·59| 2 1·70 +------------------------------+---+ | | 1152 288 192 96 48 24 4| Urna 799·38| 2 3 0·82 +----------------------------------+--+ | | 2304 576 384 192 96 48 8 2| Amphora 1580·75| 5 2 1·64 +-------------------------------------+--+ | |46080 11520 7680 3840 1920 960 160 40 20| Culeus 31615·01|114 0 0·80 +----------------------------------------+-----------------+-------------

II. Grecian Measures of Capacity.

For Liquids (Unit. Μετρητής = 8½ gallons).

Cub. inch.| | Κοχλιάριον 0·27| +-----+ | | 2 | Χήμη 0·55| +-----+----+ | | 2½ 1¼| Μύστρον 0·69| +----------+---+ | | 5 2½ 2| Κόγχη 1·37| +--------------+----+ | | 10 5 4 2| Κύαθος 2·74| +-------------------+----+ | | 15 7½ 6 3 1½| Ὀξύβαφον 4·12| +------------------------+--+ | | 30 15 12 6 3 2| Τέταρτον 8·23| +---------------------------+---+ | | 60 30 24 12 6 4 2| Κοτύλη 16·47| +-------------------------------+---+ | | 120 60 48 24 12 8 4 2| Ξέστης 32·93| +-----------------------------------+--+ | | 720 360 288 144 72 48 24 12 6| Χοῦς 197·59| +--------------------------------------+--+ | |4320 2160 1782 864 432 288 144 72 36 6| Διώτη 1185·56| +-----------------------------------------+-+ Cub. ft. | |8640 4320 3456 1728 864 576 288 144 72 12 2|Μετρητής 1 643·13| +-------------------------------------------+ 10 13 1247·26| | 100 137 375·60| | 1000 1372 310· | +-------------------+

|Gal. Qts. Pints. | Κοχλιάριον | 0·008 +-----+ | | 2 | Χήμη | 0·016 +-----+----+ | | 2½ 1¼| Μύστρον | 0·02 +----------+---+ | | 5 2½ 2| Κόγχη | 0·04 +--------------+----+ | | 10 5 4 2| Κύαθος | 0·08 +-------------------+----+ | | 15 7½ 6 3 1½| Ὀξύβαφον | 0·12 +------------------------+--+ | | 30 15 12 6 3 2| Τέταρτον | 0·24 +---------------------------+---+ | | 60 30 24 12 6 4 2| Κοτύλη | 0·48 +-------------------------------+---+ | | 120 60 48 24 12 8 4 2| Ξέστης | 0·95 +-----------------------------------+--+ | | 720 360 288 144 72 48 24 12 6| Χοῦς | 2 1·70 +--------------------------------------+--+ | |4320 2160 1782 864 432 288 144 72 36 6| Διώτη | 4 1 0·23 +-----------------------------------------+-+ | |8640 4320 3456 1728 864 576 288 144 72 12 2| | 8 2 0·46 +-------------------------------------------+ | 85 2 0·60 | | 855 2 1·97 | |8557 1 1·70 +-----+--------------

III. Grecian Measures of Capacity.

For things Dry (Unit. Μεδιμνος = 1½ bushels).

Cub. inch.|Bus. Pks. Qts. | Pints. Κοχλιάριον 0·22| ·008 +-----+ | | 10| Κύαθος 2·74| ·079 +-----+-----+ | | 15 1½| Ὀχύβαφον 4·12| ·12 +-----------+--+ | | 60 6 4| Κοτύλη 16·47| ·48 +--------------+---+ | | 120 12 8 2| Ξέστης 32·93| ·95 +------------------+--+ | | 240 24 16 4 2| Χοῖνιξ 65·86| 1·90 +---------------------+--+ | | 960 96 64 16 8 4| Ἡμίεκτον 263·46| 3 1·61 +------------------------+--+ | | 1920 192 128 32 16 8 2| Ἑκτος 526·92| 7 1·21 +---------------------------+-+ | | 3840 384 256 64 32 16 4 2| Τριτὸς 1053·83| 1 7 0·43 +-----------------------------+-+ Cub. ft. | |11520 1152 768 192 96 48 12 6 3|Μέδιμνος 1 143·35| 1 1 5 1·28 +-------------------------------+ 10 18 511· | 14 1 0 0·8 | 100 182 1654· | 142 2 3 2· | 1000 1829 989· |1426 0 7 2· +--------------------+-------------------

IV. Roman Weights.

(Unit: Libra = 10 oz. 10 dwts. 9·5 grs. Troy weight.)

Troy weight. | | | Lb. Oz. Dwts. Grs.| | Siliqua 2·9| +------+ | | 3| Obolus 8·8| +------+-----+ | | 6 2| Scrupulum 17·5| +------------+-----+ | | 12 4 2| Semisextula 1 11·1| +------------------+-----+ | | 24 8 4 2| Sextula 2 22·1| +------------------------+-----+ | | 36 12 6 3 1½| Siciliquus 4 9·2| +------------------------------+----+ | | 48 16 8 4 2 1⅓| Duella 5 20·3| +-----------------------------------+----+ | | 72 24 12 6 3 2 1½| Semiuncia 8 18·4| +----------------------------------------+---+ | | 144 48 24 12 6 4 3 2| Uncia 17 12·8| +--------------------------------------------+----+ | | 1728 576 288 144 72 48 36 24 12| Libra 10 10 9·5| +-------------------------------------------------+---+ | | |Cent. | | |pod. | |172800 57600 28800 14400 7200 4800 3600 2400 1200 100| 87 7 19 17·1| +-----------------------------------------------------+--------------+

| Avoirdupois | weight. | |Lb. Oz. Dwts. | Siliqua | 0·11 +------+ | | 3| Obolus | 0·32 +------+-----+ | | 6 2| Scrupulum | 0·64 +------------+-----+ | | 12 4 2| Semisextula | 1·28 +------------------+-----+ | | 24 8 4 2| Sextula | 2·56 +------------------------+-----+ | | 36 12 6 3 1½| Siciliquus | 3·85 +------------------------------+----+ | | 48 16 8 4 2 1⅓| Duella | 5·13 +-----------------------------------+----+ | | 72 24 12 6 3 2 1½| Semiuncia | 7·69 +----------------------------------------+---+ | | 144 48 24 12 6 4 3 2| Uncia | 15·39 +--------------------------------------------+----+ | | 1728 576 288 144 72 48 36 24 12| Libra | 11 8·67 +-------------------------------------------------+---+ | |172800 57600 28800 14400 7200 4800 3600 2400 1200 100| |72 2 2·85 +-----------------------------------------------------+----+-----------

The denarius was the chief silver coin among the Romans. As a weight it was the 7th part of a Roman ounce. It is from this standard that both the value of the Roman weights and coins are deduced.

The industrious, learned, and honest Mr. Greaves affirms that having in Italy and elsewhere perused many hundred Denarii consulares, he found, by frequent and exact trial, the best of them to amount to 62 grains English.

The Roman ounce is certainly our avoirdupois ounce; but I must own that I have differed in a small matter from Mr. Greaves in settling the quantity of Troy grains contained in an ounce avoirdupois. The denarius, according to my supposition, will come out 62²²⁄₄₉ grains.

That the denarius was the 7th part of the Roman ounce is clear from multitudes of passages. Celsus (v, 17): Sed et antea sciri volo in uncia pondus denariorum esse septem.

Celsus divided the denarius into six parts, which he called, unciæ; uncia being a general word for the division of any integer. This was done in imitation of the Greek physicians, who, after the manner of their country, divided their drachma into 6 oboli.

The common mark of the denarius was an X or 𐆖, in imitation of which, among the Latin physicians, it grew to an *.

Of the Roman Pondo. The pondo argenti, amongst the Romans, is a sort of numeral expression of sums of money, and is different from the common libra which consisted only of 84 denarii, or 96 drachms, for as, æs, pondo, and mina, amongst ancient authors generally pass for the same.

Pondo is an indeclinable word, and when it is joined with numbers it signifies libra; but when it is joined to other weights, it stands for the same thing as σταθμῆ, or ὅλκη in the Greek, signifying the same with pondus, or weight in general.

Of Roman Weights. The Romans used the libra, which they divided into 12 unciæ, or ounces, and the later Greeks, in imitation of them, had their litra, which they divided after the same manner.

They divided their ounce into 3 duellæ, and likewise into 6 sextulæ (sextula among the Greeks was called ἑξάγιον, and corruptly, στάιγιον). Another division of their ounce was into 4 sicilici. They likewise divided their ounce into 7 denarii. Then they divided it into 8 drachms. The 12th part of an ounce they called dimidia sextula. It was likewise divided into 24 scrupula, or rather scriptula, called by the Greeks, γράμματα.

The denarius was divided into 2 victoriati, not only as a piece of money but as a weight. The denarius was also divided into 6 sextantes, in imitation of the 6 oboli of a drachm; according to which division a sextans would contain, in English Troy weight, about 6⅓ grains. Celsus mentions the quadrans denarii and the triens denarii.

The value of the Roman pound is determined, as in the tables, from the value of the denarius, viz. 5245⁵⁄₇ Troy grains; according to the common reckoning it is 5256; this small difference proceeds from assuming the avoirdupois ounce to the Troy ounce precisely as 51 to 56.

Greek Weights. The talent was the greatest weight as well as the greatest sum of money among the Greeks. And this ponderal talent was divided, as the nummary talent, into 60 minæ, and every mina into 100 drachmæ.

A drachma was ⅛ of the ounce and ¹⁄₁₀₀ part of a mina. The Greeks used the expression τρίτον ἡμιδράχμον to signify 2½ drachms. The old division of drachma was into 6 oboli.

An obolus contained 6 χαλκὸι, or, as the Latins call them, æreoli.

An ἡμιώβολον, or semiobolus, contains 1 siliqua and a half, and 4 æreoli, according to Cleopatra, but 3 only according to Diodorus (Ap. Suidam.)

Χαλκὸς, or æreolus contained the 6th part of an obolus, and 7 λεπτὰ, according to Suidas.

The Λεπτὸν was the 7th part of an æreolus, and was called by the Latins minuta, and sometimes minutia, and is not divided into any lesser weight.

The Greeks used the ὀυγγία, and divided it as the Romans did. They used the κεράτιον, in Latin, siliqua, which was the ¹⁄₁₈ of a drachma.

The medical weights were the mina, of 16 Roman ounces, as appears from Dioscorides and Galen, and Cleopatra (in Cosmeticis) who tells you that mina, as a weight, contains 16 ounces, 128 drachms, 384 scriptula, 768 oboli, 1052 lupini, 2304 siliquæ, 6144 æreoli. But when Celsus and Scribonius Largus make use of a denarius of about 62²²⁄₄₉ grains, the drachma being supposed equal to that; 100 such drachmæ must have made a mina of 6222²²⁄₄₉ grains, whereas, a mina of 16 ounces is about 7000 Troy grains, or our avoirdupois pound.

The physicians likewise made use of the litra of 96 drachms. The ὀυγγία, or uncia, being divided as usually. The κεράτιον, or siliqua, as mentioned before, was likewise a common weight among the physicians; and the σιτάριον, or grain, ¼ of the siliqua.

The Romans dividing their ounce into 7 denarii, and likewise into 8 drachms; the Greeks of later ages dividing likewise their ounce into 8 drachms, and the Roman denarius being supposed equal to the Greek drachma, have occasioned great confusion in the expressions of authors about the weights of both nations. It is evident there was an Attic mina of 16 Roman ounces, namely, the more ancient one, and another of 12½ ounces. By ounces is here meant Roman ounces, which is our avoirdupois ounce. So that the most ancient mina Attica was exactly our avoirdupois pound. Cleopatra speaks of the two different minæ, the first of 16 and the other of 12½ ounces. Dioscorides mentions only that of 16 ounces; and though it is mentioned by the physicians, it is not what they prescribed by, but perhaps like our avoirdupois weight, what their gross drugs were at first bought and sold by.

Of Arabian Weights. The Arabian weights used by their physicians, Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna, are a mixture of the Greek and Roman weights, and derived from them. Their manes is a corruption of the Hebrew maneh, or the Greek mina: there were two of them, one of 20 ounces, and another of 16.

The ancient Arabian weights reduced to Troy weights.

Lb. Oz. Dwts. Grs.

Kestuf 0 0 0 1²⁹⁄₅₆ +-----+ | 2 | Kirat 0 0 0 3¹⁄₂₈ +-----+-----+ | 4 | 2 | Danich 0 0 0 6¹⁄₁₄ +-----+-----+-----+ | 6 | 3 | 1½| Onolossat 0 0 0 9³⁄₂₈ +-----+-----+-----+----+ | 12 | 6 | 3 | 2 | Garme 0 0 0 18³⁄₁₄ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+ | 36 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | Darchimi 0 0 2 6⁹⁄₁₄ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+ | 41⅐|20⁴⁄₇|10²⁄₇|6⁶⁄₇|3³⁄₇| 1⅐| Denarius 0 0 2 14²²⁄₄₉ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+----+ | 144 | 72 | 36 | 24 | 12 | 4 | 3½| Sextarium 0 0 9 2⁴⁄₇ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+----+--+ | 288 | 144 | 72 | 48 | 24 | 8 | 7 | 2| Sacros 0 0 18 5⅐ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+----+--+--+ |3456 |1728 | 864 |576 |288 | 96| 84 |24|12| Ratel 0 10 18 13⁵⁄₇ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+----+--+--+---+ | | | | | | | | | | |Manes |4608 |2304 |1152 |768 |384 |128|112 |36|16| 1⅓|Alicatica 1 2 11 10²⁄₇ +-----+-----+-----+----+----+---+----+--+--+---+-------------------------

Greek Measures of Capacity. In reducing the Greek solid measures to the English, I shall make use of the χοῦς, which made in weight 720 drachms, according to all authors; suppose of rain-water, the ancients making no difference betwixt the weight of that and of wine. Taking the heaviest Attic drachm, which is the 100th part of the old Attic mina, or our avoirdupois pound, and neglecting the small difference in the tables, I shall state it at 70 grains Troy. According to this drachm, the weight of the Attic χοῦς must be 50,400 grains. There are in a solid foot 1728 solid inches, weighing 76 pounds of rain water: by this experiment 760 grains make 3 solid inches; therefore, 50,400 make 198·94737 solid inches, the number of the solid inches in the χοῦς; which is 6 pints, 25,698 solid inches, somewhat less than the Roman congius, though the Greek χοῦς and Roman congius are used indifferently as the same measure by ancient authors; as likewise are the 6th part of them, the ξέστης and sextarius, and the 12th the κοτύλη and the hemina. There is great probability that the Greeks measured the capacity of their vessels by the weight of oil, the product of their country. For the physicians, speaking of these measures, always mention their weight in oil; and Galen, speaking of the cotyla, saith that Heras understood the cotyla to be of 60 drachms reducing the weight to oil. I find likewise that it is a general supposition among the ancients that the weight of oil was to that of wine, as 9 to 10; so 72 pounds of oil is made equal in bulk to 80 pounds of wine, 9 pounds of oil to 10 of wine, and so everywhere. According to our experiments, the weight of oil is to that of wine or fresh-water, as 476 to 527, which is very near, as 9 to 9·96. So small a difference may be accounted for by the oil weighing less in a warm country than in ours.

The largest Greek measure for things liquid was the Attic μετρητής, which contained 12 choes. It is also called ἀμφορεὺς, κάδος, κεράμιον.

The χοῦς, or χοεὺς contained 12 cotylæ. It is also called λάγυνος, or λάγυνον, λάγηνον, or lagena. The Greek physicians sometimes use χοῦς for the Roman congius, the difference being but small. The Grecians in later times borrow the ξέστης from the Roman sextarius. It was the 6th part of the χοῦς.

The Attic κοτύλη was one half of the ξέστης. It is also called τρύβλιον.

The ὀξύβαφον was a measure answering to the Roman acetabulum. Pliny saith it was the 4th part of the hemina. (H. N. xv, c. ult.) Hesychius saith it was called ἄις, ἄλις, βάφιον, and γάβενον.

Κύαθος was the 12th part of the ξέστης.

Κόγχη was so called from a shell. There were a greater and a less. The greater was equal to the oxybaphum, and the lesser to one half of the cyathus.

Μύστρον, or μύστλον, so called from μῦς. Of this measure there were two kinds, the greater of which was the 16th part of the cotyla, and the lesser the 4th part of the cyathus. The mystrum is called βάρβος by Hesychius.

Χήμη was so named from a shell-fish. There was a greater or rustic cheme, the 20th part of the cotyla; but the lesser, which the physicians used, was the 30th part of the cotyla.

The κοχλιάριον, in Latin, cochlear, was the smallest measure for liquids: it is equal to one half of the cheme. See the Table.

Greek Measures of things Dry. Μέδιμνος, or μέδιμνον, was a measure for dry things, such as wheat, barley, flour, &c., and contained 48 chœnices.

Χοῖνιξ is a dry measure containing 3 cotylæ, and so was 1½ of the ξέστης: κοτύλη, ὀξύβαφον, κύαθος, and κοχλιάριον were also used as measures for things dry. Their capacity and proportion to one another is the same as when they are measures for liquids, which have been shown already.

The Roman Measures of Capacity. The amphora, which contained 8 congii, was the cube of a pes, or foot. The congius itself, the cube of ½ foot. The pes being settled, as equal to 11·604 inches, its cube 1562·5112, gives the contents of the amphora in solid inches; and divided by 8, gives 195·3139 inches for that of the congius.

The greatest measure among the Romans of liquid things, was the culeus, or culleus, containing 20 amphoræ. A culeus also contains 40 urns, the urn being half the amphora.

The amphora is otherwise called quadrantal, ceramium, cadus, and μετρητὴς Ιταλικὸς. The urna is the 40th part of the culeus, and the half of the amphora.

The congius was the 8th part of the amphora, and the 4th of the urna: it contained 6 sextarii. The congius in English measure contains 207·0676 solid inches, that is, 7 pints 4·942 solid inches.

The sextarius urbicus was the 6th part of the congius. This sextarius is divided into two heminæ, or cotylæ. It is also divided into four quartarii which are the half of a hemina. A sextarius is also divided into 8 acetabula. The parts of the sextarius were like those of the as, uncia, sextans, quadrans, triens, quincunx, semis, septunx, bes, dodrans, dextans, deunx, by which words a certain number of cyathi is meant, a cyathus being the 12th part of the sextarius. The sextarius castrensis was double of the urbicus.

Hemina, the half of the sextarius, contains 2 quartarii, 4 acetabula, 6 cyathi, 24 ligulæ.

Quartarius, as we have said, was the fourth part of the sextarius.

The acetabulum was the half of the quartarius.

Cyathus was the 12th part of the sextarius.

The ligula, or lingua, contained one 48th of the sextarius.

Cochlear, cochleare, and cochlearium, often denote a spoon, and sometimes a measure equal to the ligula.

There was also among the Romans a libra mensuralis, which the Greeks called λίτρα μετρικὴ, and distinguished from the λίτρα σταθμικὴ, or libra ponderalis. This consisted of 12 ounces, and was divided as the as. It was made commonly of horn, and divided by 12 lines, marking the ounces. This libra mensuralis weighed 10 ounces of oil, and of wine, 11 oz. 2 scr., 1 obolus, and 1 siliqua, according to the ponderal libra. The ancients all along supposed the weight of oil to be, to that of wine, as 9 to 10. This proportion of the specific gravity of these two liquors holds in this computation; for 11 oz., 2 scr. 1 ob. 1 sil., make 1600 siliquæ; and 10 ounces make 1440 siliquæ; and dividing both by 160, makes it as 9 to 10. According to this weight of wine assigned by Galen, the libra mensuralis contained 19·085 solid inches, somewhat less than ¾ of our pint, wine measure. But the Roman measures varying, in all appearance this originally was designed to contain 12 ponderal ounces of water, according to which weight it would be equal to 20·612 solid inches, the difference between the two being only 1·527 solid inches.

Roman Measures of Capacity for things dry. The modius was the third part of the amphora, or quadrantal, which was one half of the medimnus. The semimodius contained 8 sextarii. Sextarius and hemina are also measures of dry things, as so also quartarius, acetabulum, cyathus and concha.

Table of the Roman Measures of capacity for things Dry.

English Corn Measure. Pecks. Gals. Pints. Sol. Inch.

Ligula 0 0 ¹⁄₄₈ 0·01 +---+ | 4| Cyathus 0 0 ¹⁄₁₂ 0·04 +---+----+ | 6| 1½| Acetabulum 0 0 ⅛ 0·06 +---+----+---+ | 24| 6 | 4| Hemina 0 0 ½ 0·24 +---+----+---+--+ | 48| 12 | 8| 2| Sextarius 0 0 1 0·48 +---+----+---+--+--+ |384| 96 | 64|16| 8| Semimodius 0 1 0 3·84 +---+----+---+--+--+--+ |768|192 |128|32|16| 2| Modius 1 0 0 7·68 +---+----+---+--+--+--+---------------------------------------

Of the Arabian Measures. The knowledge of the Arabian measures is necessary for those who read the Arabian physicians, such as Avicenna, Rhases, Serapion, Mesue, and Haly Abbas.

Dorach, equal to the Roman amphora.

Aldorach, equal to 2 xestæ.

Johem, equal to the congius of the Romans.

Kist, equal to a Roman sextarius.

Korboni, equal to the hemina.

Kiliathi, equal to one half of the cotyla.

Kestuf, equal to the acetabulum.

Cuathum, equal to the cyathus.

Falgerin, equal to the cochleare parvum.

Briala, a measure of uncertain capacity.

Mustarum, the greater equal to ⅓ hemina, the lesser equal to ½ cyathus. A corruption of the Greek μύστρον.

Decimal Tables.

Roman Measures for things Dry.

Hemina 0·5074 pint. Sextarius 1·0148 pints. Modius 1·0141 pecks.

Attic Measures for things Dry.

Ξέστης 0·9903 pint. Χοῖνιξ 1·486 pints. Μέδιμνος 1·0906 bushels.

Roman Measures for things Liquid.

Hemina 0·59759 pint. Sextarius 1·19518 pints. Congius 7·1712 pints. Urna 3·5857 gallons. Amphora 7·1712 gallons. Culeus 2·27 hogsheads.

Attic Measures for things Liquid.

Κοτύλη 0·5742 pint. Ξέστης 1·1483 pints. Χοῦς 6·8900 pints. Μετρητής 10·335 gallons.

A Table of the more usual Characters of Weights and Measures used by the Greek and Roman Authors. From Paucton, ‘Métralogie,’ p. 95.

NOTES pondérales des Romains.

NOTES pondérales des Grecs.

NOTES mensurales des Romains.

NOTES mensurales des Grecs.

The end of the Commentary on PAULUS ÆGINETA.

GENERAL INDEX.

Abrong, an article in the Arabian Materia Medica, vol. iii, p. 471.

Abrotanum, see Southernwood.

Abscess, on the nature and general treatment of, ii, 54-9; surgical treatment of, 305-8; of the womb, and treatment thereof, 385-6.

Absinthium, varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 63, 64.

Acacia, its medicinal properties, iii, 26.

Acallis, its properties in medicine, iii, 26.

Acanthium, its medicinal properties, iii, 28.

Acanthus, its medicinal properties, iii, 27.

Acarus, its medicinal properties, iii, 29.

Acetabulum, one of the ancient measures. See Measures.

Achates, or Agate, its medicinal powers, iii, 221, 223.

Achores, an eruptive disease of the scalp, i, 346, 348.

Acinus, account of, and its properties as a medicine, iii, 28.

Aconite, symptoms and treatment of poisoning by, ii, 220; its uses in medicine, iii, 29.

Acopa, or Restorative Ointments, on the composition of, iii, 581-9.

Acorns, sometimes used as articles of food by the ancients, i, 137.

Acrochordones, description and general treatment of, ii, 48; surgical treatment of, 276.

Actual cautery, application of, to the head, ii, 248, 250.

Adarce, probably a species of zoophyte, iii, 22; its uses in medicine, ibid.

Adhesion of the eyelids, surgical treatment of, ii, 273, 274.

Ægilops, symptoms and nature of the disease, with general treatment, i, 413, 427; surgical treatment of, ii, 285-8; an article in the Mat. Med., iii, 24.

Ærugo, or Verdigris, nature of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 142.

Æs, or Copper, see Copper.

Æthiopis, its properties as a medicine, iii, 25.

Affusion of cold water, its use in tetanus, i, 404, 406, 407.

Agallochum, its properties as a medicine, iii, 18.

Agaric, its uses in medicine, iii, 19.

Ageratum, its uses in medicine, iii, 20.

Agglutinants, list of used in the treatment of ulcers, ii, 101 et seq.

Agrostis, or Grass, its properties as a medicine, iii, 20.

Airs, on the different kinds of, i, 161.

Alauda, or Lark, its uses in medicine, iii, 190.

Albaras, a term used by the Arabians for Lepra, ii, 21.

Alchemy, the ancient writers on medicine make no allusions to, iii, 17; Firmicus the earliest writer on, ibid.

Alcæa, or Vervain-mallow, its medicinal uses, iii, 33.

Alcyonia, on the varieties of, and their medicinal properties, iii, 33, 34.

Ale, see Zythus.

Alica, a preparation from spelt, nearly the same as chondrus, i, 123.

Alkalies, their use in pneumonia, i, 481; general properties in medicine, iii, 185. See further Lixivial.

Almonds, description of their dietetical properties, i, 136; their uses in medicine, iii, 41.

Alabastrites, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 226.

Aloe, varieties of, and their medicinal properties, iii, 34.

Alopecia, see under Hair.

Alphos, description of, ii, 16, &c., 33-5; the Lepra alphoides of modern nosologists, 23.

Alsine, or Chickweed, its medicinal properties, iii, 35.

Alsander, see under Smyrnium.

Althæa, or Marshmallow, its medicinal properties, iii, 32.

Alum, different kinds of, known to the ancients, and their uses, iii, 360, 361.

Alvine discharges, their characters in fevers, i, 222.

Alypon, its medicinal properties, iii, 35.

Alysson, or Madwort, its medicinal properties, iii, 36.

Amaracus, or Marjoram, its uses in medicine, iii, 36.

Amaranth, its medicinal properties, iii, 37.

Amaurosis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 421, 434.

Amber, see under Electrum, Ambergris, and Karabe.

Ambergris, its medicinal properties as given by the Arabians, iii, 426; unknown to the Greeks and Romans, ibid.

Ambrosia, account of its medicinal properties, iii, 27.

Amenorrhœa, treatment of, i, 609-14.

Amethyst, account of the gem, and its medicinal properties, iii, 224.

Amiantus, its uses in medicine, iii, 228.

Aminæan Wine, used in the treatment of lientery, i, 521.

Ammi, or Bishop’s Weed, its medicinal properties, iii, 38.

Ammoniac, description of the different kinds of, and their uses, iii, 38, 39.

Amomum, discussion on the ancient, and its medicinal properties, iii, 42; amomum grana paradisi, known to Ebn Baithar, 436.

Ampeloprasum, its uses in medicine, iii, 40.

Amphisbæna, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 180, 181.

Amphora, see under Weights.

Amputation of the extremities, ii, 409-414.

Amulets, their use in quartans, i, 248; in epilepsy, 378, 381; in gout, 670.

Amurca, or Lees of Oil, its medicinal properties, iii, 39.

Amygdalæ, see Almonds.

Amylum, or Starch, its medicinal uses, iii, 41.

Anabrochismus, description of the operation, ii, 270.

Anacardium, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 242; its uses in medicine, iii, 450.

Anagallis, or Pimpernel, its uses in medicine, iii, 43.

Anagyrus, its medicinal uses, iii, 43.

Anchusæ, or Alkanets, their varieties and medicinal properties, iii, 21.

Anethum, or Dill, its medicinal properties, iii, 46.

Aneurism, surgical treatment of, ii, 312-6.

Angina, see Quinsy.

Angiology, description of the operation, ii, 254-6.

Animals, parts of, used as articles of food, i, 149.

Anisum, or Anise, its uses in medicine, iii, 46.

Ankle, on dislocations at, ii, 506-8.

Anonis, Ononis, or Rest-harrow, its uses in medicine, iii, 47.

Antirrinon, or Snapdragon, its medicinal uses, iii, 47.

Anthrax, or Carbuncle, treatment of the disease, ii, 78, 79; the gem, its uses in medicine, iii, 221, 224.

Anthyllis, its medicinal powers, iii, 46.

Antiades, or Indurated Tonsils, treatment of, ii, 299.

Antimony, account of its medicinal uses, iii, 356.

Anus, on Imperforate, and the treatment thereof, ii, 405; on fistulæ of, and their treatment, 399; general diseases of, i, 600, 605.

Aphace, or Wild Vetch, its medicinal uses, iii, 62.

Aphronitrum, account of it, and its powers in medicine, iii, 62.

Apochyma, or Old Pitch, its medicinal uses, iii, 48.

Apocynum, its deleterious effects, ii, 242. See also Brassica canina.

Apolinose, application of it to fistulæ and hemorrhoids, ii, 401, 403.

Apoplexy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 392.

Appetite, loss of, in fevers, and treatment thereof, i, 311.

Apples, their characters as articles of food, i, 134; their uses in medicine, iii, 250.

Apricot, its characters as an article of food, i, 133.

Arabs, eulogium on the ancient, by Beckmann, iii, 479.

Arabian Stone, account of, and its powers in medicine, iii, 225.

Arbute, its characters in medicine, iii, 184.

Arcion, or Burdock, its medicinal powers, iii, 51.

Arctium, its medicinal powers, iii, 51.

Ardent Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 260 et seq.

Arena, or Sand, its uses in medicine, iii, 38.

Argemone, or Prickly Poppy, its medicinal powers, iii, 49.

Arisarum, or Friar’s Cowl, its uses in medicine, iii, 49.

Aristolochia, or Birthwort, varieties of, and their medicinal powers, iii, 50.

Armeniacum, or Armenium, account of, and its uses, iii, 52.

Arm, on fractures of, and their treatment, ii, 456-64.

Armpits, of fetid smells in the, i, 506.

Arnabo, difficulty of determining what it was, iii, 52.

Arsenic, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 235, 236; kinds known to the ancients, 236; iii, 54; its uses in medicine, iii, 53, 54. See also Sandarach.

Artamita, its virtues in medicine, iii, 457.

Artemisia, or Mugwort, its medicinal powers, iii, 52.

Arteriacs, on the nature and composition of, i, 473.

Arteriotomy, description of the operation, ii, 253.

Arthritis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 657 et seq.

Artichoke, not described by any of the ancients but Columella, i, 114.

Artologani, a species of bread, i, 122.

Arum, a plant resembling the dragon-herb, i, 114.

Arum, or Wakerobin, its medicinal powers, iii, 53.

Asarabacca, its properties as a medicine, iii, 55.

Asclepias, or Swallow-wort, its medicinal powers, iii, 56.

Ascyrron, a species of hypericum, its medicinal uses, iii, 57.

Ash, its virtues as a medicine, iii, 247.

Ashes, nature of the ancient, and their medicinal powers, iii, 372.

Asian Stone, its medicinal powers, iii, 221, 224.

Asp, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 187, &c.; a variety of the common viper, 189.

Aspalathus, its medicinal powers, iii, 57. See Rosewood.

Asparagi, the young shoots of plants, i, 116; uses of asparagus in medicine, iii, 58.

Asphaltos, or Bitumen, its medicinal powers, iii, 60.

Asphodel, or Kingspear, its uses in medicine, iii, 61.

Asplenium, or Spleenwort, its medicinal powers, iii, 58.

Ass, flesh of the wild, sometimes used as an article of food, i, 149.

Aster Atticus, account of, and its virtues in medicine, iii, 59.

Asthma, symptoms and treatment of, i, 475, &c.

Astragalus, or Wild Liquorice, its virtues in medicine, iii, 60.

Astragalus, on dislocations of the bone, ii, 507, 508.

Atheroma, description and general treatment of, ii, 94, 95; surgical treatment of, 311, 312.

Atractylis, or Distaff-thistle, its uses in medicine, iii, 61.

Atramentum sutorium, sometimes used as a poison, ii, 242; account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 402.

Atriplex, or Orache, its medicinal powers, iii, 61.

Autopyrus, a coarse kind of bread, i, 122.

Azederach, introduced into the practice of medicine by the Arabs, iii, 449.

Baccharis, or Ploughman’s Spikenard, its uses in medicine, iii, 66.

Baldness, treatment of, see under Hair.

Balaustium, or Flower of Pomegranate, its uses in medicine, iii, 66.

Balote, or Base Horehouud, its medicinal uses, iii, 67.

Balsamum, or Balsam-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 67.

Bamboo-cane, sugar procured from, i, 319. See Sugar.

Barb, the fish, described by Ausonius, i, 161.

Barley, its character as an article of food, i, 123; its medicinal uses, iii, 195.

Basil, as an article of food, i, 115; its virtues in medicine, iii, 423.

Basilisk, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 189 et seq.

Bass, the fish, its characters as an article of food, i, 161.

Bastard Saffron, see Cnicus.

Baths, description of the ancient, i, 67-73; public, of the Romans, 68; mode in which the ancients took them, 68; natural baths or spas, 71.

Batos, or Bramble, its medicinal uses, iii, 68.

Baum, its medicinal uses, iii, 248.

Bay-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 93, 94.

Bdellium, account of, iii, 70, 439.

Bean, characters of the different varieties of, i, 126; its uses in medicine, iii, 199.

Bear’s Grease, its use in the cure of baldness, i, 342.

Bear’s Breech, see Acanthus.

Beasts, general characters of their flesh as food, i, 145; formed the principal part of man’s food in the heroic age, ibid.

Beccafigo, the ficedula of the Romans, i, 142.

Bee-glue, see Propolis.

Beef, its characters as an article of food, i, 148.

Beet, used as an article of food, i, 112; its uses in medicine, iii, 371.

Behen, dissertation upon, iii, 478.

Benet noctis, see Epinyctis.

Ben-nut, or Nut-ben, its medicinal powers, iii, 65.

Berberis, or Berberry, its introduction into medicine, iii, 438.

Berengemish, or Ozimum Gariofilatum, iii, 477.

Bettonica, or Bettony, on its characters as a medicine, iii, 71.

Bezoar, account of its introduction into medicine, iii, 426.

Bindweed, its medicinal powers, iii, 283.

Bird-lime, see Viscum.

Birthwort, see Aristolochia.

Bishop’s Weed, see Ammi.

Bitumen, see Asphaltos.

Blatta Pistrina, its uses in medicine, iii, 337.

Blitum, or Blite, its properties as a pot-herb, i, 114; its uses in medicine, iii, 72.

Blood, medicinal properties of the various kinds of, iii, 25.

Bones, their medicinal uses, iii, 287.

Borax, or Tincar, account of, iii, 476.

Bothrion, see Ulcers of the Eyes.

Botrys, or Goose-foot, its medicinal uses, iii, 73.

Brain, ancient physiology of the, i, 83; its uses in medicine, iii, 99.

Bramble, see Batos.

Bran, see Crimnon.

Bread, description of the varieties of, known to the ancients, i, 122; prepared with leaven or yeast, 123; its uses in medicine, iii, 55.

Breasts, on the diseases of, i, 504; male, morbidly resembling female, ii, 336.

Brine, see Muria.

Britannica, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 77, 78.

Brocoli, its dietetical characters according to Rhases, i, 113.

Bronchocele, surgical treatment of, ii, 316.

Bronchotomy, said to have been performed by Hippocrates in quinsy, i, 166. For a description of the operation, see Laryngotomy.

Broom, its uses in medicine, iii, 351.

Broth, account of its medicinal uses, iii, 126.

Bruised nail, on the treatment of, ii, 415.

Bryon, or Lichen, its medicinal uses, iii, 78.

Bryony, its uses in medicine, iii, 79.

Bubo, nature and treatment of, ii, 71-3.

Bubonocele, general account of, and its treatment, i, 589; surgical treatment of, ii, 377-9.

Bubonium, see Aster Atticus.

Buccellatum, the name of a sort of bread, i, 125.

Buccellatus, a compound purgative medicine, iii, 494.

Buccinæ, their uses in medicine, iii, 170.

Buckthorn-plantain, see Coronopus.

Buckthorn, see Rhamnus.

Bugs, see Cimices.

Buglossum, used as an article of food, i, 115; its medicinal powers, iii, 77.

Bulbi, the esculent, difficult to determine exactly, i, 118; medicinal powers of the esculent and emetic, iii, 73.

Bulimia, or Bulimos, treatment of, in fevers, i, 313.

Bullæ, see Phlyctænæ.

Bull’s-blood, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 230, 231.

Bunium, or Earth-nut, its medicinal powers, iii, 74.

Buphthalmum, or Ox-eye, its medicinal powers, iii, 76.

Buprestis, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 203; its uses in medicine, iii, 74.

Burncow, see Buprestis.

Burns, on the treatment of, ii, 42-5.

Burning, or application of the Cautery to, the eyelids, ii, 265; the armpits, 330; for empyema, 332; over the liver, 335; over the spleen, 336; over the stomach, 336; over the hip-joints, 394.

Bustard, or Otis, a delicious article of food, i, 142.

Butcher’s-broom, its medicinal powers, iii, 94.

Butter, its uses by the ancients in food and medicine, iii, 74-6.

Buzeiden, probably the Orchis morio, iii, 459; its uses in medicine, ibid.

Cabbage, its properties as a pot-herb, i, 113; taken to prevent intoxication, 176; its uses in medicine, iii, 193.

Cacalia, see Cacanus.

Cacanus, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 148.

Cachexia, nature and treatment of, i, 568.

Cactos, nature of, and its effects as a poison, ii, 240, 241.

Cadmia, or Calamine, its uses in medicine, iii, 149.

Cæliac affection, symptoms and treatment of, i, 520.

Calais, account of, as a medicine, iii, 228.

Calamagrostis, or Bull-reed, its medicinal powers, iii, 151.

Calaminth, its uses in medicine, iii, 151.

Calamus aromaticus, or Sweet-cane, its medicinal powers, iii, 152.

Calculus, see Lithotomy; general treatment of, i, 541; of the uterus, 632.

Callus, treatment of redundant, in fractures, ii, 476; of distortion from, 477; on bones which have not united for want of, 477.

Camphora, its characters as given by the Arabians, iii, 427.

Canals, nature of these surgical instruments, ii, 471.

Cancers, symptoms and general treatment of, ii, 79-83; surgical treatment of, ii, 334-336.

Canine appetite, in fevers, treatment of, i, 314.

Canker-worms of Pines, their uses in medicine, iii, 302.

Cannabis, or Hemp, its uses in medicine, iii, 155.

Canopum, or Elder, see under Elder.

Cantharis, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 201 et seq; uses of in medicine, iii, 153.

Caparis, or Caper-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 155.

Carbuncle of the eyelids, treatment of, i, 419, 432; general nature and treatment of, ii, 75, 79; the gem scarcely used as a medicine, iii, 224.

Carcinoma, of the eyelids, i, 419, 432.

Cardamom, its medicinal properties, iii, 157.

Cardiac disease, account of from Celsus, C. Aurelianus, and Aretæus, i, 292 et seq.

Carline Thistle, its characters as an article of food, i, 113.

Carobs, or Siliquæ, an inferior article of food, i, 137.

Carious Wood, its uses in medicine, iii, 326.

Carpesia, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 218.

Carpesium, falsely taken for cubebs, its uses in medicine, iii, 159.

Carrot, or Staphylinus, its characters as an article of food, i, 118.

Cartilaginous fishes, their characters as articles of food, i, 169 et seq.

Carum, or Caraway, its virtues as a medicine, iii, 158.

Carus, symptoms and treatment of the disease, i, 372.

Caryophyllon, or Cloves, its properties as a medicine, iii, 160.

Cassamum, the fruit of the Balsam-tree, iii, 161.

Cassia, its virtues as a medicine, iii, 161.

Cassia fistula, its medicinal characters as given by the Arabians, iii, 429-31; of the Greeks a very different substance, iii, 161.

Cassia lignea, same as the Cassia bark of the moderns, iii, 161.

Castor, supposed by the ancient authorities the testicles of the beaver, iii, 162; its characters as a medicine, 163.

Castor-oil Plant, its characters as a medicine, iii, 170, 171. See Ricinus.

Castration, description of the operation, iii, 379.

Catalepsy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 369, &c.

Cataphora, treatment of in fevers, i, 301.

Cataract, surgical treatment of, ii, 280-5.

Caterpillar, or Eruca, its properties as a medicine, iii, 153.

Catarrh, symptoms and treatment of, i, 469.

Caucalis, or Wild Carrot, its uses in medicine, iii, 163.

Cauda pudendi, symptoms and treatment of the disease, ii, 381-382.

Causus, see Ardent Fevers.

Catheterism, description of the operation, ii, 351.

Cedrus, or Juniper, its medicinal uses, iii, 164.

Celandine, or Chelidonium, its uses in medicine, iii, 412.

Cenchrinus, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 186.

Centaury, its uses in medicine, iii, 165.

Cepæa, its uses in medicine, iii, 169.

Cephalalgia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 350.

Cephalæa, symptoms and treatment of, i, 355.

Cera, or Wax, its uses in medicine, iii, 169.

Cerastes, a variety of the Egyptian viper, ii, 189; treatment of persons stung by, 187-9.

Cerasia, or Cherries, history of, as an article of food, i, 132, 133; their uses in medicine, iii, 167.

Ceratonia, see Carob-tree.

Ceruse, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 234; nature of, 235; its characters as a medicine, iii, 420.

Cetacea, or Large Fishes, account of, i, 170.

Ceterach, see Asplenium.

Chalazia of the eyelid, surgical treatment of, ii, 275.

Chalcanthos, disquisition on, iii, 402. See Atramentum sutorium.

Chalcitis, disquisition on the nature of, iii, 399-401.

Chamæleon, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 208; its characters as a medicine, iii, 407.

Chamædrops, its characters as a medicine, iii, 410.

Chamædrys, or Germander, its uses in medicine, iii, 406.

Chamæleuce, or Ground Poplar, its uses in medicine, iii, 407.

Chamæmelum, or Chamomile, its uses in medicine, iii, 408.

Chamæpitys, or Ground Pine, its virtues in medicine, iii, 409.

Chamæsyce, or Ground Fig, its virtues in medicine, iii, 410.

Chamelæa, its characters in medicine, iii, 410, 412. See Mezereon.

Characters for the different weights and measures, iii, 626-28.

Chaste-tree, see Vitex.

Cheese, varieties of, and their characters in dietetics, i, 155, 156; its uses in medicine, iii, 382.

Chemosis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 412, 425.

Cherry, see Cerasion.

Chesnuts, their characters as articles of food, i, 138.

Chickweed, see Alsine.

Chickpea, see Cicer.

Chilblains, treatment of, i, 676.

Chironian Ulcers, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 114.

Cholagogues, nature of, and list according to Mesue, iii, 489; to Margravius, 490.

Cholera, symptoms and treatment of, i, 515 et seq.

Chondrile, or Gum Succory, its characters as a medicine, iii, 414.

Chondrus or Farro, is a sort of shelled grain prepared from spelt, i, 123; used as a medicine, iii, 415.

Cicada or Tree-hopper, its uses in medicine, iii, 390.

Cicatrices of the eyes, treatment of, i, 418; treatment of black, ii, 118.

Cicer, or Chickpea, its uses as a medicine, iii, 112.

Cichorium, or Succory, its medicinal powers, iii, 176.

Cider, ancients well acquainted with the preparation of, i, 134.

Cimices, or Bugs, their medicinal powers, iii, 188.

Cinara, difficulty of determining what it was, i, 113.

Cinnabaris or Sanguis Draconis, its uses in medicine, iii, 171.

Cinnamon, its medicinal powers, iii, 172.

Cinquefoil, see Quinquefolium.

Circæa, or Enchanter’s Nightshade, its medicinal powers, iii, 173.

Circumcision, description of the operation, ii, 349, 350.

Circocele, surgical treatment of, ii, 370, 372.

Cistus or Rock-rose, its virtues as a medicine, iii, 174.

Citron, its characters as an article of food, i, 137.

Clavus, or Corns, on the treatment of, i, 678; of the feet, treatment of, ii, 416, 417.

Clavicle, on fractures of, ii, 447, 450; on dislocations of, ii, 482, 484.

Clematis, or Virgin’s Bower, its medicinal uses, iii, 177.

Clinopodium or Field-basil, its medicinal uses, iii, 178.

Clitoris, surgical treatment of enlarged, ii, 381, 382.

Clysters, description of the ancient, i, 57.

Cnicus, or Bastard Saffron, its powers as a medicine, iii, 178; used as an antidote to poisons, ibid.; its general uses in medicine, iii, 175.

Coagulated Milk, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 231.

Cocoa-nut, its characters as a medicine, iii, 438.

Cochleæ, or White Snails, esteemed as a delicacy by the Romans, i, 168; uses of, in medicine, iii, 192.

Cockle, see Ægilops.

Coeloma, see Ulcers.

Cold, treatment of persons injured by, i, 49.

Collyria, varieties of, and their composition, iii, 548, 558.

Colic, symptoms and treatment of, i, 531, &c.

Coltsfoot, its medicinal uses, iii, 72.

Colocynth, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 183.

Comfrey, see Symphytum.

Conchylia, their uses in medicine, iii, 178.

Condisi, poisonous substance treated of by the Arabians, ii, 242.

Condyloma of the Uterus, treatment of, iii, 382, 383; of the anus, treatment of, 405.

Congius, see Weights.

Contagion, history of ancient opinions on, i, 284, 288.

Continued or Synochous Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 256.

Contusion of the Ears, treatment of, i, 440, 445.

Conyza, or Fleabane, its medicinal uses, iii, 185.

Copper, the ancient varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 404, 406.

Copperas, see under Chalcanthos.

Corallium, or Coral, its medicinal uses, iii, 187.

Cordial Medicines, Arabian doctrines regarding the nature of, iii, 473.

Coriander, its medicinal properties, iii, 189.

Coris, its uses in medicine, iii, 189.

Cork, its uses in medicine, iii, 393.

Cornus, or Cornel, its medicinal uses, iii, 193.

Corns, see Clavus.

Coronopodium, probably the same as the Coronopus, i, 670; its purgative powers, iii, 495.

Coronopus, or Buckthorn-plantain, its characters as a medicine, iii, 190.

Cos, or Whetstone, account of, iii, 227.

Cosmetics of the ancients, see under Hair.

Costus, account of, and its properties in medicine, iii, 190, 192.

Cotton, the Horon, or Bombax of the Arabians, iii, 464, 465.

Cotton-thistle, see Acanthium.

Cotyledon, or Navel-wort, its uses in medicine, iii, 192.

Cough, treatment of, i, 309, 470, &c.

Counter-fissure, ancient opinions regarding, ii, 440.

Crab, its uses in medicine, iii, 158.

Crab-tree, see Epimelis.

Crane, a nutritious but indigestible article of food, i, 143.

Crane-bill, see Geranium.

Cratæogonon, its medicinal uses, iii, 194.

Cress, used as a seasoner by the ancient Persians, i, 114.

Crimnon, or Bran, its medicinal uses, iii, 196.

Crises in Fevers, account of, i, 198, &c.

Critical Days, ancient opinions regarding, i, 190, &c.

Crithmon, or Samphire, its uses in medicine, iii, 195.

Crocodiles, treatment of persons bitten by, ii, 193.

Crocodilium, its medicinal uses, iii, 197.

Crocomagma, composition of, iii, 531, 593.

Crustacea, their characters as articles of food, i, 170.

Crocus, or Saffron, its uses in medicine, iii, 198.

Cubebs, introduced into medicine by the Arabians, iii, 463.

Cucumber, its characters as an article of food, i, 128, 129; its uses in medicine, iii, 335.

Cucurbita, see Gourd.

Cudweed, see Gnaphalium.

Culeus, see Weights.

Cumin, its uses in medicine, iii, 203.

Cupping, ancient modes of performing, iii, 326, 330.

Curds and Whey, the Schiston of the ancients, i, 155.

Cuttle-fish, see under Sepia.

Cyanus, account of, and its medicinal uses, iii, 200.

Cyathus, see under Weights.

Cynanche, see under Quinsy.

Cyperus, its uses in medicine, iii, 204.

Cyphi, composition of, iii, 599, 600.

Cypress, its uses in medicine, iii, 204.

Cytisus, its medicinal uses, iii, 206.

Daffodil, or Narcissus, its medicinal uses, iii, 266.

Damascenes, their characters in dietetics, i, 136.

Darnel, its medicinal virtues, iii, 26.

Date, used in various ways as an article of food, i, 135; wine prepared from, ibid.

Daucus, see Carrot.

Defluxion on the Eyes, treatment of, i, 411.

Deliquium Animi, treatment of, in fevers, i, 327; distinction between it and syncope, 328.

Delirium Tremens, case of, related by Hippocrates, i, 407.

Demoniacs, what the persons so designated in Scripture probably were, i, 383.

Dende of the Arabians, either the lignum colabrinum or croton tiglium, iii, 448.

Dentifrices, list of, and their uses, i, 455.

Depilatories, composition of, and their uses, i, 342, 588.

Dessert, or Mensa secunda, articles served at the, i, 131.

Diabetes, symptoms and treatment of, i, 547.

Diarrhœa, general treatment of, i, 520; colliquative in fevers, i, 298, 299.

Dictamnus, or Dittany, its uses in medicine, iii, 95.

Dietetics, ancient authorities on, i, 107.

Diets, or Meals, of the ancients, i, 108.

Difficult Labour, treatment of, i, 646 et seq.

Dill, see Anethum.

DIOCLES, epistle of, to Antigonus, i, 183; remarks on, 186.

Diospolites, composition of, iii, 519.

Diphryges, or Husk of Brass, its uses in medicine, iii, 95.

Dipsacus, or Teasel, its medicinal powers, iii, 95.

Disorder of the Eye, treatment of, i, 423.

Distaff-thistle, see Atractylis.

Dislocations, see Luxations.

Dittany, see Dictamnus.

Diudar, an Indian pine described by the Arabians, iii, 450, 451.

Diuretics, officinal, for persons in health, i, 54.

Dock, or Rumex, noticed as an article of food, i, 115. See Lapathum.

Dogsbane, or Brassica canina, its medicinal properties, iii, 48.

Dog-rose, or Hip-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 203.

Dorcas, the Gazelle, its flesh reckoned wholesome and delicious, i, 148; pulse named from, i, 212, 216, 221.

Dorycnium, modern opinions regarding, ii, 225; its medicinal uses, iii, 96.

Dracunculus, or Dragon-herb, its characters as a pot-herb, i, 114; its medicinal virtues, iii, 97.

Drachm, see Weights.

Dropaces, or Calefacient Plasters, composition of, iii, 581, 587.

Dropsy, treatment of, i, 569 et seq.; surgical treatment of, see Paracentesis.

Dross of Silver, its uses in medicine, iii, 106.

Dryinus, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 181, 182.

Dryopteris, or Oak-fern, its medicinal virtues, iii, 97.

Duck, its characters as an article of food, i, 143.

Duella, see Weights.

Dung, its uses in medicine, iii, 186.

Dyspepsia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 513, &c.

Dysentery, symptoms and treatment of, i, 505, &c.

Dysuria, treatment of, i, 517.

Ear, on the diseases of, i, 437 et seq.

Eagle-stone, or Ætites, its uses in medicine, iii, 227.

Earths, the medicinal, of the ancients, iii, 83, 85.

Earthworms, the uses of, in medicine, iii, 85.

Ebeny, its medicinal powers, iii, 98, 99.

Ecchymosis, treatment of, ii, 87.

Echidna, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 177-180.

Echinos, different kinds of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 121.

Echium, or Viper’s Bugloss, its medicinal properties, iii, 122.

Ecpiesmus, a disease of the eye, treatment of, i, 422, 436.

Ectropion, symptoms and general treatment of, i, 413, 427; surgical treatment of, ii, 427.

Eel, its characters as an article of food, i, 160.

Eggs, their characters as given by the dietetical authorities, i, 144; how the ancients preserved them, ibid.; their uses in medicine, iii, 422.

Elaphoboscus, its medicinal powers, iii, 104.

Elaterium, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 239, 240; its medicinal powers, iii, 102, 103.

Elatine, or Toadflax, its medicinal powers, iii, 104.

Elbow, on dislocations at the, ii, 489-492.

Elder, two species of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 30.

Elæomeli, nature of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 102.

Electrum, or Amber, its medicinal uses, iii, 129.

Elecampane, its uses in medicine, iii, 105.

Elephant, use of its hoofs in medicine, iii, 106.

Elephantiasis, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 1-14; probably the original of syphilis, 14; still prevalent in certain countries, 15.

Elechrysum, or Shrubby Everlasting, its uses in medicine, iii, 109.

Elm, its medicinal powers, iii, 312.

Emaciation, on the treatment of, i, 82-84.

Embryotomy, or Embryulcia, description of the operation, ii, 387-392.

Emery, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 226.

Emetics, on the administration of, iii, 503-510.

Emmenagogues, account of, i, 612, &c. See Menstrual Discharge.

Emphysema, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 84, 86; of the eyes, i, 412, 426.

Empetrum, or Black-berried Heath, its uses in medicine, iii, 100.

Emplastic medicines, description of, iii, 7.

Encanthis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 430, &c.; surgical treatment of, ii, 276.

Endive, its characters as an article of food, ii, 113; its uses in medicine, iii, 319.

Enterocele, description and general treatment of, i, 589; surgical treatment of, ii, 372, 377.

Ephemeral Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 225, 235.

Ephemeron, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 222; same as the colchicum and hermodactylus; its medicinal powers, iii, 119.

Epidemic diseases, account of, i, 273, &c.

Epimedium, or Barrenwort, its uses in medicine, iii, 111.

Epimelis, or Crab-tree, its medicinal uses, iii, 112.

Epinyctis, symptoms and treatment of the disease, ii, 39, 40.

Epistaxis, general treatment of, i, 457; in fevers, treatment of, i, 325.

Epipactis, or Bastard Hellebore, its uses in medicine, iii, 112.

Epithymum, or Dodder of Thyme, its uses in medicine, iii, 111.

Epulis, surgical treatment of, ii, 294.

Erica, see Heath.

Erinos, or Water-basil, its medicinal powers, iii, 114.

Eruca, or Rocket, its virtues in medicine, iii, 118.

Eryngo, its medicinal uses, iii, 132.

Erysipelas, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 65-70; on the use of liquid applications for, 70; of the brain, i, 365; of the anus, i, 602.

Erysipelatous Fevers, on the treatment of, i, 269 et seq.

Erysimum, or Hedge-mustard, its medicinal uses, iii, 117.

Erythrodanum, or Madder, its medicinal uses, iii, 116.

Euphorbium, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 241; its uses in medicine, iii, 119.

Eupatorium, doubts respecting, and its uses in medicine, iii, 118.

Exanthemata of the head, and treatment of, i, 345; symptoms and treatment of, ii, 37-39.

Excoriations, treatment of, ii, 47.

Exercises, description of those used by the ancients, i, 20-27.

Exomphalos, or Umbilical Hernia, treatment of, ii, 340-342.

Eye, on the general diseases of, i, 409 et seq.

Face, on the affections of, i, 452.

Facies Hippocratica, description of, i, 190, 191.

Fagara or Fagre, a medicinal substance described by the Arabians, iii, 456.

Far, or Spelt, its dietetical characters, i, 123; its virtues in medicine, iii, 123.

Farro, see Chondrus.

Fats, their uses in medicine, iii, 354, 355.

Faufel, an Arabic medicine, probably areca catechu, iii, 454.

Favi, nature and treatment of, ii, 97-99.

Fel, an Arabic medicine not well understood, iii, 448.

Female Flux, symptoms and treatment of, i, 617 et seq.

Fennel, its uses in medicine, iii, 242.

Fennel, Giant, its uses in medicine, iii, 265.

Fenugreek, its medicinal powers, iii, 373.

Fermentum, or Leaven, its uses in medicine, iii, 126.

Fern, its uses in medicine, iii, 312.

Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 187-335; ancient authorities upon, 187.

Fici, symptoms and treatment of, i, 347.

Field-basil, see Clinopodium.

Fig, its characters as an article of food, i, 129, 132; green figs, their medicinal uses, iii, 272; ripe figs, 362, 363.

Filix, or Female Fern, its uses in medicine, iii, 136.

Fingers, surgical treatment of preternatural, ii, 331.

Fir-tree, its medicinal powers, iii, 103, 104.

Fistula, general treatment of, ii, 129, &c.; surgical treatment of, 396-399.

Fistula Lachrymalis, see Ægilops.

Fishes, their characters as articles of food, i, 157 et seq.

Fissures of the uterus, i, 645, &c.; of the feet, 176; of the anus, ii, 405.

Flamingo, its tongue reckoned a great delicacy, i, 143.

Fleawort, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 211.

Foot, on the fractures at the, ii, 470.

Forceps, in midwifery known to Avicenna, i, 650; one found in the house of an obstetrix at Pompei, 652.

Fowls, account of as articles of food, i, 139, &c.

Fox, see Vulpes.

Fractures, account of, and their differences, ii, 427-478; of the skull, 429; complicated with a wound, 472.

Frankincense, its medicinal uses, iii, 217.

Freckles on the face, remedies for, i, 452.

Friar’s Cowl, see Arisarum.

Friction, the preparatory described, i, 19; different kinds of, 28.

Frog, not used as an article of food by the ancients, i, 166 (misspelt rog); uses in medicine, see Rana.

Fructus horæi, or Summer Fruits, their characters, i, 128.

Frumentacea, their characters as articles of food, i, 120, &c.

Fucus marinus, or Sea-weed, its uses in medicine, iii, 397.

Fuligo, or Soot, its medicinal powers, iii, 56.

Fumaria, or Fumitory, its medicinal uses, iii, 159.

Furunculus, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 73-75.

Gagate, or Jet, used as a test of epilepsy, i, 380; its virtues in medicine, iii, 225.

Galactites, account of, and its medicinal powers, iii, 222.

Galangal, or Galanga, account of its introduction into medicine, iii, 433.

Galbanum, its uses in medicine, iii, 398.

Galiopsis, its medicinal uses, iii, 81.

Galium, its medicinal uses, iii, 80.

Gall, or Bile, its uses in medicine, iii, 413.

Gallæ, or Galls, their medicinal uses, iii, 168.

Gall-stones, noticed by Alexander Trallian, i, 566; by Haly Abbas, and others, 586.

Ganglion, nature and treatment of, ii, 50, 51; surgical treatment of, 317, 318.

Gangrene, or Sphacelus, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 59-61.

Garlic, its uses in medicine, iii, 345.

Gastroraphe, description of the operation, ii, 342-345.

Gazelle, or Dorcas, used for food, i, 148.

Genital organs, on the diseases of, i, 600; Celsus the best authority on, 604.

Gentian, its uses in medicine, iii, 82.

Geodes, account of, iii, 226.

Geranium, or Cranebill, its medicinal uses, iii, 83.

Germander, or Chamædrys, its uses in medicine, iii, 406.

Gilbenee, or Cerbera manghas, its introduction into medicine, iii, 467.

Gilt-head, its characters as an article of food, i, 165.

Ginger, see Zingiber.

Gingidium, or Toothpick Fennel, used as a pot-herb, i, 113; its medicinal uses, iii, 86.

Gith, or Nigella, its uses in medicine, iii, 245.

Glass, account of the ancient, and its uses in medicine, iii, 383, 384.

Glaucium, or Horned Poppy, its medicinal uses, iii, 87.

Glaucoma, account of the disease, i, 421-434.

Glaux, or Milkwort, its medicinal uses, iii, 87.

Gluten, or Glue, its uses in medicine, iii, 181.

Glycyrrhiza, or Liquorice, its medicinal uses, iii, 88.

Gnaphalium, or Cudweed, its medicinal powers, iii, 89.

Goat’s-flesh, its characters as an article of food, i, 148.

Goat’s-horn, its uses in medicine, iii, 166.

Godwit, probably the attagen of the ancients, i, 140; much sought after as an article of food, ibid.

Gongylis, or Turnip, its medicinal uses, iii, 90. See Turnip.

Gonorrhœa, symptoms and treatment of, i, 593.

Goose, characters of as an article of food, i, 143.

Goose-foot, see Botrys.

Gordylium, see Tordylium.

Gourd, use of as an article of food, i, 127, 128; its medicinal uses, iii, 182.

Gout, varieties and treatment of, i, 657-676.

Gramen, or Grass, see Agrostis.

Granum Gnidium, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 179.

Granum tinctorum, iii, 180.

Granum Kelkel, iii, 466.

Grape, account of its qualities as an article of food, i, 132.

Grape-stones, their uses in medicine, iii, 86.

Gromwel, see Lithospermum.

Ground-ivy, or Chamæcissos, its uses in medicine, iii, 407.

Ground-poplar, or Chamæleuce, its uses in medicine, iii, 407.

Groundsel, see Senecio.

Gudgeon, used as an article of food, i, 163.

Gum, its medicinal powers, iii, 184.

Gypsum, or Mineral White, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 233; modern writers on toxicology have overlooked, 234; its characters as a medicine, iii, 91.

Gyris, or Pollen, its medicinal powers, iii, 91.

Hæmatite, or Bloodstone, its use in hæmoptysis, i, 489; its general uses in medicine, iii, 200, 222.

Hæmatemesis, described by Actuarius, i, 515.

Hæmorrhus, on the treatment of persons stung by, ii, 183-185; a variety of the viper, 185.

Hager Albuzedi, an Arabian medicine, iii, 476.

Hager Alcazaha, an Arabian medicine, iii, 477.

Hager Salachil, or Lapis corneolus, account of, iii, 476.

Haggis, see Isicia.

Hair, on the diseases of, i, 337, &c.; compositions for dyeing, 342; hair and nails said to grow after death, 345; its uses in medicine, iii, 380.

Hake, the fish, noticed by several ancient writers, i, 165.

Halimus, or Sea-purslane, used as an article of food, i, 113; its uses in medicine, iii, 32.

Hand and Fingers, on fractures of the bones of, ii, 465, 466.

Hare, characters of as an article of food, i, 149.

Hartshorn, its uses in medicine, iii, 166.

Heads, their medicinal uses, iii, 167.

Headache, treatment of in fevers, ii, 301; general treatment of, 350.

Heart, temperaments and physiology of, i, 94 et seq.; on the affections of, 501.

Hearing, difficult, treatment of, i, 440.

Heath, its medicinal powers, i, 113.

Hectic Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 266, &c.

Hedera, or Ivy, its uses in medicine, iii, 175.

Hedge-mustard, see Erysimum.

Hedychroum, on the composition of, iii, 510.

Hellebore, the White and the Black, on poisoning by the White, ii, 239; their uses in medicine, iii, 107; modes of administering the White, 503 et seq.; Bastard, see Epipactis.

Heliotropium, or Sunflower, its medicinal uses, iii, 128.

Hemlock, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 211, &c.; effects of in the case of Socrates, 212; its uses in medicine, iii, 206.

Hemina, see Weights.

Hemerocallis, or Lily of the Valley, its uses in medicine, iii, 131.

Hemicrania, symptoms and treatment of, i, 355, &c.

Hemionitis, or Moonfern, its medicinal uses, iii, 131.

Hemiplegia, see Apoplexy.

Hemorrhage, ancient modes of treating, i, 448, and ii, 127, &c.; from the nose in fevers, i, 326.

Hemorrhoids of the Womb, general treatment of, i, 603; surgical treatment of, ii, 382, 383; of the anus, treatment of, 403.

Henbane, varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 386.

Hepialus, a species of quotidian, i, 251, 252.

Hermodactylus, its use in gout, i, 660, &c.; its uses in medicine, iii, 114; preparation of, 494.

Hermaphrodites, account of, and their treatment, ii, 381.

Hernia, different species of, i, 589, &c.

Herpes, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 61.

Hiccup, treatment of in fevers, i, 321.

Hieræ, on the composition of, iii, 500-3.

Hieracites, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 227.

Hip-joint, symptoms and treatment of dislocations at, ii, 498-504; on fractures of its bones, ii, 454, 455.

Hippocampus, its medicinal powers, iii, 143.

Hippolapathum, its uses in medicine, iii, 143.

Hippomarathrum, or Horse-fennel, its uses in medicine, iii, 143.

Hippophaes, its medicinal uses, iii, 144.

Hippopotamus, or Sea-horse, its medicinal uses, iii, 144.

Hipposelinum, or Horse-parsley, its medicinal uses, iii, 144.

Hippuris, or Horse’s-tail, its uses in medicine, iii, 144.

Holostium, its medicinal powers, iii, 274.

Honey, its uses as an article of food, i, 178; its uses in medicine, iii, 246.

Honeysuckle, French, its medicinal powers, iii, 128.

Hops, or humulus lupulus, its medicinal powers, as stated by Mesue, iii, 471.

Hordeolum, or Stye, symptoms and treatment of, i, 414, 427.

Horehound, see Marrubium.

Horon, or Bombax, disquisition on, iii, 471. See also Cotton.

Horned Poppy, see Glaucium.

Husk of Brass, its medicinal uses, iii, 95. See Diphryges.

Hyacinth, the herb, its uses in medicine, iii, 382, 383; the gem, its uses in medicine, 475.

Hydatids, described by Aretæus, Galen, and Rhases, i, 574; by Hippocrates, 564; of the eyelids, operation for the removal of, ii, 271.

Hydragogues, list of, and their action, iii, 492.

Hydrargyrus, see Mercury.

Hydrocephalus, surgical treatment of, ii, 250-253.

Hydromel, account of its uses and modes of preparing, i, 179.

Hydrops uteri, described by Hippocrates, i, 573. See Dropsy.

Hydrocele, description of the operation for, ii, 365-368.

Hydrophobia, history of and modes of treatment, ii, 127 et seq.

Hydropiper, its uses in medicine, iii, 385.

Hydrus, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 185, 186.

Hypecoum, its uses in medicine, iii, 388.

Hypercatharsis, treatment of, iii, 499.

Hypericum, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 388.

Hypocistis, its uses in medicine, iii, 389.

Hypoglossum, its uses in medicine, iii, 389.

Hypopia, or Bruised Spots, treatment of, i, 452.

Hypopyon of the eye, general treatment of, i, 417, &c.; surgical treatment of, ii, 279, 280.

Hypospadiæum, or Imperforate Glans, treatment of, ii, 347.

Hypospathismus, description of the operation, ii, 256-258.

Hyposphagma of the eyes, treatment of, i, 412, &c.

Ichthyocolla, its medicinal uses, iii, 148.

Icterus, etymology of the term, i, 582. See Jaundice.

Idæan root, inquiry what it was, and its uses in medicine, iii, 140.

Ignis Persicus, inquiry what disease it was, ii, 70-78.

Ignis sacer, inquiry what disease it was, ii, 68.

Ileus, symptoms and treatment of, i, 539, &c.

Imagination, influence of, in pregnant women, on the fœtus, i, 2, 3.

Imperforate meatus auditorius, treatment of, ii, 288; pudendum, treatment of, 383, 384; anus, treatment of, 405.

Impetigo, term used by Celsus, ii, 19; misapplied by the Arabians, 21, &c.

Impotence, means for removing, i, 46, 599.

Impostors in the profession, account of, ii, 245.

Incubus, symptoms and treatment of, i, 388, &c.

Indigestion, on the treatment of, i, 44.

Infancy, diseases of, i, 10-12.

Infants, on the management of, i, 8 et seq.

Inflammation of the eyes, treatment of, i, 410 et seq.

Inflation of the stomach, symptoms and treatment of, i, 514; of the womb, treatment of, 632.

Ink, description of the ancient, iii, 243-4.

Inspectiones cadaverum, practised by the ancients, i, 503, 567.

Instruments for operations on the skull, ii, 434.

Intemperaments, description and treatment of, i, 101.

Intercurrent pulse, characters of, i, 220.

Intermitting pulse, characters of, ibid.

Intoxication, on the treatment of, i, 43.

Inula, see Elecampane.

Iris, varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 145-6.

Iron, its uses in medicine, iii, 334.

Isatis or Woad, its medicinal uses, iii, 146.

Ischiatic disease, symptoms and treatment of, i, 682, &c.

Isicia, an account of, and their composition, i, 171.

Isinglass-fish, not used as an article of food, i, 162.

Isopyrum or Bogbean, account of, and its virtues in medicine, iii, 146-7.

Ixia, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 221; probably was the Carlina acaulis, ibid.

Jasper, its uses in medicine, iii, 221, 223.

Jaundice, symptoms and treatment of, i, 580.

Jaw, on fractures of the lower, ii, 445, 447; on dislocations of, 479, &c.

Jesemin, probably a species of jasminum, iii, 458.

Judaic Stone, its medicinal powers, iii, 221, 223.

Jujubes, their characters as articles of food, i, 137; are the serica of Galen, ibid.

Juniper, varieties of used in medicine, iii, 50, 164.

Jusculum, or Broth, its medicinal properties, iii, 126.

Kadi, an Arabian medicine, account of, iii, 460.

Karabe, disquisition on the, iii, 453-4; probably not amber as generally supposed, ibid.

Kidneys, on the diseases of the, i, 541, &c.; hemorrhage of, 546, 555; hardness of, 546, 556.

Kingspear, see Asphodelus.

Knapweed, see Stœbe.

Kustberkush, an Arabian medicine; the Tamarix orientalis, iii, 467.

Lactuca, or Lettuce, used in insomnolency by Galen, i, 182, 183; its medicinal uses, iii, 137, 138.

Ladanum, its uses in medicine, iii, 208.

Lagophthalmos, or Hare-eye, treatment of, ii, 266.

Lagopus, its uses in medicine, iii, 208.

Lampsana, or Nipplewort, its medicinal powers, iii, 209.

Lamprey, account of as an article of food, i, 165.

Lana, or Wool, its medicinal uses, iii, 113.

Lapathum, or Dock, its medicinal uses, iii, 210.

Lapis Lazuli, its medicinal uses, iii, 477. See Cyanus.

Lapis Lyncurius, account of, iii, 227.

Lapis Specularis, account of, iii, 351.

Lappa, or Cleavers, its characters as a medicine, iii, 47.

Lark, sometimes used as an article of food, i, 141; its medicinal uses, iii, 193.

Laryngotomy, description of the operation, ii, 303-5.

Lassitude, varieties of, and their treatment, i, 30-6.

Lathyris, a species of spurge, its uses, iii, 209.

Laurus, see Bay-tree.

Laurus Herba, see Butcher’s Broom.

Laxatives to persons in health, i, 54.

Lead, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 237; ancients well acquainted with its deleterious qualities, 237, 238; its uses in medicine, iii, 255.

Leaf, the Malabathrum, or Cassia-leaf, iii, 397.

Leaven, see Fermentum.

Leeches, treatment of persons who have swallowed, ii, 207, &c.; on bleeding by means of, 328, &c.

Leek, see Porrum.

Lees of Wine, their uses in medicine, iii, 380.

Leg, on fractures of the, ii, 469.

Lehibach, probably the Mussaenda frondosa, iii, 467.

Lemon, said to have been noticed by Avicenna, i, 137—statement corrected; described by Ebn Baithar, iii, 472.

Lentes, see Weights.

Lentils, used as articles of food, especially by the Egyptians, i, 126; their uses in medicine, iii, 392.

Lentiscus, or Lentisk, its medicinal uses, iii, 365.

Leontopetalon, or Lion’s Leaf, its uses in medicine, iii, 212.

Lepidium, or Pepperwort, its uses in medicine, iii, 212.

Lepra, or Leprosy, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 16, &c.; term lepra not used by Celsus, 19.

Lethargy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 366, &c.

Leucas, its medicinal powers, iii, 215.

Leucacantha, or White-thorn, its uses in medicine, iii, 214.

Leuce, description of the disease, ii, 31, 32; the snow-white leprosy of the Jews, 32; mixed with elephantiasis, 33.

Leucoma, symptoms and treatment of, i, 418, 431.

Lichen, description of the disease, ii, 24, &c.; tendency to pass into lepra and scabies, 25, 26; described by the Arabians under the term impetigo, 26; tropicus, by what ancient authors described, ibid.

Lichen, the vegetable, its uses in medicine, iii, 211.

Lientery, symptoms and treatment of, i, 520, &c.

Ligature, use of in wounds of arteries, ii, 130.

Lily, its uses in medicine, iii, 196. See under Nymphæa.

Lime, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 235, 236; its uses in medicine, iii, 380.

Limpets, see Tellinæ.

Limonium, or Sea Lavender, its uses in medicine, iii, 211.

Liniments, composition of, iii, 581-7; to the anus and navel, 502, 503; to the mouth and throat, 541, 544.

Linseed, sometimes used as an article of food, i, 127; its characters as a medicine, iii, 230.

Lipyria, account of the fever, iii, 252.

Liquorice, see Glycyrrhiza.

Litharge, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 236, 237; its uses in medicine, iii, 219.

Lithontriptics, ancient views regarding, i, 549 et seq.

Lithospermum, or Gromwel, its characters as a medicine, iii, 229.

Lithotomy, history of ancient opinions on, ii, 354-63.

Liver, physiology of, i, 98; affections of, 560 et seq.; of animals used as an article of food, 151; its properties and uses as a medicine, iii, 131.

Lividity, on the treatment of, i, 39.

Lixivia, or Lyes, account of the ancient, and their uses, iii, 184.

Lizard, its uses in medicine, iii, 328.

Locust, used as an article of food, i, 143; used in medicine, iii, 30.

Lolium, see Darnel.

Lonchitis, or Rough Spleenwort, its uses in medicine, iii, 233.

Looseness of the bowels, treatment of in fevers, i, 324.

Lotus-tree, account of as an article of food, i, 138; the medicinal powers of the herb, iii, 236.

Lovage, its characters as a medicine, iii, 219.

Love, symptoms and treatment of, i, 391.

Lungs, temperaments and physiology of, i, 83 et seq.; their uses in medicine, iii, 304.

Lupine, an inferior article of food, i, 127; its characters as given by Galen, ibid.; its uses in medicine, iii, 136.

Luxations, account of, ii, 478 et seq.; of the lower jaw, 479-82; sometimes fatal, 481, 482; complicated with a wound, 509; a fracture, 510, 511.

Lycanthropia, description of the disease, i, 389; Burton and Mead’s opinions respecting, 390.

Lycium, account of, and its virtues in medicine, iii, 234.

Lychnis, or Campion, its uses in medicine, iii, 235.

Lycopsis, or Hound’s-tongue, its uses in medicine, iii, 234.

Lydian Stone, its uses in medicine, iii, 327.

Lyes, see Lixivia.

Lysimachium, its medicinal powers, iii, 235.

Mace, improperly identified with Macer, iii, 436; its uses in medicine, 436-38.

Macer, conjectures respecting, iii, 237.

Mackerel, account of its qualities from Xenocrates, i, 162.

Mad Dogs, see Hydrophobia.

Madarosis, or Milphosis, treatment of, i, 415, 429.

Madder, see Erythrodanum.

Madwort, see Alysson.

Magnet, ancient opinions regarding the, and its uses in medicine, i, 225.

Mahaleb, what it probably was, iii, 458.

Maiden-hair, its properties as a medicine, iii, 22.

Maimed parts, treatment of, iii, 294.

Malabathrum, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 237.

Malingerers, on the detection of, ii, 244.

Mallows, characters as a potherb, i, 112; its uses in medicine, iii, 238.

Mamira, account of, iii, 239.

Mandragora, or Mandrake, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 218, 219; its uses in medicine, iii, 240.

Mania, symptoms and treatment of, i, 383 et seq.

Manna Thuris, description of, i, 451, and iii, 125; account of the different kinds of manna, iii, 443-45.

Margaritæ, or Pearls, their uses in medicine, iii, 473.

Marjoram, see Amaracus.

Marrow, its uses in medicine, iii, 257.

Marrubium, or Horehound, its characters in medicine, iii, 309.

Masticatories, on the composition of, i, 59, 60.

Mastich, its uses in medicine, iii, 423.

Masucha, composition of, iii, 601.

Maudlin, see Ageratum.

Materia Medica, list of ancient authorities upon, iii, 3.

Maza, how prepared, i, 124.

Meadow Rue, see Thalictrum.

Meadow Saffron, see Hermodactylus.

Meals of the ancients, i, 108. See Diets.

Measles, ancient history of, i, 330.

Measures, full account of those used by the ancients, iii, 609-27.

Meatus auditorius, imperforate, ii, 288; extraction of bodies from, 289-91.

Meconium, account of, iii, 250.

Medium, its characters as a medicine, iii, 249.

Medlars, their characters as an article of food, i, 135.

Meisce, or Mes, account of, iii, 464.

Meizaragi, the Cocculus Indicus, its uses in medicine, iii, 460.

Melas, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 16; the Lepra nigricans of Willan, 23, &c.

Melancholy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 380, &c.

Melæna, noticed by Actuarius, i, 515.

Melca, a preparation from milk, i, 155.

Melanogogues, list of, and their action, iii, 491.

Melanteria, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 244.

Melilot, its characters as a medicine, iii, 247.

Melititis, or Honey Stone, its uses in medicine, iii, 220, 222.

Meliceris, treatment of, ii, 94, 96.

Melon and Melopepon, account of, i, 129.

Memory, supposed to be connected with the posterior part of the brain, i, 90, 373; on the loss of, and of reason, 372.

Memphites, account of, iii, 228.

Men, on the bite of, ii, 193.

Mentagra, account of the disease, ii, 27.

Mentha, or Mint, its medicinal powers, iii, 127.

Menstrual Discharge, ancient theories regarding, i, 608; retention of, 609 et seq.

Mercury, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 238; knowledge of, possessed by the ancients, 239; its uses in medicine, iii, 385.

Merle, the fish, used as an article of food, i, 164.

Metasyncritica, or Alteratives, account of, i, 353.

Mezereon, see Chamelæa.

Mial, or Storax humida, probably the Liquidambar orientale, iii, 460; its uses in ancient medicine, ibid.

Milk, its characters as an article of food, i, 150 et seq.; methods of preparing and using it, 154 et seq.; characters of good milk in a nurse, and mode of correcting bad, 6, 7; its uses in medicine, iii, 79.

Milkwort, see Glaux.

Millet, its characters as an article of food, i, 124; its uses in medicine, iii, 163.

Millefoil, its medicinal powers, iii, 260.

Millepedes, or Slaters, their medicinal uses, iii, 276.

Misy, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 253.

Mole, two species of, in the uterus described, i, 630.

Mollusca, account of the articles belonging to this class, i, 169.

Moly, or Wild Garlic, its uses in medicine, iii, 262.

Moonfern, see Hemionitis.

Morphea, use of the term by the Arabians, ii, 23; by modern authorities, 35.

Morochthus, its medicinal uses, iii, 221, 223.

Mouth, on the diseases of the, i, 454.

Mugwort, see Artemisia.

Mulberry, its characters when used for food, i, 132; its uses in medicine, iii, 256.

Muluchia, or Jews’ Mallow, its virtues, iii, 468.

Murena, much esteemed as an article of food, i, 162; treatment of persons stung by, ii, 191.

Muria, or Brine, its medicinal powers, iii, 34.

Mus Araneus, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 175, 176.

Musa, the Musa paradisiaca, virtues of, iii, 473.

Mushrooms, their properties, as given by the dietetical writers, i, 119; treatment of persons poisoned by, ii, 228 et seq.; kinds of, known to the ancients, ii, 229; their uses in medicine, iii, 250.

Muscles, their uses in medicine, iii, 257.

Musk, its virtues, as stated by the Arabian authorities, iii, 468-70.

Must, account of, i, 177.

Mustard, its characters when used as an article of food, i, 115; its uses in medicine, iii, 263.

Mustela, or Weasel, its uses in medicine, iii, 8.

Mutton, its characters as an article of food, i, 148.

Myagrum, or Gold of Paradise, its uses in medicine, iii, 257.

Mydriasis, or Dilatation of the Pupil, treatment of, i, 133.

Myopia, treatment of, i, 422, 436.

Myrmecia, description and treatment of, ii, 48, 49; surgical treatment of, 417.

Myrobalans, description of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 440-3.

Myrrh, or Myrrhis, its uses in medicine, iii, 260, 261.

Myrrh, or Myrrha, the gum-resin, its uses in medicine, iii, 348.

Myrtle, its uses in medicine, iii, 261.

Nails, on the diseases of the, i, 680 et seq.

Nard, different species of, and their uses, in medicine, iii, 264, &c.

Nasturtium, its uses in medicine, iii, 156.

Nausea, in fevers, on the treatment of, i, 319.

Navel, protrusion of, and its treatment, i, 587.

Nefrin, or Nerfin, probably the Narcissus orientalis, its virtues, iii, 467.

Nerium, or Oleander, poisoning by, ii, 242; its virtues as a medicine, iii, 268.

Nerves, of motion and sensation distinct, i, 398; on wounds of, ii, 133 et seq.

Nettle, noticed as a potherb by Theophrastus, i, 113; its medicinal properties, iii, 27.

Neuras, what it probably was, and its uses in medicine, iii, 267.

Nightmare, see Incubus.

Nightingale, used as an article of food, i, 141.

Nipplewort, see Lampsana.

Nitre, nature of the ancient, and its medicinal powers, iii, 231.

Nitri spuma, description of, iii, 62, 63.

Noises in the ears, treatment of, i, 433, 439.

Nose, on diseases of the, i, 446; on fractures of the, ii, 443.

Nutmeg, see Mace.

Nurse, on the choice of, i, 3, 4.

Nux Henden, or Banden, account of, iii, 463.

Nux Mechil, account of, iii, 463.

Nux Methel, account of, iii, 462.

Nux Vomica, disquisition on, iii, 461.

Nux Juglans and Avellana, their uses in medicine, iii, 159.

Nyctalopia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 420, 433.

Nymphæa, or Water-lily, its uses in medicine, iii, 268, 269.

Oak, medicinal powers of the different kinds of, iii, 98.

Oak-fern, see Dryopteris.

Oats, their character as an article of food, i, 124.

Obesity, on the treatment of, i, 80.

Obolus, see Weights.

Ocimoides, its uses in medicine, iii, 424.

Ocymum, or Basil, not esteemed as a potherb, i, 115.

Œdema, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 83, 84.

Œnanthe, its medicinal powers, iii, 271.

Œnantharia, description of, iii, 598, 599.

Œsypum, or Unscoured Wool, its uses in medicine, iii, 272.

Oils, on the composition of, iii, 589-98; their medicinal powers, 100, &c.

Ointments, composition of, iii, 589-98.

Old age, regimen suitable for, i, 36, 37.

Oleander, its effects as a poison, ii, 242; its uses in medicine, see Nerium.

Olive, greatly esteemed by the ancients, i, 135; its medicinal uses, iii, 99, 100.

Olyra, see Spelt.

Omphacium, or Juice of the Unripe Grape, its uses in medicine, iii, 274.

Onagra, or Tree Primrose, its medicinal uses, iii, 275.

Oneirogmon, symptoms and treatment of, i, 594.

Onion, its dietetical qualities as given by various authorities, i, 118; its medicinal virtues, iii, 199.

Onobrychis, or Cockshead, its uses in medicine, iii, 276.

Ononis, or Restharrow, its medicinal powers, iii, 278.

Onosma, its uses in medicine, iii, 275.

Onyx, what it was, and its uses in medicine, iii, 277.

Operative surgery, ancient writers upon, ii, 247.

Ophthalmy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 409, &c., 423.

Ophites, description of, and its powers in medicine, iii, 226.

Ophiasis, see Hair.

Opium, see Poppy, disquisition on its action, ii, 215; particular account of its uses in medicine, iii, 279-83.

Orache, its characters as a potherb, i, 114.

Orange, not noticed by any ancient author, i, 134—this statement corrected; described by the Arabians, iii, 472.

Orchis, its medicinal properties, iii, 286.

Orobanche, or Holly-rose, its medicinal virtues, iii, 285.

Orpine, see Telephium.

Orthopnœa, see Asthma.

Os Sacrum, on ulceration over, in fevers, i, 329; on fractures of, ii, 455, 456.

Osiris, or Toad-flax, its uses in medicine, iii, 287.

Ostracites, its uses in medicine, iii, 226.

Othonna, or African Marygold, its medicinal uses, iii, 271.

Oxyacantha, its uses in medicine, iii, 279.

Oxygal, a preparation from milk, i, 155.

Oxylipus, a species of bread described by Galen, i, 123.

Oxymel of Julian, composition of, iii, 493.

Oysters, British, highly esteemed, i, 169; their uses in medicine, iii, 288.

Ozæna, symptoms and treatment of, i, 447-50.

Pain, the different kinds of, and their treatment in fevers, i, 296 et seq.

Paleness, how to be remedied, i, 39.

Paliurus, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 290.

Palm-tree, characters of its fruit, i, 135.

Palpitation of the heart, nature and treatment of, i, 502.

Panaces, or All-heal, the medicinal uses of its different varieties, iii, 290-92.

Pancratium, or Sea-daffodil, its uses in medicine, iii, 290.

Panchrestos, a collyrium of Erasistratus, i, 413.

Panic, a variety of Millet, which see; its medicinal uses, iii, 110.

Pap, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 23.

Papyrus, its uses in medicine, iii, 292.

Paracentesis abdominis, description of, ii, 337.

Paralysis, treatment of, i, 392 et seq.; of the bladder, 548.

Paraphimosis, description and treatment of, ii, 348.

Parget, see Gypsum.

Paronychia, or see Whitlow.

Paronychia, or Whitlow Grass, its uses in medicine, iii, 292.

Parotis, treatment of the disease, i, 441-45.

Parsley, Marsh, its medicinal powers, iii, 106; mountain, 284; stone, 298.

Partridge, its characters as an article of food, i, 140.

Parulis, or Gum-boil, treatment of, i, 455; surgical treatment of, ii, 294.

Pastinaca marina, its uses in medicine, iii, 380.

Patella, on the fractures of, ii, 468.

Pea, characters and varieties of, i, 127.

Peacock, first used as an article of food by Q. Hortensius, i, 141.

Peach, doubtful if the Persica of the ancients, i, 132.

Pear, its character as an article of food, i, 134.

Pear-quinces, or Struthia, uses in medicine, iii, 251.

Pediculi of the head, treatment of, i, 349; of the eyebrows, treatment of, 414, 429.

Pellis, or Skin, its medicinal uses, iii, 94.

Pennyroyal, see Pulegium.

Peplus and Peplium, their medicinal uses, iii, 294.

Pepper, ancient opinions regarding corrected; its uses, iii, 294, 295.

Peppermint, see Lepidium.

Perch, its characters as an article of food, i, 163.

Perfumes, account of, iii, 599, 600.

Periclymenon, its uses in medicine, iii, 296.

Periscyphismus, description of the operation, ii, 259; similar to “the long issue of the scalp,” ibid.

Perry, well known to the ancients, i, 134.

Persica, account of as an article of food, i, 133.

Perspiration, how to render fragrant, i, 38.

Pessaries, description of, iii, 601, 602.

Petroselinon, see Parsley.

Peucedanum, or Hog’s Fennel, its uses in medicine, iii, 298.

Phalangia, or Venomous Spiders, symptoms and treatment of persons stung by, ii, 169, 170.

Phalangites or Spiderwort, its uses in medicine, iii, 393.

Phalaris, its uses in medicine, iii, 393.

Pharicum, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 226; opinions regarding this poison, 227.

Pharynx, treatment of substances fixed in, ii, 302.

Pheasants, characters of their flesh when used for food, i, 141.

Phillyrea, or Mock Privet, its uses in medicine, iii, 394.

PHILO, antidote of, iii, 515.

Phimosis, surgical treatment of, ii, 347.

Phimus of the womb, treatment of, ii, 383, 384.

Phlegm, collections of in the stomach, i, 51.

Phlegmagogues, list of, and their action, iii, 49.

Phlegmon of the brain, treatment of, i, 364.

Phlyctænæ, ii, 41.

Phœnix, the herb and tree, account of, iii, 393.

Phormium, account of, iii, 396.

Phrenitis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 359 et seq.

Phrygian Stone, its medicinal powers, iii, 221, 223.

Phthisis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 493; of the eyes, i, 420.

Phthiriasis, description of the disease, i, 30.

Phyllites, its uses in medicine, iii, 398.

Pica, a disease of pregnancy, i, 2, 3.

Pickled Fishes, account of, i, 171.

Pickles, their uses in medicine, iii, 368.

Picra of Galen, account of, iii, 520.

Pigeon, its characters as an article of food, i, 140.

Pike, the lucius of Ausonius, its characters, iii, 161.

Piles, see Hemorrhoids.

Pimpernel, see Anagallis.

Pine, fruit of, used as an article of food, i, 132; medicinal qualities of the wild, iii, 207.

Pintada, or Guinea-fowl, the Afra avis of Horace, and the meleagris of Ælian, i, 142.

Pistachio-nut, its characters as an article of food, i, 136.

Pitch-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 299, 300.

Pityusa, its medicinal powers, iii, 303.

Pityocampa, or Pine Caterpillar, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 205.

Pityriasis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 345 et seq.

Placenta, treatment of retention of, ii, 392-94.

Plague, symptoms of, from Ruffus, i, 277; ancient history of the, i, 280 et seq.

Plane-tree, its uses in medicine, iii, 303.

Plantain, or Plantago, its medicinal uses, iii, 52.

Plasters, composition of, iii, 558-76; emollient, composition of, 576-81.

Pleurisy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 496 et seq.

Plumbago, its medicinal powers, iii, 254.

Pneumatic sect, in medicine; Aretæus belonged to the, i, 467.

Pneumatocele, surgical treatment of, ii, 370-2.

Pneumonia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 480.

Poisons, preservatives from, ii, 193; general treatment of, 196 et seq.; catalogue of, 200.

Polenta, a sort of malt prepared from barley, i, 123.

Poley, its uses in medicine, iii, 204.

Polycnemon, its medicinal powers, iii, 307.

Polygalon, or Milkwort, its medicinal powers, iii, 305.

Polygonaton, or Solomon’s Seal, its medicinal powers, iii, 305.

Polygonum, or Knot-grass, its medicinal powers, iii, 306.

Polypody, its medicinal powers, iii, 307.

Polypus, or Sarcoma of the Nose, treatment of, i, 447-9; surgical treatment of, 291-4.

Pomegranate, its characters as given by the dietetical authorities, i, 134.

Pompion, its characters as an article of food, i, 127; its uses in medicine, iii, 195.

Pompholyx, description of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 308.

Pondo, on the meaning of the term, iii, 614, 619.

Poplar, the White, its medicinal uses, iii, 206.

Poppy-juice, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 213 et seq.; poisoning by horned poppy, 226.

Poppies, their uses in medicine, iii, 249.

Pork, greatly esteemed by the ancients as an article of food, i, 147; Arabian authorities prejudiced against, ibid.

Porrum, or Leek, its characters as an article of food, i, 118; as a medicine, iii, 310.

Potamogiton, or Pondweed, its medicinal powers, iii, 309.

Poterrhium, its medicinal powers, iii, 309.

Potherbs, used by the ancients, i, 110-15.

Potions, officinal, on the composition of, iii, 544-7.

Powders, preparations of, iii, 536-41.

Powder of Iollas (misspelt gollas), iii, 541.

Prepuce, treatment of deficiency of the, ii, 346; adhesion to the glans, 349.

Priapism, symptoms and treatment of, i, 597 et seq.

Prickly Poppy, see Argemone.

Privet, its uses in medicine, ii, 205.

Procidentia oculi, symptoms and treatment of, i, 417-30.

Procidentia ani, symptoms and treatment of, 604.

Prognostics, Hippocrates the great master of, i, 190; of fevers, 191 et seq.

Prunus, or Plum, its characters as a medicine, iii, 186.

Pruritus, or Prurigo, description and treatment of, ii, 27 et seq.

Propolis, or Bee-glue, its uses in medicine, iii, 311.

Propoma, account of, iii, 546.

Pseudo-bunium, or Bastard Rape, its uses in medicine, iii, 419.

Pseudo-dictamnus, or Bastard Dittany, its uses in medicine, ibid.

Psora, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 16 et seq.

Psoricum, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 421.

Psorophthalmia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 413-26.

Psydracia, description of, i, 345.

Psyllium, on poisoning by, ii, 211; its uses in medicine, iii, 420, 421.

Ptarmica, or Sneezewort, its uses in medicine, iii, 311.

Pterygia of the eyes, symptoms and treatment of, i, 418 et seq.; of the nails, treatment of, 680-3; surgical treatment of, ii, 275.

Ptillosis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 415.

Ptisan, preparation and uses of, i, 123, 124.

Pubes, on fractures of the bones of the, ii, 454.

Pulegium, or Pennyroyal, its medicinal uses, iii, 87.

Pulse, or Legumen, varieties of, and their characters as articles of food, i, 125 et seq.

Pulse, arterial, abstract of Galen’s system of the, i, 202 et seq.

Pumex, or Pumice-stone, its medicinal uses, iii, 173.

Purgatives, simple, account of, iii, 480-93; compound, account of, 493 et seq.; modus operandi of, according to the ancient authorities, 485-88; modern opinions on, 488; management of those who have taken, 497.

Purpuræ, their uses in medicine, iii, 308.

Putrid Fevers, symptoms and treatment of, i, 235-7.

Pycnocomon, its medicinal powers, iii, 313.

Pyrethrum, or Pellitory, its medicinal powers, ibid.

Pyrites, its uses in medicine, iii, 221, 223.

Pyrum, or Pear, characters of the fruit as an article of food, i, 134; its uses in medicine, iii, 48.

Pyrum sylvestre, its uses in medicine, iii, 63.

Quails, characters of their flesh as an article of food, i, 141.

Quartans, symptoms and treatment of, i, 249 et seq.

Quartarius, see Weights.

Quercus, see Oak.

Quince, in great repute as an article of food, i, 134.

Quinquefolium, or Cinquefoil, its uses in medicine, iii, 293.

Quinsy, symptoms and treatment of, i, 464 et seq.

Rabbit, little used by the ancients as an article of food, i, 149.

Radish, its characters as an article of food, i, 118; its characters as a medicine, iii, 315.

Rags, the uses of in medicine, ibid.

Raisins, their uses in medicine, iii, 59.

Râle, remarks on the ancient terms for, i, 482.

Ranæ, see Frogs.

Ranula, symptoms and treatment of, i, 456-61.

Ranunculus, or Crowfoot, its uses in medicine, iii, 69.

Rapum, see Turnip.

Recrementum, or Dross, different kinds of, and their medicinal uses, iii, 347.

Regimen, rules regarding, i, 73-84.

Regius morbus, the same as jaundice, i, 584.

Rell-mouse, the glis of the Romans, used for food, i, 149.

Rennets, the uses of in medicine, iii, 314.

Repletion, nature and treatment of, i, 41, 42.

Resinæ, or Resins, their uses in medicine, iii, 317.

Restharrow, see Onions.

Rhabarbarum, or Rhubarb, account of its introduction into medicine, iii, 478, 479.

Rhacosis of the scrotum, surgical treatment of, ii, 479.

Rhagadia, or Fissures of the Anus, i, 607.

Rhamnus, or Buckthorn, its uses in medicine, iii, 315.

Rhaphanus, see Radish.

Rheum, discussion on the ancient plant; and its uses in medicine, iii, 317.

Rheumatism, see Arthritis.

Rhodomel, purgative medicine from, iii, 493.

Rhus Coriaria, or Sumach, its uses in medicine, iii, 321.

Rhyas, symptoms and treatment of, i, 416.

Ribes, what plant it was, and its characters in medicine, iii, 472.

Ribs, fractures of, and their treatment, ii, 452, 454.

Rice reckoned an astringent article of food, i, 124.

Ricinus, or Palma Christi, its medicinal uses, iii, 170.

Rigors in fevers, treatment of, i, 305, 306.

Rocket, see Eruca.

Rock-rose, see Cistus.

Roe, characters of its flesh as an article of food, i, 149.

Roses, their uses in medicine, iii, 318.

Rosea radix, or Rosewood, its uses in medicine, iii, 319.

Rosemary, its uses in medicine, iii, 216.

Roughness of the tongue in fevers, treatment of, i, 318.

Rupture of the flesh, treatment of, ii, 86.

Ruta, or Rue, its medicinal uses, iii, 300.

Rush, varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 366.

Sabina, or Savin, its uses in medicine, iii, 77.

Saffron, see Crocus.

Sagapen, its medicinal uses, iii, 322.

Sage, or Salvia, its medicinal uses, iii, 104.

Salamander, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 204; its characters in medicine, iii, 323.

Sales, or Salts, their medicinal characters, iii, 31.

Salix, or Willow, its medicinal uses, iii, 147.

Salmon, not noticed by any Greek writer, i, 164; description of, from Ausonius, ibid.

Salts, see Sales.

Salvia, see Sage.

Sambucus, see Elder.

Samphire, or Crethmum, its uses in medicine, iii, 195.

Sampsuchum, its uses in medicine, iii, 324.

Sandal-wood, its uses in medicine, iii, 488.

Sand, see Arena.

Sandarach, or Realgar, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 235, 236; its medicinal uses, iii, 324.

Sandarach, or Gum-vernix, account of, iii, 451.

Sandyx, its uses in medicine, iii, 325.

Sanguis Draconis, see Cinnabaris.

Sapphire of the ancients, what it probably was, iii, 228.

Sarcocele, surgical treatment of, ii, 369.

Sarcocol, its characters in medicine, iii, 327.

Sardonian Herb, what it was, and treatment of poisoning by, ii, 225, 226.

Satyriasis, symptoms and treatment of, i, 596 et seq.

Satyrion, its medicinal uses, iii, 327.

Saxifrage, its uses in medicine, iii, 327.

Scabies, disease not unknown to the ancients, ii, 23.

Scammony, its uses in medicine, iii, 341.

Scapula, on fractures of, ii, 450, 451.

Scandix, or Shepherd’s Needle, in little repute as a potherb, i, 114; its uses in medicine, iii, 342.

Scarus and Sparus, their characters as articles of food, i, 165.

Scirrhus, of the uterus, i, 629; symptoms and general treatment of, ii, 89, 90.

Schœnanth, or Lemon-grass, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 366.

Sclerophthalmia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 413, 426.

Scolopendra, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 174; its uses in medicine, iii, 344.

Scolopendrium, its uses in medicine, iii, 344.

Scolymus, used as a potherb, the Scolymus Hispanicus, i, 114; its uses as a medicine, iii, 341.

Scordium, or Water Germander, its uses in medicine, iii, 345.

Scordoprason, or Garlick-leek, its uses in medicine, iii, 346.

Scorpioides, its uses in medicine, iii, 346.

Scorpion, on persons stung by, ii, 171, 172.

Scourges, treatment of persons beaten with, ii, 45.

Scrofula, symptoms and general treatment of, ii, 91-94; surgical treatment of, 309, 310.

Scrupulum, see Weights.

Scurvy, supposed to be alluded to by Hippocrates, i, 579.

Scytala, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 180, 181.

Sea-dragon, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 191.

Sea-hare, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 205.

Sea-scorpion, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 192.

Sea-tortoise, or Turtle, preparation from the blood of, ii, 192.

Seasons, regimen befitting the different, i, 73.

Sea-water, its medicinal uses, i, 133.

Sebesten-plum, its uses in medicine, iii, 258.

Secacul, a species of pastinaca, its virtues in medicine, iii, 459.

Secundines, see Placenta.

Selenite, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 229.

Semen, on redundance of, i, 48.

Semi-tertians, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 271.

Sempervivum, or Wall-pepper, its uses in medicine, iii, 23.

Senecio, or Groundsel, its uses in medicine, iii, 132.

Senna, account of its medicinal uses, from the Arabians, iii, 431.

Sepia, or Cuttlefish, its uses in medicine, iii, 331.

Seps, or Chalcidic Lizard, its uses in medicine, iii, 332.

Service, its characters as an article of food, i, 135; its uses in medicine, iii, 270.

Seriphon, what it was, and its virtues in medicine, iii, 329.

Serpyllum, or Wild Thyme, its uses in medicine, iii, 116.

Serran, a fish used as an article of food, i, 164.

Sesame, a heavy article of food, i, 127; its characters in medicine, iii, 331.

Sesamoides, its characters as a medicine, iii, 331.

Seseli, or Hartwort, its medicinal uses, iii, 330.

Sextarius, see Weights.

Sextula, see Weights.

Shad-fish, or Silurus, its uses in medicine, iii, 337.

Shells, their medicinal uses, iii, 288.

Shoulder, on dislocations at the, ii, 484-9.

Sicilicus, see Weights.

Sideritis, or Ironwort, its virtues in medicine, iii, 333.

Sight, on dimness of, i, 40.

Siligo, a variety of the ancient flour, i, 120, 121.

Siliqua, see Weights.

Silk, medicinal virtues attributed to by the Arabians, iii, 474.

Silphium, or Laserwort, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 337.

Similago, a variety of the ancient flour, i, 120, 121.

Simples, number of, described by Ebn Baithar, iii, 4; by Avicenna, iii, 5; by Rhases, iii, 5; by Dioscorides, iii, 5; in the Edinburgh Dispensatory, iii, 5.

Sinapisms, account of, and their uses, iii, 582, 588.

Sinuous Ulcers, description of, ii, 119.

Siriasis, a disease of infancy, i, 16.

Sirsen frigidum, the Arabian name for lethargy, i, 369.

Sisarum, or Garden Parsnip, its virtues in medicine, iii, 340.

Sison, or Bastard Stone-parsley, its uses in medicine, iii, 339.

Sisymbrium, its uses in medicine, iii, 340.

Sium, or Water Parsnip, its uses in medicine, iii, 339.

Skink, its uses in medicine, iii, 342.

Skull, fractures of, and their treatment, ii, 429-42.

Sleep, on the philosophy of, and its application to medicine, i, 181.

Slough of a serpent, its medicinal uses, iii, 85.

Smaragdus, or Emerald, little used in the practice of medicine, iii, 229.

Smallpox and Measles, history of ancient opinions upon, i, 320 et seq.

Smilax, see Yew.

Smegmata, nature and varieties of, iii, 540, 541.

Smyrnium, its characters as a potherb, i, 114; its uses in medicine, iii, 349.

Snail, its uses as an article of food, i, 168.

Snap-dragon, see Antirrhinum.

Sneezing, treatment of in fevers, i, 300.

Sneezewort, see Ptarmica.

Soap, account of the ancient, and its uses in medicine, iii, 326.

Soda, an Arabico-barbaric term for cephalæa, i, 355.

Somnolency, see Cataphora.

Sonchus, or Sow-thistle, its uses in medicine, iii, 350.

Soot, see Fuligo.

Sordes balneorum, its uses in medicines, iii, 88; palestræ, its uses in medicine, 322; gymnasiorum, its uses in medicine, ibid.

Sori, disquisition on the nature of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 367.

Sotera, antidote of, iii, 517.

Southernwood, its properties as a medicine, iii, 17.

Sow-bread, its effects as a poison, ii, 242; its medicinal uses, iii, 201.

Sparganium, its uses in medicine, iii, 350.

Spasms, symptoms and treatment of, i, 401.

Specillum, description of the instrument, ii, 273, 402.

Spelt, its characters as an article of food, i, 123; its medicinal uses, iii, 123.

Specularis, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 229.

Sphacelus of the Brain, treatment of, i, 315.

Sphondylium, or Sow-parsnip, its medicinal uses, iii, 365.

Spider, treatment of persons stung by the, ii, 171; and Spider’s-web, their uses in medicine, iii, 49.

Spignel, or Meum, its properties as a medicine, iii, 252.

Spikenard, its uses in medicine, iii, 264.

Spina alba, see Thorn.

Spina ventosa, description of the disease, ii, 497.

Spine, see Vertebræ.

Spinach, a wholesome and laxative pot-herb, according to Rhases and Haly Abbas, i, 113; the Greeks and Romans unacquainted with, ibid.; its uses in medicine, iii, 478.

Spitting of blood, symptoms and treatment of, i, 483 et seq.

Spleen, on the diseases of, i, 577.

Spleenwort, see Asplenium.

Spodium, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 352.

Sponge, the medicinal uses of, iii, 351.

Spontaneous generation, ancient opinions upon, ii, 145, 149.

Sprains, on the treatment of, ii, 86.

Spurges, variety of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 374.

Sputa, characters of in fevers, i, 228.

Spurge Olive, see Chamelæa.

Squama æris and Squama ferri, their uses in medicine, iii, 213, 214; squama æris resembles æs ustum (misspelt astum), ibid.

Squash, whether or not the melopepon of the ancients, i, 129.

Squill, or Scilla, its medicinal uses, iii, 157; vinegar of squills, 514; oxymel of squills, 515; Galen’s medicine from, ibid.

Stachys, or Base Horehound, its uses in medicine, iii, 354.

Stag, see Roe.

Starch, its characters as an article of food, i, 123; its uses in medicine, see Amylum.

Staphylinus, probably included both the carrot and parsnip, i, 118; its uses in medicine, iii, 353.

Starling, its flesh used as an article of food, i, 140.

Staphyloma, surgical treatment of, ii, 278, 279.

Steatoma, general treatment of, ii, 94-96; surgical treatment of, 311, 312.

Stellio, symptoms and treatment of poisoning by, ii, 175; its properties as a medicine, iii, 56.

Stercus, see Dung.

Sterility, causes and treatment of, i, 641.

Sternutatories, list of, and modes of using, i, 447-51.

Sternum, on fractures of, ii, 451, 452.

Stock Gillyflower, its uses in medicine, iii, 215.

Stœbe, or Knapweed, its uses in medicine, iii, 356.

Stœchas, or Cassidony, its uses in medicine, iii, 357.

Stomach affections, physiology of, i, 90; treatment of, 303, 507 et seq.

Stones, account of those used in medicine by the ancients, iii, 220 et seq.

Stones in sponges, account of, iii, 226.

Storax, its uses in medicine, iii, 362.

Stork, sometimes used as an article of food, i, 143.

Strabismus, or Squinting, treatment of, i, 422-35.

Strawberries, noticed by Virgil and Ovid, i, 138.

Strychnos, or Nightshade, its uses in medicine, iii, 358; varieties of, 359.

Struthium, account of, in medicine and otherwise, iii, 357.

Stucco, see Gypsum.

Sturgeon, its characters as an article of food, i, 165.

Succedanea, list of in medicine, iii, 604 et seq.

Succus Cyrenaicus, Medicus, and Syriacus, nature and uses of, iii, 283.

Succory, its characters as an article of food, i, 112; its uses in medicine, iii, 176, 177.

Sudor, or Sweat, its medicinal uses, iii, 140.

Sudorifics, on the nature of, i, 61.

Suffusion, symptoms and treatment of, i, 420.

Sugar, anciently procured from the bamboo-cane, i, 179; its virtues in medicine, iii, 246, 247.

Sun, treatment of persons injured by the, i, 52.

Sunflower, see Heliotropium.

Sulphur, varieties of, and their uses in medicine, iii, 135, 136.

Suppositories, composition of, i, 58.

Surmullet, its characters as an article of food, i, 162. See Trigla.

Swallows, their uses in medicine, iii, 413.

Swallow-wort, see Asclepias.

Swan sometimes used at the table, i, 143.

Sweat, see Sudor.

Swine’s flesh, see Pork.

Sycamores used as an article of food, i, 137; its uses in medicine, iii, 363.

Symphytum, or Comfrey, its uses in medicine, iii, 364.

Synchysis of the eyes, treatment of, i, 422, 436.

Syncope, treatment of in fevers, i, 288.

Synochous fevers, treatment of, i, 256.

Syphilis probably a modification of elephantiasis, ii, 14.

Tamarinds, their characters in medicine, iii, 439, 440.

Tamarisk, its medicinal uses, iii, 259.

Tar-water, its uses in medicine, iii, 301.

Tastes, definitions of the different kinds of, iii, 6-16.

Taurocolla, its uses in medicine, iii, 369.

Teasel, see Dipsacus.

Tedæ, or Dead Pines, their uses in medicine, iii, 91, 92.

Teeth, preservatives of, i, 39; treatment of diseases of the, i, 454 et seq.; extraction of, ii, 296, 297.

Telephium, or Orpine, its uses in medicine, iii, 373.

Telephian ulcers, description of, ii, 114 et seq.

Tellinæ, or Limpets, uses of in medicine, iii, 369.

Tembul, the piper betel, its uses in medicine, iii, 454, 455.

Temperaments, account of the, i, 84 et seq.

Tench, described by Ausonius, and probably by the Greeks, i, 165.

Tenesmus, symptoms and treatment of, iii, 523 et seq.

Tertian fevers, symptoms and treatment of, ii, 238.

Terminthus, nature and treatment of, ii, 75; a species of ecthyma, ibid.

Testacea, or Shell-fish, i, 166, &c.

Testicle, on the physiology of the, i, 100; of the diseases of the, 591.

Tetanus, account of the symptoms and treatment of, i, 403.

Teucrium, or Tree-germander, its uses in medicine, iii, 371.

Thalictrum, or Meadow-rue, its medicinal uses, iii, 134.

Thapsia, or Deadly Carrot, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 239, 240; its uses in medicine, iii, 134.

THEODORETUS, antidote of, iii, 520.

Therapeutics, the Galenic system of, as given by Aëtius, iii, 6-16.

Theriac trochisks, composition of, iii, 511; salts, composition of, 512; general history of the theriac of Andromachus, 525-28.

Thigh, on the fractures of the, ii, 466, 467.

Thirst, treatment of in fevers, i, 316.

Thorn, White, its uses in medicine, iii, 28.

Thrush, much esteemed by the ancients as an article of food, i, 140.

Thyites, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 228.

Thymbra, or Savoury, its uses in medicine, iii, 139.

Thymelæa, or Spurge-flax, its medicinal uses, iii, 139.

Thymi, on the penis, treatment of, ii, 350; womb, treatment of, 382, 383.

Thymus, or Thyme, its uses in medicine, iii, 138.

Tinea, a term used in the Arabian translations, i, 349.

Toad, treatment of poisoning by the, ii, 206.

Tongue-tied, surgical treatment of infants so affected, ii, 297, 298.

Tonsils, on inflammation of the, i, 457, 462; indurated, surgical treatment of, ii, 299.

Toothpick Fennel, see Gingidium.

Tophi, or Chalk-stones, account of, i, 664.

Tordylium, probably a species of seseli, iii, 90, 91.

Torpedo, its application in medicine, i, 359, and iii, 266.

Toxicology, ancient authorities upon, ii, 156.

Toxicum, symptoms and treatment of poisoning by, ii, 227, 228; uncertainty regarding the nature of, ibid.

Trachoma, symptoms and treatment of, i, 414-28.

Tragum, or Stinking St. John’s Wort, its medicinal characters, iii, 377.

Tragoriganum, its uses in medicine, iii, 377.

Tragus, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 378.

Travellers, proper regimen for, i, 76.

Tremblings, symptoms and treatment of, i, 407 et seq.

Tribulus, or Caltrops, its medicinal characters, iii, 378.

Trichiasis, description and general treatment of, i, 415, 430; surgical operation for, ii, 259-65.

Trigla, or Surmullet, its uses in medicine, iii, 379.

Tripolium, its uses in medicine, iii, 379.

Trochisks, the composition of, iii, 528-536.

Truffle, its characters as an article of food, i, 119; Romans passionately fond of, 120; its uses in medicine, iii, 385.

Turbot, what species of the rhombus it was, and its dietetical characters, i, 161.

Turnip, varieties of, cultivated by the Romans, i, 117; its dietetical characters, ibid.; its medicinal characters, iii, 90.

Turpentine, its uses in medicine, iii, 369.

Turpeth, one of the medicines introduced by the Arabians, iii, 369.

Turtle, the Land, its dietetical characters, i, 141.

Turtle, or Sea-tortoise, sometimes used as food by the ancients, i, 168.

Tussilago, see Coltsfoot.

Tutia, see under Pompholyx.

Typhus, original meaning of the term, i, 253.

Ulceration, over the os sacrum in fevers, i, 329.

Ulcers, of the eyes, treatment of, i, 416-430; of the ears, 439-43; of the nose, 447-50; of the uterus, 628; list of ancient authorities upon, ii, 99; treatment of, in general, 99 et seq.

Ulna and Radius, on the fractures of the, ii, 464.

Umber, much esteemed as a pickle, i, 164.

Urchin, the Sea, its characters as an article of food, i, 168.

Urine, characters of, i, 224; ancient authorities upon, 225; unpublished MSS upon, 228; incontinence of, 548; its properties in medicine, iii, 289.

Urna, see Weights.

Urtica, see Nettle.

Usnen, probably the Salsola fruticosa, its medicinal uses, iii, 456.

Uterine hemorrhage, treatment of, i, 615 et seq.

Uterine inflammation, treatment of, 620 et seq.

Uterus, ancient descriptions of, i, 623; abscess of the, 623 et seq.; ulcers of the, 625 et seq.; cancers of the, 627 et seq.; scirrhus and scleroma of the, 629 et seq.; mole of the, see Mole; inflation of the, 632; suffocation of the, 633; prolapsus of the, 638 et seq.

Uva of the tonsils, treatment of, ii, 300, 302.

Uvula, on the diseases of the, i, 457.

Valerian, Greek, its uses in medicine, iii, 304; common, its uses in medicine, 396.

Varices, excision of, ii, 406-10.

Vari, on the treatment of, on the face, i, 452, 453.

Venery, on the effects of, i, 44.

Venesection, description of the operation, ii, 318-26.

Venomous animals, preservatives from, ii, 155; treatment of persons stung by, 157.

Venter, or Stomach, uses of the different kinds of, i, 179.

Verbascum, or Petty Mullein, its uses in medicine, iii, 394.

Verdigris, see Ærugo.

Vermes in the ears, treatment of, i, 439-444.

Vermilion, see Granum Tinctorum.

Vertebræ, on fractures of the, and their treatment, ii, 455; on luxations of the, 493.

Vertigo, symptoms and treatment of, i, 374 et seq.

Vertz, disquisition on the nature of, iii, 457.

Vervain, or Verbenum, its uses in medicine, iii, 296.

Vervain Mallow, see Alcæa.

Vetch, varieties of, and characters as an article of food, i, 127.

Vinegar, its uses in medicine, iii, 278.

Vinous tinctures of the ancients, iii, 546, 547.

Violet, its medicinal characters, iii, 142.

Viper, treatment of persons stung by the, ii, 177-80; its uses in medicine, iii, 120.

Viper’s Bugloss, see Echium.

Virgin’s Bower, see Clematis.

Viscum, or Birdlime, its medicinal uses, iii, 141.

Vitex, its properties as a medicine, iii, 20.

Vitis sylvestris, or Wild Vine, its medicinal characters, iii, 40.

Vociferation, description of the ancient mode of performing, i, 29.

Volubilis, account of the different articles described under this name, iii, 470.

Vulpes, or Fox, its uses in medicine, iii, 36.

Wakerobin, see Arum.

Walnuts and Filberts, their dietetical characters, i, 136.

Wall-pepper, its properties as a medicine, iii, 23.

Wasps and Bees, treatment of persons stung by, ii, 168, 169.

Watchfulness, causes and cure of, i, 152; treatment of in fevers, i, 299, 300.

Water, its uses in medicine, iii, 386.

Waters, on the different kinds of, and their qualities, i, 64-7.

Water-basil, see Erinos.

Water-pepper, its uses in medicine, iii, 385.

Water, or Wine, dangerous effects of a large draught of, ii, 243.

Wax, see Cera.

Weapons of war, treatment of wounds inflicted by, ii, 418-27.

Weasel, see Mustela.

Weights, full account of those used by the ancients, iii, 609-27.

Wheat, full account of its dietetical characters, i, 121; its uses in medicine, iii, 314.

Whites, see Female Flux.

Whitlow, on the treatment of, i, 678.

Wild Thyme, see Serpyllum.

Willow, see Salix.

Wine, dietetical characters of, i, 172 et seq.; ancient mode of forcing by heat, 174; of cooling with ice, ibid.; its medicinal uses, iii, 272.

Woad, see Isatis.

Wolfsbane, see Aconite.

Womb of a sow reckoned a delicate article of food, i, 151.

Wool, see Lana; scourings of, used in medicine, iii, 272.

Worms, intestinal, description of, and their treatment, ii, 139 et seq.; list of ancient writers on, 145; earth, in ulcers, treatment of, ii, 107; their uses in medicine, iii, 85.

Wren, recommended in calculus, i, 542.

Wrinkles, how to be treated, i, 37.

Wrist, on dislocations at the, ii, 492, 493.

Xanthium, or Clutburr, its uses in medicine, iii, 269.

Xerophthalmia, symptoms and treatment of, i, 413, 426.

Xiphium, or Bulbous Iris, its uses in medicine, iii, 270.

Xyris, or Wild Cornflag, its uses in medicine, iii, 269.

Yarrow, or Achillea, uses of in medicine, iii, 358.

Yew, treatment of poisoning by, ii, 223, 224.

Zambach, a species of jasminum, first described by the Arabians, iii, 458.

Zeduary, account of, and its uses in medicine, iii, 434, 436.

Zerumbet, see under Zeduary.

Zingiber, or Ginger, uses of in medicine, iii, 123.

Zythus, or Ale, medicinal uses of, iii, 124.

THE END.

C. AND J. ADLARD, PRINTERS, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.