BOOK XXXI

.

REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AQUATIC PRODUCTIONS.

CHAP. 1. (1.)—REMARKABLE FACTS CONNECTED WITH WATER.

We have now to speak of the benefits derived, in a medicinal point of view, from the aquatic productions; for not here even has all-bounteous Nature reposed from her work. Amid waves and billows, and tides of rivers for ever on the ebb and flow, she still unceasingly exerts her powers; and nowhere, if we must confess the truth, does she display herself in greater might, for it is this among the elements that holds sway over all the rest. It is water that swallows up dry land, that extinguishes flame, that ascends aloft, and challenges possession of the very heavens: it is water that, spreading clouds as it does, far and wide, intercepts the vital air we breathe; and, through their collision, gives rise to thunders and lightnings,[2921] as the elements of the universe meet in conflict.

What can there be more marvellous than waters suspended aloft in the heavens? And yet, as though it were not enough to reach so high an elevation as this, they sweep along with them whole shoals of fishes, and often stones as well, thus lading themselves with ponderous masses which belong to other elements, and bearing them on high. Falling upon the earth, these waters become the prime cause of all that is there produced; a truly wondrous provision of Nature, if we only consider, that in order to give birth to grain and life to trees and to shrubs, water must first leave the earth for the heavens, and thence bring down to vegetation the breath of life! The admission must be surely extorted from us, that for all our resources the earth is indebted to the bounteousness of water. It will be only proper, therefore, in the first place to set forth some instances of the powerful properties displayed by this element; for as to the whole of them, what living mortal could describe them?

CHAP. 2. (2.)—THE DIFFERENT PROPERTIES OF WATERS.

On all sides, and in a thousand countries, there are waters bounteously springing forth from the earth, some of them cold, some hot, and some possessed of these properties united: those in the territory of the Tarbelli,[2922] for instance, a people of Aquitania, and those among the Pyrenæan[2923] Mountains, where hot and cold springs are separated by only the very smallest distance. Then, again, there are others that are tepid only, or lukewarm, announcing thereby the resources they afford for the treatment of diseases, and bursting forth, for the benefit of man alone, out of so many animated beings.[2924]

Under various names, too, they augment the number of the divinities,[2925] and give birth to cities; Puteoli,[2926] for example, in Campania, Statyellæ[2927] in Liguria, and Sextiæ[2928] in the province of Gallia Narbonensis. But nowhere do they abound in greater number, or offer a greater variety of medicinal properties than in the Gulf of Baiæ;[2929] some being impregnated with sulphur, some with alum, some with salt, some with nitre,[2930] and some with bitumen, while others are of a mixed quality, partly acid and partly salt. In other cases, again, it is by their vapours that waters are so beneficial to man, being so intensely hot as to heat our baths even, and to make cold water boil in our sitting-baths; such, for instance, as the springs at Baiæ, now known as “Posidian,” after the name of a freedman[2931] of the Emperor Claudius; waters which are so hot as to cook articles of food even. There are others, too,—those, for example, formerly the property of Licinius Crassus—which send forth their vapours in the sea[2932] even, thus providing resources for the health of man in the very midst of the waves!

CHAP. 3.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WATER.

According to their respective kinds, these waters are beneficial for diseases of the sinews, feet, or hips, for sprains or for fractures; they act, also, as purgatives upon the bowels, heal wounds,[2933] and are singularly useful for affections of the head and ears: indeed, the waters of Cicero are good for the eyes.[2934] The country-seat where these last are found is worthy of some further mention: travelling from Lake Avernus towards Puteoli, it is to be seen on the sea-shore, renowned for its fine portico and its grove. Cicero gave it the name of Academia,[2935] after the place so called at Athens: it was here that he composed those treatises[2936] of his that were called after it; it was here, too, that he raised those monuments[2937] to himself; as though, indeed, he had not already done so throughout the length and breadth of the known world.

Shortly after the death of Cicero, and when it had come into the possession of Antistius Vetus,[2938] certain hot springs burst forth at the very portals[2939] of this house, which were found to be remarkably beneficial for diseases of the eyes, and have been celebrated in verse by Laurea Tullius,[2940] one of the freedmen of Cicero; a fact which proves to demonstration that his servants even had received inspiration from that majestic and all-powerful genius of his. I will give the lines, as they deserve to be read, not there only, but everywhere:

Great prince of Roman eloquence, thy grove, Where erst thou bad’st it rise, is verdant now: Thy villa, from fair Academia[2941] nam’d, From Vetus now its finish’d graces takes. Here, too, fair streams burst forth, unknown before, Which with their spray the languid eyes relieve. The land, I ween, these bounteous springs reveal’d, To honour Cicero, its ancient lord. Throughout the world his works by eyes are scann’d; May eyes unnumber’d by these streams be heal’d.

CHAP. 4.—WATERS PRODUCTIVE OF FECUNDITY. WATERS CURATIVE OF INSANITY.

In Campania, too, are the waters of Sinuessa,[2942] remedial, it is said, for sterility in females, and curative of insanity in men.

CHAP. 5.—WATERS REMEDIAL FOR URINARY CALCULI.

The waters of the island of Ænaria are curative of urinary calculi,[2943] it is said; and the same is the case with the cold spring of Acidula,[2944] four miles distant from Teanum[2945] Sidicinum, the waters at Stabiæ, known as the Dimidiæ,[2946] and those in the territory of Venafrum,[2947] which take their rise in the spring of Acidula. Patients suffering from these complaints may be cured also by drinking the waters of Lake Velia;[2948] the same effects being produced by those of a spring in Syria, near Mount Taurus, M. Varro says, and by those of the river Gallus in Phrygia, as we learn from Callimachus. In taking the waters, however, of this last, the greatest moderation is necessary, as they are apt to cause delirium; an effect equally produced, Ctesias tells us, by the waters of the Red Fountain[2949] in Æthiopia.

CHAP. 6.—WATERS CURATIVE OF WOUNDS.

The tepid waters of Albula,[2950] near Rome, have a healing effect upon wounds. Those of Cutilia,[2951] again, in the Sabine territory, are intensely cold, and by a kind of suction penetrate the body to such a degree as to have the effect of a mordent almost. They are remarkably beneficial for affections of the stomach, sinews, and all parts of the body, in fact.

CHAP. 7.—WATERS PREVENTIVE OF ABORTION.

The waters of Thespiæ[2952] ensure conception to females; the same, too, with those of the river Elatus[2953] in Arcadia. The spring Linus,[2954] also in Arcadia, acts as a preservative of the fœtus and effectually prevents abortion. The waters of the river Aphrodisius, on the other hand, in the territory of Pyrrhæa,[2955] are productive of sterility.

CHAP. 8.—WATERS WHICH REMOVE MORPHEW.

The waters of Lake Alphius remove white morphew,[2956] Varro tells us; who also mentions the fact that one Titius,[2957] a personage who had held the prætorship, had a face to all appearance like that of a marble statue, in consequence of this disease. The waters of the river Cydnus,[2958] in Cilicia, are curative of gout, as would appear from a letter addressed by Cassius[2959] of Parma to Marcus Antonius. At Trœzen, on the contrary, all the inhabitants are subject to diseases of the feet, owing to the bad quality of the water there. The state of the Tungri,[2960] in Gaul, has a spring of great renown, which sparkles as it bursts forth with bubbles innumerable, and has a certain ferruginous taste, only to be perceived after it has been drunk. This water is strongly purgative, is curative of tertian fevers, and disperses urinary calculi: upon the application of fire it assumes a turbid appearance, and finally turns red. The springs[2961] of Leucogæa, between Puteoli and Neapolis, are curative of eye diseases and of wounds. Cicero, in his work entitled “Admiranda,”[2962] has remarked that it is only by the waters of the marshes of Reate[2963] that the hoofs of beasts of burden are hardened.

CHAP. 9.—WATERS WHICH COLOUR THE HAIR.

Eudicus informs us that in Hestiæotis[2964] there are two springs; one of which, Cerona, renders sheep black that drink of it, while the other, called Neleus, turns them white: if, again, a sheep should happen to drink their waters mixed, its fleece will be mottled. According to Theophrastus, the water of the Crathis,[2965] a river of Thurii, makes sheep and cattle white, while that of the river Sybaris turns them black.

CHAP. 10.—WATERS WHICH COLOUR THE HUMAN BODY.

And not only this, but human beings even, Theophrastus tells us, are sensible of this difference: for persons who drink the water of the Sybaris, he says, become more swarthy and more hardy, the hair inclining to curl: while those, again, who drink of the Crathis become fair and more soft-skinned, with the hair growing straight and long. So, too, in Macedonia, persons who wish the produce to be white, drive their cattle to the river Haliacmon, while those who desire a black or tawny colour, take them to water at the Axius. Upon the same authority, too, we learn that in certain localities, as in the country of the Messapii, for instance, all the productions, the cereals even, grow of a tawny colour; and that at Lusi,[2966] in Arcadia, there is a certain fountain in which land-mice live and dwell. The river Aleos, which passes through Erythræ, promotes the growth of hair upon the body.

CHAP. 11.—WATERS WHICH AID THE MEMORY, OR ARE PRODUCTIVE OF FORGETFULNESS.

At the Temple[2967] of the god Trophonius, in Bœotia, near the river Hercynnus, there are two fountains,[2968] one of which aids the memory, while the other is productive of forgetfulness: hence the names which they respectively bear.

CHAP. 12.—WATERS WHICH SHARPEN OR DULL THE SENSES. WATERS WHICH IMPROVE THE VOICE.

Near the town of Cescum, in Cilicia, runs the river Nus,[2969] the waters of which, according to Varro, sharpen the intellect; while those of a certain spring in the island of Cea dull the senses. At Zama, in Africa, there is a spring, the waters of which render the voice more musical.[2970]

CHAP. 13.—WATERS WHICH CAUSE A DISTASTE FOR WINE. WATERS WHICH PRODUCE INEBRIETY.

Eudoxus says that persons who drink the water[2971] of Lake Clitorius take a distaste for wine, and Theopompus asserts that the waters of the springs already[2972] named are productive of inebriety. According to Mucianus,[2973] there is a fountain at Andros, consecrated to Father Liber, from which wine flows during the seven days appointed for the yearly festival of that god, the taste of which becomes like that of water the moment it is taken out of sight of the temple.

CHAP. 14.—WATERS WHICH SERVE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR OIL.

Polyclitus says, that the water[2974] of the river Liparis,[2975] near Soli, in Cilicia, is used as a substitute for oil, and Theophrastus mentions a spring of that name in Æthiopia, which is possessed of similar properties. Lycus says, that at Tasitia[2976] there is a fountain of it, the water of which emits light: the same is asserted, too, of a spring at Ecbatana. According to Theopompus, there is a lake at Scotussa,[2977] the waters of which heal wounds.

CHAP. 15.—SALT AND BITTER WATERS.

Juba says, that in the country of the Troglodytæ there is a lake, called the “Lake of Insanity,”[2978] from its highly noxious properties: thrice a day it becomes salt and bitter, and then again fresh, the same taking place as many times during the night. It is full, he says, of white serpents, twenty cubits long.[2979] He mentions, also, a certain spring in Arabia, which rises from the ground with such remarkable force, as to throw back any object pressed down upon it, however weighty.

CHAP. 16.—WATERS WHICH THROW UP STONES. WATERS WHICH CAUSE LAUGHTER AND WEEPING. WATERS WHICH ARE SAID TO BE CURATIVE OF LOVE.

Theophrastus makes mention of the fountain of Marsyas, near the city of Celænæ, in Phrygia, which throws up masses of stone. Not far from it are two other springs, called Clæon[2980] and Gelon by the Greeks, from the effects which they respectively produce. At Cyzicus is a fountain known as that of Cupido, the waters of which, Mucianus believes,[2981] cure those who drink thereof of love.

CHAP. 17.—WATERS WHICH PRESERVE THEIR WARMTH FOR THREE DAYS.

At Crannon[2982] there are certain hot springs, though not at boiling heat, the water of which, mixed with wine, preserves it warm in the vessels for a period of three days. The same is the case, too, with the springs of Mattiacum[2983] in Germany, beyond the river Rhenus, the water of which retains its boiling heat three days. The margin of these springs is covered with pumice, formed by the action of the water.

CHAP. 18.—OTHER MARVELLOUS FACTS CONNECTED WITH WATER. WATERS IN WHICH EVERYTHING WILL SINK. WATERS IN WHICH NOTHING WILL SINK.

If any of the above-mentioned facts have the appearance of being incredible to a person, I would have him know that there is no department of Nature which presents greater marvels than this, independently of the numerous peculiarities which have been already mentioned[2984] in an earlier part of this work. Ctesias informs us that, in India, there is a lake of standing water, upon which nothing[2985] will float, every object instantly sinking to the bottom. Cælius says that in the waters of Lake Avernus,[2986] in our own part of the world, the very leaves of the trees even will sink; and, according to Varro, these waters are fatal to such birds as fly towards them.

On the other hand, again, in the waters of Lake Apuscidamus,[2987] in Africa, nothing will sink; the same, too, Apion tells us, with the fountain of Plinthia in Sicily, as also a certain lake in Media, and the well of Saturn. The spring of Limyra[2988] not unfrequently makes its way through the neighbouring localities, and when it does so, is always portentous of some coming event. It is a singular thing too, that the fish always accompany its waters on these occasions; the inhabitants of the adjoining districts being in the habit of consulting them by offering them food. When the fishes seize it with avidity, the answer is supposed to be favourable; but if, on the other hand, they reject the food, by flapping it with their tails, the response is considered to be unfavourable. The river Holcas, in Bithynia, runs close to Bryazus,[2989] the name of a temple and of a divinity there worshipped; persons guilty of perjury, it is said, cannot endure contact with its waters, which burn like flame.[2990]

The sources, too, of the Tamaricus,[2991] a river of Cantabria, are considered to possess certain powers of presaging future events: they are three in number, and, separated solely by an interval of eight feet, unite in one channel, and so form a mighty stream. These springs are often dry a dozen times in the day, sometimes as many as twenty, without there being the slightest trace of water there: while, on the other hand, a spring close at hand is flowing abundantly and without intermission. It is considered an evil presage when persons who wish to see these springs find them dry: a circumstance which happened very recently, for example, to Lartius Licinius,[2992] who held the office of legatus after his prætorship; for at the end of seven days after his visit he died.

In Judæa there is a river[2993] that is dry every Sabbath day.

CHAP. 19.—DEADLY WATERS. POISONOUS FISHES.

There are other marvels again, connected with water, but of a more fatal nature. Ctesias states in his writings, that there is a spring in Armenia, the fishes in which are black,[2994] and, if used as food, productive of instantaneous death. I have heard the same, too, with reference to the waters near the sources of the river Danuvius,[2995] until a spring is reached which is near its main channel, and beyond which this poisonous kind of fish is not to be found. Hence it is that this spot is generally looked upon as the source of the river. The same, too, is reported of the Lake of the Nymphs, in Lydia. Near the river Pheneus, in Achaia, there flows from the rocks a spring known as the Styx, the waters of which, as already[2996] stated, are instantly fatal. And not only this, but there are also small fish in it, Theophrastus says, which are as deadly as the water, a thing that is not the case with the fish of any other poisonous springs. Theopompus says, that at the town of Cychri, in Thrace, the waters are deadly; and Lycus states, that at Leontium[2997] there is a spring, the waters of which are fatal at the end of a couple of days to those who drink thereof. Varro speaks also of a spring upon Mount Soracte, some four feet in breadth, the waters of which bubble forth at sunrise, as though they were boiling; birds, he says, which only taste thereof, fall dead close by.

And then, besides, we meet with this insidious circumstance, that in some cases, waters of this nature are inviting even in their appearance; those at Nonacris, in Arcadia, for example, the water of which fountain possesses no apparent quality to excite mistrust, though, owing to its intense coldness, it is generally looked upon as highly injurious, seeing that it petrifies as it flows. It is otherwise with the waters of Tempe, in Thessaly, their baneful properties inspiring universal terror, and possessing the property of corroding copper even and iron, it is said. This stream runs a short distance only, as already stated;[2998] and it is truly marvellous that, according to general report, the banks of its source[2999] are surrounded with the roots of a wild carob,[3000] always covered with purple flowers, while the margin is clothed with a green herbaceous plant of a peculiar species. In Macedonia, not far from the tomb of the Poet Euripides, is the confluence of two streams, the water of one of which is extremely wholesome, that of the other fatal.

CHAP. 20.—WATERS WHICH PETRIFY, THEMSELVES, OR CAUSE OTHER OBJECTS TO PETRIFY.

At Perperena,[3001] there is a spring which petrifies[3002] the ground wherever it flows, the same being the case also, with the hot waters at Ædepsus, in Eubœa; for there, wherever the stream falls, the rocks are continually increasing in height. At Eurymenæ,[3003] chaplets, when thrown into the waters of a certain fountain there, are turned to stone. At Colossæ there is a river, into the water of which if bricks[3004] are thrown, when taken out they are found changed into stone. In the mines of Scyros, the trees petrify that are watered by the river, branches and all. In the caverns of Mount Corycus, the drops of water that trickle down the rocks become hard in the form of a stone.[3005] At Mieza, too, in Macedonia, the water petrifies as it hangs from the vaulted roofs of the rocks; but at Corycus it is only when it has fallen that it becomes hard.

In other caverns, again, the water petrifies both ways,[3006] and so forms columns; as we find the case in a vast grotto at Phausia, a town of the Chersonesus[3007] of the Rhodians, the columns of which are tinted with various colours. These instances will suffice for the present.

CHAP. 21. (3.)—THE WHOLESOMENESS OF WATERS.

It is a subject of enquiry among medical men, which kind of water is the most beneficial. They condemn, and with justice, all stagnant, sluggish, waters, and are of opinion that running water is the best, being rendered lighter and more salubrious by its current and its continuous agitation. Hence it is that I am much surprised that persons should be found to set so high a value as they do, upon cistern water. These last give as their reason, however, that rain-water must be the lightest water of all, seeing that it has been able to rise[3008] aloft and remain suspended in the air. Hence it is, too, that they prefer snow-water to rain-water, and ice, again, to snow, as being water subtilized to the highest possible degree; on the ground that snow-water and ice-water must be lighter than ordinary water, and ice, of necessity, considerably lighter. It is for the general interest, however, of mankind, that these notions should be refuted. For, in the first place, this comparative lightness which they speak of, could hardly be ascertained in any other way than by the sensation, there being pretty nearly no difference at all in weight between the kinds of water. Nor yet, in the case of rain-water, is it any proof of its lightness that it has made its way upwards into the air, seeing that stones,[3009] it is quite evident, do the same: and then, besides, this water, while falling, must of necessity become tainted with the vapours which rise from the earth; a circumstance owing to which it is, that such numerous impurities[3010] are to be detected in rain-water, and that it ferments[3011] with such extreme rapidity.

I am, surprised, too, that snow[3012] and ice should be regarded as the most subtilized states of this element, in juxtaposition with the proofs supplied us by hail, the water of which, it is generally agreed, is the most pernicious of all to drink. And then, besides, there are not a few among the medical men themselves, who assert that the use of ice-water and snow-water is highly injurious, from the circumstance that all the more refined parts thereof have been expelled by congelation. At all events, it is a well-ascertained fact that the volume of every liquid is diminished by congelation; as also that excessive dews[3013] a reproductive of blight in corn, and that hoar-frosts result in blast; of a kindred nature, both of them, to snow. It is generally agreed, too, that rain-water putrefies with the greatest rapidity, and that it keeps but very badly on a voyage. Epigenes, however, assures us that water which has putrefied seven times and as often purified[3014] itself, will no longer be liable to putrefaction. As to cistern-water, medical men assure us that, owing to its harshness, it is bad for the bowels and throat;[3015] and it is generally admitted by them that there is no kind of water that contains more slime or more numerous insects of a disgusting nature. But it does not, therefore, follow that river water is the best of all, or that, in fact, of any running stream, the water of many lakes being found to be wholesome in the very highest degree.

What water, then, out of all these various kinds, are we to look upon as best adapted for the human constitution? Different kinds in different localities, is my answer. The kings of Parthia drink no water but that of the Choaspes[3016] or of the Eulæus, and, however long their journies, they always have this water carried in their suite. And yet it is very evident that it is not merely because this water is river-water that it is thus pleasing to them, seeing that they decline to drink the water of the Tigris, Euphrates, and so many other streams.

CHAP. 22.—THE IMPURITIES OF WATER.

Slime[3017] is one great impurity of water: still, however, if a river of this description is full of eels, it is generally looked upon as a proof[3018] of the salubrity of its water; just as it is regarded as a sign of its freshness when long worms[3019] breed in the water of a spring. But it is bitter water, more particularly, that is held in disesteem, as also the water which swells the stomach the moment it is drunk, a property which belongs to the water at Trœzen. As to the nitrous[3020] and salso-acid[3021] waters which are found in the deserts, persons travelling across towards the Red Sea render them potable in a couple of hours by the addition of polenta, which they use also as food. Those springs are more particularly condemned which secrete mud,[3022] or which give a bad complexion to persons who drink thereof. It is a good plan, too, to observe if water leaves stains upon copper vessels; if leguminous vegetables boil with difficulty in it; if, when gently decanted, it leaves an earthy deposit; or if, when boiled, it covers the vessel with a thick crust.[3023]

It is a fault also in water,[3024] not only to have a bad smell,[3025] but to have any flavour[3026] at all, even though it be a flavour pleasant and agreeable in itself, or closely approaching, as we often find the case, the taste of milk. Water, to be truly wholesome, ought to resemble air[3027] as much as possible. There is only one[3028] spring of water in the whole universe, it is said, that has an agreeable smell, that of Chabura, namely, in Mesopotamia: the people give a fabulous reason for it, and say that it is because Juno[3029] bathed there. Speaking in general terms, water, to be wholesome, should have neither taste nor smell.

CHAP. 23.—THE MODES OF TESTING WATER.

Some persons judge of the wholesomeness of water through the agency of a balance:[3030] their pains, however, are expended to little purpose, it being but very rarely that one water is lighter than another. There is, however, a more certain mode of ascertaining the difference in quality, that water being the better of the two which becomes hot and cold with the greatest rapidity: in addition to which, not to keep poising a balance,[3031] after water has been drawn up in vessels, if it is good, it should gradually become warmer, they say, when placed upon the ground. Which water, then, of the several kinds will be most likely to be good and wholesome? Well-water, no doubt if we are to judge from the general use made of it in cities: but only in the case of wells in which it is kept in continual agitation by repeated drawing, and is refined by the earth acting as a filter. These conditions are sufficient to ensure salubrity in water: in regard to coolness, the well must be in a shaded spot, and the water kept exposed to the air. There is, however one thing above all to be observed, a point, too, of considerable importance with reference to the continuance of the flow—the spring must issue from the bed of the well, and not from the sides. To make water cold to the touch may be effected artificially even, either by forcing it to rise aloft or by making it fall from a height, and so come in collision with the air, and become incorporated[3032] therewith: for in swimming,[3033] we find, when we hold our breath, the water is felt to be all the colder.

It was the Emperor Nero’s invention[3034] to boil water, and then enclose it in glass vessels and cool it in snow; a method which ensures all the enjoyment of a cold beverage, without any of the inconveniences resulting from the use of snow. Indeed, it is generally admitted that all water is more[3035] wholesome when it has been boiled; as also, that water when it has once been heated, will become more intensely[3036] cold than before—a most ingenious discovery.[3037] The best corrective of unwholesome water is to boil it down to one half. Cold water, taken internally, arrests hæmorrhage. By keeping cold water in his mouth, a person may render himself proof against the intense heat of the bath. Many a person knows by his own every-day experience, that water which is the coldest to drink is not of necessity the coldest to the touch, this delightful property being subject to considerable fluctuations.[3038]

CHAP. 24.—THE MARCIAN WATERS.

The most celebrated water throughout the whole world, and the one to which our city gives the palm for coolness and salubrity, is that of the Marcian[3039] Spring, accorded to Rome among the other bounties of the gods: the name formerly given to the stream was the “Aufeian,” the spring itself being known as “Pitonia.” It rises[3040] at the extremity of the mountains of the Peligni, passes through the territory of the Marsi and through Lake Fucinus, and then, without deviating, makes directly for Rome: shortly after this, it loses itself in certain caverns, and only reappears in the territory of Tibur, from which it is brought to the City by an arched aqueduct nine miles in length. Ancus Marcius, one of the Roman kings, was the first[3041] who thought of introducing this water into the City. At a later period, the works were repaired by Quintus Marcius Rex: and, more recently, in his prætorship, by M. Agrippa.[3042]

CHAP. 25.—THE VIRGIN WATERS.

It was he, too, who brought the Virgin[3043] Waters from the bye-road situate at the eighth milestone from the City, which runs for two miles along the Prænestine Way. Near these waters is the stream of Hercules, which the former shun, to all appearance, and have thence obtained[3044] the name of “Virgin Waters.” On instituting a comparison between the waters of these streams, the difference above-mentioned[3045] may be immediately detected, the Virgin water being as much cooler to the touch, as the Marcian water is in taste. And yet, for this long time past, the pleasure of drinking these waters has been lost to the City, owing to the ambition and avarice of certain persons who have turned[3046] them out of their course for the supply of their country-seats and of various places in the suburbs, to the great detriment of the public health.

CHAP. 26.—THE METHOD OF SEARCHING FOR WATER.

It will not be out of place to append here an account of the method employed in searching for water. Water is mostly to be found in valleys, whether formed by the intersection of declivities or lying at the lower part of mountains. Many persons have been of opinion that all places with a northern[3047] aspect are naturally provided with water: a point upon which it will not be amiss to explain the diversities presented to us by Nature. On the south side of the mountains of Hyrcania it never rains; and hence it is that it is only on the north-east side that they are wooded. As for Olympus, Ossa, Parnassus, the Apennines, and the Alps, they are covered with wood on every side, and abundantly watered with streams. Some mountains, again, are wooded on the south side, the White[3048] Mountains in Crete, for example. On this point, therefore, we may come to the conclusion that there is no rule which in all cases holds good.

CHAP. 27.—SIGNS INDICATIVE OF THE PRESENCE OF WATER.

The following are indications of the presence of water:—rushes, reeds, the plant mentioned with reference to this point already,[3049] or frogs sitting squatted on a spot for a long time together. As to the wild[3050] willow, alder, vitex, reed, and ivy, all of which grow spontaneously on low grounds in which there is a settling of rain water from higher localities, considered as indications of the presence of water, they are all[3051] of them of a deceptive nature. A sign much more to be depended upon, is a certain misty exhalation, visible from a distance before sunrise. The better to observe this, some persons ascend an eminence, and lie flat at full length upon the ground, with the chin touching the earth. There is also another peculiar method of judging upon this point, known only to men of experience in these matters: in the very middle of the heats of summer they select the hottest hours of the day, and observe how the sun’s rays are reflected in each spot; and if, notwithstanding the general dryness of the earth, a locality is observed to present a moist appearance, they make no doubt of finding water there.

But so intense is the stress upon the eyes in doing this, that it is very apt to make them ache; to avoid which inconvenience, they have recourse to other modes of testing. They dig a hole, for instance, some five feet in depth, and cover it with vessels of unbaked pottery, or with a copper basin well-oiled; they then place a burning lamp on the spot, with an arch-work over it of leaves, and covered with earth on the top. If, after a time, they find the pots wet or broken, the copper covered with moisture, or the lamp extinguished, but not from want of oil, or if a lock of wool that has been left there is found to be moist, it is a sign of the presence of water, beyond all doubt. With some persons it is the practice to light a fire on the spot before they dig the hole, a method which renders the experiment with the vessels still more conclusive.

CHAP. 28.—DIFFERENCES IN WATERS, ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE SOIL.

The soil itself, too, gives indications of the presence of water, by presenting white spots, or an uniformly green appearance: for where the stratum is black the springs are mostly not of a permanent nature. The presence of potter’s clay always puts an end to all hopes of finding water, and the excavation is immediately abandoned; an eye being carefully kept to the strata[3052] of the earth, to see whether, beginning with black mould, it successively presents the appearances above-mentioned. The water is always fresh that is found in argillaceous soils, but in a stratum of tufa it is colder than elsewhere; this, indeed, being a soil which is highly approved of, as having a tendency to make the water pure and extremely light to the stomach, and, by its action as a filter, to withhold all impurities. The presence of sand[3053] gives indications of springs of but limited extent, and of water impregnated with slime; while that of gravel announces the presence of water of excellent flavour, but not to be depended upon for permanence. Male[3054] sand, fine sea[3055]-sand, and charcoal[3056] earth, yield a constant supply of water of a highly wholesome quality; but it is the presence of red stones that is the most to be depended upon, and the water found there is of the very finest quality. Craggy localities at the foot of mountains, and silicious soils, are equally good; in addition to which, the water found there is cooler than elsewhere.

In boring for water, the soil should always become more and more humid, and, the deeper the descent, with the greater facility the implements should penetrate. In deep-sunk wells, the presence of sulphureous[3057] or aluminous substances is fatal to the sinkers; a danger that may be guarded against by letting down a lighted lamp, and ascertaining whether the flame is extinguished. When such is found to be the case, it is the practice to sink vent-holes on each side of the well, both right and left, in order to receive and carry off the noxious exhalations. Independently of these evils, the air becomes heavier, from the great depth merely of the excavation, an inconvenience which is remedied by keeping up a continual circulation with ventilators of linen cloth. As soon as water is reached, walls are constructed at the bottom, but without cement,[3058] in order that the springs may not be intercepted.

Some waters, the sources of which do not lie on elevated ground, are coldest at the beginning of spring, being maintained by the winter rains in fact. Others, again, are coldest at the rising of the Dog-star—peculiarities, both of them, to be witnessed at Pella in Macedonia; for in front of that city there is a marsh-spring, which at the beginning of summer is cold, while in the more elevated parts of the city the water is ice-cold[3059] in the hottest days of summer. The same is the case, too, at Chios, the water-supply of the harbour and of the city occupying the same relative positions. At Athens, the water of the Fountain Enneacrunos[3060] is colder in a cloudy summer than the well there in the garden of Jupiter; while on the other hand, this last is ice-cold during the drought of a hot summer. For the most part, however, wells are coldest about the rising of Arcturus.[3061]

(4.) The water-supply of wells never fails in summer, but in all cases it falls low during four days at the rising of the constellation above-mentioned. Throughout the whole winter, on the other hand, many wells entirely fail; as in the neighbourhood of Olynthus, for example, where the water returns in the early days of spring. In Sicily too, in the vicinity of Messana and Mylæ, the springs are entirely dry throughout the winter, while in summer they overflow and form quite a river. At Apollonia in Pontus there is to be seen, near the sea-shore, a fountain which overflows in summer only, and mostly about the rising of the Dog-star; should the summer, however, not be so hot as usual, its water is less abundant. Certain soils become drier in consequence of rain, that in the territory of Narnia for example: a fact which M. Cicero has mentioned in his “Admiranda,” with a statement that drought is there productive of mud, and rain of dust.[3062]

CHAP. 29.—THE QUALITIES OF WATER AT THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR.

Every kind of water is freshest in winter, not so fresh in summer, still less so in autumn, and least of all in times of drought. River-water, too, is by no means always the same in taste, the state of the bed over which it runs making a considerable difference. For the quality of water, in fact, depends upon the nature of the soil through which it flows, and the juices[3063] of the vegetation watered by it; hence it is that the water of the same river is found in some spots to be comparatively unwholesome. The confluents, too, of rivers, are apt to change the flavour of the water, impregnating the stream in which they are lost and absorbed; as in the case of the Borysthenes, for example. In some instances, again, the taste of river-water is changed by the fall of heavy rains. It has happened three times in the Bosporus that there has been a fall of salt rain, a phænomenon which proved fatal to the crops. On three occasions, also, the rains have imparted a bitterness to the overflowing streams of the Nilus, which was productive of great pestilence throughout Egypt.

CHAP. 30.—HISTORICAL OBSERVATIONS UPON WATERS WHICH HAVE SUDDENLY MADE THEIR APPEARANCE OR SUDDENLY CEASED.

It frequently happens that in spots where forests have been felled, springs of water make[3064] their appearance, the supply of which was previously expended in the nutriment of the trees. This was the case upon Mount Hæmus for example, when, during the siege by Cassander,[3065] the Gauls cut down a forest for the purpose of making a rampart. Very often too, after removing the wood which has covered an elevated spot and so served to attract and consume the rains, devastating torrents are formed by the concentration of the waters. It is very important also, for the maintenance of a constant supply of water, to till the ground and keep it constantly in motion, taking care to break and loosen the callosities of the surface crust: at all events, we find it stated, that upon a city of Crete, Arcadia by name, being razed to the ground, the springs and water-courses, which before were very numerous in that locality, all at once dried up; but that, six years after, when the city was rebuilt, the water again made its appearance, just as each spot was again brought into cultivation.

(5.) Earthquakes also are apt to discover or swallow[3066] up springs of water; a thing that has happened, it is well known, on five different occasions in the vicinity of Pheneus, a town of Arcadia. So too, upon Mount Coryeus,[3067] a river burst forth; after which, the soil was subjected to cultivation. These changes are very surprising where there is no apparent cause for them; such as the occurrence at Magnesia,[3068] for instance, where the warm waters became cold, but without losing their brackish flavour; and at the Temple[3069] of Neptune in Caria, where the water of the river, from being fresh, became salt. Here, too, is another fact, replete with the marvellous—the fountain of Arethusa at Syracuse has a smell of dung, they say, during the celebration of the games at Olympia,[3070] a thing that is rendered not improbable by the circumstance,[3071] that the river Alpheus makes its way to that island beneath the bed of the sea. There is a spring in the Chersonesus of the Rhodians[3072] which discharges its accumulated impurities every nine years.

Waters, too, sometimes change their colour; as at Babylon, for example, where the water of a certain lake for eleven days in summer is red. In the summer season, too, the current of the Borysthenes[3073] is blue, it is said, and this, although its waters are the most rarefied in existence, and hence float upon the surface of those of the Hypanis;[3074]—though at the same time there is this marvellous fact, that when south winds prevail, the waters of the Hypanis assume the upper place. Another proof, too, of the surpassing lightness of the water of the Borysthenes, is the fact that it emits no exhalations, nor, indeed, the slightest vapour even. Authors that would have the credit of diligent research in these enquiries, assure us that water becomes heavier after the winter-solstice.

CHAP. 31. (6.)—THE METHOD OF CONVEYING WATER.

The most convenient method of making a watercourse from the spring is by employing earthen pipes, two fingers in thickness, inserted in one another at the points of junction—the one that has the higher inclination fitting into the lower one—and coated with quick-lime macerated in oil. The inclination, to ensure the free flow of the water, ought to be at least one-fourth of an inch to every hundred feet; and if the water is conveyed through a subterraneous passage, there should be air-holes let in at intervals of every two[3075] actus. Where the water is wanted to ascend[3076] aloft, it should be conveyed in pipes of lead: water, it should be remembered, always rises to the level of its source. If, again, it is conveyed from a considerable distance, it should be made to rise and fall every now and then, so as not to lose its motive power. The proper length for each leaden pipe is ten feet; and if[3077] the pipe is five fingers in circumference its weight should be sixty pounds; if eight feet, one hundred; if ten, one hundred and twenty; and so on in the same proportion.

A pipe is called “a ten-finger”[3078] pipe when the sheet of metal is ten fingers in breadth before it is rolled up; a sheet one half that breadth giving a pipe “of five fingers.”[3079] In all sudden changes of inclination in elevated localities, pipes of five fingers should be employed, in order to break the impetuosity of the fall: reservoirs,[3080] too, for branches should be made as circumstances may demand.

CHAP. 32.—HOW MINERAL WATERS SHOULD BE USED.

I am surprised that Homer has made no[3081] mention of hot springs, when, on the other hand, he has so frequently introduced the mention of warm baths: a circumstance from which we may safely conclude that recourse was not had in his time to mineral waters for their medicinal properties, a thing so universally the case at the present day. Waters impregnated with sulphur are good for the sinews,[3082] and aluminous waters are useful for paralysis and similar relaxations of the system. Those, again, which are impregnated with bitumen or nitre, the waters of Cutilia,[3083] for example, are drunk as a purgative.[3084]

Many persons quite pride themselves on enduring the heat of mineral waters for many hours together; a most pernicious practice, however, as they should be used but very little longer than the ordinary bath, after which the bather should be shampooed[3085] with cold water, and not leave the bath without being rubbed with oil. This last operation, however, is commonly regarded as altogether foreign to the use of mineral baths; and hence it is, that there is no situation in which men’s bodies are more exposed to the chances of disease, the head becoming saturated with the intensity of the odours exhaled, and left exposed, perspiring as it is, to the coldness of the atmosphere, while all the rest of the body is immersed in the water.[3086]

There is another mistake, also, of a similar description, made by those who pride themselves upon drinking enormous quantities of these waters;[3087] and I myself have seen persons, before now, so swollen with drinking it that the very rings on their fingers were entirely concealed by the skin, owing to their inability to discharge the vast quantities of water which they had swallowed. It is for this reason, too, that these waters should never be drunk without taking a taste of salt every now and then. The very mud,[3088] too, of mineral springs may be employed to good purpose; but, to be effectual, after being applied to the body, it must be left to dry in the sun.

It must not be supposed, however, that all hot waters are of necessity medicated, those of Segesta in Sicily, for example, of Larissa, Troas, Magnesia, Melos, and Lipara. Nor is the very general supposition a correct one, that waters, to be medicinal, must of necessity discolour copper or silver; no such effect being produced by those of Patavium,[3089] or there being the slightest difference perceptible in the smell.

CHAP. 33.—THE USES OF SEA-WATER. THE ADVANTAGES OF A SEA-VOYAGE.

Sea-water also is employed in a similar manner for the cure of diseases. It is used, made hot, for the cure of pains in the sinews, for reuniting fractured bones, and for its desiccative action upon the body: for which last purpose, it is also used cold. There are numerous other medicinal resources derived from the sea; the benefit of a sea-voyage, more particularly, in cases of phthisis, as already[3090] mentioned, and where patients are suffering from hæmoptosis, as lately experienced, in our own memory, by Annæus Gallio,[3091] at the close of his consulship:[3092] for it is not for the purpose of visiting the country, that people so often travel to Egypt, but in order to secure the beneficial results arising from a long sea-voyage. Indeed, the very sea-sickness that is caused by the rocking of the vessel to and fro, is good for many affections of the head, eyes, and chest, all those cases, in fact, in which the patient is recommended to drink an infusion of hellebore. Medical men consider sea-water, employed by itself, highly efficacious for the dispersion of tumours, and, boiled with barley-meal, for the successful treatment of imposthumes of the parotid glands: it is used also as an ingredient in plasters, white plasters more particularly, and for emollient[3093] poultices. Sea-water is very good, too, employed as a shower-bath; and it is taken internally, though not without[3094] injury to the stomach, both as a purgative and as an expellent, by vomit and by alvine evacuation, of black bile[3095] or coagulated blood, as the case may be.

Some authorities prescribe it, taken internally, for quartan fevers, as also for tenesmus and diseases of the joints; purposes for which it is kept a considerable time, to mellow with age, and so lose its noxious[3096] properties. Some, again, are for boiling it, but in all cases it is recommended to be taken from out at sea, and untainted with the mixture of fresh water, an emetic also being taken before using it. When used in this manner, vinegar or wine is generally mixed with the water. Those who give it unmixed, recommend radishes with oxymel to be eaten upon it, in order to provoke vomiting. Sea-water, made hot, is used also as an injection; and there is nothing in existence preferred to it as a fomentation for swellings of the testes, or for chilblains before they ulcerate. It is similarly employed, also, for the cure of prurigo, itch-scab, and lichens. Lice and other foul vermin of the head, are removed by the application of sea-water, and lividities of the skin are restored to their natural colour; it being a remarkably good plan, in such cases, after applying the sea-water, to foment the parts with hot vinegar.

It is generally considered, too, that sea-water is highly efficacious for the stings of venomous insects, those of the phalangium and scorpion, for example, and as an antidote to the poisonous secretions of the asp, known as the “ptyas;”[3097] in all which cases it is employed hot. Fumigations are also made of it, with vinegar, for the cure of head-ache; and, used warm as an injection, it allays griping pains in the bowels and cholera. Things that have been heated in sea-water are longer than ordinary in cooling. A sea-water bath is an excellent corrective for swelling[3098] of the bosoms in females, affections of the thoracic organs, and emaciation of the body. The steam also of sea-water boiled with vinegar, is used for the removal of hardness of hearing and head-ache. An application of sea-water very expeditiously removes rust upon iron; it is curative also of scab in sheep, and imparts additional softness to the wool.

CHAP. 34.—HOW ARTIFICIAL SEA-WATER MAY BE MADE IN PLACES AT A DISTANCE FROM THE SEA.

I am by no means unaware that these details may very possibly appear superfluous to persons who live at a distance from the sea; but scientific research has made provision against this objection, by discovering a method of enabling every one to make sea-water[3099] for himself. It is a singular fact in connexion with this discovery, that if more than one sextarius of salt is put into four sextarii of water, the liquefying properties of the water will be overpowered, and the salt will no longer melt. On the other hand, again, a mixture of one sextarius of salt with four sextarii of water, acts as a good substitute for the efficacy and properties of the very saltest sea-water. The most reasonable proportion, however, is generally thought to be eight cyathi of salt, diluted in the quantity of water above mentioned; a preparation which has been found to have a warming effect upon the sinews, without in any degree chafing the body.

CHAP. 35.—HOW THALASSOMELI IS MADE.

There is also a composition made to ripen for use, known as “thalassomeli,”[3100] and prepared with equal parts of sea-water, honey, and rain-water. For this purpose, also, the water is brought from out at sea, and the preparation is kept in an earthen vessel well pitched. It acts most efficiently as a purgative, and without in the least fatiguing the stomach; the taste, too, and smell of it, are very agreeable.

CHAP. 36.—HOW HYDROMELI IS MADE.

Hydromeli,[3101] also, was a mixture formerly made with pure rain-water and honey, and was prescribed for patients who were anxious for wine, as being a more harmless drink. For these many years past, however, it has been condemned, as having in reality all the inconveniences of wine, without the advantages.

CHAP. 37.—METHODS OF PROVIDING AGAINST THE INCONVENIENCE OF DRINKING SUSPECTED WATER.

As persons out at sea often suffer great inconvenience from the want of fresh water, we will here describe some methods of obviating it. Fleeces are spread round the ship, and on becoming moistened with the exhalations arising from the sea, the water is wrung from them, and found to be quite fresh. Hollow balls of wax, also, or empty vessels sealed at the mouth, upon being let down into the sea in a net, become filled with water that is fresh and potable. On shore, too, sea-water may be made fresh, by filtering it through argillaceous earth.

By swimming in water of any kind, sprains of the limbs in man or beast are reduced[3102] with the greatest facility. Persons when travelling, are sometimes apprehensive that the use of water, the quality of which is unknown to them, may prove injurious to their health: as a precaution against this, they should drink the suspected water cold, immediately after leaving the bath.

CHAP. 38.—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MOSS. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM SAND.

Moss which has grown in water[3103] is excellent as a topical application for gout; and, in combination with oil, it is good for pains and swellings in the ankles. The foam that floats[3104] upon the surface of the water, used as a friction, causes warts to disappear. The sand,[3105] too, of the sea-shore, that more particularly which is very fine and burnt white by the heat of the sun, is used remedially for its desiccative properties, the bodies of dropsical or rheumatic patients being entirely covered with it.

Thus much with reference to water itself; we will now turn to the aquatic productions, beginning, as in all other instances, with the principal of them, namely, salt and sponge.

CHAP. 39. (7.)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF SALT; THE METHODS OF PREPARING IT, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT. TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR OBSERVATIONS THEREUPON.

All salt is either native or artificial;[3106] both kinds being formed in various ways, but produced from one of these two causes, the condensation or the desiccation, of a liquid.[3107] The Lake of Tarentum is dried up by the heat of the summer sun, and the whole of its waters, which are at no time very deep, not higher than the knee in fact, are changed into one mass of salt. The same, too, with a lake in Sicily, Cocanicus by name, and another in the vicinity of Gela. But in the case of these two last, it is only the sides[3108] that are thus dried up; whereas in Phrygia, in Cappadocia, and at Aspendus, where the same phænomena are observable, the water is dried up to a much larger extent, to the very middle of the lake, in fact. There is also another marvellous[3109] circumstance connected with this last—however much salt is taken out of it in the day, its place is supplied again during the night. Every kind of lake-salt is found in grains, and not in the form of blocks.[3110]

Sea-water, again, spontaneously produces another kind of salt, from the foam which it leaves on shore at high-water mark, or adhering to rocks; this being, in all cases, condensed by the action of the sun, and that[3111] salt being the most pungent of the two which is found upon the rocks.

There are also three different kinds of native salt. In Bactriana there are two vast lakes;[3112] one of them situate on the side of Scythia, the other on that of Ariana, both of which throw up vast quantities of salt.[3113] So, too, at Citium, in Cyprus; and, in the vicinity of Memphis, they extract salt from the lake and dry it in the sun. The surface-waters of some rivers, also, condense[3114] in the form of salt, the rest of the stream flowing beneath, as though under a crust of ice; such as the running waters near the Caspian Gates[3115] for instance, which are known as the “Rivers of Salt.” The same is the case, too, in the vicinity of the Mardi and of the people of Armenia. In Bactriana, also, the rivers Ochus[3116] and Oxus carry down from the mountains on their banks, fragments of salt. There are also in Africa some lakes, the waters of which are turbid, that are productive of salt. Some hot springs, too, produce salt—those at Pagasæ for example. Such, then, are the various kinds of salt produced spontaneously by water.

There are certain mountains, also, formed of native salt; that of Oromenus, in India, for example, where it is cut out like blocks from a quarry, and is continually reproduced, bringing in a larger revenue to the sovereigns of those countries than that arising from their gold and pearls. In some instances it is dug out of the earth, being formed there, evidently, by the condensation of the moisture, as in Cappadocia for example, where it is cut in sheets, like those of mirror-stone.[3117] The blocks of it are very heavy, the name commonly given to them being “mica.”[3118] At Gerrhæ,[3119] a city of Arabia, the ramparts and houses are constructed of blocks of salt, which are soldered together by being moistened with water. King Ptolemæus discovered salt also in the vicinity of Pelusium, when he encamped there; a circumstance which induced other persons to seek and discover it in the scorched tracts that lie between Egypt and Arabia, beneath the sand. In the same manner, too, it has been found in the thirsting deserts of Africa, as far as the oracle of Hammon,[3120] a locality in which the salt increases at night with the increase of the moon.

The districts of Cyrenaica are ennobled, too, by the production of hammoniacum,[3121] a salt so called from the fact of its being found beneath the sands[3122] there. It is similar in colour to the alum known as “schiston,”[3123] and consists of long pieces, by no means transparent, and of an unpleasant flavour, but highly useful in medicine; that being held in the highest esteem, which is the clearest and divides into straight[3124] flakes. There is one remarkable fact mentioned in connexion with it: so long as it lies under ground in its bed[3125] it is extremely light, but the moment it is exposed to the light, it is hardly credible to what an extent its weight is increased. The reason for this is evident:[3126] the humid vapours of the excavations bear the masses upwards, as water does, and so aid the workmen. It is adulterated with the Sicilian salt which we have mentioned as being found in Lake Cocanicus, as also with that of Cyprus, which is marvellously like it. At Egelasta,[3127] in Nearer Spain, there is a salt, hewn from the bed in almost transparent blocks, and to which for this long time past most medical men, it is said, have given the preference over all other salt. Every spot in which salt[3128] is found is naturally barren, and produces nothing. Such are the particulars, in general, which have been ascertained with reference to native salt.

Of artificial salt there are several kinds; the common salt, and the most abundant, being made from sea-water drained into salt-pans, and accompanied with streams of fresh water; but it is rain more

## particularly, and, above all things, the sun, that aids in its

formation; indeed without this last it would never dry. In the neighbourhood of Utica, in Africa, they build up masses of salt, like hills in appearance; and when these have been hardened by the action of the sun and moon, no moisture will ever melt them, and iron can hardly divide them. In Crete, however, salt is made without the aid of fresh water, and merely by introducing sea-water into the salt-pans. On the shores of Egypt, salt is formed by the overflow of the sea upon the land, already prepared for its reception, in my opinion, by the emanations of the river Nilus. It is made here, also, from the water[3129] of certain wells, discharged into salt-pans. At Babylon, the result of the first condensation is a bituminous[3130] liquid, like oil, which is used for burning in lamps; when this is skimmed off, the salt is found beneath. In Cappadocia, also, both well and spring-water are introduced into the salt-pans. In Chaonia there is a spring, from the water of which, when boiled[3131] and left to cool, there is an inert salt obtained, not so white as ordinary salt. In the Gallic provinces and in Germany, it is the practice to pour salt-water upon burning wood.[3132]

CHAP. 40.—MURIA.

In one part of Spain, they draw a brine for this purpose from deep-sunk pits, to which they give the name of “muria;” being of opinion, also, that it makes a considerable difference upon what kind of wood it is poured. That of the quercus they look upon as the best, as the ashes of it, unmixed, have the pungency of salt.[3133] In other places, again, the wood of the hazel is held in high esteem; and thus, we see, by pouring brine upon it, charcoal even is converted into salt. All salt that is thus prepared with burning wood is black. I find it stated by Theophrastus, that the Umbri[3134] are in the habit of boiling ashes of reeds and bulrushes in water, till there remains but little moisture unconsumed. The brine, too, of salted provisions is sometimes boiled over again, and, as soon as all the moisture has evaporated, the salt resumes its original form. That prepared from the pickle of the mæna[3135] has the finest flavour.

CHAP. 41.—THE VARIOUS PROPERTIES OF SALT: ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY HISTORICAL REMARKS RELATIVE THERETO.

Of the various kinds of sea-salt, the most esteemed is that of Salamis, in Cyprus; and of the lake-salts, that of Tarentum, and the salt known as Tattæan salt, which comes from Phrygia: these last two are also good for the eyes. That of Cappadocia, which is imported in small cubes,[3136] imparts a fine colour, it is said, to the skin; but, for effacing wrinkles, that which we have[3137] already spoken of as the salt of Citium is the best: hence it is that, in combination with gith,[3138] it is used by females as a liniment for the abdomen after childbirth. The drier the salt, the stronger it is in taste; but the most agreeable of all, and the whitest known, is that of Tarentum. In addition to these particulars, we would remark also, that the whiter salt is, the more friable it is. Rain-water deadens every kind of salt, but dew-water makes it more delicate in flavour. North-easterly winds render the formation of salt more abundant, but, while south winds prevail, it never increases. It is only while north-easterly winds prevail, that flower of salt[3139] is formed. Neither the salt of Tragasa, nor the Acanthian salt—so called from the town[3140] where it is found—will decrepitate or crackle in the fire; nor will the froth of salt do so, or the outside scrapings, or refined salt. The salt of Agrigentum[3141] resists fire, but decrepitates in water.

There are differences, too, in the colour of salt: at Memphis it is deep red, russet-coloured in the vicinity of the Oxus, purple at Centuripa, and so remarkably bright at Gela, situate also[3142] in Sicily, as to reflect the image of objects. In Cappadocia there is a saffron-coloured fossil salt, transparent and remarkably odoriferous. For medicinal purposes, the ancients esteemed the salt of Tarentum in

## particular, and next to that all the marine salts, those collected from

sea-foam more especially. For maladies of the eyes in cattle and beasts of burden, the salt of Tragasa and that of Bætica are employed. For made dishes[3143] and ordinary food, the more easily a salt liquefies and the moister it is, the more highly it is esteemed; there being less bitterness in salt of this description, that of Attica and of Eubœa, for example. For keeping meat, a pungent, dry, salt, like that of Megara, is best. A conserve of salt is also made, with the addition of various odoriferous substances, which answers all the purpose of a choice sauce,[3144] sharpening the appetite, and imparting a relish to all kinds of food: indeed, among the innumerable condiments which we use, the flavour of salt is always distinctly perceptible; and when we take garum[3145] with our food, it is its salt flavour that is considered so exquisite. And not only this, but sheep even, cattle, and beasts of burden, are induced to graze all the better[3146] by giving them salt; it having the effect, also, of considerably augmenting the milk, and imparting a superior flavour to the cheese.

We may conclude, then, by Hercules! that the higher enjoyments of life could not exist without the use of salt: indeed, so highly necessary is this substance to mankind, that the pleasures of the mind, even, can be expressed by no better term, than the word “salt,”[3147] such being the name given to all effusions of wit. All the amenities, in fact, of life, supreme hilarity, and relaxation from toil, can find no word in our language to characterize them better than this. Even in the very honours, too, that are bestowed upon successful warfare, salt plays its part, and from it, our word “salarium”[3148] is derived. That salt was held in high esteem by the ancients, is evident from the Salarian[3149] Way, so named from the fact that, by agreement, the Sabini carried all their salt by that road. King Ancus Martius gave six hundred modii of salt as a largess[3150] to the people, and was the first to establish salt-works. Varro also informs us, that the ancients used salt by way of a relishing sauce; and we know, from an old proverb,[3151] that it was the practice with them to eat salt with their bread. But it is in our sacred rites more particularly, that its high importance is to be recognized, no offering ever being made unaccompanied by the salted cake.[3152]

CHAP. 42.—FLOWER OF SALT: TWENTY REMEDIES. SALSUGO: TWO REMEDIES.

That which mainly distinguishes the produce of salt-works, in respect of its purity, is a sort of efflorescence,[3153] which forms the lightest and whitest part of salt. The name “flower of salt”[3154] is given, also, to a substance of an entirely different character, more humid by nature, and of a red or saffron colour; a kind of “rust of salt,” as it were, with an unpleasant smell like that of garum, and differing therein not only from froth of salt,[3155] but from salt itself. This substance is found in Egypt and, as it would appear, is conveyed thither by the waters of the Nilus; though it is to be found floating upon the surface of certain springs as well. The best kind is that which yields a certain fatty[3156] substance, like oil—for salt even, a thing that is quite marvellous to think of, is not without a degree of unctuousness.

This substance is sophisticated, and coloured with red earth, or in most instances, with powdered potsherds; an adulteration to be detected by the agency of water, which washes off the fictitious colour, the natural colour being only removable by the agency of oil. Indeed, it is for its colour that perfumers more particularly make such extensive use of this drug. When seen in the vessels, the surface of it is white, but that which lies in the middle is moister, as already stated. It is of an acrid nature, calorific, and bad for the stomach. It acts also as a sudorific, and, taken with wine and water, has a purgative effect upon the bowels. It is very useful, also, as an ingredient in acopa[3157] and in detersive[3158] compositions, and is remarkably efficacious for the removal of hairs from the eye-lids. It is the practice to shake up the sediment, in order to renovate the saffron colour of the drug.

In addition to these substances, there is another, known in the salt-works by the name of “salsugo,” or “salsilago:” it is quite liquid, salter in taste than sea-water, but inferior to it in its properties.

CHAP. 43.—GARUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.

Another liquid, too, of a very exquisite nature, is that known as “garum:”[3159] it is prepared from the intestines of fish and various parts which would otherwise be thrown away, macerated in salt; so that it is, in fact, the result of their putrefaction. Garum was formerly prepared from a fish, called “garos”[3160] by the Greeks; who assert, also, that a fumigation made with its head has the effect of bringing away the afterbirth.

(8.) At the present day, however, the most esteemed kind of garum is that prepared from the scomber,[3161] in the fisheries of Carthago Spartaria:[3162] it is known as “garum of[3163] the allies,” and for a couple of congii we have to pay but little less than one thousand sesterces. Indeed, there is no liquid hardly, with the exception of the unguents, that has sold at higher prices of late; so much so, that the nations which produce it have become quite ennobled thereby. There are fisheries, too, of the scomber on the coasts of Mauretania, and at Carteia in Bætica, near the Straits[3164] which lie at the entrance to the Ocean; this being the only use that is made of the fish. For the production of garum, Clazomenæ is also famed, Pompeii, too, and Leptis; while for their muria, Antipolis,[3165] Thurii, and of late, Dalmatia,[3166] enjoy a high reputation.

CHAP. 44.—ALEX: EIGHT REMEDIES.

Alex, which is the refuse of garum, properly consists of the dregs of it, when imperfectly strained: but of late they have begun to prepare it separately, from a small fish that is otherwise good for nothing, the apua[3167] of the Latins, or aphua of the Greeks, so called from the fact of its being engendered from rain.[3168] The people of Forum Julii[3169] make their garum from a fish to which they give the name of “lupus.”[3170] In process of time, alex has become quite an object of luxury, and the various kinds that are now made are infinite in number. The same, too, with garum, which is now prepared in imitation of the colour of old honied wine, and so pleasantly flavoured as to admit of being taken as a drink. Another kind, again, is dedicated to those superstitious observances[3171] which enjoin strict chastity, and that prepared from fish without[3172] scales, to the sacred rites of the Jews. In the same way, too, alex has come to be manufactured from oysters, sea-urchins, sea-nettles, cammari,[3173] and the liver of the surmullet; and a thousand different methods have been devised of late for ensuring the putrefaction of salt in such a way as to secure the flavours most relished by the palate.

Thus much, by the way, with reference to the tastes of the present day; though at the same time, it must be remembered, these substances are by no means without their uses in medicine. Alex, for instance, is curative of scab in sheep, incisions being made in the skin, and the liquor poured therein. It is useful, also, for the cure of wounds inflicted by dogs or by the sea-dragon, the application being made with lint. Recent burns, too, are healed by the agency of garum, due care being taken to apply it without mentioning it by name. It is useful, too, for bites inflicted by dogs, and for that of the crocodile in

## particular; as also for the treatment of serpiginous or sordid ulcers.

For ulcerations, and painful affections of the mouth and ears, it is a marvellously useful remedy.

Muria, also, as well as the salsugo which we have mentioned,[3174] has certain astringent, mordent, and discussive properties, and is highly useful for the cure of dysentery, even when ulceration has attacked the intestines. Injections are also made of it for sciatica, and for cœliac fluxes of an inveterate nature. In spots which lie at a distance in the interior, it is used as a fomentation, by way of substitute for sea-water.

CHAP. 45. (9.)—THE NATURE OF SALT.

Salt, regarded by itself, is naturally igneous, and yet it manifests an antipathy to fire, and flies[3175] from it. It consumes everything, and yet upon living bodies it has an astringent, desiccative, and binding effect, while the dead it preserves from putrefaction,[3176] and makes them last for ages even. In respect, however, of its medicinal properties, it is of a mordent, burning, detergent, attenuating, and resolvent nature; it is, however, injurious to the stomach, except that it acts as a stimulant to the appetite, For the cure of injuries inflicted by serpents, it is used with origanum, honey, and hyssop; and for the sting of the cerastes, with origanum, cedar-resin, pitch, or honey. Taken internally with vinegar, it is good for injuries caused by the scolopendra; and, applied topically, with an equal proportion of linseed, in oil or vinegar, for stings inflicted by scorpions. For stings of hornets, wasps, and insects of a similar description, it is applied with vinegar; and, for the cure of hemicrania, ulcers on the head, blisters, pimples, and incipient warts, with veal-suet. It is used also among the remedies for the eyes, and for the removal of fleshy excrescences upon those organs, as also of hangnails[3177] upon the fingers or toes. For webs that form upon the eyes it is peculiarly useful, and hence it is that it is so commonly employed as an ingredient in eye-salves, as well as plasters. For all these last-mentioned purposes, the salt of Tatta or of Caunus is more

## particularly in request.

In cases where there is ecchymosis of the eyes, or a bruise from the effects of a blow, salt is applied, with an equal quantity of myrrh and honey, or with hyssop in warm water, the eyes being also fomented with salsugo. For this last-mentioned purpose, the Spanish salt is preferred; and when wanted for the treatment of cataract, it is ground upon small whetstones, with milk. For bruises it is particularly useful, wrapped in a linen pledget and renewed from time to time, being first dipped in boiling water. For the cure of running ulcers of the mouth, it is applied with lint; gum-boils are also rubbed with it; and, broken to pieces and powdered fine, it removes granulations on the tongue. The teeth, it is said, will never become carious or corroded, if a person every morning puts some salt beneath his tongue, fasting, and leaves it there till it has melted. Salt effects the cure also of leprosy, boils, lichens, and itch-scabs; for all which purposes it is applied with raisins—the stones being first removed—beef-suet, origanum, and leaven, or else bread. In such cases it is the salt from Thebaïs that is mostly used; the same salt being considered preferable for the treatment of prurigo, and being highly esteemed for affections of the uvula and tonsillary glands, in combination with honey.

Every kind of salt is useful for the cure of quinzy; but, in addition to this, it is necessary to make external applications simultaneously with oil, vinegar, and tar. Mixed with wine, it is a gentle aperient to the bowels, and, taken in a similar manner, it acts as an expellent of all kinds of intestinal worms. Placed beneath the tongue, it enables convalescents to support the heat[3178] of the bath. Burnt more than once upon a plate at a white heat, and then enclosed in a bag, it alleviates pains in the sinews, about the shoulders and kidneys more

## particularly. Taken internally, and similarly burnt at a white heat and

applied in bags, it is curative of colic, griping pains in the bowels, and sciatica. Beaten up in wine and honey, with meal, it is a remedy for gout; a malady for the especial behoof of which the observation should be borne in mind, that there is nothing better for all parts of the body than sun and salt:[3179] hence[3180] it is that we see the bodies of fishermen as hard as horn—gout, however, is the principal disease for the benefit of which this maxim should be remembered.

Salt is useful for the removal of corns upon the feet, and of chilblains: for the cure of burns also, it is applied with oil, or else chewed. It acts as a check also upon blisters, and, in cases of erysipelas and serpiginous ulcers, it is applied topically with vinegar or with hyssop. For the cure of carcinoma it is employed in combination with Taminian[3181] grapes; and for phagedænic ulcers it is used parched with barley-meal, a linen pledget steeped in wine being laid upon it. In cases of jaundice, it is employed as a friction before the fire, with oil and vinegar, till the patient is made to perspire, for the purpose of preventing the itching sensations attendant upon that disease. When persons are exhausted with fatigue, it is usual to rub them with salt and oil. Many have treated dropsy with salt, have used external applications of salt and oil for the burning heats of fever, and have cured chronic coughs by laying salt upon the patient’s tongue. Salt has been used, also, as an injection for sciatica, and has been applied to ulcers of a fungous or putrid nature.

To bites inflicted by the crocodile, salt is applied, the sores being tightly bandaged with linen cloths, first dipped[3182] in vinegar. It is taken internally, with hydromel, to neutralize the effects of opium, and is applied topically, with meal and honey, to sprains and fleshy excrescences. In cases of tooth-ache, it is used as a collutory with vinegar, and is very useful, applied externally, with resin. For all these purposes, however, froth of salt[3183] is found to be more agreeable and still more efficacious. Still, however, every kind of salt is good as an ingredient in acopa,[3184] when warming properties are required: the same, too, in the case of detersive applications, when required for plumping out and giving a smooth surface to the skin. Employed topically, salt is curative of itch-scab in sheep and cattle, for which disease it is given them to lick. It is injected, also, with the spittle, into the eyes of beasts of burden. Thus much with reference to salt.

CHAP. 46. (10.)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF NITRUM, THE METHODS OF PREPARING IT, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT: TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE OBSERVATIONS THEREON.

And here we must no longer defer giving an account of nitrum;[3185] which in its properties does not greatly differ from salt, and deserves all the more to be attentively considered, from the evident fact that the medical men who have written upon it were ignorant of its nature; of all which authors Theophrastus is the one that has given the greatest attention to the point. It is found in small quantities in Media, in certain valleys there that are white with heat and drought; the name given to it being “halmyrax.”[3186] In Thracia, too, near Philippi, it is found, but in smaller quantities, and deteriorated with earthy substances, being known there as “agrion.”[3187] As to that prepared from the burnt wood of the quercus,[3188] it never was made to any very great extent, and the manufacture of it has been long since totally abandoned. Nitrous[3189] waters are also found in numerous places, but not sufficiently impregnated to admit of condensation.[3190]

The best and most abundant supply is found at Litæ, in Macedonia, where it is known as “Chalastricum:”[3191] it is white and pure, and closely resembles salt. In the middle of a certain nitrous lake there, a spring of fresh water issues forth. In this lake the nitrum[3192] forms for nine days, about the rising of the Dog-star, and then ceases for the same period, after which it again floats upon the surface, and then again ceases: facts which abundantly prove that it is the peculiar nature of the soil which generates the nitrum, it being very evident that, when the formation is there interrupted, neither the heat of the sun nor the fall of rain is productive of the slightest effect. It is also a truly marvellous fact, that though the spring of fresh water is always uninterruptedly flowing, the waters of the lake never increase or overflow. If it happens to rain on the days during which the nitrum is forming, the result is, that it is rendered additionally salt thereby: the prevalence of north-east winds, too, still more deteriorates its quality, as they have a tendency to stir up the mud at the bottom. Such is the formation of native nitrum.

In Egypt, again, it is made artificially, and in much greater abundance, but of inferior quality, being tawny and full of stones. It is prepared in pretty nearly the same manner[3193] as salt, except that in the salt-pans it is sea-water that is introduced, whereas in the nitre-beds it is the water of the river Nilus; a water which, upon the subsidence of the river, is impregnated with nitrum for forty days together, and not, as in Macedonia, at intermittent periods only. On occasions when there has been a fall of rain, a smaller proportion of river-water is employed. As soon, too, as any quantity of nitrum has formed, it is immediately removed, in order that it may not melt in the beds. This substance, also, contains a certain proportion of oil,[3194] which is very useful for the cure of scab in animals. Piled up in large heaps, it keeps for a very considerable time. It is a marvellous fact, that, in Lake Ascanius[3195] and in certain springs in the vicinity of Chalcis, the water is fresh and potable on the surface, and nitrous below. The lightest part of nitrum is always considered the best, and hence it is that the froth of it is so much preferred. Still, however, when in an impure state, it is very useful for some purposes, colouring purple[3196] cloth, for instance, and, indeed, all kinds of dyeing. It is employed, also, very extensively in the manufacture of glass, as we shall more fully mention on the appropriate occasion.[3197]

The only nitre-works in Egypt were formerly those in the vicinity of Naucratis and Memphis; those near Memphis being inferior to the others, the piles of nitrum there prepared being as hard as stone, and many of the heaps having become changed into rocks. When in this state, vessels are made of it, and very frequently they melt it with sulphur[3198] on a charcoal fire.[3199] When substances[3200] are wanted to keep, they employ this last kind of nitrum. In Egypt there are also nitre-beds, the produce of which is red, owing to the colour of the earth in the same locality. Froth of nitrum,[3201] a substance held in very high esteem, could only be made, according to the ancients, when dews had fallen; the pits being at the moment saturated with nitrum, but not having arrived at the point of yielding it. On the other hand, again, when the pits were in full activity, no froth would form, it was said, even though dews should fall. Others, again, have attributed the formation of this last substance to the fermentation of the heaps of nitrum. In a succeeding age, the medical men, speaking of it under the name of “aphronitrum,”[3202] have stated that it was collected in Asia, where it was to be found oozing from the soft sides of certain mines—the name given to which was “colyces”[3203]—and that it was then dried in the sun. The very best is thought to be that which comes from Lydia; the test of its genuineness being its extreme lightness, its friability, and its colour, which should be almost a full purple. This last is imported in tablets, while that of Egypt comes enclosed in vessels pitched within, to prevent its melting,[3204] the vessels being previously prepared by being thoroughly dried in the sun.[3205]

To be good, nitrum should be very fine, and extremely spongy and porous. In Egypt, it is sophisticated with lime, an adulteration easily detected[3206] by tasting it; for when pure, it liquefies immediately, while that which has been adulterated, remains undissolved sufficiently long to leave a pungent taste[3207] in the mouth. It is burnt in a close earthen vessel, as otherwise it would decrepitate:[3208] except in this last case, however, the action of fire does not cause it to decrepitate. This substance neither produces nor nourishes anything; while, in the salt-pans, on the other hand, we see plants growing, and the sea, we know, produces immense numbers of animated beings, though, as to plants, sea-weed only. It is evident, too, that the acridity[3209] of nitrum must be much greater than that of salt, not only from the fact last mentioned, but from the circumstance also, that at the nitre-beds the shoes wear out with the greatest rapidity; localities which are otherwise very healthy, and remarkably beneficial for the eye-sight. At the nitre-works ophthalmia is a thing unknown: persons, too, that come there with ulcers upon them experience a rapid cure; though ulcerations formed upon the spot are but slow in healing. Used as a friction with oil, nitrum is a sudorific, and acts emolliently upon the body. That of Chalastra is used as a substitute for salt, in making bread,[3210] and the Egyptian nitrum is eaten[3211] with radishes,[3212] it having the effect of making them more tender; though as to other edibles it turns them white and spoils them. To vegetables it imparts an additional greenness.[3213]

Viewed medicinally, nitrum is calorific, attenuant, mordent, astringent, desiccative, and ulcerating: it is good, too, in all cases where certain humours require to be drawn out or dispersed, or where gentle mordents or attenuants are required, as in the case of pustules and pimples, for example. Some persons ignite it for this purpose, and, after quenching it in astringent wine, bruise and use it, without oil, at the bath. Applied with dried iris powdered, and green olive oil, it checks immoderate perspiration. Applied topically with a fig, or boiled down to one half in raisin wine, it removes marks upon the eyes and granulations of the eyelids. It is used, also, for the removal of argema, boiled in a pomegranate rind with raisin wine. Used as an ointment, in combination with honey, it improves the eye-sight. It is very useful, also, for tooth-ache, taken as a collutory with wine and pepper, or boiled with a leek. Burnt, and employed as a dentifrice, it restores teeth[3214] to their original colour that have turned black; and an application of it, with Samian earth and oil, kills nits and other vermin of the head. Dissolved in wine, it is used as an injection for suppurations of the ears, and, applied with vinegar, it consumes filth that has accumulated there. Introduced dry into the ears, it disperses singings and tinglings in those organs.

Applied topically, in the sun, with an equal quantity of Cimolian[3215] chalk dissolved in vinegar, it removes white morphew; and a mixture of it with resin, or with white raisins—the stones being beaten up as well—is an excellent cure for boils. It is useful, also, for inflammations of the testes; and, in combination with axle-grease, for pituitous eruptions on all parts of the body. For the cure of bites inflicted by dogs, it is used with resin, the application being made at first with vinegar. With lime and vinegar, it is used as a liniment for stings inflicted by serpents, as, also, for ulcerations, whether phagedænic, putrid, or serpiginous; in cases, too, of dropsy, it is employed both internally and externally, beaten up with figs. Taken internally as a decoction, in doses of one drachma, with rue, dill, or cummin, it effectually removes griping pains in the bowels. An external application of it, with oil and vinegar, is highly refreshing to persons exhausted with fatigue; and it is equally beneficial for shudderings and cold shiverings, the feet and hands of the patient being well rubbed with it, mixed with oil. It allays the itching sensations attendant upon jaundice, more particularly when it is administered to the patient while perspiring, with vinegar. Taken internally in oxycrate, it is an antidote to the poison of fungi; and, taken with water, it acts beneficially, as an emetic, in cases where the buprestis has been swallowed.

To persons who have taken bull’s blood,[3216] nitrum is administered, in combination with laser.[3217] Mixed with honey and cow’s milk, it is curative of ulcers upon the face. For the cure of burns, it is applied pounded, being first parched till it turns black. For pains in the bowels and kidneys, and for rigidities of the limbs and pains in the sinews, it is used in the form of an injection. For the cure of paralysis of the tongue, it is applied to that organ with bread, and to asthmatic patients it is administered in a ptisan. Flower of nitrum, used in combination with equal proportions of galbanum and turpentine respectively, is curative of chronic coughs; the mixture being taken in pieces the size of a bean. Nitrum[3218] itself, boiled and melted with tar, is given to patients to swallow, for quinzy.

Flower of nitrum, mixed with oil of cyprus,[3219] and applied in the sun, is a soothing liniment for pains in the joints. Taken internally with wine, it is curative of jaundice. It acts as a carminative also; and it arrests bleeding at the nose, the vapour of it in boiling water being inhaled by the patient. Mixed with alum, it removes porrigo; and, used daily with water, as a fomentation, it removes offensive odours of the armpits. Used in combination with wax, it heals ulcers produced by pituitous secretions, and, similarly employed, it is very useful for affections of the sinews. For the cure of the cœliac flux, it is used in the form of an injection. Many authorities recommend the use of it, with oil, as a friction when cold shiverings are just coming on; as also, for the removal of leprous spots and freckles. It is a good plan also, to use a sitting-bath made with an infusion of nitrum, for the cure of gout, atrophy, opisthotony, and tetanus.

Both salt and nitre, boiled with sulphur,[3220] become petrified.

CHAP. 47. (11.)—SPONGES, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THEM: NINETY-TWO OBSERVATIONS THEREON.

We have already,[3221] when speaking of the marine productions, described the various kinds of sponge. Some authorities make the following distinctions: they regard as males[3222] those sponges which are pierced with more diminutive holes, are more compact in form and more ready to imbibe, and are stained, to satisfy luxurious tastes, in various colours, sometimes purple even: those, on the other hand, which have holes, larger and running into one another, they consider to be females. Among the male sponges, too, there is one kind, harder than the others, the name given to which is “tragi,”[3223] and the holes of which are extremely small and numerous. Sponges are made white artificially; the softest being chosen for the purpose, and after they have been steeped the whole summer through with the foam of the sea. They are then exposed to the action of the moon and hoar-frosts, being turned upside down, or, in other words, with that part upwards by which they formerly adhered to the rocks, the object being that they may become white throughout.

That sponges are animated beings, we have already stated; and not only this, but they have a coat of blood[3224] even, adhering to them. Some say that they regulate their movements by the sense of hearing, and that at the slightest noise they contract themselves, and emit an abundant moisture: when such is the case, it is said, it is impossible to tear them away from the rocks, and consequently they must be cut, an operation during which they emit a sanious secretion. Those sponges, too, are preferred to all others, which are grown on spots with a north-east aspect, the physicians assuring us that these retain the breath of life the longest of all; a circumstance which renders them additionally useful to the human body, from the union which is thereby effected of their vital principle with our own.[3225] It is for this reason, too, that they are preferred as fresh as possible, and in a moist state rather than dry. They are not so useful, however, if applied with hot water,[3226] and still less so if they are oiled, or applied to the body when just anointed. The compact sponges, it is thought, have less adhesive power than the others.

The softest kind of sponge are those employed for tents.[3227] Applied with honied wine, sponges reduce swellings of the eyes, and are extremely useful for the removal of rheum from those organs, the very finest and softest being of necessity selected for the purpose. Sponges are applied, also, with oxycrate, to defluxions of the eyes, and, with warm vinegar, for head-ache. In addition to these properties, fresh sponges are resolvent, emollient, and soothing; but when old, they lose their healing properties for wounds. They are employed, also, in medicine, for cleansing sores, and for either fomenting or covering the parts fomented, till some other application is made. Applied topically, they have a healing effect upon running ulcers, and upon sores on the bodies of aged persons. Fractures, too, and wounds are most effectually fomented with sponge; and when surgical operations are performed, it instantly absorbs the blood, so as to allow the incision to be seen. Sponges are applied, also, as a bandage, to inflamed wounds, sometimes dry, and, in some cases, moistened with vinegar, wine, or cold water. Soaked in rain-water, and applied to the incision, they prevent cuts recently inflicted from swelling. They are used as an application for such parts of the body, though apparently uninjured, as are threatened with occult humours which require to be dispersed; as also for reducing the tumours known to us as “apostemes,” the parts being first fomented with a decoction of honey. Sponges are employed, also, for affections of the joints, steeped in vinegar and salt, or in oxycrate: in cases, however, where the attack is attended with fever, water alone is used with the sponge. Soaked in salt and water, sponges are applied to callosities; and, with vinegar, they are used for stings inflicted by scorpions.

In the treatment of wounds, sponges are sometimes used as a substitute for greasy wool, either with wine and oil, or with salt and water; the only difference being, that wool acts emolliently upon sores, whereas sponge has an astringent action, and absorbs the vitiated humours. To dropsical patients, bandages of sponge are applied, either dry or steeped in warm water or oxycrate, according as there is a necessity for soothing the skin, or for covering it up and drying it. Sponges are applied, also, in all those diseases where warmth is required, being first soaked in boiling water and then squeezed out between a couple of boards. Employed in this manner, too, they are very useful for affections of the stomach and for the excessive heats attendant upon fever. Steeped in oxycrate, they are good for diseases of the spleen, and in vinegar for erysipelas; nothing, in fact, being equally efficacious. Sponge, when thus used, should always be so applied as amply to cover the adjacent parts that are not affected.

Employed with vinegar or cold water, sponge arrests hæmorrhage; soaked in warm salt and water, and frequently renewed, it removes the lividity which results from a recent blow. Used with oxycrate, it disperses pains and swellings in the testes. To bites inflicted by dogs, it is a good plan to apply sponge, from time to time, cut fine, and moistened with vinegar, cold water, or honey. Ashes of African[3228] sponge, with juice of cut-leek and a mixture of salt and cold water, are good, taken internally, for patients suffering from discharges of blood: applied topically to the forehead, with oil or vinegar, they are curative of tertian fevers. The sponge of Africa, more particularly, soaked in oxycrate, disperses tumours. Ashes of any kind of sponge burnt with pitch, arrest the discharge of blood from wounds; though some recommend, for this purpose, the sponge with large pores only, burnt with pitch. For affections of the eyes; sponge is burnt in vessels of unbaked earthenware; the ashes being found highly efficacious for granulations of the eyelids, fleshy excrescences, and all diseases of those parts which require detergents, astringents, or expletives. For all these purposes, however, it is the best plan first to rinse the ashes. When the body is in a diseased state, sponge acts as a substitute for body-scrapers and linen towels, and it protects the head most efficiently against the action of the sun.

Medical men, in their ignorance, comprehend all sponges under two names; African sponge, the substance of which is tougher and firmer; and Rhodian sponge, which is softer and better adapted for fomentations. At the present day, however, the softest sponges of all are those found about the walls of the city of Antiphellos.[3229] Trogus informs us that the softest tent sponges are found out at sea, off the coast of Lycia, upon spots from which the sponge has been previously removed: we learn, too, from Polybius, that these fine sponges, suspended over a patient’s bed, will ensure him additional repose at night.[3230]

We will now turn to the remedies derived from the marine and aquatic animals.

SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and twenty-four.

ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[3231] Cassius[3232] of Parma, Cicero,[3233] Mucianus,[3234] Cælius,[3235] Celsus,[3236] Trogus,[3237] Ovid,[3238] Polybius,[3239] Sornatius.[3240]

FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Callimachus,[3241] Ctesias,[3242] Eudicus,[3243] Theophrastus,[3244] Eudoxus,[3245] Theopompus,[3246] Polycritus,[3247] Juba,[3248] Lycus,[3249] Apion,[3250] Epigenes,[3251] Pelops,[3252] Apelles,[3253] Democritus,[3254] Thrasyllus,[3255] Nicander,[3256] Menander[3257] the Comic writer, Attalus,[3258] Sallustius Dionysius,[3259] Andreas,[3260] Niceratus,[3261] Hippocrates,[3262] Anaxilaüs.[3263]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] See B. xvi. cc. 6, 8, 33, 50.

[2] See B. xvii. c. 3.

[3] As Fée justly remarks, the greater part of these so-called sympathies and antipathies must be looked upon as so many fables. In the majority of instances, it is the habitual requirements of the tree or plant that constitute the difference; thus, for instance, the oak or quercus requires a different site and temperature from that needed by the olive, and the stony soil adopted by the vine is but ill-suited for the cultivation of the cabbage.

[4] See B. xx. c. 36.

[5] See B. xxi. cc. 27, 38, and B. xxv. c. 67.

[6] See the same statement made in B. xxiii. c. 62.

[7] Or Bacchus.

[8] “Philyra.” Fée does not think that it can be of any use for such a purpose. Hardouin says, however, that in his time meat when too highly salted was wrapped in leaves of the lime or linden, for the purpose of extracting the salt.

[9] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[10] Instead of having this effect, Fée says, it would render it much worse.

[11] The intention being to clear the wine, though in reality, as Fée observes, it would have a tendency to turn the wine into vinegar.

[12] Chalk, or in other words, sub-carbonate of lime, and argilla, or aluminous earth combining several earthy salts, would probably neutralize the acetic acid in the wine, but would greatly deteriorate its flavour.

[13] On the contrary, lime would appear to have a great affinity for water, absorbing it with avidity, if we may use the term.

[14] More easily with water; though vinegar will do for the purpose.

[15] “Atramentum.” By this passage, Fée says, it is clearly proved that the ink of the ancients was soluble in water, and that it contained neither galls nor salts of iron. What it really was made of is still a matter of doubt; but it is not improbable that the basis of it was spodium, or ashes of ivory.

[16] “Officinas.”

[17] “In medio.” The reading is very doubtful here.

[18] This, of course, is mere exaggeration.

[19] He would seem to imply that the medical men of his age had conspired to gain an adventitious importance by imposing upon the credulity of the public, on the principle “Omne ignotum pro magnifico;” much as the “medicine-men” of the North American Indians do at the present day.

[20] He alludes to the physicians of Greece more particularly.

[21] “Imperatoribus quoque imperaverunt.”

[22] In B. xiii. c. 32, and B. xvi. c. 53. Pliny ascribes here to the Lotus of Italy, the Celtis Australis of Linnæus, the same medicinal properties that are given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 171, to the Egyptian bean or Nymphæa Nelumbo of Linnæus. Galen gives the same account as Dioscorides; it is not improbable, therefore, that Pliny is in error.

[23] See B. xvi. c. 53, Note 2539.

[24] Half a denarius. See Introduction to Vol. III.

[25] Acorns, as well as the bark of the various kinds of oak, are of an astringent nature.

[26] Or, hogs’ lard.

[27] In the singular number, “cacoethes,” “a bad habit;” signifying a malignant or cancerous tumour.

[28] See B. xvi. c. 12. All the properties here ascribed to it, Fée says, are hypothetical. It is no longer used in medicine, at least to any recognized extent.

[29] Hence the Latin word “vermiculum,” from which our word “vermilion” is derived.

[30] In B. xvi. c. 12.

[31] In B. xvi. c. 9.

[32] They might be used advantageously, Fée thinks, in the shape of a decoction, for procidence of the uvula and uterus.

[33] “Eating,” or “corrosive.”

[34] See B. xvi. cc. 11, 93, 94.

[35] See B. xvi. cc. 10, 11.

[36] This passage, as Fée remarks, is somewhat obscure.

[37] As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see B. xxxi. cc. 22, 46.

[38] Fée says, that till very recently it was a common belief that the oak mistletoe is curative of epilepsy. It was also employed as an ingredient in certain antispasmodic powders.

[39] See B. xvi. c. 10.

[40] See B. xvi. c. 8.

[41] This decoction would be of a tonic and astringent nature, owing to the tannin and gallic acid which the leaves and bark contain.

[42] See B. xvi. c. 13.

[43] “Ex utrâlibet parte.”

[44] There is no foundation, Fée says, for any of these statements.

[45] See B. xvi. c. 60. The leaves of the cypress, Fée says, contain tannin and an essential oil; all the medicinal properties therefore, here attributed to them, which are not based upon these principles, must be looked upon as hypothetical.

[46] Down to the present century the leaves and fruit of the cypress were recommended in some medical works for the cure of hernia. The juice, however, of the leaves, taken internally, would be, as Fée says, highly dangerous.

[47] Owing probably to the gallic acid they contain.

[48] See B. xiv. c. 4.

[49] See Introduction to Vol. III.

[50] See B. x. c. 28, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28.

[51] See B. xiii. c. 11.

[52] Fée remarks, that many of the moderns attribute to frankincense the properties here ascribed to cedria; a most unfounded notion, he thinks.

[53] In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22.

[54] Sillig reads “volumina;” in which case it is not improbable that the allusion is to the practice of seasoning the paper of manuscripts with a preparation of cedar, as a preservative against mildew and worms. Another reading is “lumina,” and it is not impossible that it is the right one, meaning that pitch of cedar is useful for making lamps or candles. Fée reminds us that we are not to confound the “cedria” with the “cedrium” of B. xvi. c. 21, though Pliny seems here to confound the two. See Note 2326 to that Chapter.

[55] As in B. xvi. c. 21, he has said the same of “cedrium,” a red tar charged with empyreumatic oil, it is clear that he erroneously identifies it with “cedria,” or pitch of cedar. It is with this last, in reality, that the Egyptians embalmed the dead, or rather preserved them, by dipping them in the boiling liquid.

[56] If he implies that it is poisonous, such in reality is not the case.

[57] A mere absurdity, of course.

[58] It would be of no use whatever for the cure of injuries inflicted by the Aplysia vulgaris or Aplysia depilans of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

[59] See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxv. c. 22. “Pitch oil,” a volatile oil.

[60] This mention of the berries clearly proves, Fée thinks, that the Cedrelates of Pliny belongs in reality to the genus Juniperus.

[61] Or of the juniper, Fée thinks.

[62] See Note 58 above.

[63] In B. xii. c. 56.

[64] Cartilaginous, clear, and free from ligneous substances.

[65] It is still employed, Fée says, to a small extent, as a topical application for ulcerated sores. Its properties are energetic, but nearly all the uses to which Pliny speaks of it as being applied are hypothetical.

[66] In B. xii. c. 56.

[67] Narcotic poisons.

[68] See B. xii. c. 58. See also c. 16 of this Book.

[69] This statement is entirely fabulous.

[70] In B. xii. c. 49. Gum ammoniac is still used to some small extent in modern medicine, for asthma, boils, tumours, and diseases of the bladder.

[71] In B. xii. c. 55. Fée says that it is of the Amygdalite storax that Pliny is here speaking. It is little employed at the present day for internal maladies.

[72] This is not the fact.

[73] In B. xii. c. 58. It is no longer used in medicine, though possessed of properties of considerable energy. Fée says that most of the assertions here made respecting it are unfounded.

[74] An absurdity, Fée remarks.

[75] In B. xii. c. 50. Various lichens probably were called by this name. No use is made of them in modern medicine.

[76] See B. xiii. c. 12. The leaves and root of the terebinth or turpentine-tree have some medicinal properties, owing to their resin or essential oil; but no use is made of them in modern medicine.

[77] See B. xvi. c. 18.

[78] See B. xvi. c. 19. The leaves of these trees are of an astringent and acid nature, Fée says, but they are no longer employed in medicine. All that Pliny here states relative to them is very problematical.

[79] Fée says that it is still the practice of the Turkish physicians to recommend to their patients the air of the cypress groves of Candia. He states also, that it is a very general supposition that resins, balms, and balsams are good for pulmonary phthisis, but is of opinion that the notion is founded upon no solid basis.

[80] See B. xxxi. c. 33, also Celsus. B. iii. c. 22. Similar to a voyage to Madeira, recommended to our consumptive patients at the present day.

[81] Or “ground-pine.”

[82] From “abigo,” to “drive away,” it would appear.

[83] “Thus terræ.” The Teucrium Iva of Linnæus, Fée says, or Chamæpitys moschata. Fée remarks that Pliny commits a great error in giving to it the blossoms of the pine, and that he assigns larger proportions than really belong to it. The name “incense of the earth,” is very inappropriate; for it has none of the odour of incense, but merely a resinous smell.

[84] The Teucrium chamæpitys of Linnæus, the Chamæpitys lutea vulgaris of C. Bauhin, the ground-pine.

[85] The leaves are imbricated, and the branches bend downwards, like those of the pine, whence the name.

[86] The Teucrium pseudo-chamæpitys of Linnæus, the bastard ground-pine.

[87] To the pine or pitch-tree, mentioned in c. 19.

[88] They are rich in essential oil, and are of a tonic nature. All that is here stated as to their medicinal uses, and which cannot be based upon that property, is hypothetical, Fée says, and does not deserve to be refuted.

[89] See Introduction to Vol. III.

[90] The resemblance of its name to the “pitys” or pitch-tree.

[91] See B. xxvi. c. 39.

[92] An Euphorbia with a ligneous stem, the Euphorbia pityusa of Linnæus. The characteristics of it differ, however, from the description here given by Pliny. It is no longer used in medicine, though, like the other Euphorbiaceæ, it has very active properties.

[93] This, Fée says, is consistent with truth.

[94] In B. xiv. c. 25.

[95] B. xvi. cc. 16, 21, 22, 23.

[96] Or, as they are called at the present day, the resins, and the oleoresins, or terebinthines.

[97] Fée thinks that this name extends to the numerous species of resiniferous trees.

[98] The Abies excelsa of Linnæus.

[99] The Pistacia terebinthus; see B. xiii. c. 12. It yields a valuable turpentine, known in commerce as that of Cyprus or Chios.

[100] The so-called Venice turpentine is extracted from the larch.

[101] It yields mastich solely, a solid resin.

[102] It yields a terebinthine, and a very diminutive amount of solid resin.

[103] Fée says, that if the same methods are employed, the same products may be obtained, though in general the larch yields the better terebinthine.

[104] Fée thinks that he is speaking of a thick resin, or _galipot_, as the French call it, of the consistency of honey.

[105] Boiled terebinthine, or turpentine, is still used, Fée says, in medicine; that process disengaging the essential oil.

[106] In B. xvi. c. 22.

[107] Fée thinks that in reality these are terebinthines, and not resins.

[108] It has been generally remarked that aromatic plants grown on mountains have a stronger perfume than those of the plains; Fée queries whether this extends to the resins.

[109] Though of little importance in modern medicine, resins and terebinthines are still employed as the basis of certain plasters and other preparations.

[110] Such a potion as this, Fée says, would but ill agree with a person in robust health even.

[111] There would be no necessity whatever, Fée says, for such a process, a plentiful supply of food being quite sufficient for the purpose. Galen recommends frictions of terebinthine for the improvement of the health.

[112] Mastich. The medicinal properties here attributed to it, Fée says, do not exist.

[113] “Onera.”

[114] In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22.

[115] Tar. See B. xvi. c. 21.

[116] The pitch of Calabria, Fée says, is known at the present day as pitch-resin. All that Pliny states as to the medicinal properties of pitch, is destitute, Fée thinks, of the slightest probability.

[117] Or horned serpent.

[118] Taken internally, of course.

[119] In B. xvi. c. 22, and B. xv. c. 7.

[120] “Pitch boiled over again.”

[121] Fée says, that this statement is quite beyond all belief. Indeed there is little doubt that tar taken internally for quinzy, would only tend to aggravate the complaint. He states that a solution of tar in water is sometimes used internally with success for pulmonary phthisis. Bishop Berkeley wrote his Siris, on the virtues of Tar-water as a medicament, having been indebted to it for his recovery from an attack of colic.

[122] See B. xvi. c. 23. His description here is faulty, it being solely a natural pitch or mineral bitumen, without any admixture of vegetable pitch. Vitruvius calls this pissasphalt, pitch; but Ælian, more correctly, bitumen. The names now given to it are mineral pitch, and malthe or pitch of Malta.

[123] In B. xvi. c. 23. Fée thinks that the use of it is more likely to have been injurious than beneficial.

[124] Or tæda. See B. xvi. c. 19.

[125] Fée says, that within the last century, the wood of the lentisk or mastich, and the oil of its berries, figured in the Pharmacopœias. Their medicinal properties are far from energetic, but the essential oil may probably be of some utility as an excitant.

[126] This property is still attributed in the East to the leaves and resin of the lentisk. We learn from Martial, B. xiv. Epig. 22, that the wood of the lentisk, as well as quills, was used for tooth-picks.

[127] this, Fée says, is not the fact.

[128] See B. xii. c. 36, and B. xiv. c. 25.

[129] “Smegmata.”

[130] Littré thus reads the whole passage, “Sive cum aquâ, ut ita foveantur,”—“A decoction of it is made with water for the purpose of fomentation.”

[131] See B. xii. c. 3.

[132] “Adversantur vespertilionibus.” Fée sees difficulties in this passage, which really do not seem to exist.

[133] The produce of the plane is no longer employed in medicine.

[134] The _young_ leaves probably, or else the fruit.

[135] In B. xvi. c. 24. There are still some traces of this notion existing, Fée says, among the French peasantry. All the statements here made relative to its medicinal properties, are utterly unfounded.

[136] In reality they have no such effect.

[137] See B. xvi. c. 26. The root of the maple, Fée says, has no marked qualities whatever.

[138] In B xii. c. 61. The buds of the poplar, Fée says, are still used in medicine in the composition of an unguent known as “populeum.” The bark is astringent, and the wood destitute of taste.

[139] “Uvarum.” Fée thinks that by these berries, or grapes, the blossoms or buds are meant. See Note 608 to B. xii. c. 61.

[140] See also c. 38, as to the Vitex.

[141] This superstition probably applies to persons riding on horseback.

[142] “Guttam.” This is the substance known to us as “honey-dew.” It is either secreted by the plant itself, or deposited on the leaves by an aphis. It is found more particularly on the leaves of the rose, the plane, the lime, and the maple. Bees and ants are particularly fond of it.

[143] Bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6, and B. xxii. c. 50.

[144] See B. xvi. c. 29. The bark of the elm, like that of most other trees, has certain astringent properties.

[145] Fée says that it is only some few years since the inner bark of the elm was sometimes prescribed medicinally, but that it has now completely fallen into disuse. All that Pliny says here of the virtues of the elm is entirely suppositious.

[146] A kind of honey-dew, no doubt.

[147] “Cauliculi foliorum primi.”

[148] “Extrahuntque per fistulas.”

[149] In B. xvi. c. 74.

[150] See B. xvi. c. 25. The blossoms of the linden-tree are the only part of it employed in modern medicine. Fée thinks, with Hardouin, that Pliny has here attributed to the linden, or Philyra of the Greeks, the properties which in reality were supposed to belong to the Phillyrea latifolia, a shrub resembling the wild olive. Dioscorides, in his description of its properties, has not fallen into the same error.

[151] “Ground elder” or “marsh elder;” the Sambucus ebulus of Linnæus, or dwarf elder. The other kind mentioned by Pliny is the Sambucus nigra of Linnæus, or black elder.

[152] Fée says that though some of the assertions as to its medicinal properties made by Pliny are unfounded, it is still an opinion among the moderns that the leaves of the elder are purgative, the inner bark an emetic and hydragogue, the berries laxative, and the flowers emollient.

[153] According to Hardouin, this would appear to be the measles; but according to Festus, swellings on the legs were so called. The shingles is probably the malady meant.

[154] Fée speaks of a decoction of the inner bark as having been recently in vogue for the cure of dropsy.

[155] This so-called cedar, Fée says, is in reality itself a juniper. The medicinal properties of all the varieties of the juniper are not identical. The essential oil of the leaves acts with a formidable energy upon the human system.

[156] This is identified by Fée with the Juniperus communis of Lamarck, variety α, the Juniperus communis of Linnæus.

[157] Identified by Fée with the Juniperus nana of Willdenow, the Juniperus communis of Lamarck, variety β. The Spanish juniper, mentioned in B. xvi. c. 76, he identifies with the Juniperus thurifera of Linnæus.

[158] Virgil says this of the fumes of the cedar, Georg. III. 414; an additional proof, Fée says, that under the name of “cedrus,” the juniper was really meant. The smoke of the juniper is not known to have the effect upon serpents here described.

[159] The berries of the juniper contain sugar, mucilage, and a small proportion of essential oil; a rob is prepared from them, Fée says, under the line of “extract of juniper.”

[160] It is a well-known fact, that juniper berries are diuretic; they impart also to the urine the odour of the violet, a property which is equally possessed by turpentine. All the other properties here attributed to the juniper, are, in Fée’s opinion, either hypothetical or absurd.

[161] See B. xvi. c. 68.

[162] Neither this downy substance nor the seeds are now employed for any purpose. The bark of the willow has some strongly-pronounced properties, but all other parts of it are totally inert.

[163] A kind of manna, Fée says. The other juices here mentioned are secreted from the sap.

[164] The leaves have no effect whatever as an antaphrodisiac.

[165] See B. xvi. c. 69.

[166] The Vitex agnus castus of Linnæus, the tree of chastity.

[167] The “chaste” tree. It is no longer used in medicine; the fruit has somewhat the flavour of spice, Fée says, and taken internally it would have the converse of an antaphrodisiac effect. The other parts of it are quite inert.

[168] An Attic festival celebrated yearly in honour of Demeter, which lasted four or five days. It was also celebrated in other parts of Greece.

[169] The Vitex agnus castus of Lamarck, variety β, Elatior.

[170] The Vitex agnus castus of Linnæus, the type.

[171] It may possibly, Fée says, have this effect, but the other properties here attributed to it are wholly imaginary.

[172] Travelling on horseback, probably. A similar superstition is mentioned as to the poplar, in c. 32 of this Book.

[173] Probably the Erica arborea of Linnæus; see B. xiii. c. 35. It has not, however, a leaf similar to that of rosemary, with the sole exception, Fée says, of the Erica cinerea of Linnæus.

[174] See B. xiii. c. 37.

[175] It has no such effect, in reality.

[176] See B. xvi. c. 69. The kind here alluded to is the Spanish broom, Fée thinks.

[177] In B. xix. c. 2. Vol. IV. p. 135.

[178] Iliad, B. ii. l. 135. See B. xix. c. 6, where Pliny states it as his opinion that in this passage Homer is speaking of flax.

[179] See B. xix. c. 7. Fée thinks that the plant under consideration in this Chapter is the Spanish broom, Genista juncea of Lamarck, the Spartium junceum of Linnæus, a different plant from the Spartum of B. xix. c. 7, the Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus. He is of opinion also, that Homer in the passage referred to alludes, not to flax, but to the Genista juncea. See this question further discussed, in the additional Note at the end of B. xxvii.

[180] Fée says that the blossoms and seed of the junciform genista and other kinds are of a purgative nature; indeed, one variety has been called the Genista purgans by Lamarck. None of them, however, are so potent in their effects as Pliny in the present passage would lead us to suppose.

[181] See B. xiii. c. 37, and Note 968; where it is stated that, in Fée’s opinion, several plants were united by the ancients under this one collective name—brooms for instance, heaths, and tamarisks. He thinks, however, that under the name “Myrica,” Pliny may possibly have intended to comprehend the larger heaths and the Tamarix Gallica of Linnæus. M. Fraäs, as Littré states, gives the Tamarix Africana as the probable synonym of the Myrica of Pliny.

[182] Of this broom-plant of Ameria nothing is known.

[183] This _cannot_ apply to any of the heaths of Europe. The tamarisk grows to a much larger size, and barrels and drinking-vessels are made of the wood.

[184] “Gravis.” He does not, however, show his _gravity_ in the present instance.

[185] In B. xvi. c. 45.

[186] See B. xiii. c. 37.

[187] Identified by Fée with the Tamarix Gallica.

[188] The “brya,” spoken of in B. xiii. c. 37, as growing in Achaia also, the Tamarix orientalis of Delille. But _there_ he implies that it does not produce any fruit when it grows in Egypt.

[189] “Flower compositions.”

[190] It may possibly be of some use for this purpose, being of an astringent nature.

[191] This seems to be the meaning of “Idem cum libeat accendere resolvitur,” though in the French translations it is rendered, “It crumbles into ashes when an attempt is made to kindle it.” Holland seems to have rightly understood the passage, which probably bears reference to some current superstition.

[192] “Magi.” He probably alludes in this passage to the Magi of the East.

[193] See B. xvi. cc. 30, 43.

[194] The cornel, probably. It was looked upon as “infelix,” or ill-omened, because it was sacred to the Deities of the infernal regions.

[195] See B. xvi. c. 31. If this is the Salix vitellina. Fée says, all that Pliny here states as to its medicinal properties does not merit the slightest attention.

[196] See B. xii. c. 51. The botanical characteristics, Fée says, and the medicinal properties of the privet, differ essentially from those of the Cypros or Lawsonia inermis. The leaves of the privet are bitter and astringent.

[197] Fée says, that on reading this passage it is impossible to preserve one’s gravity.

[198] In B. xvi. c. 62. The ivy is but little used for any of the purposes of modern medicine. It is said by some authorities that a decoction of the leaves will kill vermin, and that the berries are purgative and emetic.

[199] “Nervis.”

[200] Fée states that in reality no such similarity exists; but that acetic acid is sometimes developed by the rapid fermentation of the juices of a great number of vegetable substances.

[201] “Golden fruit.” See B. xvi. c. 62.

[202] The same substance which he speaks of at the end of this Chapter as the gum of ivy, called “hederine,” Fée says, in modern chemistry. It is a gum resin, mixed with ligneous particles.

[203] The Cistus pilosus of Linnæus, the wild eglantine, or rock-rose.

[204] The Cistus salvifolius of Linnæus.

[205] In B. xxvii cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90.

[206] “Red-berried” or “red-leaved ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62. This kind, Fée says, appears not to have been identified.

[207] “Ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62; Note 2601. M. Fraäs adopts Sprengel’s opinion that it is the Antirrhinum Azarina, the bastard asarum.

[208] See B. xvi. c. 63.

[209] “Flower-bearer.”

[210] In B. xvi. c. 63.

[211] Sprengel thinks that this is the Clematis viticella, but Fée identifies it with the Clematis vitalba of Linnæus, the climber, or traveller’s joy.

[212] The leaves of it, Fée says, are of a caustic nature, and have been employed before now by impostors for producing sores on the skin of a frightful appearance, but easily healed.

[213] In B. xvi. c. 34.

[214] Sympathies and antipathies existing in plants. See c. 1 of this Book.

[215] Not a reed, Fée thinks, but some other monocotyledon that has not been identified. See B. xii. c. 48.

[216] See B. xx. c. 3.

[217] See B. xvi. c. 66.

[218] Celsus also speaks of the root of the reed as being efficacious for this purpose, B. v. c. 26.

[219] Fée says that neither of these last assertions is true.

[220] See B. xiii. c. 21. It is no longer used in medicine.

[221] These statements as to the virtues of the ashes of papyrus, Fée says are absurd.

[222] See B. xii. c. 8. Desfontaines is inclined to identify the tree here spoken of with the Diospyros ebenaster of Kœnig.

[223] See c. 91 of this Book; the Artemisia dracunculus of Linnæus.

[224] “Erodentia.” Fée remarks upon the singularity, that with this property attributed to it, it should be recommended for diseases of the eyes.

[225] The “rose-tree.” Our rose-bay or oleander.

[226] “Rose-laurel.”

[227] See B. xvi. c. 33. It is, Fée says, an energetic poison, but as injurious to man as it is to animals.

[228] See B. xiii. c. 13. The sumach-tree; the Rhus coriaria of Linnæus.

[229] Identified by Fée with the Coriaria myrtifolia of Linnæus, or myrtle-leaved sumach. It is used in the preparation of leather, Fée says, and is intensely poisonous.

[230] The sumach-tree.

[231] Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxiii. cc. 58 and 71.

[232] See B. xxiii. c. 71.

[233] Or “ros.” See B. xiii. c. 13

[234] Fée says that this is still done in some parts of Turkey.

[235] “Asperitati linguæ.”

[236] “Red rose;” our madder. See B. xix. c. 17. Beckmann is of the opinion that the “sandix” of B. xxxv. c. 12, is our madder, and identical with the Rubia. It is not improbable, however, that in reality it was a mineral. See Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 110, _Bohn’s Ed._

[237] Fée says that it does not possess this property.

[238] Madder has no colouring matter which can produce any effect upon the hair.

[239] Or “anti-frantic” plant. C. Bauhin identifies it with the Rubia silvestris lævis, or wild madder; Fée is at a loss for its identification, but is inclined to think that it was a species of cultivated madder.

[240] In B. xix. c. 18. The Gypsophila struthium, or soap-plant, possibly. Its identity is discussed at great length by Beckmann, _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 98-102, _Bohn’s Ed._

[241] “Aureum poculum.”

[242] Desfontaines says that it is the Periploca angustifolia; Fée gives the Apocynum folio subrotundo of C. Bauhin, round leafed dogsbane.

[243] This is the fact; and hence one of its names “cynanche,” or “dog-strangle.”

[244] This, Fée says, is the fact. The plant is rich in essential oil, and is consequently a powerful excitant. See B. xix. c. 62.

[245] In B. xvi. c. 11.

[246] A gall or fungoid production, or, in some instances, a catkin. Fée says that Pliny has committed an error here in attributing a cachrys to rosemary, the Libanotis stephanomaticos, which, in reality, belongs to the Libanotis canchryphorus or Libanotis prima.

[247] So called from the Greek βραδύ, “slow,” according to some authorities; by reason of the slowness of its growth.

[248] Identified by Fée with the Sabina vulgatior of Lobelius, or Juniperus Sabina, variety β, of Lamarck.

[249] The Sabina baceifera of J. Bauhin, the male savin, the type of the plant.

[250] See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 341, as to this custom, and Virgil’s “Culex,” l. 403.

[251] It is still a common notion, though Fée says an ill-founded one, that it produces abortion. Indeed we find Galen stating to the same effect.

[252] Fée ridicules this notion with considerable zest.

[253] The Lycopodium selago of Linnæus, upright club-moss, or fir-moss, according to Sprengel. Fée, however, dissents from that opinion, for the Lycopodium, he says, is but some three inches in height, while savin, with which the Selago is here compared, is more than eight or ten feet high. De Théis (_Gloss. Botan._) thinks that it must have been a succulent plant; but upon what grounds he bases that conjecture, Fée declares himself at a loss to conjecture.

[254] Evidently a superstition derived from the Druids.

[255] Sprengel thinks that it is the Samolus Valerandi of Linnæus, the round-leaved water-pimpernel, and Anguillara identifies it with the Anemone pulsatilla, or pasque-flower. Fée inclines to the opinion that it is the Veronica beccabunga of Linnæus, the brook-lime.

[256] In B. xiii. c. 20.

[257] Gum is still used, Fée says, for this purpose.

[258] It is of no use whatever for burns, or as a diuretic.

[259] Fée says that it is not different in any way from the gum of other trees.

[260] Fée remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic.

[261] Gum is of no use whatever in such a case.

[262] In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the Acacia Nilotica of Linnæus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia; for which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt.

[263] The Onopordum acanthium of Linnæus, the cotton-thistle, or woolly thistle.

[264] The Mimosa Nilotica of Linnæus; see B. xiii. c. 19. Fée seems inclined to identify the white thorn with the Cratægus oxyacantha of Linnæus, the white hawthorn, or May. In the present passage, however, it is doubtful whether the colours apply to the varieties of gum, or to the trees which produce them. Sillig considers the passage to be corrupt.

[265] The Prunus spinosa of Linnæus, Fée thinks, the sloe, or black thorn.

[266] Fée says that the difference in appearance is very considerable between them.

[267] The leaves containing little or no tannin.

[268] In India, the bark of the Acacia Arabica is still used for tanning leather.

[269] This juice, Fée says, obtained from the Prunus spinosa, is known at the present day in commerce by the name of Acacia nostras.

[270] Fée queries, without sufficient foundation, it would appear, whether he is here speaking of syphilitic affections.

[271] Fée suggests that this may be the Dipsacus fullonum of Linnæus, the fuller’s thistle.

[272] See B. xix. c. 18, and c. 58 of this Book.

[273] In B. xii. c. 52. But in that passage he makes the Aspalathos to be _identical_ with the Erysisceptrum, which he here distinguishes from it. Fée thinks that there can be no identity between the common thorn here mentioned, and the Aspalathos. This latter, as mentioned in B. xii., according to Fée, is the Convolvulus scoparius of Linnæus, the broom bindweed, but Littré says that M. Fraäs has identified it with the Genista acanthoclada.

[274] See the preceding Note. Fée identifies this Aspalathos with the Spartium villosum of Linnæus, making that of B. xii. c. 52, to be the Lignum Rhodianum of commerce, probably the Convolvulus scoparius of Linnæus.

[275] The corresponding passage in Dioscorides has βαρύς, “heavy,” _i.e._ the most solid in the stem.

[276] In B. xii. c. 52.

[277] “Ozænas.”

[278] The Berberis vulgaris of Linnæus, or barberry, Fée thinks.

[279] Identified by Fée with the Mespilus pyracantha of Linnæus, the evergreen thorn. It receives its name probably from the redness of its berries, which are the colour of fire.

[280] Fée considers this to be the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolle, and not identical with the Paliurus mentioned in B. xiii. c. 33.

[281] Fée thinks that the copyists have made a mistake in this passage, and that the reading should be “aquifolia,” the same plant that is mentioned afterwards under that name. He identifies them with the Ilex aquifolium, or holly. See B. xvi. cc. 8, 12, where Pliny evidently confounds the holm oak with the holly.

[282] Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 119, “the branches of the _rhamnus_, it is said, placed at the doors and windows, will avert the spells of sorcerers.” It is not improbable that Pliny, in copying from some other author, has mistaken the one for the other.

[283] An exaggeration, no doubt. The Cissampelos Pareira of Lamarck, an Indian plant, abounds in mucilage to such an extent, that an infusion of it in water becomes speedily coagulated.

[284] One would be induced to think that this story is derived from some vague account of the properties of the Boomerang. Although supposed by many to have been the invention of the natives of Australasia, representations of it are found on the sculptures of Nineveh. It is not improbable that Pythagoras may have heard of it from the Magi during his travels in the East. See _Bonomi’s Nineveh_, p. 136.

[285] “Recubitu” seems preferable to “cubitu.”

[286] This is very doubtful, Fée says.

[287] See B. xvi, c. 71.

[288] See B. xvi. c. 71.

[289] Blackberries are still used in the country, Fée says, as an astringent medicine, and all here stated that is based upon that property is rational enough. The same cannot, however, be said of the greater part of the other statements in this Chapter.

[290] See B. xx. cc. 23, 81, and B. xxiii. cc. 12, 18.

[291] See B. xx. c. 81, B. xxii. c. 13, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

[292] Cabbage-sprouts. See B. xix. c. 41.

[293] Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxiii. c. 71.

[294] See B. xxvi. cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90.

[295] The spider called “phalangium” is meant, Fée says. See B. xi. c. 28.

[296] Astringents.

[297] “Lapidescunt.”

[298] The eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71.

[299] He alludes to “bedeguar,” a fungous excrescence found on the wild rose-tree, and produced by the insect known as the Cynips rosæ. It is somewhat rough on the exterior, like the outer coat of the chesnut.

[300] The fruit, Fée says, of the wild eglantine. See B. xxv. c. 6.

[301] Or “dog-bramble.”

[302] “Dog-strangle,” apparently.

[303] “Drawn with a string.” Fée thinks that Pliny has confused the account given of this plant with that of the Aglaophotis, mentioned in c. 102 of this Book, and that the Cynosbatos is only a variety of the Rubus or bramble. Other authorities identify it with the Rubus caninus, or with the Rosa sempervirens. Desfontaines thinks that it is the Ribes nigrum, or black currant; and Littré is of opinion that some gooseberry or currant tree is meant.

[304] See B. xiii. c. 44.

[305] “Thyrsus.” Fée thinks that the allusion is to the produce of the caper, while Hardouin says that it is the first cynosbatos that he is speaking of. Hardouin is probably right.

[306] The blossom, perhaps, of the Rubus fruticosus, or blackberry.

[307] See B. xii. c. 60.

[308] Fée says that they have no such property, and that the blossoms of the bramble are entirely destitute of any known medicinal qualities. The roots and leaves are somewhat astringent.

[309] The raspberry; see B. xvi. c. 71.

[310] There is one variety which is very diminutive, and entirely destitute of thorns, the Rubus Idæus lævis of C. Bauhin, the Rubus Idæus non spinosus of J. Bauhin.

[311] See B. xvi. c. 71.

[312] Of the bramble genus.

[313] In reality, as Fée says, there is no botanical affinity between the Rubus, or bramble, and the Rhamnus.

[314] Sprengel identifies this plant with the Zizyphus vulgaris of Linnæus, the jujube, and Desfontaines is of the same opinion. Fée, however, takes it to be the Rhamnus saxatilis of Linnæus, the rock buckthorn.

[315] Identified by some authorities with the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolles, mentioned in c. 71. Sprengel is in doubt whether it may not be the Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus.

[316] Not a characteristic, Fée says, of the genus Rhamnus of modern Botany.

[317] Or “Lycian” extract. See B. xii. c. 15.

[318] See B. xii. c. 15. Fée identifies this with the modern Catechu, a decoction from the Acacia catechu, a leguminous plant of the East Indies.

[319] The Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus, our buckthorn. The Indian plant from which catechu is extracted is of a similar nature. See B. xii. c. 15.

[320] This Fée looks upon as an exaggeration.

[321] See B. xii. c. 15.

[322] _I.e._ the choice part of it; see B. xii. c. 15. Catechu is adulterated at the present day with starch and argillaceous earths. As a medicament it is not possessed of a very powerful action.

[323] “Clavos.”

[324] This statement is quite correct.

[325] See B. xiii. c. 20.

[326] The Penæa sarcocolla is not a thorny tree.

[327] Fée says that this is not the case. It is no longer used in medicine.

[328] Or conserve of fruits. An electuary.

[329] Seed of the sumach. See B. xiii. c. 13.

[330] “Ground oak.” See B. xiv. c. 19; where it is identified with the Teucrium chamædrys of Linnæus. Littré, however, informs us, that M. Fraäs considers it to be the Teucrium lucidum of Linnæus; because, as we learn from Dioscorides, it grows on rocky places, is a remarkably diminutive shrub, and has a fine odour, all of which are characteristics of the latter plant, and not of the Teucrium chamædrys, commonly known as the dwarf oak or germander.

[331] An invention attributed to Dædalus, in B. vii. c. 57.

[332] The Teucrium chamædrys is a bitter plant, which has been successfully used for fever, and it acts as a tonic and vermifuge. Beyond these, it has no medicinal properties whatever.

[333] See B. xiv. c. 19.

[334] Or “ground-laurel.” Fée considers this to be identical with the Alexandrian laurel, mentioned in B. xv. c. 39. It is no longer used in medicine, but the roots of a plant of kindred nature, the Ruseus aculeatus, or butcher’s broom, are diuretic.

[335] Or “ground olive.” See B. xiii. c. 35.

[336] This, Fée says, is consistent with modern experience; indeed it is drastic to a dangerous extent.

[337] “Albugines.”

[338] Or “ground fig.” The Euphorbia chamæsyce, or annual spurge.

[339] The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be highly dangerous to the eyes.

[340] Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of warts.

[341] Or “ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book.

[342] Fée says that this comparison is not strictly correct.

[343] The “ground-poplar.” See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the Tussilago farfara of Linnæus; our colt’s-foot.

[344] Or “tube”—“infundibulum.” Colt’s-foot is still smoked, either by itself or in conjunction with tobacco. Fée says, however, that to inhale the smoke in the manner here described, would be enough to create a cough if it did not exist before.

[345] “Ground-pine” or “ground pitch-tree.” Identified by Sprengel with the Stohelina chamæpeuce of Willdenow, a corymbiferous plant of the Isle of Candia.

[346] “Ground-cypress.” Identified with the Euphorbia cyparissias of Linnæus, the cypress spurge. Taken internally, it is a corrosive poison.

[347] Or “vine-leek.” The Allium ampeloprason of Linnæus, the great round-headed garlic. It is no longer used in medicine, and all that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties is quite unfounded, Fée says.

[348] Fée thinks that Pliny has committed an error here, and that the word “marrubii” should be substituted, our “horehound.” He identifies it with the Stachys Germanica of Linnæus, or base horehound; which is more commonly found in the South of Europe than in Germany.

[349] Or “bed-foot.” The Clinopodium vulgare of Linnæus, our wild basil. It has some useful properties attributed to it; but what Pliny here states respecting it is erroneous.

[350] This seems to be the meaning of “orbiculato foliorum ambitu.”

[351] Turner and C. Bauhin identify it with the Gnaphalium Germanicum of Lamarck, and Sprengel with the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnæus. If so, Fée says, the synonym here given by Pliny is erroneous; for the Greek clematis, there can be little doubt, is the Clematis cirrhosa of Linnæus. See the account given of the Gnaphalion in B. xxvii. c. 61.

[352] All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée says, is erroneous.

[353] Probably the Asclepias nigra of Linnæus, black swallow-wort.

[354] The Asclepias nigra has no such medicinal effects as those mentioned by Pliny.

[355] The Vinca major and Vinca minor of Linnæus, the greater and smaller periwinkle. Fée is at a loss to know why it should be called “Egyptian,” as it is a plant of Europe.

[356] “Laurel-shaped” and “many-cornered.”

[357] In B. xix. c. 30.

[358] Fée says that the Dracontion of the Greeks and the Dracunculus of the Latins are identical, being represented in modern Botany by the Arum dracunculus of Linnæus, the common dragon.

[359] From “draco,” a “dragon” or “serpent.” Fée says, that it is not to its roots, but to its spotted stem, resembling the skin of an adder, that it owes its name.

[360] “Virus.” Fée says that the Arum dracunculus has a strong, fetid odour, and all parts of it are acrid and caustic, while the Arum colocasia has an agreeable flavour when boiled.

[361] This, Fée says, is fabulous.

[362] Though no longer used in medicine, the account here given of the properties of the Arum colocasia is in general correct, a few marvellous details excepted.

[363] Sillig thinks that there is a lacuna here, and that the name “Cleophantus” should be supplied.

[364] Fée thinks that, thus employed, it would be more injurious than beneficial. Though Pliny is treating here of the Arum colocasia or Egyptian Arum, he has mingled some few details with it, relative to the Arum dracunculus, a plant endowed with much more energetic properties. See Note 360 above.

[365] See B. viii. c. 54, as to the use alleged to be made by animals of this plant.

[366] Fée says that this is very doubtful.

[367] In c. 91 of this Book. This story is owing merely to its appearance, which somewhat resembles the skin of a serpent.

[368] “Demonstratum mihi est.”

[369] Identified by Fée with the Arum Italicum of Lamarck.

[370] Fée queries whether this may not be the Arum maculatum of Linnæus, wake-robin, cuckoo pint, or lords and ladies.

[371] Identified by C. Bauhin with the Calla palustris of Linnæus.

[372] The Arum arisarum of Linnæus, hooded arum or friar’s cowl, a native of the coasts of Barbary and the South of Europe.

[373] Or “ten thousand leaves.” The Myriophyllum spicatum of Linnæus, according to most authorities, though Fée considers it very doubtful.

[374] Possibly the Achillea millefolium of Linnæus, our milfoil or yarrow. It is still said to have the property of healing wounds made by edge-tools, for which reason it is known in France as the “carpenter’s plant.”

[375] This assertion, as Fée remarks, is more than doubtful.

[376] “Bastard turnip.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Bunium aromaticum; Fée queries whether it may not be the Pimpinella tenuis of Sieber, found in Crete. The Berberis vulgaris has been also suggested.

[377] Desfontaines identifies it with the Scandix odorata of Linnæus. Hardouin says that it is musk chervil, the Chærophyllum aromaticum of Linnæus, in which he has followed Dodonæus. Fuchsius suggests the Chærophyllum silvestre of Linnæus: Fée expresses himself at a loss to decide.

[378] Probably the Hedysarum onobrychis of Linnæus, our sainfoin.

[379] They are _very much_ larger than those of the lentil, in fact. This diversity has caused Fée to express some doubts whether it really is identical with sainfoin. The Polygala officinalis has also been suggested.

[380] Dalechamps considers these appellations to mean the “virgins’ plant,” and the “plant of beauty.”

[381] The Cissampelos Pareira, as already stated, abounds in mucilage to such a degree, as to impart a consistency to water, without impairing its transparency. See c. 72 of this Book.

[382] The reading of this word is doubtful. Hardouin thinks that it is the same as the Minyanthes mentioned in B. xxi. c. 88.

[383] Fée says that the only cases known of a phænomenon resembling this, are those of the Dictamnus albus, white dittany, which attracts flame momentarily when in flower, and of the Tropæolum majus, or great Indian cress. He thinks, however, that there are some trees so rich in essential oil, that they might possibly ignite as readily as naphtha.

[384] In B. ii. c. 109.

[385] Another reading here is “aproxis,” which seems more probable.

[386] “The work of his own hands,” according to Hesychius.

[387] “Admiration of man.” It is impossible to say what plant is meant under this name, but the pæony, Pæonia officinalis, has been suggested; also the Tropæolum majus. Desfontaines queries whether it may not be the Cæsalpinia pulcherrima, a native of the East. Some authors, Fée says, have identified it with the “Moly” of Homer.

[388] So called from Achæmenes, the ancestor of the Persian kings. Fée thinks that it was a variety of the Euphorbia antiquorum, or else a nightshade.

[389] “Food for the gods.”

[390] See B. xii. c. 30; also the Introduction to Vol. III.

[391] “Venerable” or “majestic.”

[392] “Hard as a diamond.”

[393] The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. c. 18.

[394] See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name.

[395] Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name.

[396] “Serpent-plant.” Fée thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant, or perhaps the Arum serpentaria; see c. 93 of this Book.

[397] “Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, Fée thinks, probably a night-shade.

[398] Hardouin suggests “potamitis,” river-plant.

[399] It is not impossible that this may in reality be an allusion to the effects of opium, or of hasheesh.

[400] “Messenger of the gods,” apparently.

[401] “Laughing leaves.” Possibly, Fée thinks, the Ranunculus philonotis, the Herba Sardoa or Sardonic plant of Virgil, known by some authorities as the Apium risus, or “laughing parsley.” Desfontaines suggests that hemp (prepared in the form of _hasheesh_) is meant.

[402] “Convivial” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Areca catechu, which is chewed in India for the benefit of the teeth and stomach, and as a sweetener of the breath.

[403] “Brother” plant.

[404] “Bride of Dionysus or Bacchus.”

[405] “Sun-flower.” Not the plant, however, known to us by that name.

[406] “Beauty of the sun,” apparently.

[407] “Mixture of Hermes,” apparently.

[408] Previously mentioned in this Chapter.

[409] As Fée remarks, it has been a notion in comparatively recent times, that it is possible to procreate children of either sex at pleasure.

[410] The “bashful” plant. An Acacia, Fée thinks; see B. xiii. c. 19. The Mimosa casta, pudica, and sensitiva, have similar properties: the Sensitive Plant is well known in this country.

[411] Fée queries whether this may not be the Silene muscipula of Linnæus, the fly-trap.

[412] The “wine-tamer.”

[413] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Grammarian Apion. Dalechamps thinks that it is either Apion or Apollodorus.

[414] The “returning” plant. Fée says that the Sedum Telephium of Linnæus, or orpine, is called in the dictionaries by this name. He queries whether it may not be the Sedum anacampseros, or evergreen orpine, as Hesychius says that it continues to live after being taken up from the earth; a peculiarity, to some extent, of the house-leek.

[415] He probably alludes to his remarks upon Magic, in Books xxix. and xxx.

[416] From ἔριφος, a “kid.” Ruellius has attempted to identify this plant with one of the Ranunculaceæ; but there is little doubt, as Fée says, that both plant and insect are imaginary.

[417] “Herba lanaria.” See B. xix. c. 18.

[418] Hardouin identifies it with the Ulva lactuca of Linnæus; but that plant, Fée says, contains no milky juice, and does not act as an emetic. One of the Euphorbiaceæ is probably meant.

[419] “Military” plant. Hardouin identifies it with the Achillea millefolium of Linnæus, mentioned in c. 95 of this Book. Fée, however, does not recognize the identity.

[420] “Soldier” plant. Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Salvinia natans; but Fée thinks, with Sprengel, that it is the Pistia stratiotes of Linnæus, great duckweed or pondweed.

[421] “Always living.” See B. xix. c. 58.

[422] It is pretty clear that in relating this absurdity he is not speaking of one plant solely, but of any plant which may chance to grow on the head of a statue. Numerous mosses grow upon marble; and statues are gradually covered, Fée says, with the Byssus antiquitatis.

[423] “Tongue” plant. Fée identifies it with the Scolopendrium officinarum of Willdenow, the Lingua cervina of other botanists. See B. xxv. c. 84.

[424] In B. xiv. c. 3.

[425] Or “vine-supporting.”

[426] Fée suggests that this may possibly be the Spiræa ulmaria of Linnæus.

[427] The “impious” or “unnatural” plant. Fée identifies it with the Filago Gallica of Linnæus, the corn cudweed. It is destitute of medicinal properties, and what Pliny states is without foundation.

[428] Generally identified with the Scandix pecten Veneris, corn cicely, or shepherd’s needle. See B. xxii. c. 38.

[429] Fée queries whether this may not possibly be the Rhus coriaria of Linnæus, elm-leaved sumach, mentioned in B. xiii. c. 13. He would appear, however, to have confounded it with the Notia, next mentioned.

[430] “Man-loving,” or rather “attached to man.” Identified with the Galium aparine of Linnæus, goose-grass, or common ladies bedstraw; the seeds of which attach themselves to the dress.

[431] See B. xxi. c. 64.

[432] The dog-bur. The Lappa tomentosa of Lamarck. See B. xxvi. c. 65.

[433] See c. 95 of this Book.

[434] Or hartwort; see B. xx. cc. 18, 87.

[435] The Tordylium officinale of Linnæus, officinal hart-wort.

[436] “Grass.” The Triticum repens, or Paspalum dactylon of Linnæus, our couch-grass.

[437] This is probably quite a different production, being the Parnassia palustris, according to Dodonæus; but Fée is inclined to think that it is the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, bell-flower or rampions.

[438] Fée thinks that this applies to the plant of Parnassus, and not to the common Gramen.

[439] This property, Fée says, is still attributed to couch-grass.

[440] “Draconum.” A peculiar kind of serpent. See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 727-8.

[441] No such variety is known.

[442] Fée is somewhat at a loss as to its identity, but thinks that it may be the Panicum sanguinale of Linnæus, or possibly the Cynodon dactylon.

[443] See B. xix. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 102. Possibly a Sedum or houseleek, Fée thinks; certainly not a grass.

[444] Fée queries whether this may not be the Poa rigida of Linnæus, hard meadow-grass.

[445] An Euphorbia, Fée thinks.

[446] “Bull’s horn” or “goat’s horn.”

[447] In B. xviii. c. 39.

[448] The seed contains a mucilage, and is considered emollient and resolvent. Till recently, Fenugreek was the base, Fée says, of a plaster held in high esteem.

[449] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third.

[450] “Sapa.”

[451] Fée remarks, that in reality there is no bitterness in fenugreek. He suggests therefore, that the meaning may be “offensive smell,” that emitted by fenugreek being far from agreeable.

[452] See end of B. xx.

[453] See end of B. xiv.

[454] See end of B. xii.

[455] See end of B. xx.

[456] See end of B. xx.

[457] See end of B. vii.

[458] See end of B. iii.

[459] See end of B. xi.

[460] See end of B. ii.

[461] See end of B. xx.

[462] See end of B. ii.

[463] See end of B. viii.

[464] See end of B. xix.

[465] See end of B. viii.

[466] See end of B. vii.

[467] See end of B. xxi.

[468] See end of B. xxi.

[469] See end of B. xxi.

[470] See end of B. xxi.

[471] See end of B. iv.

[472] See end of B. xxi.

[473] See end of B. xxi.

[474] See end of B. xxi.

[475] See end of B. vii.

[476] See end of B. xx.

[477] See end of B. xx.

[478] See end of B. xx.

[479] See end of B. xii.

[480] See end of B. xxv.

[481] See end of B. xxii.

[482] See end of B. xx.

[483] See end of B. xx.

[484] See end of B. xx.

[485] See end of B. xx.

[486] See end of B. xx.

[487] See end of B. xx.

[488] See end of B. xx.

[489] See end of B. xx.

[490] See end of B. vii.

[491] See end of B. xx.

[492] See end of B. xx.

[493] See end of B. xii.

[494] See end of B. xi.

[495] See end of B. xii.

[496] See end of B. xx.

[497] See end of B. xii.

[498] See end of B. xx.

[499] See end of B. xx.

[500] See end of B. xx.

[501] See end of B. xx.

[502] See end of B. xx.

[503] See end of B. xx.

[504] See end of B. xii.

[505] See end of B. xx.

[506] See end of B. xx.

[507] See end of B. xix.

[508] See end of B. xx.

[509] See end of B. xx.

[510] As Fée remarks, it is more as a writer upon Agriculture than upon Materia Medica, that Cato is entitled to the thanks of posterity.

[511] See end of B. xx.

[512] His piety, apparently, was tainted with adulation.

[513] With the exception of Cato, of course.

[514] See end of B. xiv.

[515] See c. 79 of this Book: also B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxix. c. 8.

[516] A mere prejudice, arising from the fact that numerous poisonous plants grew in the countries on the shores of the Euxine. The blood of no animal whatever is an antidote to any poison.

[517] See B. vii. c. 37. An interesting account of his system will be found in B. xxvi. c. 7. See also B. xxix. c. 5.

[518] See B. xxiii. c. 77.

[519] The four great changes in plants, though not always at the four seasons of the year, are the budding and foliation, the blossoming, the fructification, and the fall of the leaf.

[520] See end of B. xx.

[521] There is little doubt that he alludes to the passage of Æschylus, quoted by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 15. Τυῤῥήνων γενεὰν φαρμακοποιὸν ἔθνος—“The race of the Tyrrheni, a drug-preparing nation.”

[522] See B. ii. c. 87, B. iii. c. 9, B. xv. c. 36, and B. xxxii. c. 21.

[523] See B. vii. c. 2.

[524] See B. ii. c. 87.

[525] Od. iv. 228, _et seq._

[526] See B. xxi. c. 91.

[527] See B. xxi. cc. 21, 84.

[528] Or serpent.

[529] In B. x. c. 20.

[530] Most probably by the agency of “feverish expectation” on the part of the patient.

[531] In B. xviii. c. 45.

[532] As Fée remarks, this dreadful malady is still incurable, notwithstanding the eulogiums which have been lavished upon the virtues of the Scutellaria laterifolia of Linnæus, the Alisma plantago, Genista tinctoria, and other plants, as specifics for its cure.

[533] Dog-rose, or eglantine. See B. viii. c. 63.

[534] An unwarranted assertion, no doubt.

[535] He alludes to a substance known to us as “bedegnar,” a kind of gall-nut, produced by the insect called Cynips rosæ.

[536] Or “little dragon.” The Arum dracunculus of Linnæus. See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.

[537] In c. 93.

[538] As Fée remarks, the influence of water impregnated with selenite upon the health is well known.

[539] Fée says that this disease was an “intense gastritis, productive of a fetid breath.” It would seem, however, to be neither more nor less than the malady now known as “scurvy of the gums.” Galen describes the “sceloturbe,” as a kind of paralysis. “Stomacace” means “disease of the mouth;” “sceloturbe” “disease of the legs.”

[540] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Rumex aquaticus, but Fée considers it to be the Inula Britannica of Linnæus. The Statice armeria, Statice plantaginea, and Polygonum persicaria have also been suggested.

[541] The pseudo-Apuleius, in B. xxix. t. 7, says, that if gathered before thunder has been heard, it will be a preservative against quinzy for a whole year.

[542] The flower of the Inula Britannica, Fée says, is much more likely, from its peculiarities, to have merited a peculiar name, than that of the Rumex.

[543] Lipsius, in his Commentaries upon Tacitus, Ann. i. 63, has very satisfactorily shown that it did not derive its name from the islands of Britain, but from a local appellation, the name given by the natives to the marshy tracts upon the banks of the Ems, between Lingen and Covoerden, which are still known as the “Bretaasche Heyde.” Munting and Poinsinet de Sivry suggest that it may have received its name from being used as a strengthener of the teeth in their sockets, being compounded of the words _tann_, “tooth,” and _brita_, “to break.”

[544] And therefore comparatively unknown.

[545] In c. 33, _et seq._, of this Book.

[546] In the next Book.

[547] See the case of M. Agrippa, mentioned in B. xxiii. c. 27.

[548] Said, by Plutarch, to have been administered to him by his freedman Callisthenes, with the view of securing his affection

[549] Od. x. l. 302, _et seq._

[550] Fée devotes a couple of pages to the _vexata quæstio_ of the identification of this plant, and comes to the conclusion that the Moly of Homer, mentioned on the present occasion, and of Theophrastus, Ovid, and the poets in general is only an imaginary plant; that the white-flowered Moly of Dioscorides and Galen is identical with the Allium Dioscoridis of Sibthorp; and that the yellow-flowered Moly of the author of the Priapeia is not improbably the Allium Moly or magicum of Linnæus. Sprengel derives the name “Moly” from the Arabic, and identifies it with the Allium nigrum of Linnæus.

[551] Homer says that there _is_ difficulty to men, but not to the gods.

[552] In their pictures, mentioned in c. 4.

[553] Ovid, Galen, and Theophrastus, say the same.

[554] There must either be some error in the reading here, or the physician must have attempted to impose upon our author’s credulity.

[555] Or “the twelve gods.”

[556] Generally identified with the Primula vulgaris or officinalis of Linnæus. Its leaves, however, are of varying number, and not like those of the lettuce. The Dodecatheos Meadia, or Virginian cowslip, it must be remembered, is an American plant.

[557] The Pæonia officinalis of Linnæus, our Peony.

[558] Pæon, the physician, mentioned in the Iliad, B. v. l. 401. as healing Pluto, when wounded by Hercules.

[559] From its _five_ seeds, which resemble _fitches_.

[560] “Sweet to the view,” apparently.

[561] See B. xxiii. c. 76.

[562] He means nightmare.

[563] See B. x. cc. 18, 20, and B. xxvii. c. 60.

[564] The Greek for “all-healing.”

[565] Probably the Laserpitium hirsutum of Lamarck. The Echinophora tenuifolia of Linnæus, the thin-leaved prickly parsnip, has also been named.

[566] Or “All-heal.”

[567] In B. xii. c. 57

[568] In B. xii. c. 57.

[569] Identified with the Laserpitium Chironium of Linnæus, otherwise called Pastinaca opopanax. Fée observes, that when the word ‘Panaces’ is used alone, this plant is always the one meant.

[570] In B. xx. cc. 62, 69.

[571] The Centaur Chiron; see B. vii. c. 57. Sprengel identifies this plant with the Hypericum origanifolium of Willdenow, but Fée is inclined to think that its synonym is still unknown. M. Fraäs, in his Synopsis, p. 139, identifies it with the Hypericum Olympicum, an odoriferous plant, which the H. organifolium is not.

[572] The Centaurea centaurium of Linnæus, the greater centaury.

[573] “Seritur.”

[574] Hardouin identifies it with the Geranium Robertianum of Linnæus; Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Phellandrium mutellina of Linnæus; Columna with the Sanicula; Sibthorp with the Scrofularia lucida; and M. Fraäs with the Scrofula chrysanthemifolia of Linnæus. Fée expresses himself unable to speak with any certainty on the subject.

[575] Whence its name “sidereon.”

[576] Or “Chironian vine.”

[577] In B. xxiii. c. 17.

[578] In B. xxii. c. 20.

[579] “Swine’s bean”—our henbane.

[580] The Hyoscyamus reticulatus of Linnæus, reticulated henbane.

[581] The Hyoscyamus niger of Linnæus, black henbane.

[582] See B. xviii. c. 22, and B. xxii. c. 75. The Hyoscyamus aureus of Linnaæus, golden henbane.

[583] The Hyoscyamus albus of Linnæus, white henbane.

[584] The third kind mentioned above.

[585] In B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiii. c. 49. This cannot have been a fixed oil.

[586] The Mercuralis annua of Linnæus, male and female; the herb mercury.

[587] “Herb of Hermes.”

[588] The male, as Fée suggests, bears no seed at all.

[589] A mere absurdity, of course.

[590] De Nat. Mul. and De Morb. Mul. B. i. and B. ii.

[591] The medicinal properties of the Mercurialis are not by any means energetic, but it is still used, Fée says, as a gentle aperient.

[592] B. xxvi. cc, 74, 76, 89.

[593] Both stories are equally improbable.

[594] See B. xxxiv. c. 45.

[595] The weapons in early time, it must be remembered, were made of copper or bronze.

[596] The third Sideritis of Dioscorides is thought to be the same with the Heracleon siderion of c. 15 of this Book. Pliny evidently confounds the Achillea and the Sideritis, totally different plants. The Achillea is identified by Fée with the Achillea tomentosa or abrotonifolia of Linnæus. As to the Sideritis, see B. xxvi. c. 12. The _real_ Panaces heracleon has been mentioned in c. 12 of this Book.

[597] Or “Thousand leaves,” probably identical with the Achillea millefolium of Linnæus, milfoil or yarrow. See B. xxiv. c. 95.

[598] “Marrubii.”

[599] “Ironwort.” The third Sideritis of Dioscorides, above mentioned. See c. 15 of this Book. See also B. xxvi. cc. 12 and 88.

[600] Identified by Desfontaines with the Sanguisorba officinalis of Linnæus.

[601] “Royal broom,” identified by many commentators with the Chenopodium scoparia of Linnæus.

[602] Or “mule-plant.” It is identified by Fée with the Asplenion ceterach, or Ceterach officinarum of Linnæus, the Ceterach, a fern, and a different plant from the Teucrium of B. xxiv. c. 80, or Germander.

[603] Hence its name, “Asplenium.”

[604] “Exinanisse.” A fable, of course.

[605] The Teuerium lucidum of Linnæus: though, as Fée says, there is little similarity between it and hyssop, or between its leaves and those of the bean. See B. xxiv. c. 80.

[606] Identified by Fée with the Veratrum album and Veratrum nigrum of Linnæus, species between which there is little difference.

[607] Identified by Tournefort with the Helleborus niger of Lamarck. Littré mentions the Helleborus orientalis of Linnæus.

[608] The stem of white hellebore is much longer than this.

[609] This comparison with the onion, Fée says, is altogether inexact.

[610] If he would imply that they do this without inconvenience, the statement, Fée says, is incorrect.

[611] “Cut off,” and “With many roots.”

[612] Hellebore is no longer used, except in veterinary medicine.

[613] Petronius Arbiter says that the philosopher Chrysippus used it.

[614] M. Livius Drusus. See B. xxviii. c. 42, and B. xxxiii. c. 6.

[615] Anticyra in Phocis was a peninsula, _not_ an island.

[616] In B. xxii. c. 64.

[617] In B. xix. c. 18.

[618] Hence the Greek name “ectomon.”

[619] “Tenuior.”

[620] This is the meaning assigned by Hardouin to the word “ramulos.” Holland renders it “small shoots” or “slips,” and he is probably right.

[621] “Squama æris.”

[622] See a similar statement as to Consiligo, in B. xxvi c. 21.

[623] See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiv. c. 11.

[624] Its properties, Fée says, are not more active than those of black hellebore.

[625] Fée remarks, that they showed their wisdom in this.

[626] Herophilus, it must be remembered, lived a considerable time before Themison.

[627] “Forficulis.” He probably refers to c. 21, where, however, he has mentioned only a needle—“acus.” It is possibly a _lapsus memoriæ_ on his part.

[628] This he has stated to be attended with danger, in the case of black hellebore, should the dose be too strong.

[629] In c. 21 of this Book.

[630] Twitchings of the mouth, which cause the patient to show his teeth, like a dog.

[631] Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Erythronium dens canis of Linnæus, and Commerson and Schreiber with the Dorstenia tambourissa of Sonnerat. Fée is probably right in considering its synonym as still unknown.

[632] Hardouin identifies it with the Stachys Germanica, Linnæus and Sprengel with the Nepeta scordotis of Linnæus, and Fée with the Stachys Palæstina.

[633] Fée remarks, that none of the plants mentioned in the last Note bear any resemblance to the “quercus,” or oak.

[634] Probably the Teucrium scorodonia of Linnæus, Fée says; though, as he remarks, the description might apply to many of the Labiatæ.

[635] Its names were derived from Polemon, a king of Pontus, and Philetærus, a king of Cappadocia. It is generally identified with the Polemonium cæruleum of Linnæus, Greek valerian, or Jacob’s ladder. M. Fraäs suggests that it may be the Hypericum Olympicum of Linnæus, with which he also identifies the Panaces chironion.

[636] “With a thousand virtues.”

[637] So called probably from a king Eupator. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Agrimonia eupatorium, but Fée prefers the Eupatorium cannabinum of Linnæus, relying upon the description given by Dioscorides. B. iv. c. 41.

[638] Fée considers this to be the same with the Panaces centaurion or Pharnaceon of c. 14 of this Book, the greater Centaury. Littré also names the Centaurea centaureum of Linnæus.

[639] See B. xii. c. 15. B. xxiii. cc. 58, 60, and B. xxiv. c. 77, for a preparation with a similar name, but, as Fée says, of an entirely different character.

[640] In B. xxvi. cc. 15, 19, 34, 55, 66, 76, 85, and 91.

[641] Or “small” centaury, Probably the Chironia centaureum of Smith, _Flor. Brit._, our Felwort. Littré names the Erythræa centaureum of Persoon.

[642] From λιβάδες, “flowing streams.”

[643] See B. xxi. cc. 10, 39, and 98, also c. 80 of this Book.

[644] “Fel terræ.”

[645] A word of Celtic origin, most probably, and not from the Greek, as Pintianus supposes.

[646] Theophrastus, as stated by Pliny, in B. ix. c. 9, says that centaury is protected by the “triorchis” (see B. x. cc. 95, 96), and Pliny in translating the passage has made a mistake as to a third kind. Fée is probably right in his conjecture that the Centaurea centaureum is meant; though Brotier and Desfontaines look upon this as being a distinct plant, and identify it with the Rumex sanguineus of Linnæus.

[647] The root of the greater centaury, Fée remarks, is of a deep red within.

[648] Pliny himself is one of the “imperiti” here.

[649] Son of Cæneus, and king of Arcadia. The plant is identified with the Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, our Woodbine or Honeysuckle. Sibthorp identifies the Clymenum of Dioscorides with the Convolvulus sepium of Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Lathyrus clymenum of Linnæus.

[650] Possibly the Clymenum of Dioscorides, mentioned in the preceding Note. Littré names the Calendula arvensis, the Field marigold.

[651] The Gentiana lutea of Linnæus.

[652] This, Fée remarks, is not the fact.

[653] This comparison is inexact.

[654] It is _not_ swarthy.

[655] A king of Thrace, contemporary with Alexander the Great. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify this plant with the Lythrum salicaria of Linnæus, the purple Willow-herb. Fée, on the authority of Dioscorides, identifies it with the Lysimachia vulgaris of Linnæus, the yellow Willow-plant. Littré gives the Lysimachia atro-purpurea of Linnæus.

[656] Pliny has probably mistranslated the Greek πυῤῥόν here, “reddish yellow.”

[657] An absurdity, of course.

[658] Artemis or Diana, the guardian of pregnant women.

[659] Probably the Artemisia chamæmelifolia, Camomile-leaved mugwort. The A. arborescens, the Tree-wormwood is named by Littré.

[660] Either the Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or Roman wormwood, or else A. campestris of Linnæus, Field southern-wood.

[661] Identified with the Artemisia camphorata of Linnæus, Camphorated mugwort.

[662] Quite a different plant. See B. xxvii. c. 11.

[663] Judging from the text of Dioscorides, a passage has been probably lost here, to the effect that “it is taken in drink by persons troubled with lascivious dreams.”

[664] Identified with the Nymphæa alba of Linnæus, the White-flowered nymphæa.

[665] “Adversatur ei allium.” A corrupt reading, in all probability.

[666] The Nuphar lutea of Sibthorp; the Yellow-flowered nymphæa, or Nenuphar.

[667] See B. v. c. i.

[668] In B. xix. c. 38.

[669] Il. xii. 444.

[670] The Euphorbia officinarum of Linnæus, Officinal spurge.

[671] An incorrect statement, as Fée remarks.

[672] Its odour, Fée says, is not so strong as Pliny would have us believe.

[673] On the contrary, Fée observes, it would be not unlikely to produce ophthalmia of the most obstinate kind.

[674] This Fée considers to be almost impracticable.

[675] Cisalpine Gaul.

[676] See B. xiii. c. 35.

[677] See B. xii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 14, and B. xxxi. c. 39.

[678] The Plantago lagopus of Linnæus, according to Sibthorp; but Sprengel identifies it with the Plantago lanceolata of Linnæus, or else the P. maritima.

[679] The Plantago altissima or major of modern botany.

[680] _I.e._ the ribs, nerves, or sinews of the leaf.

[681] “Seven-sided.”

[682] Whence its name, from the Greek. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Borrago officinalis of Linnæus, our Borage. Littré gives the Anchusa Italica.

[683] Though Pliny’s assertion is supported by the authority of the School of Salerno, Fée treats it as entirely unfounded. Leaves of borage still form an ingredient in the beverages known as Copas and Cider-cup at Cambridge. See this usage, and the identity of the Buglossos discussed at some length by Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. ii. p. 340, _Bohn’s Ed._

[684] “Promoting cheerfulness.”

[685] “Dog’s tongue.” The Cynoglossum officinale of Linnæus, Hound’s tongue, or Venus’ navel-wort; or else the C. pictum of Aiton.

[686] Fée is at a loss to know how it can have been employed in topiary work or ornamental gardening.

[687] This statement is made by Dioscorides with reference to Arnoglossos, Lamb’s tongue, or Plantago. See c. 39, above.

[688] Identified with the Myosotis lappula of Linnæus, Prickly-seeded scorpion-grass.

[689] See B. xxi. c. 64.

[690] “Ranis.” Under this name he probably includes toads.

[691] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Anthemis valentina of Linnæus, the Purple-stalked camomile; but Fée agrees with Sibthorp in considering it to be the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the Corn marigold, the former not being, apparently, a native of Greece. Littré gives the Chrysanthemum coronarium of Linnæus, the Garland chrysanthemum.

[692] “Steatomata.” Tumours of a fatty nature.

[693] Generally agreed to be identical with the Glycyrrhiza of B. xxii. c. 2, our Liquorice. Fée says that the G. asperrima grows in great abundance on the banks of the river Volga.

[694] See B. xxvii. c. 1.

[695] Liquorice certainly palls the appetite, but it is very apt to create thirst.

[696] In copying from the Greek, Pliny has mistaken “hippace,” a cheese made from mare’s milk, for a plant! It is very likely, however, that it would tend, like any other cheese, to appease hunger, though, probably, not thirst.

[697] He has probably invented this reason himself, as it is hardly probable that the Scythians would feed their horses with cheese, even though made from mare’s milk.

[698] Sprengel identifies it with the Andropogon ischæmon of Linnæus, the Woolly andropogon. Fée expresses his doubts as to its identification. It derives its name “ischæmon,” from its property of stanching blood.

[699] To arrest epistaxis or bleeding at the nose.

[700] The Betonica alopecuros of Linnæus, the Fox-tail betony.

[701] The “little saw.”

[702] “Nurtured by breezes.” M. Fraäs thinks that the Cestros of the Greeks is a different plant from the Vettonica of the Romans, and identifies it with the Sideritis Syriaca.

[703] See B. xx. c. 85.

[704] Pliny is the only author that mentions the Cantabrica, and his account, Fée thinks, is too meagre to enable us satisfactorily to identify it with the Convolvulus cantabrica of Linnæus.

[705] A conical work-basket or cup. See B. xxi. c. 11.

[706] Sprengel and other commentators identify it with the Pulmonaria officinalis of Linnæus, Lungwort or Pulmonary. Others, again, consider it to be the Veratrum album of Linnæus, or White hellebore. Fée considers that its synonym has not hitherto been discovered. Holland calls it Bear-foot.

[707] B. xxvi. c. 21.

[708] Fée identifies it with the Lepidium graminifolium of Linnæus, Grass-leaved pepperwort; Desfontaines with the L. Iberis of Linnæus, Bushy pepperwort. Littré gives as its synonym the Iberis amara of Linnæus, the White candy-tuft.

[709] “Fictum nomen.” Salmasius thinks that by these words, Pliny means that Democrates invented the name of a friend of his as being the discoverer of this plant, which in reality was discovered by himself. It would seem to mean, however, that the name “iberis” was only a fanciful title, derived from the country where it was found, and given to it for want of acquaintance with its real name.

[710] Still preserved in Galen, B. x. c. 2.

[711] The Chelidonium majus of Linnæus, the Greater celandine or swallow-wort.

[712] “Pastinaca erratica.” See c. 64 of this Book.

[713] Identified with the Ranunculus ficaria of Linnæus, the Pilewort, or Lesser celandine.

[714] The same is the case, Fée remarks, with numbers of other plants.

[715] “Collyriis.”

[716] The Dactylos of B. xxiv. c. 119, is supposed to be the plant alluded to. The word “canariam” is found here in former editions, but Sillig omits it. Indeed Pliny seems to say that it is quite unknown to him.

[717] In B. xxii. c. 37.

[718] From the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.”

[719] In B. viii. c. 41.

[720] The Origanum dictamnus of Linnæus, Dittany of Candia.

[721] This is an error: it grows, and doubtless did in Pliny’s time, in numerous other places; but that of Mount Ida in Crete was held in the highest esteem.

[722] It has all three, in fact; as Fée says, it is evident that Pliny never saw it. Its medicinal properties are no longer held in any esteem.

[723] “False-dittany.” It is generally identified with the Marrubium pseudodictamnus of Linnæus, the Shrubby white horehound; though perhaps on insufficient grounds.

[724] Fée is inclined, with Sprengel, to identify it with the Origanum Creticum of Linnæus. Other commentators have suggested the Origanum Tournefortii, the Thymus mastichina of Linnæus, and the Marrubium acetabulosum of Linnæus.

[725] See B. xx. c. 91.

[726] “Limes Diomedis.”

[727] “Most excellent for pregnancy.”

[728] See B. xxvi. c. 56.

[729] Identified by Fée with the Aristolochia rotunda of Linnæus, Rounded birthwort, a native of the south of France and the southern parts of Europe. Littré gives the Aristolochia pallida of Willdenow.

[730] Most probably the Aristolochia longa of Linnæus, found in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Littré gives as its synonym the Aristolochia parvifolia of Sibthorp.

[731] The Aristolochia clematis of Linnæus, almost identical with the Aristolochia Cretica and Bætica.

[732] The Aristolochia plistolochia of Linnæus, the Spanish branching stemmed birthwort. Fée thinks that these identifications, though probable enough, are not altogether satisfactory, and that the Greeks may have made these distinctions between varieties of the plant comparatively unknown to the rest of Europe. They are no longer held in any esteem for their medicinal properties.

[733] See B. xxvi. c. 91.

[734] “With many roots.”

[735] See B. xxvi. c. 62.

[736] See c. 6 of this Book.

[737] See cc. 11, 12, 13, 14, of this Book.

[738] See B. xx. c. 61.

[739] See B. xxiv. c. 80.

[740] See c. 15 of this Book.

[741] See c. 27 of this Book.

[742] See c. 35 of this Book.

[743] See c. 50 of this Book.

[744] See B. xvi. c. 24.

[745] See c. 54 of this Book. As Fée remarks, these asserted remedies for the stings of serpents are not deserving of discussion.

[746] The Papaver argemone of Linnæus, the Rough poppy. It is a native of France, and many other parts of Europe.

[747] This, Fée remarks, is not stated by Dioscorides, whose description is more correct.

[748] It is supposed by commentators that he is in error here, and that this description applies to the Lappa canaria, mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.

[749] The root of the Papaver argemone has no such smell.

[750] See B. xxi. c. 94, B. xxiv. c. 116, and B. xxvi. c. 59.

[751] The Boletus agaricum of Aiton, or White agaric. It is a strong purgative, but is rarely used for that purpose.

[752] This distinction into male and female is no longer recognized, though it continued to be so till within the last century.

[753] Desfontaines identifies it with the Saponaria ocimoïdes. Fée thinks it may have possibly been some kind of sage, or else a variety of the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, French lavender. Littré gives the Silene Gallica of Linnæus, the Gallic catchfly.

[754] Identified by Fée with the Pseudanchusa, Echis, or Doris of B. xxii. c. 24, the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus. Littré gives the Echium rubrum of Linnæus.

[755] The Arctium lappa of Linnæus, probably, our Great clot-burr. See B. xxi. c. 51.

[756] See B. xxi. c. 64.

[757] “Holy plant.”

[758] “Pigeon plant.”

[759] Our “vervain.” It was much used in philtres, and was as highly esteemed as the mistletoe by the people of Gaul. It is no longer used in medicine.

[760] In B. xxii. c. 3.

[761] On the occasion of the Feasts of Jupiter in the Capitol, prepared by the Septemviri.

[762] The Verbena supina of Linnæus, Recumbent vervain.

[763] The Verbena officinalis of Linnæus, Vervain or holy plant.

[764] See c. 73 of this Book.

[765] Mostly identified with the third Phlomos, mentioned in c. 74 of this Book. Littré gives as its synonym the Phlomis fruticosa of Linnæus, Jerusalem sage, or tree-sage.

[766] “Blattæ.”

[767] Not the “Limonion” of B. xx. c. 28, as the Statice limonium emits no juice. Desfontaines identifies it with the Scolymos or Limonia of B. xxii. c. 43; but Fée is inclined to think that Pliny is speaking of the Atractylis gummifera, but has made a mistake in the name.

[768] Or “five-leaved.” Most probably the Potentilla reptans of Linnæus, our Cinquefoil, or Five-leaved grass. Sprengel, however, identifies it with the Tormentilla reptans of Linnæus, the Tormentil; and other authorities with the Potentilla rupestris of Linnæus.

[769] Its fruit is dry, and bears no resemblance to the strawberry.

[770] “Five-leaved.”

[771] “Creeping on the ground.”

[772] Identified by Fée with the Sparganium ramosum of Linnæus, or Branchy burr-reed. Littré gives the Butonus umbellatus of Linnæus, the Flowering rush, or Water gladiole.

[773] Fée remarks, that the account given by Pliny has not the same precision as that of Dioscorides, who describes three varieties of the Daucus.

[774] Fée is inclined to identify the Daucus of Crete and Achaia with the Daucus Creticus of Fuchsius, the Athamanta annua of Linnæus. Desfontaines identifies it with the Athamanta Cretensis of Linnæus.

[775] This kind is identified by Fée with the Seseli ammoïdes of Linnæus, and by Littré with the Ammi majus of Linnæus, the Common or Greater bishop’s weed.

[776] Identified by Sprengel with the Daucus Mauritanicus, and by Brotero and Desfontaines with the Daucus carota, var. α, our Common carrot. Fée seems inclined to identify it with the Athamanta cervaria of Linnæus, Mountain carrot, or Broad-leaved spignel. The account given by Pliny is, however, a mass of confusion.

[777] Or “wild parsnip.” See B. xix. c. 27.

[778] For the purpose of expelling the dead fœtus, according to Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 83.

[779] See B. xxiv. c. 102. The plant here spoken of has not been identified, but the Epilobium angustifolium, montanum, tetragonum, &c., varieties of the Willow-herb, have been suggested. They are destitute, however, of all poisonous qualities.

[780] Hence its name—“Benumbing wild beasts.”

[781] Fée thinks that there is an error in the name, and that it is the “personata” that is here spoken of, the plant already mentioned in c. 58 of this Book. Hardouin identifies it with the Tussilago petasites—the Butter-burr, according to Nemnich—but apparently without any sufficient authority.

[782] Fée identifies it with the Cyclamen hederæfolium of Aiton, the Ivy-leaved sow-bread; Littré with the Cyclamen Græcum of Lamarck.

[783] “Tuberosity of the earth.”

[784] “Suum venenum ei est.” Gerard seems to have had a worse opinion of it than our author; for he states in his Herbal, p. 845, that he had experienced great misfortunes owing to his _imprudence_ in having cultivated Cyclamen in his garden.

[785] “Ivy-flowered.” It resembles the other plant in nothing but the name. Fée is inclined, with Desfontaines, to identify it with the Lonicera caprifolium of Linnæus, the Italian honeysuckle, though that plant bears no resemblance in either leaf or flower to the ivy. The Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, the Common woodbine or honeysuckle, has been also suggested, as well as the Bryonia alba, Solanum dulcamara, and Cucubalus bacciferus.

[786] According to Brotero, it is the Parnassia palustris of Tournefort, an opinion with which Fée is inclined to agree. Sprengel considers it to be the same as the Convallaria bifolia of Linnæus, our Small lily of the valley, and identifies it with the one-leafed Ceratia of B. xxvi. c. 34. Littré names the Antirrhinum asarina of Linnæus, the Bastard asarum.

[787] The Peucedanum officinale of Linnæus, Sulphur-wort, or Hog’s fennel. It receives its name from a fancied resemblance between its fruit and that of the “Peuce,” or pitch-tree.

[788] This juice, Fée remarks, is no longer known.

[789] Or Wall-wort. See B. xxiv. c. 35. and B. xxvi. c. 49.

[790] See c. 28 of this Book.

[791] See c. 54 of this Book.

[792] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum thapsus of Linnæus, Great mullein, High-taper, or Cow’s lung-wort.

[793] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum sinuatum of Linnæus. Desfontaines considers _this_ to be the male plant of Pliny, and the V. thapsus to be the female.

[794] Fée considers this to be the same as the Blattaria mentioned in c. 60, and identifies it with the Verbascum phlomoïdes of Linnæus. Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Phlomis lychnitis of Linnæus. Littré gives the Phlomus fruticosa of Linnæus, the Jerusalem sage, or Tree sage.

[795] See B. xxii. c 71.

[796] Fée identifies these two kinds with the Phlomis fruticosa of Linnæus; Sprengel and Desfontaines consider the second kind to be the Phlomis Italica of Smith; on insufficient grounds, Fée thinks. Littré mentions the Sideritis Romana and S. elegans of Linnæus.

[797] The “Lamp plant.” It is mostly identified with the Verbascum lychnitis of Linnæus, the White mullein. Fée is somewhat doubtful on the point. It is doubtful whether it is not the same as the Thryallis, mentioned in B. xxi. c. 61. Littré identifies it with the Phlomis lychnitis.

[798] In the last paragraph he is speaking of the Phlomos, here he evidently reverts to the Phlomis.

[799] Or “Female killer.” See B. xxvii. c. 2.

[800] Dioscorides states, somewhat more rationally, that this plant strikes the scorpion with torpor, and that the contact of hellebore revives it.

[801] “Rubetis.” A kind of toad, probably. See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. c. 16, and B. xxxii. c. 18.

[802] Schneider, on Nicander’s Alexiph. p. 277, says that he cannot understand this passage. There is little doubt that Sillig is right in his conjecture that it is imperfect, for the pith of the narrative, whatever it may have been, is evidently wanting. The Psylli were said to be proof against all kinds of poisons. See B. viii. c. 38, and B. xi. c. 30; also Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 192, _et seq._

[803] See also B. xxvii. c. 97. Fée identifies it with the Astragalus Creticus of Lamarck, Desfontaines with the Astragalus poterium.

[804] The “nerve-plant” and the “drinking-plant,” apparently.

[805] Sprengel identifies it with the Alisma Parnassifolium of Linnæus; but as that plant is not found in Greece, Sibthorp suggests the Alisma plantago of Linnæus, the Great water-plantain. It has no medicinal properties, though it was esteemed till very recent times as curative of hydrophobia.

[806] “Capite thyrsi.”

[807] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

[808] In c. 6 of this Book.

[809] “Pigeon-plant.” The same as Vervain, already described in c. 59 of this Book.

[810] See c. 8 of this Book.

[811] By “Mithridatia” he probably means the antidotes attributed to Mithridates in c. 3 of this Book, and in B. xxix. c. 8, and not the plant previously mentioned in c. 26.

[812] See c. 27 of this Book.

[813] See c. 54 of this Book.

[814] See c. 55.

[815] Generally identified with the Antirrhinum Orontium of Linnæus, Small toad-flax, Calf’s snout, or Lesser wild snapdragon. Desfontaines mentions the Antirrhinum purpureum, and Littré the A. majus of Linnæus, the Common snapdragon, or Greater calf’s snout.

[816] “Wild lychnis.”

[817] Theophrastus says, B. ix. c. 21, speaking of the last-mentioned plant, “The same too, with reference to glory and consideration.” Pliny, singularly enough, has mistaken the Greek word “eucleia” (glory) for the name of a plant, and has fabricated one accordingly: a similar blunder to that made by him with reference to “hippace,” in c. 44 of this Book.

[818] See c. 36 of this Book.

[819] Fée is inclined to identify it with the Bulbine of B. xx. c. 41 probably the Hyacinthus botryoïdes of Linnæus, the Blue grape hyacinth. Brotero and Desfontaines name the Hyacinthus comosus, the Purple grape hyacinth. Littré mentions the Ornithogalum nutans of Linnæus, the May star of Bethlehem.

[820] Identified by Fée with the Bulbus vomitorius or Bulb emetic of B. xx. c. 41, the same, in his opinion, with the Narcissus jonquilla, the Emetic jonquil. Sprengel, however, would identify the Bulbus vomitorius with either the Narcissus orientalis or the Pancratium Illyricum; and Sibthorp considers its synonym to be the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes of Aiton. Littré gives the Muscari comosum.

[821] See c. 13 of this Book.

[822] See c. 37 of this Book, and B. xxvi. c. 28.

[823] There seems to be an hiatus here. From the words of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 138, it would appear that pitch was the other ingredient, to be beaten up with the plant.

[824] The same as the Polytrichos of B. xxii. c. 30.

[825] In B. xxii. c. 30, he makes them to be the same plant, and it is most probable that they may be both referred to the Asplenium trichomanes of Linnæus.

[826] “Frutice.”

[827] See B. xxiv. c. 108.

[828] See c. 11 of this Book.

[829] See c. 54 of this Book.

[830] See c. 49 of this Book.

[831] See c. 67 of this Book.

[832] Or Vervain.

[833] Sprengel identified this plant at first with the Buplevrum longifolium of Linnæus, the Long-leaved hare’s ear, but at a later period with the Mercurialis tomentosa, the Woolly mercury. Fée suggests the Cacalia petasites or albifrons, though with diffidence. Littré gives the Cacalia verbascifolia of Sibthorp.

[834] See c. 83 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxvii. c. 111.

[835] There has been much discussion on the identification of the Hyssopum of the ancients, their descriptions varying very considerably. It has been suggested that that of the Egyptians was the Origanum Ægyptianum; that of the Hebrews, the Origanum Syriacum; that of Dioscorides, the Origanum Smyrnæum; and that of the other Greek writers, the Teuerium pseudo-hyssopus, or else the Thymbra verticillata and spicata. Fée is inclined to identify that here mentioned by Pliny with the Thymbra spicata of Linnæus, and the Garden hyssop of Dioscorides, with the Hyssopus officinalis of Linnæus. Littré states, however, that this last is a stranger to Greece, and that M. Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 182) identifies the hyssop of Dioscorides with the Origanum Smyrnæum or Syriacum.

[836] Generally identified with the Serapias lingua of Linnæus.

[837] The same, most probably, as the Gladiolus of B. xxi. c. 67. See also the next Chapter in this Book.

[838] This was a characteristic feature of the masks used in the Roman Comedy.

[839] See Note 837 above. The medicinal properties here attributed to the Xiphion, or Gladiolus communis, our common Red corn-flag, are very doubtful, as Fée remarks.

[840] With the outer coat on, of course.

[841] Dalechamps is probably right in preferring the reading “carpentis” to “serpentis,” in which case the meaning would be, “or bones when accidentally crushed by the wheels of vehicles.”

[842] Or “meagrim.”

[843] Identified with the Plantago Psyllium of Linnæus, our Fleawort Fleaseed, or Fleabane.

[844] Nothing, Fée says, can be more absurd than this description of the plant.

[845] Whence its name “cynoïdes” and “cynomyia.”

[846] This plant has not been identified; Wild water-parsley, perhaps a kind of Sium, has been suggested.

[847] All the plants here mentioned are of a more or less irritating nature, and would greatly imperil the sight.

[848] See c. 50 of this Book.

[849] See c. 11 of this Book.

[850] See B. xviii. c. 14, and B. xxii. c. 59.

[851] “Collyriis.”

[852] A most dangerous application, in reality.

[853] A comparatively harmless, though useless application.

[854] See c. 49 of this Book.

[855] See c. 73 of this Book.

[856] In c. 70 of this Book.

[857] See c. 90 of this Book.

[858] The Corchorus of B. xxi. c. 106, is most probably altogether a different plant.

[859] Identified with the Anagallis arvensis of Linnæus, with a red flower, the Red pimpernel, Corn pimpernel, or Shepherd’s weather-glass.

[860] The Anagallis cæruleo flore of Tournefort, the Blue pimpernel.

[861] In reality they are destitute of medicinal properties. It is said, though apparently on no sufficient grounds, that red pimpernel is poisonous to small birds.

[862] Or “blood-shot eyes.”

[863] A disease of the pupil.

[864] Belladonna, a preparation from the Atropa belladonna, is now generally used for this purpose.

[865] “Paracentesis.”

[866] This plant is unknown. Fée suggests that Pliny may have made a mistake, and that the account from which he copies may have been, that when cattle have been stung by the asilus, or gadfly, they have recourse to the Anagallis.

[867] “Savage eye.”

[868] In c. 38 of this Book.

[869] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxi. c. 63.

[870] Or “Plant of Circe.”

[871] Identified by Fée with the Atropa mandragora vernalis of Bertolini, the Spring mandrake.

[872] The Atropa mandragora autumnalis of Bertolini, the Autumnal mandrake.

[873] The Greek for “male.”

[874] “Dementing.” Fée remarks that the “Morion” in reality is a different plant, and queries whether it may not be the Atropa belladonna of Linnæus, the Belladonna, or Deadly nightshade, mentioned above in Note 864.

[875] The female, or black, mandrake.

[876] See B. xx. c. 85.

[877] The superstitions with reference to the Mandrake extended from the earliest times till a very recent period. It was used in philtres, and was supposed to utter piercing cries when taken up; Josephus counsels those whose business it is to do so, to employ a dog for the purpose if they would avoid dreadful misfortunes. All these notions probably arose from the resemblance which the root bears to the legs and lower part of the human body. See B. xxii. c. 9, where we have queried in a Note whether the Eryngium may not have been the “mandrake,” the possession of which was so much coveted by the wives of Jacob.

[878] “Pestis est.”

[879] In the same way that chloroform is now administered.

[880] “Cicuta.” Identified with the Conium maculatum of Linnæus, Common hemlock or Keghs. It grows in the vicinity of Athens, and probably formed the basis of the poisons with which that volatile people “recompensed,” as Fée remarks, the virtues and exploits of their philosophers and generals. Socrates, Phocion, and Philopœmen, are said to have been poisoned with hemlock; but in the case of Socrates, it was probably combined with opium and other narcotics. See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

[881] He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter into a description of poisons.

[882] Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with impunity.

[883] See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

[884] A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks.

[885] Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when the milk is in excess.

[886] By causing those organs to waste away.

[887] The province of Asia Minor.

[888] “Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Small samphire, or sea fennel.

[889] Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago Europæa of Linnæus, Leadwort, or French dittander.

[890] See B. xx. c. 85.

[891] “Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin thinks.

[892] Or “smoke-plant;” so called from its smell, which resembles that of smoke or soot.

[893] “Pedes gallinacei.” Identified by Fée with the Corydalis digitata of Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of Fumitory.

[894] Identified by Fée with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have also been mentioned.

[895] The Acorus calamus of Linnæus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling flag. See B. xii. c. 48.

[896] See B. xxi. c. 19.

[897] “Utribus.”

[898] See B. xv. c. 7.

[899] Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith, _Flor. Brit._, Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort.

[900] Identified by Littré with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by Fée with the Cotyledon serrata of Linnæus, Saw-toothed navel-wort.

[901] “Sordidis.”

[902] “Always living.”

[903] “Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum tectorum of Linnæus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.

[904] Called “geisa” in Greek.

[905] “Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.”

[906] Fée identifies it with the Sedum ochroleucum of Sibthorp; Sprengel with the Sedum altissimum, and others with the Sedum acre, varieties of Wall pepper, or Stone-crop. Littré gives the Sedum amplexicaule of Decandolle.

[907] “Spring blossoming.”

[908] “Blossoming like gold.”

[909] “The same all the year.”

[910] “Wild andrachle.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Sedum stellatum; Fée, though with some hesitation, with the Sedum reflexum of Linnæus, the Sharp-pointed stone-crop, or Prick-madam. The Sedum, however, is of a caustic and slightly corrosive nature, and not edible; in which it certainly differs from the Andrachle agria of our author. Holland calls it “Wild purslain.”

[911] This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.”

[912] See c. 19 of this Book.

[913] See c. 100 of this Book.

[914] “Strigil.” This in general means a “body-scraper;” but it most probably signifies a “syringe,” in the present instance. See B. xxix c. 39, and B. xxxi c. 47.

[915] See B. xxiv. c. 35.

[916] See c. 19 of this Book.

[917] See c. 54 of this Book.

[918] See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70.

[919] “Ozænam.”

[920] See c. 11 of this Book.

[921] See c. 28 of this Book.

[922] See c. 73 of this Book.

[923] See c. 92 of this Book.

[924] Identified by Desfontaines with the Senecio Jacobæa of Linnæus, Common ragwort. Fée identifies it with the Senecio vulgaris of Linnæus, our Groundsel. They are both destitute of medicinal properties.

[925] Sec B. xxiv. c. 80.

[926] Ἔαρι γέρων, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.”

[927] “Spinæ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.”

[928] It may possibly have been so called from the Acanthis, or goldfinch, that bird being fond of groundsel.

[929] “Thistle-down.” If Pliny is speaking of groundsel, he is wrong in his assertion that it turns white, or in other words, goes to seed, in spring.

[930] Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes; but that has no blue flower, and the same is the case with many other plants that have been suggested as its synonym. Fée suggests the Convallaria verticillata of Linnæus, the whorl-leaved Solomon’s seal; as to which, however, there is the same difficulty in reference to the flower. Holland calls it the “May lily,” otherwise the Lily of the valley, the Convallaria Maialis; and this is the synonym suggested by Fuchsius. Littré gives the Convallaria multiflora of Linnæus.

[931] See c. 50 of this Book.

[932] Or “Venus’ bath.” Identified by Littré with the Dipsacus silvestris of Linnæus, and by Fée with the Dipsacus fullonum of Linnæus, the Teazel, or Fuller’s thistle. It received its Roman name from the form of the leaves, which are channelled, and curved at the edges.

[933] This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs formed by the leaves.

[934] He alludes to the larvæ of the Curculio or weevil, which are found in the head of the Dipsacus, and many other plants. See B. xxvii. c. 62, and B. xxx. c. 8.

[935] “Frog-plant.”

[936] “Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us.

[937] Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.

[938] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus hirsutus, or philonotis. Fée, with Hardouin, considers it to be the same as the Apiastrum of B. xx. c. 45, and identifies it with the Ranunculus Sardoüs of Crantz, the plant probably which produces a contraction of the mouth, rendered famous as the “Sardonic grin,” and more commonly known as the Ranunculus sceleratus, Apium risus, or Apium Sardoüm, “Laughing parsley,” or “Sardinian parsley.”

[939] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus muricatus of Linnæus.

[940] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by Fée with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linnæus, the Water crowfoot. The Ranunculi are all active poisons.

[941] A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any one ever made the trial of its efficacy.

[942] Or scrofula.

[943] See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5.

[944] See c. 90 of this Book.

[945] See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.

[946] “Stigmata.”

[947] See c. 94 of this Book.

[948] See end of B. xx.

[949] See end of B. xiv.

[950] See end of B. xii.

[951] See end of B. xx.

[952] See end of B. xx.

[953] See end of B. vii.

[954] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.

[955] See end of B. iii.

[956] See end of B. xi.

[957] See end of B. ii.

[958] See end of B. v.

[959] See end of B. xx.

[960] See end of B. ii.

[961] See end of B. viii.

[962] See end of B. xix.

[963] See end of B. viii.

[964] See end of B. vii.

[965] See end of B. xxi.

[966] See end of B. xxi.

[967] A Lydian historian, anterior to Herodotus, of whom little is known with any degree of certainty. He probably flourished in the earlier part of the fifth century B.C.

[968] See end of B. xxi.

[969] See end of B. xxi.

[970] See end of B. iv.

[971] See end of B. xxi.

[972] See end of B. xxi.

[973] See end of B. xxi.

[974] See end of B. vii.

[975] See end of B. xx.

[976] See end of B. xx.

[977] See end of B. xx.

[978] See end of B. xii.

[979] See end of B. xv.

[980] See end of B. xii.

[981] See end of B. xx.

[982] See end of B. xx.

[983] See end of B. xx.

[984] See end of B. xx.

[985] See end of B. xx.

[986] See end of B. xx.

[987] See end of B. xx.

[988] See end of B. xx.

[989] See end of B. vii.

[990] See end of B. xx.

[991] See end of B. xx.

[992] See end of B. xii.

[993] See end of B. xi.

[994] See end of B. xii.

[995] See end of B. xx.

[996] See end of B. xii.

[997] See end of B. xx.

[998] See end of B. xx.

[999] See end of B. xx.

[1000] See end of B. xx.

[1001] See end of B. xx.

[1002] See end of B. xx.

[1003] See end of B. xii.

[1004] See end of B. xx.

[1005] See end of B. xx.

[1006] See end of B. xix.

[1007] See end of B. xx.

[1008] See end of B. xx.

[1009] See end of B. xx.

[1010] Probably as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, the leprosy of the middle ages.

[1011] The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.

[1012] Meaning the people of Italy.

[1013] It is somewhat difficult to say whether Tiberius, the predecessor, or Claudius, the successor of Caligula, is meant; most probably the latter, as the former’s reign would have been in the times of “our fathers.”

[1014] Asia Minor.

[1015] “Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was known in Asia from the very earliest times.

[1016] This assertion as to the slaves and lower orders is somewhat doubtful, though it is very possible that the diet and habits of the higher orders may have predisposed them more particularly for the attacks of the diseases.

[1017] “Osculi”, “kissing;” a nauseous and silly practice, still adhered to, between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe.

[1018] Upwards of £1500.

[1019] A.U.C. 590.

[1020] “Carbunculus.” A malignant pustule, accompanied with swelling and ending with gangrene, is still known by this name, but it does not manifest any particular preference for the mouth and tongue. Fée says that carbuncle was recently (1833) endemic in Provence, the ancient Gallia Narbonensis, for which reason it had received the name of “Charbon Provençal.”

[1021] Consul, A.U.C. 819.

[1022] Consul, A.U.C. 816.

[1023] Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more like chancre than carbuncle.

[1024] In B. xx. c. 52.

[1025] Supposed, as Pliny says, to have originally come from Upper Egypt. Lucretius, B. vi. l. 1111, _et seq._, attributes it to the water of the Nile. It is but rarely known in Europe.

[1026] Fée thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to those between the fingers which are known as _fourches_ by the French, and by medical men as “Aposthema phalangum.” Gruner considers it to be a sort of Elephantiasis, and Triller identifies it with the disease called _Gumretha_ by the Talmudists.

[1027] “Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.

[1028] See B. xxix. c. i.

[1029] See end of B. xx.

[1030] See B. xxix. c. 3.

[1031] See B. xxix. c. 5.

[1032] See end of B. vii.

[1033] “Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a carriage drawn by horses.

[1034] See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable length, in the Florida, B. iv.

[1035] Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.

[1036] We adopt Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nimborum altrice,” the word “imperatrice” being evidently out of place. The climate of Italy seems to have changed very materially since his day.

[1037] See B. ii. c. 51.

[1038] See B. ix. c. 79.

[1039] “Organo.”

[1040] See B. xxiv. c. 102.

[1041] We agree with Pintianus that the name of some plant here has been lost, the word “condiendis” making no sense.

[1042] See B. xxiv. c. 102.

[1043] Some plant as fictitious as the others here mentioned.

[1044] See B xxx. c. 1.

[1045] See B. xxiv. c. 102.

[1046] See B. iii. c. 9.

[1047] In B. xxiv. c. 102.

[1048] In B. xxix. c. 5.

[1049] See B. xxi. c. 68.

[1050] See B. xx. c. 85.

[1051] “Flos visci.”

[1052] See c. 39 of this Book.

[1053] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia polymorpha of Linnæus, Common Marchantia, or Fountain liverwort, the male plant.

[1054] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia stellata, Star-headed Marchantia, or Female fountain liverwort. Desfontaines takes it to be either the Marchantia conica, or the Peltidea canina. It must be remembered that the Marchantia is not a Lichen in the modern acceptation of the word, and that our Lichens are destitute of stem. Littré identifies it with the Lecanora parella.

[1055] See B. xiii. c. 43.

[1056] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1057] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1058] See B. xxvii. c. 104.

[1059] See B. ix. c. 42.

[1060] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1061] Fée remarks that none of the plants here mentioned are of any utility for the cure of scrofula.

[1062] See B. xxv. c. 50.

[1063] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1064] See B. xxv. c. 36.

[1065] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1066] See B. xxv. c. 19, where our author has confused the Achillea with the Sideritis; also c. 15, where he describes the Heraclion siderion. Fée identifies the Sideritis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 19, as having a square stem and leaves like those of the quercus, with the Stachys heraclea of modern botany. That mentioned in the same Chapter, as having a fetid smell, he identifies with the Phellandrium mutellina of Linnæus. The large-leaved Sideritis is, no doubt, the one mentioned as having leaves like those of the quereus. See the Note to B. xxv. c. 19.

[1067] In B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxv. c. 119.

[1068] See B. xxv. c. 77.

[1069] Probably the Bellis perennis of Linnæus, the Common daisy. Fée remarks, that it was probably unknown to the Greeks.

[1070] See B. xxv. c. 36.

[1071] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Saponaria vaccaria, the Perfoliate soapwort. Other commentators have suggested the Valeriana rubra, but Fée thinks that its synonym has not been hitherto discovered.

[1072] See B. xxv. c. 11.

[1073] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1074] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1075] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1076] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1077] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1078] See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxv. c. 43. Our Liquorice probably, which, Fée remarks, as also figs and hyssop, has maintained its ancient reputation as a pectoral.

[1079] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1080] See B. xxv. c. 85.

[1081] See B. xxiv. c. 85.

[1082] “Aquileges.”

[1083] See B. xxiv. c. 85.

[1084] Dried bechion, or coltsfoot, is still smoked by some persons for affections of the chest.

[1085] Generally identified with the Phlomos, or Verbascum lychnitis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 74.

[1086] “Sage.” See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1087] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.

[1088] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1089] See B. xx. c. 27.

[1090] See R. xviii. c. 29. Fée observes that none of these prescriptions would be countenanced at the present day.

[1091] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1092] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1093] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1094] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1095] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1096] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1097] Possibly the same plant as the “Moly” of B. xxv. c. 8. If so, as Fée says, it would appear to belong to the genus Allium, or garlic.

[1098] See B. xxv. c. 84.

[1099] See B. xxv. c. 68.

[1100] See introduction to Vol. III.

[1101] See B. xii. c. 28. Fée says that none of these so-called remedies would now be recognised.

[1102] See B. xxv. c. 20.

[1103] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1104] See B. xxv. c. 99.

[1105] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1106] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1107] Probably the Equisetum silvaticum of Linnæus, our Wild horse-tail. He is in error in saying that it climbs the trunks of trees; a mistake also made by Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 46, who calls it “hippuris.” It is said by some to be a strong diuretic. Littré, however, gives as its synonym the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus.

[1108] The Geum urbanum of Linnæus, the Common avens, or herb bennet. It was probably unknown to the Greeks.

[1109] Its root has a smell like that of cloves, for which reason it is sometimes known as “Caryophyllata.”

[1110] In B. xxv. c. 48.

[1111] Sprengel identifies it with the Plumbago of B. xxv. c. 22. Fée is not of that opinion, and agrees with Matthioli in considering it to be the Aster tripolium of Linnæus, the Sea starwort. Littré gives the Statice limonium of Linnæus.

[1112] See B. xx. c. 25.

[1113] In B. xxi. c. 21.

[1114] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Amaranthus tricolor; Fée is strongly of opinion that it has not been correctly identified.

[1115] Clusius and Sprengel identify it with the Lychnis silvestris of Linnæus, the Wild lychnis or Viscous catchfly. Fée considers it to be unknown, but of the two, would prefer the Lychnis dioica of Linnæus, the White lychnis, or White campion.

[1116] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Valeriana locusta of Linnæus, Corn valerian, Corn-salad, or Lamb’s lettuce. Fée considers its identity as still unknown.

[1117] See B. xviii. c. 10.

[1118] Perhaps the same as the Limonium of B. xxv. c. 61.

[1119] See B. xxii. c. 42; one of the Sonchi, probably, which, contain a milky juice. Littré gives the Sonchus palustris of Linnæus.

[1120] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1121] The Betonica officinalis of Linnæus.

[1122] Either the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus, Spleenwort, Ceterach, or Miltwaste, or the A. hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s fern. See B. xxvii. c. 17.

[1123] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1124] See B. xxv. c. 33.

[1125] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1126] For the identity of this plant, see B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1127] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c 61.

[1128] See B. xxiv. c. 80

[1129] See c. 18 of this Book.

[1130] Identified with the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, the French lavender.

[1131] “Vas”.

[1132] In search of pheasants. See B. vi. c. 4.

[1133] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1134] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1135] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1136] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1137] See B. xxv. c. 89.

[1138] See B. xviii. c. 29.

[1139] See B. xxv. c. 84.

[1140] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1141] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1142] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1143] See B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1144] See B. xxv. c. 84.

[1145] See Note 1143 above.

[1146] See B. xxvii. c. 6.

[1147] Sprengel identifies it with the Phaca Bætica, Spanish bastard vetch; but the flowers of that plant, as Fée remarks, are yellow. He considers it to be the Lathyrus tuberosus of Linnæus, the Pease earth-nut. Littré gives the Orobus sessilifolius of Sibthorp.

[1148] “Rubrum,” and not “nigrum,” which was also what we call “red” wine.

[1149] Fée is unable to identify it. The Galeopsis ladanum of Linnæus, the Red dead-nettle, has been suggested, but on insufficient grounds, probably.

[1150] See B. xii. c. 37.

[1151] It is still brought from the islands of Greece, but no longer from Arabia.

[1152] Τοξὸν.

[1153] In B. xii. c. 37.

[1154] “False-dittany,” or “bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53.

[1155] The Cytinus hypocisthis of Linnæus.

[1156] In B. xxiv. c. 28.

[1157] See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. c. 67.

[1158] See B. xiv. c. 5.

[1159] The Sium of B. xxii. c. 41.

[1160] Probably the Potamogeton natans of Linnæus, Broad-leaved pondweed, or some kindred plant. Its name signifies “the neighbour of rivers.”

[1161] C. Bauhin and Sprengel identify the plant here described with the Potamogeton pusillum of Linnæus; but Fée considers it extremely doubtful.

[1162] A species of Equisetum would seem to be meant; indeed, Littré gives the Equisetum telmateia.

[1163] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1164] Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Statice Armeria of Linnæus, Sea thrift, or Sea gilly-flower.

[1165] Considered by Sprengel to be the Cyclaminos chamæcissos of B. xxv. c. 69, which he identifies with the Convallaria bifolia of Linnæus, the Little lily of the valley, or May lily. Fabius Columna and Brotero consider it to be the Dentaria trifolia, Three-leaved toothwort.

[1166] This is incorrect, if it is the Lily of the valley.

[1167] “Lion’s paw,” “white plant,” or “rock-spear.” Probably the Leontice leontopetalum of Linnæus, Lion’s paw, or Lion’s leaf. See B. xxvii. c. 72.

[1168] “Lymphatica somnia.”

[1169] “Hare’s foot.” Possibly the Trifolium arvense of Linnæus, Hare’s foot trefoil.

[1170] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1171] See Introduction to Vol. III. Fée remarks that none of the assertions in the present Chapter are confirmed by modern experience.

[1172] See B. xxv. c. 38.

[1173] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1174] See B. xxiv. cc. 49, 84, and B. xxv. c. 69.

[1175] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1176] Identical with the Orobanche of B. xviii. c. 44, the Cuscuta Europæa of Linnæus, Dodder, Hell-weed, or Devil’s guts; or else the Cuscuta minor, or epithymum of Linnæus. See also B. xxii. cc. 78, 80.

[1177] He is in error here.

[1178] Hardouin suggests “hypopheos,” as “springing up under the Pheos” or Stœbe, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 13.

[1179] See B. xxi. c. 19.

[1180] It has a root originally, but the root withers as soon as it has attached itself to the stem of the plant to which it clings.

[1181] See B. xxv. c. 37. Holland says, on the contrary, that it is a binding plant.

[1182] “Thick hair.” It is generally identified with the Leonurus marrubiastrum of Linnæus. Columna makes it to be the Scabiosa succisa of Linnæus, the Devil’s bit scabious, and Brunsfeld the Angelica silvestris of Linnæus, Wild angelica.

[1183] See B. xxi. c. 60.

[1184] See B. xxv. c. 98.

[1185] “Many-footed.” The Polypodium vulgare of Linnæus, the Common polypody.

[1186] It is for this reason that it is called “reglisse,” or “liquorice,” in some parts of France. It contains a proportion of saccharine matter, which acts as a purgative.

[1187] “Pulticula.”

[1188] This fancy is solely based on the accidental resemblance of the name.

[1189] He very incorrectly says this of all the ferns. See B. xxvii. cc. 17, 48, and 55.

[1190] The produce of the Convolvulus scammonia of Linnæus, the Scammony bind-weed. The scammony of Aleppo is held in the highest esteem, and is very valuable. That of Smyrna also is largely imported.

[1191] See the following Chapters.

[1192] This assertion is erroneous; it has all its properties in fall vigour immediately after extraction, and retains them for an indefinite period.

[1193] “Herba lactaria.”

[1194] Because goats are fond of it. See B. xx. c. 24.

[1195] Known to us by the general name of Euphorbia of Spurge.

[1196] The Euphorbia characias of Linnæus, Red spurge. An oil is still extracted from the seed of several species of Euphorbia, as a purgative; but they are in general highly dangerous, taken internally.

[1197] “Catapotia.”

[1198] “Aphronitrum.” See B. xxx. c. 46

[1199] The Euphorbia myrsinites of Linnæus.

[1200] From the Greek κάρυον, a “nut.”

[1201] “Sea-shore” tithymalus. See B. xx. c. 80.

[1202] The Euphorbia paralias of Linnæus, Sea spurge.

[1203] The Euphorbia helioscopia of Linnæus, Sun spurge or Wart-wort.

[1204] “Sun-watching.”

[1205] See B. xx. c. 81.

[1206] Fée says that this is more than doubtful.

[1207] An assertion, Fée says, not confirmed by modern observation.

[1208] The Euphorbia cyparissias of Linnæus, the Cypress spurge, or else the Euphorbia Aleppica of Linnæus.

[1209] “Broad-leaved,” “clustered,” and “almond-like.” It is the Euphorbia platyphyllos of Linnæus, the Broad-leaved spurge.

[1210] “Tree-like”

[1211] “Small-leaved.” The Euphorbia dendroides of Linnæus, the Shrubby spurge.

[1212] See c. 39 above.

[1213] “Wild radish.” Identified with the Euphorbia apios of Linnæus, a plant with dangerous properties.

[1214] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1215] See B. xxv c. 70.

[1216] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1217] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1218] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.

[1219] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1220] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1221] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1222] See B. xxiv. c. 80.

[1223] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1224] See B. xxv. c. 55.

[1225] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1226] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1227] See B. xxv. c. 68.

[1228] See B. xxv. c. 88. Fée says that it is the Aspidium lonchitis, of Linnæus, that is meant.

[1229] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1230] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1231] See B. xxv. c. 33.

[1232] See B. xxv. c. 20.

[1233] Or Scordotis. See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1234] See B. xxv. c. 7.

[1235] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1236] See c. 19 of this Book.

[1237] See B. xxv. cc. 88,89.

[1238] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1239] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1240] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1241] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1242] It is quite useless for such a purpose; and the same is the case, Fée says, with all the asserted remedies mentioned in this Chapter. See B. xxv. c. 101

[1243] See B. xxv. c. 71.

[1244] See B. xxv. c. 106.

[1245] See B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1246] See c. 31. of this Book.

[1247] See B. xxv. c. 36.

[1248] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1249] See B. xxv. c. 96.

[1250] De Nat. Mul. c. 20, and De Morb. Mul. I. 10.

[1251] See B. xxii. c. 44.

[1252] See B. xxi. c. 50

[1253] See B. xxv. c. 18.

[1254] See B. xxvii. c. 6.

[1255] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1256] See B. xxi. c. 103.

[1257] See B. xxi. c. 103.

[1258] The Sedum cepæa of Linnæus, the Sea purslain. Holland calls it “Beccabunga,” or “Brooklime.”

[1259] Perhaps so called from the impressions on the leaves, ὑπὲρ and εἰκών, or else from its resemblance to heath, ὑπὲρ and ἐρέικη. See, however Note 1266 below.

[1260] “Ground pine.”

[1261] Sillig reads this “corissum.” Former editions have “corion.”

[1262] Identified by Fée with the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, the Perforated St. John’s wort. Littré gives the Hypericum crispum of Linnæus.

[1263] “Oleraceo.” Another reading is “surculaceo,” “tough and ligneous;” and is, perhaps, preferable.

[1264] “Coris” is the old and more common reading, Fée identifies it with the Hypericum coris of Linnæus, and Brotero with the H. saxatile of Tournefort. Desfontaines gives as its synonym the Coris Monspelliensis.

[1265] See B. xxiv. c. 41.

[1266] It is not improbable, supposing the “tamarix” to be one of the Ericæ, that to this circumstance it may owe its name. Indeed Dioscorides has ἐρείκη, in the corresponding passage.

[1267] “Pinguioribus.”

[1268] Dioscorides gives the stem larger dimensions.

[1269] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

[1270] This plant has not been identified. Anguillara says that it is the same as the “repressa,” a plant given to horses by the people at Rome, when suffering from dysuria. What this plant is, no one seems to know.

[1271] See B. xxi. c. 30.

[1272] The same as the Helichrysos of B. xx. cc. 38 and 96. It is identified with the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the Corn marygold.

[1273] Fée identifies it with the Eranthemis of B. xxii. c. 26, which he considers to be the Anthemis rosea of Linnæus, the Rose camomile.

[1274] See c. 32 of this Book.

[1275] Hardouin thinks that it is the Apium graveolens of Linnæus, Smallage; but at the present day it is generally identified with the Peucedanum silaus of Linnæus, the Meadow sulphur-wort, or saxifrage.

[1276] Sorrel, for instance.

[1277] “Scabiem.”

[1278] See B. xxv. c. 11.

[1279] Generally supposed to be the same as the “Apple of the earth,” mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54.

[1280] See B. xx. c. 41.

[1281] It is doubtful whether he means an animal or plant; most probably the latter, but if so, it is quite unknown.

[1282] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1283] “Herba Fulviana.”

[1284] A plant now unknown.

[1285] See B. xxv. c. 27. In reality it is of an irritating nature.

[1286] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1287] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1288] Or madder; see B. xix. c. 17. The seed and leaves are no longer employed in medicine; the root has been employed in modern times, Fée says, but with no success.

[1289] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1290] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1291] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1292] Or “broad” tendon. The Tendon Achillis.

[1293] See cc. 53 and 54 of this Book.

[1294] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1295] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1296] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1297] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1298] De Rust. c. 159. He says that is must be carried under the ring.

[1299] See B. xxvii. c. 28.

[1300] The “Groin plant.” Probably the same as the Bubonion of B. xxvii. c. 19.

[1301] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._

[1302] See c. 12 of this Book.

[1303] See B. xxv. c. 77.

[1304] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1305] The following is the formula of this monstrous piece of absurdity: “Negat Apollo pestem posse crescere cui nuda virgo restinguat.”

[1306] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1307] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1308] An unknown plant.

[1309] In B. xxv. c. 37. This alleged property of the Nymphæa is entirely fabulous.

[1310] See B. xx. c. 13.

[1311] See B. xxv. cc. 88 and 89.

[1312] See B. xxv. c. 96.

[1313] See B, xviii. cc. 10 and 22.

[1314] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1315] Identified by Littré with the Orchis undulatifolia, and by Fée with the Orchis morio of Linnæus, the Female orchis, or Female fool-stones. Its aphrodisiac properties seem not to have been proved by modern experience, but it is nourishing in the highest degree. Linnæus, however, seems to be of opinion that it may have the effect of an aphrodisiac upon cattle. It is the name, no doubt, signifying “testicle,” which originally procured for it the repute of being an aphrodisiac.

[1316] Identified by Desfontaines with the Orchis pyramidalis, and by Fée with the O. papilionacea of Linnæus. Littré gives the Limodorum abortivum.

[1317] He is probably speaking of the Cratægonon of B. xxii. c. 40, which Fée identifies with the Thelygonon of c. 91 of this Book. He remarks that from the description, the Satyrios orchis cannot have been a Monocotyledon.

[1318] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1319] See B. viii. c. 72.

[1320] Littré identifies it with the Aceras anthropophora of Linnæus; Desfontaines with the Orchis bifolia, the Butterfly orchis. The Iris florentina of Linnæus has also been named; but, though with some doubt, Fée is inclined to prefer the Tulipa Clusiana, or some other kind of tulip.

[1321] Mostly identified with the Erythronium dens canis of Linnæus, the Dog’s tooth violet. M. Fraäs, however, in his _Synopsis_, p. 279, remarks that the E. dens canis is not to be found in Greece, and is of opinion that the Fritillaria Pyrenaica, the Pyrenean lily, or Fritillary, is meant. The Serapias cordigera of Linnæus has been suggested, and Fée thinks that it is as likely to be the plant meant by Pliny as any other that has been named.

[1322] See B. xxiv. c. 38.

[1323] See B. xix. c. 38.

[1324] “Cratægonon” is most probably the correct reading. See B. xvi. c. 52, and B. xxvii. c. 40.

[1325] See c. 91 of this Book.

[1326] Of the three plants named, the Thelygonon is the only one to which this assertion will apply. See c. 91 of this Book, and B. xxvii. c. 40.

[1327] See B. xxvi. c. 39.

[1328] Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 20.

[1329] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1330] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1331] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1332] In B. xxv. c. 49. None of these so-called remedies are now employed.

[1333] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1334] See B. xxv. cc. 88, 89.

[1335] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1336] See B. xxv c. 102.

[1337] See B. xxv. c. 106.

[1338] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1339] See B. xxiv. c. 116.

[1340] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1341] Identified with the Galium mollugo of Linnæus, Great ladies’ bedstraw, or Wild bastard madder.

[1342] The Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus has been named, but Fée remarks that from its resemblance to Mollugo, the plant must be sought among the Rubiaceæ, and not among the Borragineæ.

[1343] “Fucus marinus.” See B. xiii. c. 48.

[1344] “Qui conchyliis substernitur.” See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 36, _Bohn’s Ed._

[1345] What Fucus or Laminaria this may have been is now unknown.

[1346] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1347] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1348] “Limus aquaticus.”

[1349] See B. xxv. c. 32.

[1350] See c. 19 of this Book.

[1351] See B. xviii c. 14.

[1352] See B. xx. c. 2.

[1353] See c. 37 of this Book.

[1354] See B. xii. c 28.

[1355] See B. xxiv. c. 88.

[1356] “Ox lappa.” Possibly the same as the Philanthropos, or else the Lappa canina, both mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.

[1357] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1358] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1359] See B. xxv. c. 109.

[1360] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 35 of this Book.

[1361] See B. viii. c. 47.

[1362] See B. xxv. c. 9.

[1363] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1364] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1365] Not in reality the same plant as the Geranion; see B. xxiv. c. 97. Littré, however, gives the Erodium moschatum of Linnæus as the synonym of this Geranion myrrhis.

[1366] Hence its name, from the Greek γέρανος, a “crane.”

[1367] This kind of Geranion has been identified with the Geranium molle, or Erodium malacoïdes of Linnæus, the Common dove’s-foot crane’s bill.

[1368] Identified with the Geranium tuberosum of Linnæus.

[1369] Fée remarks that all his assertions as to the medicinal properties of the Geranion are erroneous.

[1370] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1371] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1372] Voracious appetite—“sine modo esurientium.”

[1373] See B. xxvi. c. 39.

[1374] See B. xxv. cc. 11 and 12.

[1375] See B. xxv. c. 33.

[1376] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1377] Identified with the Epilobium roseum of Linnæus, Rose-coloured willow-herb.

[1378] See c. 25 of this Book.

[1379] In B. xxv. c. 49.

[1380] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1381] In B. xxv. c. 12.

[1382] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1383] See B. xxiii. c. 16.

[1384] See B. xxi. c. 16.

[1385] See B. xxiv. c. 88.

[1386] See B. xxv. c. 87.

[1387] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1388] See c. 30 of this Book.

[1389] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1390] See B. xxv. c. 40.

[1391] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.

[1392] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1393] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1394] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1395] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1396] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1397] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1398] See c. 39 of this Book.

[1399] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1400] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1401] See B. xxv. c. 88.

[1402] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1403] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1404] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1405] See B. xxv. c. 71.

[1406] See c. 44 of this Book.

[1407] See c. 54 of this Book.

[1408] See B. xxv. c. 71.

[1409] See B. xxv. c. 71.

[1410] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1411] See B. xxv. c. 71.

[1412] See B. xxi. c. 105.

[1413] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1414] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1415] Or Grape-juice.

[1416] The “belt”—known to us as “shingles.”

[1417] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1418] See B. xxxv. c. 57.

[1419] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1420] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1421] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1422] See B. xxv. c. 18.

[1423] See c. 37 of this Book.

[1424] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1425] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1426] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1427] See B. xxv. c. 107.

[1428] B. iv. cc. 62, 64.

[1429] See B. xxv. c. 30.

[1430] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1431] Or Bechion. See B. xxiv. c. 85.

[1432] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1433] See c. 10 of this Book.

[1434] See B. xxv. c. 83.

[1435] See B. xix. c. 18.

[1436] “Little thieves,” literally.

[1437] See c. 36 of this Book.

[1438] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1439] See c. 83 of this Book.

[1440] See B. xxv. c. 31.

[1441] “Collyriis.”

[1442] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1443] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 this Book.

[1444] See B. viii. c. 47.

[1445] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[1446] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1447] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1448] See c. 39 of this Book.

[1449] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1450] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1451] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1452] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1453] See B. xxv. c. 103.

[1454] See B. xxiv. c. 85.

[1455] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1456] See B. xxvii, c. 72.

[1457] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1458] See Chapters 36 and 77 of this Book.

[1459] See c. 62 of this Book.

[1460] See c. 62 of this Book.

[1461] See c. 66 of this Book.

[1462] Probably the “Alcea” of B. xxvii. c. 6. See also B. xxv. c. 77.

[1463] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1464] See B. xxvii, c. 16.

[1465] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1466] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1467] Or “Corison.” See c. 53 of this Book.

[1468] See B. xxv. e. 39.

[1469] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1470] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1471] See B. xxv. c. 93.

[1472] See B. xxv. c. 106.

[1473] See c. 35 of this Book.

[1474] See c. 53 of this Book.

[1475] See B. xxv. c. 76.

[1476] See Note 1462 above.

[1477] Our peony. See B. xxv. c. 10.

[1478] See B. xxv. c. 33.

[1479] See B. xxv. c. 35.

[1480] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1481] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1482] See c. 29 of the present Book.

[1483] See B. xxv. c. 45.

[1484] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1485] In B. xviii. c. 67; where it is called “equisætis.” M. Fräas identifies it with the Equisætum limosum of Linnæus.

[1486] Whence its name “equisætum.”

[1487] See B. xi. c. 30.

[1488] Identified by Littré with the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus. Fée gives as its synonym the Equisætum arvense of Linnæus, the Common horse-tail, or Corn horse-tail.

[1489] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1490] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1491] See B. xxv. c. 15.

[1492] Dalechamps identifies it with the Potentilla anserina of Linnæus, Silver-weed, or White tansy; but on insufficient grounds Fée thinks.

[1493] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1494] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1495] See B. xxv. c. 30.

[1496] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1497] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1498] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1499] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1500] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1501] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1502] See B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1503] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1504] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Cnicus erysithales of Willdenow; but that plant, Fée says, was unknown to the Greeks.

[1505] See B. xxiv. c. 80.

[1506] See B. xviii. c. 10.

[1507] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1508] See B. xi. c. 39, and B. xx. c. 32.

[1509] See B. xxiii. c. 13.

[1510] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._

[1511] See B. xxv. c. 15.

[1512] For a description of this substance, see B. xxxiv. c. 24.

[1513] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1514] See B. xxv. c. 15.

[1515] See B. xxv. c. 17.

[1516] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1517] See B. xiii. c. 36.

[1518] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1519] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1520] See B. xxv. c. 30.

[1521] See B. xxv. c. 31.

[1522] See B. xxv. c. 33.

[1523] See B. xxiv. c. 77.

[1524] See B. xxv. c. 35.

[1525] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1526] See B. xxv. c. 50.

[1527] See B. xix. c. 4, B. xxiii. c. 35, and B. xxxiv. c. 52.

[1528] See B. xxv. c. 53.

[1529] Bastard dittany. See B. xxv. c. 53.

[1530] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1531] See B. xxi. c. 19.

[1532] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1533] See B. xxv. c. 77.

[1534] See c. 12 of this Book.

[1535] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1536] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1537] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1538] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1539] See B. xxv. c. 92.

[1540] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1541] “Siligo.” See B. xviii. c. 20.

[1542] See B. xxv. c. 102.

[1543] See B. xxv. c. 106.

[1544] See c. 29 of this Book.

[1545] See c. 31 of this Book.

[1546] See B. xxvii. c. 72.

[1547] See B. xxviii. c. 14.

[1548] See c. 29 of this Book.

[1549] See c. 39 of this Book.

[1550] See c. 62 of this Book.

[1551] See c. 69 of this Book.

[1552] Our “liquorice,” See B. xxv. c. 43.

[1553] See B. xxv. c. 66.

[1554] In B. xxii c. 33.

[1555] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1556] See B. xxv. c. 17.

[1557] See c. 29 of this Book.

[1558] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

[1559] See B. xxv. c. 35.

[1560] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1561] See Note 46 above.

[1562] Desfontaines identifies it with the Mentha cervina, or Stag mint.

[1563] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61.

[1564] See B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1565] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1566] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1567] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1568] See B. xvii. c. 14.

[1569] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1570] See B. xxiv. c. 80.

[1571] See B. xxv. c. 56.

[1572] See B. xxv. c. 109.

[1573] See B. xxv. c. 18.

[1574] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._

[1575] “Pterygia.”

[1576] See B. xii. c. 37 and c. 30 of this Book.

[1577] See B. xxv. c. 81.

[1578] See B. xxii. c. 71.

[1579] See B. xxv. c, 10.

[1580] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1581] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1582] See B. xxv. c. 19.

[1583] See B. xxv. c. 50.

[1584] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._

[1585] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1586] See B. xxv. c. 31.

[1587] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1588] “Bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53

[1589] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[1590] See B. xxv. c. 80.

[1591] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1592] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1593] See B. xxv. c. 68.

[1594] See B. xxv. c. 88.

[1595] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1596] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1597] See B. xxv. c. 94.

[1598] See B. xxxv. c. 50.

[1599] See B. xxv. c. 109.

[1600] In B. xxv. c. 109.

[1601] See B. xxv. c. 64.

[1602] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.

[1603] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.

[1604] See B. xxv. c. 96.

[1605] Probably the word “juice,” or “decoction,” is lost here.

[1606] See c. 68 of this Book.

[1607] See Chapters 20 and 83 of this Book.

[1608] See B. xxvii. c. 91.

[1609] The same as “Alcea” probably; see Chapters 79 and 81 of this Book. Also B. xxvii. c. 6.

[1610] See B. xxv. c. 39.

[1611] See B. xxv. c. 36.

[1612] See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.

[1613] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1614] See B. xxi. c. 29.

[1615] See B. xxv. c. 96.

[1616] See B. xxi. c. 103.

[1617] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

[1618] “Albugines.”

[1619] See c. 68 of this Book.

[1620] See c. 31 of this Book.

[1621] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[1622] See B. xxv. c. 90.

[1623] See B. xxvii. c. 24.

[1624] See B. xxv. c. 27.

[1625] See B. xxv. c. 53.

[1626] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1627] See B. xxv. c. 68.

[1628] These two plants, the names of which signify “begetting males,” and “begetting females,” are identified by Fée as the male and the female of the same plant, the Mercurialis tomentosa of Linnæus, the Woolly mercury. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, Dog’s mercury; and Desfontaines identifies them with the Thelygonum cynocrambe.

[1629] See B. xxi. c. 60.

[1630] In B. xxv. c. 102.

[1631] See B. xxv. c. 106.

[1632] See B. xxii. c. 44.

[1633] Meaning the “breast” plant. It has not been identified.

[1634] See B. xxxii. c. 10.

[1635] “Testas.”

[1636] See B. xxv. c. 37.

[1637] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[1638] See B. xxv. c. 85.

[1639] See B. xxv. c. 100.

[1640] See B. xxv. c. 35.

[1641] The most highly esteemed among the Romans of all colours of the hair.

[1642] See Chapter 53 of this Book.

[1643] The “eye-brow” plant. It is identified by Fée with the Ophrys ovata or bifolia of Linnæus, Ivy blade. The indentations in the leaves are almost imperceptible.

[1644] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1645] See B. xxvi. c. 70.

[1646] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._

[1647] See B. xxv. c. 19

[1648] See end of B. ii.

[1649] See end of B. xx.

[1650] See end of B. xiv.

[1651] See end of B. xii.

[1652] See end of B. xx.

[1653] See end of B. xx.

[1654] See end of B. vii.

[1655] See end of B. iii.

[1656] See end of B. ii.

[1657] See end of B. v.

[1658] See end of B. xx.

[1659] See end of B. ii.

[1660] See end of B. viii.

[1661] See end of B. xix.

[1662] See end of B. viii.

[1663] See end of B. vii.

[1664] See end of B. xxi.

[1665] See end of B. xxi.

[1666] See end of B. xxv.

[1667] See end of B. xxi.

[1668] See end of B. xxi.

[1669] See end of B. iv.

[1670] See end of B. xxi.

[1671] See end of B. xxi.

[1672] See end of B. xxi.

[1673] See end of B. vii.

[1674] See end of B. xx.

[1675] See end of B. xx.

[1676] See end of B. xx.

[1677] See end of B. xii.

[1678] See end of B. xv.

[1679] See end of B. xii.

[1680] See end of B. xx.

[1681] See end of B. xx.

[1682] See end of B. xx.

[1683] See end of B. xx.

[1684] See end of B. xx.

[1685] See end of B. xx.

[1686] See end of B. xx.

[1687] See end of B. xx.

[1688] See end of B. vii.

[1689] See end of B. xx.

[1690] See end of B. xx.

[1691] See end of B. xii.

[1692] See end of B. xi.

[1693] See end of B. xii.

[1694] See end of B. xx.

[1695] See end of B. xii.

[1696] See end of B. xx.

[1697] See end of B. xx.

[1698] See end of B. xx.

[1699] See end of B. xx.

[1700] See end of B. xx.

[1701] See end of B. xii.

[1702] See end of B. xx.

[1703] See end of B. xx.

[1704] See end of B. xix.

[1705] See end of B. xx.

[1706] See end of B. xx.

[1707] See end of B. xx.

[1708] He alludes to the Glycyrrhiza or Scythice, our Liquorice, which is still found on the banks of the river Volga. See B. xxi. c. 54, B. xxii. c. 11, B. xxv. c. 43, and B. xxvi. cc. 15, 87.

[1709] See B. xxv. c. 38.

[1710] See B. xxv. c. 6.

[1711] “Extra terras.” Meaning, the continental part of the earth.

[1712] See c. 3 of this Book.

[1713] See B. xxv. c. 75.

[1714] Properly “Cælius”—the same M. Cælius Rufus who is mentioned in B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46.

[1715] “Hinc illa atrox peroratio ejus in digitum.” Sillig is probably right in his suggestion that the word “mortiferum” is wanting at the end of the sentence. Bestia was accused of having killed his wives by the contact of aconite, applied, through the agency of the finger, to the secret parts.

[1716] See B. vi. c. i.

[1717] See B. xxv. c. 75.

[1718] The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv c. 21.

[1719] The scorpion.

[1720] “Pard-strangle.”

[1721] See B. viii. c. 41.

[1722] He seems here, by implication, to contradict himself, and, by his explanation, to be sensible that he does so. He would appear not to have known exactly what his belief was in reference to first causes.

[1723] “Hoc habet nomen” is omitted; for, as Sillig says, it is evidently a gloss, which has crept into the text.

[1724] The ancients no doubt knew several plants under the common name of Aconitum. The one here described, is identified by Fée with the Doronicum pardalianches of Linnæus, Leopard’s bane.

[1725] See B. xxv. c. 67. Fée says that neither the leaves of the Doronicum, nor of any plant of the genus Arnica, bear any resemblance to those of the Cyclamen, or the cucumber. He remarks also, that the contact solely of it is not productive of poisonous effects.

[1726] A kind of crab.

[1727] At the beginning of this Chapter.

[1728] “Female-bane,” or “female-killer.” See B. xx. c. 23.

[1729] “Mice-killer.” This assertion is incorrect.

[1730] So called from ἀ, “without,” and κόνις, “dust,” Theophrastus says that it received its name from the town of Aconæ, in the vicinity of which it grew in great abundance.

[1731] Also called ἀκόνη.

[1732] Generally identified with the Salvia argentea of Linnæus, Silver sage, or else with the Salvia Æthiopis, Woolly sage. It must not be confounded with the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxiv c. 102.

[1733] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1734] See c. 16 of this Book.

[1735] “Not growing old.” It is identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Achillæa ageratum of Linnæus, Sweet milfoil or Maudlin. Littré gives as its synonym, the Hypericum origanifolium.

[1736] See B. xx. c. 67.

[1737] The ancients probably included under this name several distinct species of the aloe. They were well acquainted, Fée says, with the Indian aloe, but probably not with that of Africa. As described by Pliny, he identifies it with the Aloe perfoliata of Linnæus: Desfontaines gives the Aloe umbellata.

[1738] See B. xxi. c. 68.

[1739] “Asia.”

[1740] See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden vessels, in this country, at least; but only as an ornament.

[1741] He alludes to the bitumen of Judæa, much used by the Egyptians for the purposes of embalmment.

[1742] He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce.

[1743] It is still used for this purpose.

[1744] There is no foundation, Fée says, for this statement.

[1745] It would appear that it is still employed in India for this purpose, but it is no longer used in Europe.

[1746] Identified by Fée with the Malva alcea of Linnæus, the Vervain mallow, an emollient and, comparatively, inert plant. Littré gives as its synonym the Malope malachoïdes, Marsh mallow. Sibthorp identifies it with the Hibiscus trionum, and Anguillara with the Althæa cannabina of Linnæus. It is probably the same plant as the Alcima, mentioned several times in B. xxvi.

[1747] See B. xxv. c. 59.

[1748] Identified with the Globularia alypum of Linnæus, the Three-toothed leaf Globularia, or Turbith.

[1749] Identified by Sprengel with the Cerastium aquaticum, and by other authorities with the Alsine media of Linnæus, the Common chickweed. Desfontaines suggests the Stellaria nemorum, the Broadleaved stitchwort, but Fée prefers the Parietaria Cretica of Linnæus, Cretan pellitory, as its synonym.

[1750] “Mouse-ear.”

[1751] From the Greek ἄλσος, a “grove.”

[1752] In c. 80 of this Book.

[1753] The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19.

[1754] He has previously stated that it grows in the woods. The fact is, M. Fraäs says, that it grows equally upon garden walls, heaps of rubbish, in plains, upon shady rocks, and upon mountains, below an elevation of 15OO feet.

[1755] Generally supposed not to be a vegetable production, but a Madrepore. Fée identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of Linnæus

[1756] “Man’s blood.” Identified by Sprengel with the Hypericum montanum, and by Sibthorp and Fée with the Hypericum perforatum, of Linnæus, Perforated tutsan or St. John’s wort.

[1757] See B. xxvi cc. 53, 54

[1758] Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linnæus, the Sea ambrosia.

[1759] The “cluster” plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book.

[1760] See B. xxi. c. 58.

[1761] “Dispelling lassitude.” Identified with the Anagyris fœtida of Linnæus, the Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds are emetic.

[1762] See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. cc. 24, 28.

[1763] It has not been identified, Pliny being the only author that has mentioned it. The Ajuga pyramidalis of Linnæus, and the Ajura iva have been suggested.

[1764] “Anonymos,” or “nameless.”

[1765] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxiv. c. 116. It is identified with the Galium Aparine of Linnæus, Ladies’ bedstraw, Cleavers, goosegrass, hariff, or catch weed. Its medicinal properties are next to nothing.

[1766] “Navel-fruit.”

[1767] “Man-loving.” See B. xxiv. c. 116.

[1768] See Note 53 above.

[1769] Brotero and Linnæus identify it with the Arctium lappa of Linnæus, the Burdock or clot-burr: Sibthorp with the Conyza Candida, the White fleabane: others, again, with the Celsia arcturus of Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Verbascum ferrugineum of Linnæus, the Ferruginous mullein; between which two last, Fée is unable to decide.

[1770] See B. xxv. c. 73.

[1771] So called from its supposed property of consuming the spleen. It is generally identified with the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus, Spleenwort, or miltwaste. The Asplenium hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s fern, and the Asplenium scolopendrium of Linnæus, Hart’s tongue, have also been suggested; but Fée prefers the first-named plant.

[1772] The “mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of it.

[1773] This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed, but it is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance.

[1774] Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnæus, the Common white-flower swallow-wort; though Fée considers it somewhat doubtful.

[1775] Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance.

[1776] See B. xviii. c. 44.

[1777] Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but Fée adopts the opinion of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of Linnæus, the Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the Inguinalis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 59.

[1778] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsæmum of Linnæus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littré gives as the synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, the Perforated St. John’s wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linnæus.

[1779] See B. xxvi. c. 53.

[1780] It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.

[1781] “Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book.

[1782] Different probably from the plant of a similar name mentioned in B. xxi. cc. 52, 59. Fée identifies it with the Vetch, mentioned in B. xviii. c. 37. Littré gives as its synonym the Vicia cracca of Linnæus, the Tufted vetch, and Desfontaines the Lathyrus aphaca, the Yellow vetchling, or bindweed.

[1783] Fée considers it to be the same plant as the Anchusa or Archebion, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 25. Desfontaines identifies the Alcibium with the Echium rubrum of Linnæus. Holland observes here that Pliny “hath here forgotten himself.”

[1784] “Cock’s comb.” The Rhinanthus crista galli of Linnæus, Yellow rattle, or cock’s comb.

[1785] “Crest” or “Comb.”

[1786] Identified by Desfontaines with the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey. Fée, however, considers it to be the Coris Monspeliensis of Linnæus, Montpellier coris. Lobel identifies it with the Prunella vulgaris of Linnæus, Common self-heal, and Cæsalpinus with the Hyssopus officinalis of Linnæus. See B. xxvi. c. 26.

[1787] Fée reiterates his assertion here that this “rock” symphytum is a totally different plant from the Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey, though they appear to have been generally considered as identical by Scribonius Largus, Plinius Valerianus, Apuleius, and other writers.

[1788] See B. xxvi. c. 26.

[1789] This account of its medicinal properties applies properly to the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey, a plant which would appear to have been confounded by Pliny with the Alum, if Fée is right in his conjecture.

[1790] Hence its Latin name “consolida,” and its French name “consoude.” Fée says that Comfrey still figures in the French Materia Medica, and that the lower classes use it in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny; he states also, that it is destitute of energetic properties, in a medicinal point of view.

[1791] Σύμφυτον, “consolidating.”

[1792] See B. xiii. c. 48, and B. xxvi. c. 66.

[1793] The Actæa spicata of Linnæus, Herb-christopher or bane-berries, is mentioned by Desfontaines; but Fée is inclined to identify it with the Sambucus ebulus of Linnæus, the Dwarf elder, wall-wort, or dane-wort.

[1794] See B. xxiii. c. 14.

[1795] In B. xxi. cc. 33, 38.

[1796] The Artemisia Santonica of Linnæus, Tartarian southernwood.

[1797] The Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or Roman wormwood.

[1798] See B. xi. c. 75.

[1799] The Artemisia absinthium of Linnæus, Common wormwood.

[1800] Upon which occasion a sacrifice was offered on the Alban Mount. See further as to this Festival, in B. iii. c. 2.

[1801] In B. xiv. c. 19. Wine of wormwood is still used medicinally.

[1802] “Dilutum.” An infusion.

[1803] It contains a small quantity of essential oil.

[1804] See B. xx. c. 18.

[1805] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1806] See B. xxi. c. 19.

[1807] See B. xxii. c. 30.

[1808] “Puls.” See B. xviii. c. 19.

[1809] From a passage in Scribonius Largus, c. 191, it has been concluded that by the word “visco,” he means the juice of the Ixias or Chamæleon, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21.

[1810] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.

[1811] This, Fée observes, is not the case.

[1812] The Artemisia maritima of Linnæus, Sea wormwood: see B. xxxii. c. 31

[1813] The Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking black horehound; see B. xx. c. 89.

[1814] He is in error here, as the word “melamprasion” means “black horehound.” “Black leek” would be “melamprason.”

[1815] “Horehound,” properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature, and contains a considerable quantity of essential oil.

[1816] The Chenopodium botrys of Linnæus, Cut-leaved goose foot, or oak of Jerusalem. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 11 of this Book.

[1817] There is no such resemblance. The name “botrys” was given to the plant from the little clusters formed by the blossoms.

[1818] Identified by Fée with the Prunus domestica of Linnæus, var. β, or Damascena, the Damascene plum or damson. Desfontaines considers it to be the Prunus instititia, the Bullace plum. Holland mentions in a Note, “Bullois, skegs, or such like wild plums.”

[1819] The Ulva lactuca of Linnæus, Lettuce laver; see B. xiii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 17, and B. xxxii. c. 36.

[1820] He probably says this in reference to the opinion expressed by Theophrastus, Hist. iv. 7, that it was a name for sea-weed in general, and not a specific plant.

[1821] In reality, it is destitute of medicinal properties. Some kinds of laver are considered a dainty food.

[1822] See B. xxii. c. 35.

[1823] See B. xx. c. 67.

[1824] Dioscorides speaks of two kinds of Catanance; one of which has been identified by Sprengel with the Ornithopus compressus of Linnæus, and the other with the Astragalus pugniformis. Fée expresses his doubts as to the correctness of these conclusions.

[1825] “As if it would catch women, and hold them fast perforce.”—_Holland._ It has been suggested that the Coronopus, or “crow’s foot,” mentioned in B. xxi. c. 59, was so called for a similar reason.

[1826] Prosper Alpinus identifies it with the Plantago Cretica of Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Micropus erectus of Linnæus. Fée considers it to be the Gnaphalium leontopodium of Lamarck.

[1827] Other readings are “calsa,” and “calla;” but “calyx” is supported by the text of Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 23. The first kind has been generally identified with the Arum arisarum of Linnæus, Hooded arum, or Monk’s hood, and is identical probably with the Aris aros of B. xxiv. c. 94.

[1828] See B. xxiv. c. 93.

[1829] Probably the Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus, Dyer’s alkanet. See B. xxii. c. 23.

[1830] “Flore polentæ.” See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1831] Sprengel identifies it with the Asclepias nigra, Black swallow-wort, but Fée considers it to be the Circæa Lutetiana of Linnæus, Parisian circæa, or enchanter’s nightshade. Other authorities have suggested the Capsicum annuum of Linnæus, Indian or Guinea pepper, and the Celosia margaritacea of Linnæus, Pearly celosia, or cock’s comb. M. Fraäs suggests, though with some doubt, the Cynanchum Monspeliacum, the Montpellier dog’s-bane.

[1832] See B. xxi. c. 105.

[1833] Identified with the Carduus parviflorus of Linnæus, the Small-flowered thistle.

[1834] See B. xxv. c. 40.

[1835] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Polygonum persicaria of Linnæus, the Spotted persicaria, red-shanks, fleawort, or lakeweed. Littré gives the Crucianella Monspeliaca of Linnæus, Montpellier petty madder.

[1836] Hence its name, signifying that it strengthens the generative powers.

[1837] See B. xxvi. c. 91.

[1838] See B. xxiv. c. 72. Littré remarks that Pliny is in error here, for that the Cratægos of Theophrastus is the Cratægos azarolia of Linnæus, the Parsley-leaved hawthorn, while the Aquifolia of Pliny is the Holly. As to the latter point, see B. xvi. cc. 8, 12.

[1839] Hist. Plant. B. iii. c. 15.

[1840] Desfontaines identifies it with the Centaurea crocodileum of Linnæus, and Littré with the Carduus pycnocephalus of Linnæus. Ruellius considers it to be the same plant as the Leucacantha of Dioscorides; which Sprengel identifies with the Cnicus Casabonæ. Fée expresses himself at a loss as to its identity.

[1841] See B. xxii. c. 21.

[1842] “Dog’s testicle.” Considered to be a synonym merely of the Orchis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 62.

[1843] This comparison is totally incorrect.

[1844] See B. xxvi. c. 62.

[1845] Or onions.

[1846] A tissue of groundless superstitions.

[1847] “Golden vegetable.” Supposed to be identical with the Atriplex of B. xx. c. 38, our Orage.

[1848] Cultivated orage, probably.

[1849] “Earth rennet.” This plant has not been identified. Lobelius has made a _guess_ at the Serapias abortiva of Linnæus, the Helleborine. It is pretty clear that it was unknown to Pliny himself.

[1850] The same, probably, as the Trychnon of B. xxi. cc. 52, 105, Solanum nigrum or Black nightshade. In the former editions the reading is “cuculus.”

[1851] The “strumous” or “scrofula” plant.

[1852] Possibly the Conferva rivularis, or the C. glomerata of Linnæus, the River conferva or River sponge, or the Green cluster conferva.

[1853] On account of its asserted agglutinative properties. In reality it is an inert plant, and is never used in medicine.

[1854] Fée considers this statement as fabulous in every respect.

[1855] See B. xiii. c. 35.

[1856] “Coccus.” See B. xvi. c. 12.

[1857] This is not the case. Sillig is of opinion that the passage is imperfect.

[1858] The same plant as the Labrum Venereum of B. xxv. c. 108. It is used for carding cloth, but is no longer employed in medicine.

[1859] Hence its name “Venus’ bath.”

[1860] “Collyrii.”

[1861] The same plant, probably, as the Polypodion of B. xxvi. c. 37. Littré, however, identifies it with the Asplenium adiantum nigrum of Linnæus, the Black maiden-hair, or spleenwort.

[1862] It is the root that is sweet, and _not_ the leaves.

[1863] It has no such properties.

[1864] The “oak-killer.” Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Convallaria uniflora of Linnæus. Desfontaines names the Cochlearia draba and Littré the Lepidium draba of Linnæus.

[1865] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.

[1866] Desfontaines and Fée identify it with the Antirrhinum spurium of Linnæus, Bastard toad-flax, calves’ snout, or snapdragon. Littré gives the Linaria Græca as its synonym.

[1867] See B. xxii. c. 19.

[1868] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[1869] Fée, with Sprengel, identifies it with the Salsola polychlonos of Linnæus, Branchy saltwort or glasswort; Bauhin with the Passerina polygalifolia. The Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Sea samphire, has been suggested by Desfontaines. Littré gives the Frankenia pulverulenta of Linnæus. Holland suggests Saxifrage.

[1870] “Calculus-breaking.”

[1871] See B. xiii. c. 35.

[1872] Sprengel suggests the Marsilea quadrifolia of Linnæus; Columna the Botrychium lunaria of Linnæus; G. Bauhin the Ornithogalum Narbonense of Linnæus, Narbonese star of Bethlehem; and Talius the Caltha palustris of Linnæus, the Marsh marigold. Fée considers its identification impossible.

[1873] Because it was said to be a cause of sterility.

[1874] Identified with the Dentaria enneaphylla of Linnæus, the Nine-leaved tooth-wort.

[1875] From this remark, Fée is of opinion that he had in view more

## particularly the Pteris aquilina and the Blechnum spicatum of Linnæus,

plants in which the seed is not easily detected.

[1876] Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix mas of Linnæus, the Male fern.

[1877] Dioscorides says it _has_ a somewhat unpleasant smell, and this is nearer the truth.

[1878] “Female fern.” Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix fæmina of Linnæus, Female fern or Pteris aquilina.

[1879] See B. xviii. c. 59.

[1880] Fée remarks that root of fern is an undoubted remedy for tapeworm, and that it is worthy of remark that we owe to the ancients the two most efficient anthelmintics known, fern-root, namely, and pomegranate rind.

[1881] The Femur bubulum has not been identified. C. Bauhin has suggested the Leonurus cardiaca of Linnæus, Motherwort.

[1882] It has been suggested that this plant is the same as the Lamium, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 16, but Fée is not of that opinion. He identifies the Galeopsis with the Lamium purpureum of Linnæus, the Purple arch-angel, or dead-nettle. Littré gives as its synonym the Scrofularia peregrina of Linnæus, the Foreign figwort.

[1883] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Astragalus glaux of Linnæus, or Milk vetch, as originally suggested by Clusius. Littré gives as its synonym the Sennebierra coronopus of Poireau.

[1884] The “Good milk” plant.

[1885] See B. xviii. cc. 19, 20.

[1886] See B. xx. c. 78, where a similar plant is mentioned. Fée identifies this plant with the Glaucium hybridum, or Chelidonium of Linnæus, the Violet-coloured celandine, or horned poppy. Littré gives the Glaucium flavum of Linnæus as its synonym.

[1887] This is a yellow, acrid, caustic juice; it is no longer used in medicine.

[1888] The Peony; described in B. xxv. c. 10.

[1889] See B. xx. c. 25, and B. xxii. c. 2.

[1890] See B. xxv. c. 10.

[1891] In reality it is destitute of smell.

[1892] See B. xxv. c. 10.

[1893] Or, as Holland says, would “be ready to job out their eyes.”

[1894] In reality, the peony has no medicinal virtues whatever.

[1895] “Suppressionibus nocturnis”.

[1896] Sprengel identifies it with the Santolina maritima, Sea cudwort or cotton-weed. Fée considers its identification as doubtful.

[1897] Identified by Hardouin and Desfontaines with the Dipsacus pilosus of Linnæus, the Shepherd’s rod, or small white teasel. Fée is doubtful on the subject

[1898] See B. xxii. c. 18.

[1899] See B. xxv. c. 28.

[1900] Identified with the Hordeum murinum of Linnæus, and the same, most probably, as the Mouse barley of B. xxii. c. 65.

[1901] Whence its name, from the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.”

[1902] “Swine’s endive.” It is generally identified with the Centaurea nigra of Linnæus; though, as Fée says, on very insufficient grounds, as the black centaury has but little similarity to endive.

[1903] The “all-bone” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Plantago coronopus of Linnæus, the Buckshorn plantain; but Fée prefers the Plantago holostea of Lamarck, the Grass-leaved plantain. Littré names the Holosteum umbellatum. The Plantago albicans of Linnæus has been also mentioned.

[1904] Because there is no hardness in it.

[1905] Τὰ γλύκεα.

[1906] See B. xxiv. c. 68. In B. xvi. c. 92, Fée identifies this plant with the Calcitrapa stellata of Lamarck. He also suggests that it may possibly be the second “Hippophaes,” mentioned in B. xxii. c. 14. Desfontaines identifies it with the Cnicus stellatus, the Star-thistle. Littré gives as its synonym the Centaurea spinosa, Prickly centaury; in accordance with the opinion of M. Fraäs, who admits, however, that the statement that it has neither stem nor flower, would hardly seem to indicate a species of centaury.

[1907] The Ruscus hypoglossum of Linnæus, the Double tongue.

[1908] The Hypecoüm procumbens of Linnæus, Horned cummin.

[1909] Fée thinks that “Idæa herba,” “plant of Ida,” may possibly be one of the synonyms of the Alexandrian laurel. See B. xv. c. 39. Should that identity not hold good, he prefers the Uvularia amplexifolia of Linnæus.

[1910] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.

[1911] Fée suggests the Corydalis claviculata of Decandolle. Littré mentions the Fumaria capreolata of Linnæus.

[1912] Or kidney-bean. See B. xxiv. c. 40.

[1913] Or Gith. See B. xx. c. 71.

[1914] The Euphorbia lathyris of Linnæus, the Caper plant, or Caper spurge.

[1915] There is no such resemblance, except that they both contain a milky juice, the properties of which are, however, very different. It is a plant of an energetic and even dangerous nature, and must never be mistaken for the real caper.

[1916] Mostly thought to be the same plant as the Leontopodium of B. xxvi. c. 34. Littré, however, identifies it with the Evax pygmæus of Linnæus.

[1917] Probably the Echium Italicum of Linnæus, Italian viper’s tongue.

[1918] There is no resemblance between the Echium and the lettuce.

[1919] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Lithospermum officinale of Linnæus, Gremil, gromwell, or stone-crop. Littré mentions the Lithospermum tenuiflorum of Linnæus.

[1920] “Jove’s wheat,” or the “plant of Hercules.”

[1921] This description applies to the variety of Gremil, known as the Coix lacryma of Linnæus, Job’s tears, originally an Indian plant; but it may have been known in Italy in Pliny’s time.

[1922] A poor compliment to Nature, as Fée remarks.

[1923] It has in reality no medicinal properties to speak of; but its name, “stone seed,” and its appearance, would, of course, ensure its reputation as an efficient cure for calculus.

[1924] Some kind of lichen, probably, but what in particular it is impossible to say.

[1925] Ring-worm or tetter.

[1926] Hardouin says that this herpetic disease is called “cantharides,” because it attacks the body as the cantharis attacks wheat. See B. xviii. c. 44.

[1927] It would be superfluous to look for sense in this silly formula.

[1928] Anguillara and C. Bauhin identify it with the Ranunculus thora of Linnæus, and other authorities with the Doronicum pardalianches of Linnæus. Pliny is the only writer that mentions it; and if it really had any existence, it would seem quite impossible, as Fée says, to identify it with correctness.

[1929] “Venenum cervarium.”

[1930] See B. xxv. c. 25.

[1931] “Salivati.” Holland renders this, “A mash wherewith they used to drench cattle.”

[1932] Identified with the Lamium of B. xxii. c. 16.

[1933] See B. xxv. c. 18. The resemblance, Fée says, is by no means a striking one.

[1934] The “white” plant.

[1935] “White in the middle.”

[1936] Identified by Fée with the Cerinthe of B. xxi. c. 41. Sprengel, however, considers it to be the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus.

[1937] Fée identifies it with the Campanula Medium of Linnæus, our Canterbury or Coventry bells; but this flower is blue, while the colour of the Medion is purple. Littré gives the Convolvulus althæoides of Linnæus. Sibthorp has named the Campanula laciniata; and other authorities the Michauxia campanuloïdes.

[1938] See B. xx. c. 32.

[1939] “Mouse-ears.” Fée identifies it with the Myosotis Scorpioïdes of Linnæus, Scorpion-grass, or mouse-ear, which is not of a corrosive nature, as Pliny says, but emollient and soothing. Littré names the Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus, Wild bugloss, German madwort, or great goose-grass.

[1940] Sprengel identifies it with the Alyssum sativum, the Garden madwort; Fée with the Camelina sativa of Crantz, the Cultivated cameline. Littré gives the Neslia paniculata as its synonym.

[1941] Or “Nigina,” in some editions. It is utterly unknown.

[1942] Possibly a fabulous plant; though it is generally identified with the Ononis natrix of Linnæus. Poinsinet de Sivry derives its name from the Celto-Germanic words, _nat_, “night,” and _ris_, “wand;” a name given to it, according to him, for its efficacy in dispelling the illusions of the night.

[1943] Or “Fauni,” the same as our nightmare.

[1944] Probably the Euphrasia odontites of Linnæus, the Red eye-bright.

[1945] “Inter feni genera.”

[1946] See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them.

[1947] On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots.

[1948] Hence its name “odontitis,” “tooth-wort.”

[1949] Its synonym is unknown. Sprengel has identified it with the Tagetes patula of Linnæus, but that is purely an American plant!

[1950] Probably one of the Borragineæ, Fée thinks, but beyond that he considers it impossible to say. Desfontaines identifies it with the Onosma echioides of Linnæus, the Hairy onosma.

[1951] See B. xxii. c. 23.

[1952] If it is the plant above-mentioned, this is incorrect.

[1953] Fée suggests that it may be identical with the Onopyxos of B. xxi. c. 56. Desfontaines, also, identifies it with the Onopordon acanthium of Linnæus, the Cotton thistle or woolly thistle.

[1954] Probably the Osyris alba of Linnæus, the Poet’s cassia. Anguillara and Dodonæus have mentioned the Chenopodium scoparia of Linnæus, the Summer cypress, or line-leaved goosefoot, but without any good reason, it is thought. Holland calls it “toad-flax.”

[1955] “Smegmata.”

[1956] The “sour” plant. Mostly identified with the Oxalis acetosella of Linnæus, Cuckoo’s meat, three leaved sorrel, or wood-sorrel.

[1957] “Enterocele.”

[1958] The “many-flowered” plant. Probably the Ranunculus polyanthemos of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 109.

[1959] The “frog” plant.

[1960] “Vitiligines”.

[1961] “Many-seeded.”

[1962] “Blood plant.”

[1963] Identified by Fée with the Polygonum aviculare of Linnæus, the Knot-grass.

[1964] “Many-knotted.” Scribonius says that it received its name, “polygonos,” from its being found everywhere.

[1965] Or “mountain” plant. Fée considers it to be the same as the second kind above mentioned, and to correspond with the female Polygonos of Dioscorides. He identifies it with the Hippuris vulgaris of Linnæus, Mare’s tail, or female horse-tail; Littré gives the Equisetum pallidum of Bory as its synonym.

[1966] Identified by Fée with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the Great shrubby horsetail.

[1967] See B, xix. c. 7.

[1968] “Scillam pusillam.” Fée considers it to be a squill, the variety with the red root of the Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the Sea-squill. Littré gives as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus, the Sea-daffodil.

[1969] Probably the Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus; see B. xx. c. 81. It is a strong purgative.

[1970] “Fig-plant,” “poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference, no doubt, to its milky juice.

[1971] See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33.

[1972] In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called “securidaca.”

[1973] See B. xx. c. 71.

[1974] We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great antidote of Mithridates.

[1975] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of Linnæus, the Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara of Linnæus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and Littré gives the Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp.

[1976] See B. xxv. c. 76.

[1977] The “sinew” plant.

[1978] Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocallis liliastrum of Linnæus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M Fräas says, however (_Synopsis_, p. 288), that that plant has not been found in Greece; and relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers the Lloydia Græca, which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece, and the Peloponnesus, as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of 1500 feet.

[1979] “White flower.”

[1980] “White thorn.”

[1981] Hence its name. See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.

[1982] Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of Linnæus, the Crosswort.

[1983] See B. xxii. c. 91. Fée thinks that it is two plants, the Cnicus Casabonæ, and the Thelygonum cynocrambe of Linnæus, that are here spoken of. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, Dog’s mercury, as its synonym.

[1984] Linnæus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name of Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active poison. It is probable that the Phellandrium, or “Male-cork-plant” of Pliny, still remains unknown.

[1985] Possibly the Phalaris aquatiea of Linnæus, the Water canary-grass. Littré gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of Linnæus, Knotted canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34, _Bohn’s Ed_.

[1986] This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says “millet.”

[1987] Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the Aristolochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle.

[1988] Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above in c. 91.

[1989] See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would appear that the mæna was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our Sardines.

[1990] See B. xxvi. c. 11.

[1991] The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally supposed to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of Linnæus, Pontic rhubarb.

[1992] The shores of the Euxine.

[1993] See B. xii. c. 25.

[1994] “Fulvum,” probably, “tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black; see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18.

[1995] Possibly the Reseda alba of Linnæus.

[1996] “Reseda, morbos reseda.” A pun upon the name of the plant, and the verb “resedo.”

[1997] Like the silly charm itself, “neither head nor tail.”

[1998] See B. xxvi. c. 27.

[1999] The Stœchades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11.

[2000] See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade is neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison.

[2001] De Re Med. ii. 33.

[2002] See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the Smyrnium perfoliatum of Linnæus, the Perfoliated alexander.

[2003] “Anethi” is a preferable reading to “apii,” “parsley.”

[2004] See B. xxiv. c. 60.

[2005] See B. xxi. c. 21.

[2006] See B. xxi. c. 86.

[2007] See B. xxvi. c. 60.

[2008] “Fish-sauce.” See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43.

[2009] Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified with the Sison amomum of Linnæus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley.

[2010] Identified by Fée with the Sedum Telephium of Linnæus, the Orpine or livelong; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the Ever-green orpine; and by Littré with the Cerinthe aspeva, the Prickly honey-wort.

[2011] “Vitiligini.”

[2012] The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86.

[2013] See B. xxii. c. 30.

[2014] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of Linnæus, the Small meadow rue. Littré gives the Thalictrum flavum of Linnæus, the Common meadow rue.

[2015] In its colour.

[2016] Fée identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of Linnæus, the Wild bastard-grass; Littré with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of Linnæus, Shepherd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris. Desfontaines gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of Linnæus.

[2017] “Peltarum specie.” The “pelta” was a small, light shield, of various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent.

[2018] From θλάω, “to break.”

[2019] “Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of Linnæus, the Annual moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel, but its identity is very doubtful.

[2020] This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B. xxi. c. 10.

[2021] See B. xiii. c. 36. Fée suggests that it may possibly be a variety of the Pistacia lentiscus of Linnæus, the Mastich-tree, or lentisk. Desfontaines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M. Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 182) suggests the Origanum maru.

[2022] See B. xiii. c. 37. M. Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 257) identifies it with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the Great shrubby horsetail.

[2023] “Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of Linnæus, the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert; it is never used in medicine”.

[2024] In B. xx. c. 3.

[2025] See c. 41 of this Book.

[2026] See B. xxv. c. 70.

[2027] See B. xxv. c. 54.

[2028] A kind of fœtid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis.

[2029] “Serpentis.”

[2030] See B. xxii. c. 3.

[2031] It is with regret that at the close of this Book, we take leave of the valuable Annotations of M. Fée, a series of illustrations which reflect the highest credit on his learning, his industry, and his critical acumen. Were the ancient authors in general subjected to the same minute examination and thorough enquiry which he has expended upon the Sixteen Botanical Books of Pliny, their value would be greatly enhanced, equally to the critical scholar, and to the general reader who makes his acquaintance with them through the medium of a translation. To say, that, in reference to their respective labours upon Pliny, M. Fée deserves our thanks almost equally with the learned Sillig—now, alas! no more—is to say much indeed in his praise, and to bestow upon him a commendation to which he is eminently entitled.

[2032] See end of B. xx.

[2033] See end of B. xiv.

[2034] See end of B. xii.

[2035] See end of B. xx.

[2036] See end of B. xx.

[2037] See end of B. vii.

[2038] See end of B. iii.

[2039] See end of B. xi.

[2040] See end of B. ii.

[2041] Beyond being mentioned here, and in c. 14 of this Book, nothing is known of this writer.

[2042] See end of B. xx.

[2043] See end of B. ii.

[2044] See end of B. viii.

[2045] See end of B. xix.

[2046] See end of B. viii.

[2047] See end of B. xix.

[2048] See end of B. xxi.

[2049] See end of B. xxi.

[2050] See end of B. vii.

[2051] See end of B. xx.

[2052] See end of B. xx.

[2053] See end of B. xv.

[2054] See end of B. xii.

[2055] See end of B. xv.

[2056] See end of B. xii.

[2057] See end of B. xx.

[2058] See end of B. xx.

[2059] See end of B. xx.

[2060] See end of B. xx.

[2061] See end of B. xx.

[2062] See end of B. xx.

[2063] See end of B. xx.

[2064] See end of B. xx.

[2065] See end of B. vii.

[2066] See end of B. xx.

[2067] See end of B. xx.

[2068] See end of B. xii.

[2069] See end of B. xi.

[2070] See end of B. xii.

[2071] See end of B. xx.

[2072] See end of B. xii.

[2073] See end of B. xx.

[2074] See end of B. xx.

[2075] See end of B. xx.

[2076] See end of B. xx.

[2077] See end of B. xx.

[2078] See end of B. xii.

[2079] See end of B. xx.

[2080] See end of B. xx.

[2081] See end of B. xxi.

[2082] See end of B. xx.

[2083] See end of B. xx.

[2084] See end of B. xx.

[2085] The trees and plants.

[2086] On the contrary, this and the four following Books are full of the most extravagant assertions, which bear ample testimony to his credulity notwithstanding the author’s repeated declarations that he does not believe in Magic. As Ajasson says, he evidently does not know what he ought to have inserted in his work, and what to reject as utterly unworthy of belief. His faults, however, were not so much his own as those of his age. Want of space, equally with want of inclination, compels us to forego the task of entering into an examination of the system of Animal Therapeutics upon which so much labour has been wasted by our author.

[2087] See B. viii. c. 97, _et seq._, and B. xxv. c. 89, _et seq._

[2088] See B. xxviii. c. 3.

[2089] This practice is mentioned with reprobation by Celsus and Tertullian. It was continued, however, in some degree through the middle ages, and Louis XV. was accused by his people of taking baths of infants’ blood to repair his premature decrepitude.

[2090] In recent times, Guettard, a French practitioner, recommended human marrow as an emollient liniment.

[2091] Hence, as Ajasson remarks, the ignorance of anatomy displayed by the ancients.

[2092] For further particulars as to Osthanes, see B. xxix. c. 80, and B. xxx. cc. 5 and 6; also cc. 19 and 77 of the present Book. The reading, however, is very doubtful.

[2093] “Oculorum suffusiones.” As Ajasson says, the remedy here mentioned reminds us of the more harmless one used by Tobias for the cure of the blindness of his father Tobit.

[2094] He gives a great many, however, which are equally abominable.

[2095] “Piacula.”

[2096] We may here discover the first rudiments of the doctrine of Animal Magnetism.

[2097] In accordance with the republican doctrines of Cato of Utica, Brutus, Cassius, and Portia.

[2098] Holland remarks, “Looke for no better divinitie in Plinie, a meere Pagan, Epicurean, and professed Atheist.” See B. vii. cc. 53, 54.

[2099] Whether or not, they cannot, as Ajasson remarks, be regarded as remedies _derived from_ the human body, being no part of the human body.

[2100] “Homini acceptum fieri oportere conveniat.” This passage is probably corrupt.

[2101] Beginning with an address to Janus and Vesta, imploring their intercession with the other divinities, and concluding with an appeal to Janus.

[2102] “Impetritis.”

[2103] “Qui favere linguis jubeat.” “Favete linguis” were the words used in enjoining strict silence.

[2104] By him who is offering up the prayer.

[2105] A trick adroitly performed by the priests, no doubt.

[2106] Given by Livy, in Books viii. and x.

[2107] To death, in battle, for the good of their country.

[2108] Preserved by Valerius Maximus, B. viii. c. 1. Tertullian and Saint Augustin doubt the authenticity of the story. She is said to have carried water in a sieve from the river Tiber to the temple of Vesta.

[2109] “Forum Boarium;” in the Eighth Region of the City.

[2110] Of Gaul, as Plutarch informs us, who mentions also the Greek victims, The immolation of the Gauls is supposed to have happened in the beginning of the reign of Vespasian.

[2111] Originally the “Decemviri Sacris Faciundis,” whose number was increased by Sylla to fifteen. They had the management of the Games of Apollo, and the Secular Games.

[2112] In B. ii. c. 54.

[2113] It has been suggested that Tullus Hostilius was acquainted with some of the secrets of electricity, and that he met his death while trying experiments with a lightning conductor. See B. ii. c. 54.

[2114] Ajasson thinks that there is an equivoque here upon the word “templum,” which signified not only a building, but certain parts of the heavens, and corresponding lines traced on the earth by the augur’s staff.

[2115] This story is mentioned by Plutarch, in the Life of Publicola.

[2116] In which case it was considered necessary to repeat the words, “Accipio omen,” “I accept the omen.”

[2117] “Qui fruges excantassit.”

[2118] “Qui malum carmen incantassit.”

[2119] Ajasson is of opinion that this name was either Favra or Fona, Acca, Flora, or Valesia or Valentia.

[2120] “As in saying thus, The Devill take thee, or The Ravens peck out thine eyes, or I had rather see thee Pie peckt, and such like.”—_Holland_.

[2121] It is a superstition still practised to pierce the shell of an egg after eating it, “lest the witches should come.” Holland gives the following Note—“Because afterwards no witches might pricke them with a needle in the name and behalfe of those whom they would hurt and mischeefe, according to the practice of pricking the images of any person in wax; used in the witchcraft of these daies.” We learn from Ajasson that till recently it was considered a mark of ill-breeding in France not to pierce the shell after eating the egg. See also Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 19, _Bohn’s Ed._

[2122] See the Eighth Eclogue of Virgil.

[2123] “That is to say, _Arse verse_, out of Afranius, as Festus noteth, which in the old Tuscane language signifieth, _Averte ignem_, Put backe the fire.”—_Holland_.

[2124] Odyss. xix. 457. It is not Ulysses, but the sons of Autolycus that do this. Their bandages, however, were more likely to be effectual.

[2125] De Enthusiasmo.

[2126] See B. xvii. c. 47.

[2127] In passing along the Velabrum, on the occasion of his Gallic triumph, the axle of the carriage having broke.

[2128] See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 175, _et seq._, and Epist. de Ponto. B. iv. El. 4. l. 23, _et seq._

[2129] See B. xi. c. 103.

[2130] Hence the saying, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.”

[2131] “Defunctorum memoriam a nobis non sollicitari.”

[2132] It is still a saying, and perhaps a belief, that “There is luck in odd numbers.”

[2133] This has been a practice from the earliest times to the present day. See Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 123, _Bohn’s Ed_.

[2134] In France and England, at the present day, this notion, or rather, perhaps, the memory of it, is universally to be found. If the right ear tingles, some one is speaking well of us; if the left ear, the reverse.

[2135] King Attalus Philometor. See end of B. viii.

[2136] “Two.”

[2137] This passage, it is pretty clear, ought to follow the preceding one, though in the Latin it is made to precede.

[2138] The thumb was turned upwards as a mark of favour, downwards, as a mark of disfavour.

[2139] “Repositorium.”

[2140] It was not yet the custom to bring in several courses, each served up on a separate table.

[2141] Good manners possibly, more than superstition, may have introduced this practice.

[2142] Or Pluto. He alludes to the Feralia, or feasts celebrated, in the month of February, in honour of the dead.

[2143] Or household god.

[2144] The “Nundinæ,” held every ninth day; or rather every _eighth_ day, according to _our_ mode of reckoning.

[2145] Gronovius suggests a reading which would make this to mean that it is “ominous to touch money with the forefinger.” It does not appear to be warranted, however.

[2146] _Twenty-eighth_, according to _our_ reckoning.

[2147] Probably from their ominous resemblance to the Parcæ, or Fates, with their spindles.

[2148] “Frugum.”

[2149] “Princeps civitatis.”

[2150] “Rho” and “Alpha.”

[2151] In B. vii. c. 2.

[2152] In B. vii. c. 2, he speaks of these people—“the serpent-born”—as natives of Parium, a town of the Hellespont. Ajasson suggests that they may have been a branch of the Thamirades, a sacerdotal family of Cyprus.

[2153] “Dolium.”

[2154] See B. viii. c. 38.

[2155] Ajasson has thought it worth while to contradict this assertion.

[2156] Meaning, of course, _in case_ such an accident should befall the party. The passage appears, however, to be corrupt.

[2157] “Hasta velitaris.”

[2158] In B. vii. c. 2.

[2159] It is the _shoulder-blade_ of Pelops that is generally mentioned in the ancient Mythology. Pliny omits to say of what medicinal virtues it was possessed.

[2160] In B. vii. c. 2.

[2161] It certainly does seem to be possessed of some efficacy for the removal of spots and stains, but for no other purpose probably.

[2162] In some parts of France, the peasants spit in the hand when in terror of spectres at night. In our country, prize-fighters spit in the hand before beginning the combat, and costermongers spit on their morning’s handsel, or first earned money, for good luck.

[2163] “In sinum.”

[2164] See Juvenal, Sat. v. l. 112.

[2165] Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate of soda and potash; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be infinitely small.

[2166] A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He would seem to imply it.

[2167] “Levatur illico in percusso culpa.”

[2168] This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to use strong exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as Ajasson remarks.

[2169] “Malum terræ.” See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. Littré translates “malum,” “apple,” in the former passage; but here he calls it “curse of the earth.”

[2170] “Rubetas.” See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. cc. 19, 76, and 116, and B. xxv. c. 76.

[2171] This divinity was identical with Mutinus or Tutinus, and was worshipped under the form of a phallus, the male generative organ. As the guardian of infants, his peculiar form is still unconsciously represented in the shape of the coral bauble with which infants are aided in cutting their teeth.

[2172] Hence the expression “præfiscini,” “Be it said without envy,” supposed to avert the effects of the envious eye, fascination, or enchantment.

[2173] “Resipiscere” seems to be a preferable reading to “respicere,” adopted by Sillig. This passage is evidently in a very corrupt state; but it is most probable that reference is made to the attendant who stood behind the general in his triumph, and reminded him that he was a man—or, according to Tzetzes, bade him look behind him. Pliny speaks of a servant attending the triumphant general, with a golden crown, in B. xxxiii. c. 4. Hardouin attempts another explanation, but a very confused and improbable one.

[2174] See end of the present Book.

[2175] Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”

[2176] Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.

[2177] This superstition still exists among the lower classes of this country, with reference to the beneficial effects of stroking neck diseases with the hand of a man who has been hanged.

[2178] Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.

[2179] Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.

[2180] The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.

[2181] Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here should be omitted.

[2182] See B. xv. c. 5.

[2183] “Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax.

[2184] Properly, “poppy juice.”

[2185] Or “clara lectio,” “reading aloud,” as Celsus calls it, recommending it for persons of slow digestion.

[2186] “Gestatio.” Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by horses, or in a litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7.

[2187] See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is still recommended for consumptive patients.

[2188] Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the spleen, as they are called.

[2189] “Strigilium.”

[2190] Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.

[2191] “Non prandentium.”

[2192] Callistenes the physician is the person supposed to be alluded to. Lucullus did not seem to be of opinion that a man “must be a fool or a physician at forty.”

[2193] “Ut in quâ homo alius exsiliret ex homine.” The true meaning of this it seems impossible, with certainty, to ascertain: though a more indelicate one than that give might be easily suggested.

[2194] On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness of sight.

[2195] See Ovid, Met. ix. 273, _et seq._

[2196] Much more probably, because they were considered to be significant of anything but seriousness and attention.

[2197] Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.

[2198] The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.

[2199] See end of B. vii.

[2200] In B. viii. c. 58.

[2201] A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.

[2202] This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as indicative of the health of the patient.

[2203] From the Greek πτύω, “to spit.”

[2204] “Argema.”

[2205] Who had to use _lant_, or stale urine, in their business.

[2206] At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.

[2207] This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.

[2208] Works and Days, l. 727, _et seq._

[2209] The use of the word “prodidere” shows that treatises had been written on these abominable subjects. Laïs, Elephantis, and Salpe were probably the “meretrices” to whom he here alludes. See c. 23, and the end of this Book.

[2210] There is probably no foundation for this assertion.

[2211] “Rana.” He means the “rubeta” probably, or “bramble-frog,” so often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290.

[2212] “Salivam.”

[2213] See B. xx. c. 2.

[2214] See B. xxx. c. 10. Latreille has written a very able treatise on the Buprestis of the ancients, and considers it to belong to the family of Cantharides. _Annales du Museum d’histoire Naturelle_, Vol. xix. p. 129, _et seq._

[2215] Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18.

[2216] “Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23.

[2217] Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid, Seneca, Quintilian, and Velleius Paterculus.

[2218] “Fascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head.

[2219] The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an interpolation.

[2220] In B. vii. c. 13.

[2221] Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it.

[2222] Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.

[2223] See the end of this Book.

[2224] See B. vii. c. 13.

[2225] See B. vii. c. 13.

[2226] Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.

[2227] See B. viii. c. 44.

[2228] One peculiarity not mentioned by Pliny, is, that its skin, like that of the sea-calf, was said to be proof against the effects of lightning.

[2229] In B. viii. c. 44.

[2230] “Glaucomata.” Littré considers, on the authority of M. Sichel, that “Glaucoma” and “suffusio” are different names for the same disease—cataract.

[2231] See B. xxxvi. c. 27.

[2232] “Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig.

[2233] “Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek ἄτλας, “much enduring,” Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The “hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a _non sequitur_.

[2234] We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the “alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.

[2235] “Vanas species.”

[2236] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[2237] “Pila.”

[2238] Identified by Ajasson with the _chamses_, or common crocodile of the Nile.

[2239] See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with the _souchos_ of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. It is equally amphibious with the other; and the account of its habits given by Pliny is probably founded on the fact that Upper Egypt, which it inhabits, is covered with a more aromatic vegetation than the other parts of that country.

[2240] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2241] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[2242] It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated its timidity.

[2243] This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.

[2244] A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12.

[2245] And therefore harmless.

[2246] See B. xxii. c. 21.

[2247] See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.

[2248] One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.

[2249] See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.

[2250] See B. xxvi. c. 62.

[2251] In B. viii. c. 40.

[2252] See B. viii. c. 57.

[2253] Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.

[2254] See B. xi. c. 96. Dalechamps remarks that Pliny is in error here: this name being properly given to infants which have been put to the breast too soon after child-birth. And so it would appear from the context.

[2255] The “biestings.”

[2256] Amalthæa.

[2257] Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”

[2258] In B. xxv. c. 53.

[2259] From the Greek σχιστὸν, “divided” milk, or “curds.”

[2260] See B. xxi c. 105.

[2261] He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless.

[2262] In B. xi. c. 97.

[2263] From the Greek σαπρὸν, “rotten” cheese.

[2264] Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.

[2265] The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.

[2266] In this passage also it is generally supposed that he refers to the nomadic life of barbarous nations, in which multitudes of sheep and cattle constituted the chief wealth. It is, however, not improbable that he means to say that among the Romans it was only the wealthy who could afford to use it.

[2267] Βούτυρον, “cow cheese.”

[2268] Qy. whether for “aquæ,” “water,” we should not read “acidi” here, “sour milk,” as at the beginning of the next Chapter? Beckmann suggests “aceti,” “vinegar.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505, _Bohn’s Ed._

[2269] Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respecting _oxygala_ is attended with difficulties: and I am fully persuaded that his words are corrupted, though I find no variations marked in MSS. by which this conjecture can be supported.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505. He suggests another arrangement of the whole passage, but without improving it, for the difficulty would appear to be totally imaginary; as it is quite clear that by “oxygala,” or “sour milk,” Pliny means the thickest part of the curd, which is first removed and then salted, forming probably a sort of cream cheese. Though his meaning is clear, he may very possibly give an erroneous description of the process.

[2270] The remark of Holland on this passage is curious—“Some would amend this place, and for ‘magis,’ ‘more,’ put ‘minus,’ ‘less,’ in a contrary sense; but I suppose he writeth in regard of barbarous people, who make more account of such ranke butyr; like as the uncivile Irish in these daies.”

[2271] He has forgotten to do so, however.

[2272] From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.”

[2273] Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and hogs’ lard is a cure for syphilis by promoting salivation.

[2274] “Farina salsamentariæ testæ.”

[2275] See B. xxxvi. c. 27.

[2276] “Sebum”—Suet or tallow.

[2277] Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.

[2278] The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous ceremonies.

[2279] This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.

[2280] See B. iv. c. 6.

[2281] His meaning is, that the excitement produced by religious feeling neutralizes that antipathy which, under ordinary circumstances, is manifested towards the system by bull’s blood.

[2282] See B. xxxiii. c. 6.

[2283] See B. viii. c. 50.

[2284] In B. viii. c. 50.

[2285] Or “hundred skins.” Called the _mirefeuillet_ in French.

[2286] In B. viii. c. 50.

[2287] See B. xxiv. c. 91.

[2288] See B. xx. c. 63.

[2289] The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnæus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.

[2290] Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.

[2291] See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.

[2292] See B. xx. c. 67.

[2293] See B. viii. c. 76.

[2294] In B. viii. c. 76.

[2295] A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical grounds.

[2296] Cloquet says that the application would be useless.

[2297] In B. viii. c. 34.

[2298] Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity.

[2299] It is no longer reckoned among the poisons.

[2300] Juice of carpathum, a substance which does not appear to have been identified; but supposed by Bruce to have been a gum called _sassa_, with which aloes are adulterated in Abyssinia, a thing that Galen tells us was done with the carpathum of the ancients. The sea-hare is the Aplysia depilans of Gmelin. It is not poisonous. See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

[2301] A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now unknown.

[2302] See Chap. 21 of this Book.

[2303] See B. xx. c. 53.

[2304] See B. xi. c. 96.

[2305] On the contrary, cows’ biestings are highly thought of in some parts of England; and a very delicate dish is made of them, baked.

[2306] “Onager.”

[2307] See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9.

[2308] See B. viii. c. 15.

[2309] See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75.

[2310] See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.

[2311] “Toxica”—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations dipped their arrows.

[2312] See B. xxii. c. 21.

[2313] Or, sting-ray.

[2314] See B. xxix. c. 16.

[2315] This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative of the hair.

[2316] See B. xii. c. 37, and B. xxvi. c. 30.

[2317] See B. xxii. c. 30.

[2318] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[2319] If they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that Pliny’s remedy may be of some utility.

[2320] A cosmetic for “beautifying the eye-brows.”

[2321] “Collyria.”

[2322] This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for “lumbulis.”

[2323] “Seers by night.”

[2324] “Sanie.”

[2325] See B. xiv. c. 4.

[2326] See B. xx. c. 75.

[2327] See B. xxvi. c. 31.

[2328] See B. xxi. c. 105.

[2329] See B. viii. c. 66.

[2330] See B. xi. c. 70. Ajasson remarks that this bone is only found in animals that have undergone much fatigue, and that it results from the consolidation of certain tendinous fibres which form the ligament of the heart.

[2331] “Capitum visus” seems to be a more probable reading than “capitum usus” given by Sillig. Be it what it may, the meaning of the passage is doubtful.

[2332] See Ælian, Var. Hist. xiv. 18.

[2333] There surely must be a wrong reading here, or he cannot intend this to be understood literally.

[2334] See B. xi. c. 96.

[2335] One of the mistresses of Louis XV. not only did this, but (in a spirit of great charity and consideration, of course) gave the milk to the poor after she had thus used it.

[2336] “Ad desideria mulierum.”

[2337] See c. 28 of this Book.

[2338] See Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ II. 92-3, _Bohn’s Ed._, where this subject is treated at considerable length.

[2339] “Rutilandis capillis.”

[2340] “Eam mori tradunt.” The reading here is very doubtful.

[2341] “Subulo.”

[2342] Asses’ milk is still recommended for pulmonary phthisis.

[2343] See B. viii. c. 16.

[2344] This would appear to be a Greek word in reality.

[2345] “Tunica.”

[2346] See B. xx. c. 2.

[2347] See B. xxv. c. 67. Mares’ milk is _not_ a purgative; and goats’ milk, as Ajasson remarks, is somewhat astringent. Juice of Cyclamen, on the other hand, or sow-bread, is highly purgative.

[2348] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[2349] In Chap. 57 of this Book.

[2350] “Protropum.” See B. xiv. cc. 9, 11.

[2351] A kind of black pudding. Dupinet, the old French translator, says that in his time the people of the Alpine regions still called this dish _sanchet_.

[2352] He uses “tænia” probably, as a general name for intestinal worms.

[2353] In c. 49 of this Book.

[2354] In c. 57 of this Book.

[2355] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to two-thirds: see B. xiv. c. 11.

[2356] In reality, these are biliary calculi, found in the gall-bladder of the animal. They are called “bezoar” stones, from a Persian word signifying “destructive to poison.”

[2357] See B. viii. c. 77.

[2358] In c. 49 of this Book.

[2359] Ajasson remarks that arsenic should be used with the greatest care in such a case.

[2360] “Rubi.” He probably means the bramble-berry.

[2361] See B. xviii. c. 14.

[2362] “Onager.”

[2363] Arising, by sympathy, from sores in other parts of the body.

[2364] See B. xxvi. c. 31. Bears’ grease is of no use whatever for the cure of gout.

[2365] See B. xix. c. 31, B. xxi. cc. 62, 104, and B. xxii. cc. 19, 20.

[2366] See B. xxi. c. 56.

[2367] This mode of cure, Ajasson says, is still employed in the East, where the preparation is known by the name of _moza_.

[2368] “Potum vero ex aquâ sublime.” The true reading and the meaning are equally doubtful.

[2369] Spoken of as “polea” in c. 57.

[2370] In B. viii. c. 50. Because the animal itself was supposed to be free from fever.

[2371] Or “quotidian,” daily fever.

[2372] A rather singular episode in his narrative. It looks like a gloss.

[2373] Under this name, as Ajasson remarks, the affections now called “hysteria” are included.

[2374] “Veternum.”

[2375] Another instance of smoking, though not a very tempting one.

[2376] See B. xviii. c. 29.

[2377] “Rupicapra”.

[2378] “Subulo”.

[2379] From the Greek.

[2380] See B. xix. c. 27, B. xx. c. 15, and B. xxv. c. 64.

[2381] “Eruptionibus pituitæ.”

[2382] Where the sinew has been wounded and exposed, either vinegar or honey, Ajasson remarks, would be a highly dangerous application.

[2383] “Reverentiores.”

[2384] “Trigario.”

[2385] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2386] See B. xxv. c. 101.

[2387] “Bad habit.” A sort of cancer, or malignant ulcer.

[2388] See B. xxiv. c. 35.

[2389] “Propolis.” See B. xi. c. 6.

[2390] In B. xi. c. 79.

[2391] See B. xxv. cc. 79, 84, 91.

[2392] See B. xiii. c. 49.

[2393] There is probably some truth in these statements as to the utility of butter and honey for infants.

[2394] Ajasson explains this by saying that the hare being eaten by the people of ancient Latium on festival days, with plenteous potations, they erroneously supposed the narcotic effects of the wine to be produced by the flesh of the hare.

[2395] The resemblance of “lepos,” “grace,” to “lepus,” “a hare.” See Martial, B. v. Ep. 29.

[2396] Georg. iii. 280. He alludes to the “hippomanes.”

[2397] Hardouin is probably right in his suggestion that “Dalion” is the correct reading here.

[2398] He has already stated, in c. 44, that a horse will become torpid if it follows in the track of a wolf; for which statement, according to Ajasson, there appears to be some foundation.

[2399] See B. xix. c. 15.

[2400] This is not unlikely; for it has no alarms to make it grow thin.

[2401] See B. viii. c. 41, as to a similar practice on the part of the panther.

[2402] See end of B. ii.

[2403] See end of B. ii.

[2404] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii. For Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.

[2405] See end of B. ii.

[2406] See end of B. iii.

[2407] See end of B. iii.

[2408] Servius Sulpicius Lemonia Rufus, a contemporary and friend of Cicero. He was Consul with M. Claudius Marcellus, B.C. 51, and died B.C. 43, at the siege of Mutina. He left about 180 treatises on various subjects; but beyond the fact that he is often quoted by the writers whose works form part of the Digest, none of his writings (with the exception of two letters to Cicero) have come down to us.

[2409] See end of B. xix.

[2410] See end of B. vii.

[2411] See end of B. vii.

[2412] See end of B. xii.

[2413] From the mention made of him in Chap. 23, he was probably a physician. Nothing further is known of him.

[2414] Aurelius Opilius, the freedman of an Epicurean. He taught philosophy, rhetoric, and grammar at Rome, but finally withdrew to Smyrna. One of his works, mentioned by A. Gellius, was entitled “Musæ,” and the name of another was “Pinax.”

[2415] From the mention made of his profound speculations in Chap. 9, Fabricius has reckoned him among the medical writers of Rome. It has also been suggested that he may have been the Granius Flaccus mentioned by Censorinus as the author of the “Indigitamenta,” or Register of the Pontiffs.

[2416] See end of B. ii.

[2417] Probably Apollonius Mus, or Myronides, a physician who flourished in the first century B.C., who is mostly identified with Apollonius Herophileius. His “Myrosis” here mentioned is probably the work “On Unguents” mentioned by Athenæus, B. xv.

[2418] Nothing whatever is known of him. It has been suggested that the name may have been “Melitus.” A contemporary of Socrates, an orator and tragic writer, was so named.

[2419] Beyond the mention of him in c. 2 of this Book, nothing is known relative to this medical writer: no great loss, perhaps, if we may judge from the extract there given.

[2420] Though mentioned among the foreign writers, the name is evidently Roman. Nothing relative to him is known.

[2421] See end of B. xii.

[2422] See end of B. iii.

[2423] Probably the writer mentioned at the end of B. viii.

[2424] See end of B. viii.

[2425] See end of B. xx.

[2426] See end of B. xx. The “Idiophya” was probably a work “On the Peculiar Animals,” which passed as the composition of the mythic Orpheus.

[2427] A Greek poet, said to have been born at Chersonesus, a town in Egypt. Some of his Epigrams are still extant in the Anthology, and it has been suggested that he flourished either in the time of Ptolemy Soter, of Ptolemy Euergetes II., or of Ptolemy Philadelphus. His work “On Peculiar Animals,” here mentioned, was probably written in verse.

[2428] See end of B. viii.

[2429] A female writer on medical subjects. In addition to her work mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book, Labbe speaks of a work of hers in MS. “On Menstruation,” preserved in the Library at Florence.

[2430] The female who is mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book as having written on Abortion, or the Diseases peculiar to Females, was probably a different person from either of the two famous courtesans of that name. Nothing whatever is known of her.

[2431] The writer of certain amatory poems, much admired by the Emperor Tiberius, generally supposed, from the grammatical form of the name, to have been a female. Galen quotes a work “On Cosmetics,” as written by a person of this name.

[2432] A native of Lemnos, who wrote on the Diseases of Women. Nymphodorus, as quoted by Athenæus, states that she also wrote verses on Sportive subjects.

[2433] See end of B. xx.

[2434] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 23, nothing further is known relative to this writer. Theophrastus, in his work on Sudorifics, speaks of a person of this name as having written on Perspiration.

[2435] See end of B. xii.

[2436] See end of B. xx.

[2437] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 7 of this Book, nothing is known of this writer. Hardouin suggests that he may have been identical with the Micton mentioned at the end of B. xx.

[2438] He is spoken of as a native of Athens, in c. 10 of this Book. Beyond this, nothing is known of him.

[2439] See end of B. vii.

[2440] See end of B. ii.

[2441] See end of B. iii.

[2442] Or more probably, Hicetidas. Nothing is known of this writer.

[2443] A native of Thasos. He is also mentioned by Galen.

[2444] See end of B. vii.

[2445] See end of B. vi.

[2446] Probably a physician, of whom Athenæus speaks as being a native of Argos, and writer of a treatise on Fish.

[2447] Probably a different writer from the one of that name mentioned at the end of B. vi.

[2448] Περὶ δυνάμεων.

[2449] See end of B. xxi.

[2450] See end of B. v.

[2451] He must surely have forgotten Celsus; unless, indeed, Pliny was unacquainted with his treatise “De Medicinâ.”

[2452] Apollo and Æsculapius, Agenor, Hercules, Chiron, and others.

[2453] The husband of Leda, and the father of Castor, Timandra, Clytæmnestra, and Philonoë. Hippolytus also was fabled to have been raised from the dead by Æsculapius.

[2454] Hippocrates is generally supposed to have been born B.C. 460.

[2455] In order to destroy the medical books and prescriptions there. The same story is told, with little variation, of Avicenna. Cnidos is also mentioned as the scene of this act of philosophical incendiarism.

[2456] “Clinice”—Chamber-physic, so called because the physician visited his patients ἐν κλίνῃ, “in bed.”

[2457] It is supposed by most commentators that Pliny commits a mistake here, and that in reality he is alluding to Herodicus of Selymbria in Thrace, who was the _tutor_, and not the disciple, of Hippocrates. Prodicus of Selymbria does not appear to be known.

[2458] “Healing by ointments,” or, as we should call it at the present day, “The Friction cure.”

[2459] “Mediastinis.”

[2460] Pythias, the daughter of Aristotle, was his stepmother, and adopted him. His mother’s name was Cretoxena.

[2461] Or “Sect of Experimentalists.” They based their practice upon experience derived from the observation of facts. The word “Empiric” is used only in a bad sense at the present day. For an account of Hippocrates, see end of B. vii.; of Chrysippus, see end of B. xx.; and of Erasistratus, see end of B. xi.

[2462] See end of B. xi.

[2463] See end of B. xi.

[2464] See B. xi. c. 88. The Chinese, Ajasson remarks, apply the musical scale to the pulsation; it being a belief of the Mandarins that the body is a musical instrument, and that to be in health it must be kept in tune.

[2465] In B. xxvi. cc. 7, 8.

[2466] See end of B. xi.

[2467] See B. xix. c. 38.

[2468] Rather more than £4400.

[2469] More than £265,000.

[2470] For which he was put to death A.D. 48.

[2471] A native of Tralles in Lydia, and the son of a weaver there. Galen mentions him in terms of contempt and ridicule.

[2472] “Invasit.”

[2473] Ep. 53 and 83. His “adstipulatio” is of a very equivocal character, however.

[2474] “Turbâ medicorum perii.” This is supposed to be borrowed from a line of Menander—

Πολλῶν ἰατρῶν εἴσοδος μ’ ἀπώλεσεν.

[2475] “Flatu.”

[2476] Herodotus states this with reference to the Babylonians; Strabo, the Bastitani, a people of Spain; and Eusebius, the more ancient inhabitants of Spain.

[2477] See B. xx. c. 33.

[2478] See end of B. xii.

[2479] “Jus Quiritium.”

[2480] “Tabernam.” A surgery, in fact, the same as the “iatreion” of the Greeks.

[2481] Or “carrefour”—“compitum.” The Acilian _Gens_ pretended to be under the especial tutelage of the gods of medicine.

[2482] The “Wound-curer,” from “vulnus,” a wound.

[2483] “Executioner,” or “hangman.”

[2484] For his conquests in Spain.

[2485] “Illorum literas inspicere.”

[2486] On the principle that that which costs money _must_ be worth having.

[2487] The Opici or Osci were an ancient tribe of Italy, settled in Campania, Latium, and Samnium. From their uncivilized habits the name was long used as a reproachful epithet, equivalent to our words “bumpkin,” “clodhopper,” or “chawbacon.”

[2488] Marked by their supereminent absurdity, as Fée remarks.

[2489] Formed by the river Tiber. See the Quæst. Rom. of Plutarch, on this subject.

[2490] We have adopted Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nec” for “et” here. The meaning, however, is very doubtful.

[2491] “Augebo providentiam illorum.” The meaning of this passage also is doubtful.

[2492] By adopting that language instead of the Latin; Sextius Niger, for instance.

[2493] Diplomas seem to have been less cared for in those times than at the present day even, when quackery has so free a range.

[2494] See B. iii. c. 26, and B. xxxiii. cc. 7, 8.

[2495] “Inquisitio per parietes.” The reading is doubtful, but he not improbably alludes to the employment of spies.

[2496] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to Cornelius Balbus here, a native of Gades. See B. v. c. 5, and B. vii. 44.

[2497] “Electis viris datur tabula.” He alludes to the three tablets delivered to the Judices, one of which had inscribed on it “Acquitted,” another “Not proven,” and a third “Guilty”—_Absolvatur_, _Non liquet_, and _Condemno_.

[2498] “In this place he casteth in the Romans’ teeth, their _Lecticarii_, _Anagnostæ_, and _Nomenclatores_.”—_Holland_. Letter-bearers, readers, and prompters as to the names of the persons addressed.

[2499] He alludes to the resources of medicine.

[2500] A physician at Rome, who was afterwards put to the torture for this crime. Livia was the daughter of Drusus Nero, the brother of Tiberius.

[2501] Messalina, mentioned in c. 5 of this Book.

[2502] Nothing could possibly be more remote from his republican notions, than “reginæ” at Rome.

[2503] “Emovendam.” In order that a future job may be ensured.

[2504] In c. 5 of this Book.

[2505] “Vulnerum medico.”

[2506] “Ejus turbæ.”

[2507] See B. xxiv. c. 1.

[2508] The origin of our word “treacle.” See B. xx. c. 100, and Note 97.

[2509] Used as a round number, like our expression “ten thousand.”

[2510] See B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxv. c. 26.

[2511] “Minium.” This red lead had the name of “cinnabaris nativa,” whence the error.

[2512] In B. xxxiii. c. 38.

[2513] As tending to effeminacy, or undermining the constitution.

[2514] See B. xxviii. c. 13.

[2515] “Lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis.” Georg. I. 184, IV. 243.

[2516] Il. xvii. 670, _et seq._

[2517] He certainly does not _always_ keep this object in view.

[2518] See B. x. c. 2, and B. xii. c. 42.

[2519] A form of fever, Littré remarks, that is known by the moderns as “pseudo-continuous.”

[2520] See B. xvi. c. 19.

[2521] “Smectica” is suggested by Gesner, Hist. Anim., as a better reading than “septica.”

[2522] “Œsypum” is often mentioned by Ovid as a favourite cosmetic with the Roman ladies.

[2523] See B. xix. c. 1, B. xxiv. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 21.

[2524] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[2525] See B. xx. c. 23.

[2526] Hermolaüs suggests “schista,” “divided,” and Dalechamps proposes “synchyta,” “mixed.” The reading is very doubtful.

[2527] Or Sowbread. See B. xxv. c. 67.

[2528] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[2529] In B. x. c. 80.

[2530] See B. xxiv. c. 54.

[2531] This is the fact, and it is similarly used for mending china. White of egg, mixed with whiskey or spirits of wine, will answer the purpose equally well.

[2532] Ajasson remarks that there is some slight truth in this assertion.

[2533] Pliny alludes here to the beads or rings of glass which were used by the Druids as charms to impose on the credulity of their devotees, under the name of _Glain naidr_, or “the Adder gem.” Mr. Luyd (in Rowland’s Mona Antiqua, p. 342) says that the genuine _Ovum anguinum_ can be no other than a shell of the kind called _echinus marinus_, and that Dr. Borlase observes that, instead of the natural _anguinum_, artificial rings of stone, glass, and sometimes baked clay, were substituted as of equal validity. The belief in these charms very recently existed in Cornwall and Wales, if indeed it does not at the present day. The subject is very fully discussed in Brand’s _Popular Antiquities_, Vol. III. p. 286, _et seq._, and p. 369, _et seq._, _Bohn’s Edition_. These gems and beads are not uncommonly found in tumuli of the early British period.

[2534] A similar belief in its origin was prevalent in Cornwall and Wales, and whoever found it was supposed to ensure success in all his undertakings.

[2535] “The snake’s egg”—_ovum_ being understood.

[2536] “The vulgar opinion in Cornwall and most parts of Wales is that these are produced through all Cornwall by snakes joining their heads together and hissing, which forms a kind of bubble like a ring about the head of one of them, which the rest, by continual hissing, blow on till it comes off at the tail, when it immediately hardens and resembles a glass ring.”—_Gough’s Camden_, Vol II. p. 571, Ed. 1789.

[2537] The shell of a sea urchin most probably. See Note 81 above.

[2538] See Note 82 above.

[2539] A nation of Gaul. See B. iii. cc. 5, 21.

[2540] The wand held by heralds, and generally represented as being carried by Mercury in his character of messenger of the gods.

[2541] And therefore not portentous of war.

[2542] See B. v. cc. 13, 20.

[2543] See B. xii. c. 43.

[2544] See B. x. c. 28. Generally supposed to be Syrian nard; though some identify it with the _Comacum_ of Theophrastus.

[2545] See B. xxiii. cc. 45, 80.

[2546] In B. xxviii. c. 38.

[2547] See B. xxiv. c. 69.

[2548] See B. xii. c. 54.

[2549] See B. xii. c. 62.

[2550] No MS., it would appear, gives “corvis” here, the reading being “capris,” “goats.” Ajasson, however, is most probably right in his suggestion that “corvis” is the correct reading.

[2551] See B. x. c. 15.

[2552] In B. x. c. 26.

[2553] Or Youth, in the Eighth Region of the City.

[2554] See B. ii. c. 53.

[2555] An ancient divinity, who is supposed to have presided over childbirth. See Plutarch, Quæst. Rom. 52.

[2556] In the _Saturio_ probably, quoted by Festus, and now lost. The aborigines of Canada, and the people of China and Tartary, hold whelps’ flesh in esteem as a great delicacy.

[2557] “Toxica.”

[2558] Of remedies classified according to the different maladies.

[2559] In B. xi. c. 76.

[2560] The ferret, most probably.

[2561] See c. 33 of this Book.

[2562] The common weasel.

[2563] Probably in his work entitled “Admiranda,” now lost. Holland says “some take these for our cats.”

[2564] Guettard, a French commentator on Pliny, recommends bugs to be taken internally for hysteria!

[2565] Perhaps the Cimex pratensis is meant here. Neither this nor the Cimex juniperinus, the Cimex brassicæ, or the Lygæus hyoscami has the offensive smell of the house bug.

[2566] An excellent method, Ajasson remarks, of adding to the tortures of the patient.

[2567] This is the fact.

[2568] See B. viii. c. 33.

[2569] The Magi of the East, probably.

[2570] Some serpent of the boa species, probably. See B. viii. cc. 13, 14, 22, 41, and B. x. cc. 5, 92, 95, 96.

[2571] By leading them to confound truth with fiction.

[2572] See B. viii. c. 35.

[2573] This is _perhaps_ the meaning of “præcanere.” Sillig suggests “recanere.”

[2574] Which was said to act as an antidote to the poison, applied to the wound.

[2575] “Antidotes to serpents’ poison.”

[2576] “Pastilli.”

[2577] The god of Medicine.

[2578] A favourite reverie with the learned of the East. Dupont de Nemours, Ajasson informs us, has left several Essays on this subject.

[2579] In Peloponnesus, the principal seat of his worship. A very full account of his introduction, under the form of a huge serpent, into the city of Rome, is given by Ovid, Met. B. xv. l. 544, _et seq._ This took place B.C. 293.

[2580] Among the snakes that are tamed, Ajasson enumerates the Coluber flagelliformis of Dandin, or American coach-whip snake; the Coluber constructor of Linnæus, or Black snake; and the Coluber viridiflavus of Lacepede. The Æsculapian serpent is still found in Italy.

[2581] Or “chersydri,” “amphibious.”

[2582] Or “starred lizard”—“stellio.” In reality it is not poisonous.

[2583] See B. x. c. 86. Some kind of starred lizard, or an eft or newt perhaps, was thus called: but in most respects it appears to be entirely a fabulous animal.

[2584] See B ii. c. 63.

[2585] He probably alludes to the Magi of Persia here, as most of the stories about the salamander appear to bear the aspect of an Eastern origin.

[2586] See B. xxii. c. 33.

[2587] “Cybium.” See B. ix. c. 18. Dioscorides says the plant _cnecos_, described by Pliny in B. xxi. c. 107.

[2588] See B. xxv. c. 18, and B. xxvii. c. 77.

[2589] See B. xvi. c. 92, and B. xxvi. cc. 37, 66.

[2590] “Hereupon peradventure it is that in collices and cockbroths we use to seeth pieces of gold, with an opinion to make them thereby more restorative.”—_Holland_.

[2591] See B. xxv. c. 97.

[2592] The same is said of a frog’s tongue, in B. xxxii. c. 18.

[2593] That is no reason, as Ajasson remarks, why the egg should not be found, it being easy to take it from the nest at night, when, the bird being absent, no ill omen will arise from seeing it.

[2594] We still see bats nailed upon and over stable doors in various parts of this country.

[2595] “Carduus.”

[2596] A sort of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.

[2597] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2598] “Lupus.” See B. xi. c. 28.

[2599] The Tarantula has been suggested, but that is a native of Italy.

[2600] “Atocium.”

[2601] “Plena liberis.”

[2602] From ῥάξ, a “grape.”

[2603] Or “starred” spider. Nicander describes all these varieties of the Phalangium.

[2604] From μυρμὴξ, “an ant.”

[2605] The “four-jawed” spider.

[2606] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2607] See B. viii. c. 83.

[2608] See B. xix. c. 22. For further particulars as to the Stellio, see B. xi. c. 31, and the Note.

[2609] This is probably an error; see the Note to B. xi. c. 31.

[2610] See B. x. cc. 18, 41, 44, and 50.

[2611] See B. viii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks that this is a mere fabulous story, in reference to the venom of the ants.

[2612] In B. xxix. c. 23.

[2613] See B. xxvi. c. 2.

[2614] See B. xxiii. c. 14.

[2615] It has been ascertained by experiment that the vesicatory principle resides in the wings more particularly. Ajasson remarks, that it is possible that the ancients may not have known the genuine Cantharides, the Canth. vesicatoria of modern medicine.

[2616] See B. xxiv. c. 74.

[2617] “Pityocampæ.” See B. xxiii. cc. 30, 40, and B. xxviii. c. 33.

[2618] See B. xxviii. cc. 21, 33, 42, and B. xxx. c. 10.

[2619] At the sale, under his supervision, of the property of Ptolemy, king of Cyprus.

[2620] In B. xxi. c. 34.

[2621] This is still the vulgar notion; but in reality there is no worm, but certain white pustules beneath the tongue, which break spontaneously at the end of twelve days after birth. Puppies are still “wormed,” as it is called, as a preventive of hydrophobia, it is said, and of a propensity to gnaw objects which come in their way. The “worming” consists in the breaking of these pustules.

[2622] “Rage” or “madness.”

[2623] “For the manner of a dog is to bee angrie with the stone that is thrown at him, without regard to the partie that flung it, whereupon grew the proverb in Greeke, κύων εἰς τὸν λίθον ἀγανακτοῦσα (‘A dog venting his rage upon a stone.’)”—_Holland_.

[2624] See B. xx. cc. 6, 20. It is somewhat doubtful what the “seps” really was; whether, in fact, it was a lizard at all. Littré suggests the Tridactylus saurius.

[2625] Or Ferret, probably. See c. 16 of this Book.

[2626] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2627] From the circumstance that that country was covered with herbs and plants of a medicinal nature.

[2628] So called from ἀλωπὴξ, “a fox,” an animal very subject to the loss of its hair.

[2629] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2630] So swine’s dung was called “sucerda,” and cowdung “bucerda.”

[2631] Or Maagrus, the “fly catcher,” the name of a hero, invoked at Aliphera, at the festivals of Athena, as the protector against flies. It was also a surname of Hercules. See B. x. c. 40.

[2632] See B. viii. c. 53.

[2633] In c. 32 of this Book.

[2634] A recipe well understood in the restaurants of the French provinces, Ajasson says, but it is doubtful whether with the object named by our author.

[2635] He means slugs probably.

[2636] He does not appear to state this on hearsay only!

[2637] Cobwebs are still used for this purpose, as also the fur from articles made of beaver. Ajasson mentions English taffeta.

[2638] See c. 13 of this Book.

[2639] See B. xxvi. c. 39.

[2640] A disease of the crystalline humours of the eye.

[2641] See B. x. c. 33.

[2642] “Stibium.” See B. xxxiii. c. 33.

[2643] “Exuta vere,” as suggested by Sillig, would appear a better reading than “ex utero,” which can have no meaning here.

[2644] “Viper mixture.”

[2645] See c. 35 of this Book.

[2646] In B. xi. c. 62.

[2647] As Ajasson remarks, this would be very likely to gangrene the wound.

[2648] See B. viii. c. 14. Not the Boa constrictor of modern Natural History.

[2649] In B. x. c. 3.

[2650] See B. xxxiii. c. 25, and B. xxxvi. cc. 37, 38.

[2651] The tongues of peacocks and larks are recommended for epilepsy, by Lampridius, in his Life of the Emperor Elagabalus. The statement in the text is, of course, a fiction.

[2652] The reading here is doubtful.

[2653] A puerile reason, Ajasson remarks. It is much more probable that the reason was, because this vein was the most easily discovered.

[2654] See B. xxviii. c. 47.

[2655] In B. xxviii. c. 47.

[2656] See B. x. c. 52.

[2657] The serpent so called.

[2658] An absurdity. The probability is, that the sight of the young birds was only _supposed_ to be destroyed, the operation being imperfectly performed.

[2659] See B. xxxvii. c. 56.

[2660] The mention of this number denotes the Eastern origin of this remedy, Ajasson remarks.

[2661] See Note 6 above.

[2662] “Lacrymantibus sine fine oculis.”

[2663] Ajasson remarks, that Pliny has given here a much more exact description of the varieties of the Spider, than in the Eleventh Book. The learned Commentator gives an elaborate discussion, of eighteen pages, on the varieties of the Spider as known to the ancients in common with modern naturalists.

[2664] Green is universally the colour least fatiguing to the eye.

[2665] See B. xx. c. 23.

[2666] See B. vii. c. 27, and B. viii. c. 41. The formic acid which ants contain may possibly possess some medicinal properties.

[2667] Ajasson suggests that this may be the Lacerta cœpium of Dandin, of a reddish brown colour, with two blackish lines running longitudinally along the back.

[2668] This insect in reality is a woodlouse, whereas the millepedes previously described are evidently caterpillars. Woodlice are still swallowed alive by schoolboys, and old women are to be found who recommend them for consumption. Holland says that woodlice are good for pains in the ears.

[2669] “Perniciosam.”

[2670] In the middle ages there were many superstitions with reference to this insect, some of which have survived to the present day.

[2671] Ajasson seems to think that this passage means that the ant _itself_ adopts this plan of catching the cricket. If so, he is certainly in error, and his attack upon Pliny’s credulity is, in this instance at least, misplaced.

[2672] See B. xi. c. 34, and B. xxv. c. 60.

[2673] “Inhabiting mills.”

[2674] See B. xix. c. 38, and B. xxv. c. 38.

[2675] Of this writer nothing is known.

[2676] See B. xxiv. c. 11.

[2677] See the end of this Book.

[2678] See end of B. ii.

[2679] See end of B. ii.

[2680] See end of B. iii.

[2681] See end of B. ii.

[2682] See end of B. vi.

[2683] See end of B. xii.

[2684] See end of B. vii.

[2685] See end of B. xiv.

[2686] See end of B. vii.

[2687] See end of B. xii.

[2688] See end of B. xxviii.

[2689] See end of B. viii.

[2690] See end of B. xviii.

[2691] See end of B. xix.

[2692] See end of B. ii.

[2693] See end of B. xx.

[2694] There are four literary persons of this name mentioned by Suidas, who appears to give but a confused account of them. He speaks of an ancient poet of Athens of this name, who wrote a Cosmogony and other works; a native of Priene, to whom some attributed the work on “Incredible Stories,” by most persons assigned to Palæphatus of Athens; an historian of Abydos, a contemporary of Alexander the Great, and a friend of Aristotle; and a grammarian of Athens of uncertain date, to whom the work on “Incredible Stories” is mostly assigned. But in the former editions of Pliny, the reading “Philopator” is mostly adopted; bearing reference, it has been suggested, to a Stoic philosopher and physician of that name mentioned by Galen, “On the Symptoms of Mental Diseases,” c. 8.

[2695] See end of B. ii.

[2696] See end of B. xxi.

[2697] See end of B. xiii.

[2698] See end of B. xi.

[2699] See end of B. xii.

[2700] There were two Greek physicians of this name, one of whom was a native of Thasos, and wrote several medical works. The other was a native of Cnidos, and, according to Suidas, a slave of the philosopher Chrysippus. Galen, however, says that he was a pupil of the physician of that name, and afterwards became physician to Antigonus Gonatas, king of Macedonia, B.C. 283-239. Hardouin is of opinion that the two physicians were one and the same person.

[2701] See end of B. xx.

[2702] Servilius Democrates, a Greek physician at Rome about the time of the Christian era. He probably received his prænomen from being a client of the Servilian family. Pliny speaks of him in B. xxiv. c. 28, and B. xxv. c. 49. He wrote several works on medicine in Greek Iambic verse, the titles and a few extracts from which are preserved by Galen.

[2703] Probably the same physician that is mentioned by Galen as belonging to the sect of the Empirici. See c. 39 of this Book.

[2704] See end of B. xx.

[2705] A fabulous king of Assyria, or Egypt, to whom was attributed the discovery of many remedies and medicaments. See B. xxx. c. 51, and B. xxxvii. c. 52.

[2706] See end of B. viii.

[2707] Beyond the mention made of his absurd remedy in c. 38 of the present Book, nothing seems to be known of this writer.

[2708] “Artes.” Medicine, religion, and the art of divination.

[2709] Ajasson remarks that, on the contrary, this is a subject of great doubt.

[2710] “Mathematicas artes.”

[2711] The title of the ancient kings of Persia.

[2712] Or Bactriana, more properly.

[2713] Magic, no doubt, has been the subject of belief from the earliest times, whatever may have been the age of Zoroaster, the Zarathustra of the Zendavesta, and the Zerdusht of the Persians. In the Zendavesta he is represented as living in the reign of Gushtasp, generally identified with Darius Hystaspes. He probably lived at a period anterior to that of the Median and Persian kings. Niebuhr regards him as a purely mythical personage.

[2714] See end of B. ii.

[2715] See end of this Book.

[2716] An exaggeration, of Oriental origin, most probably.

[2717] These names have all, most probably, been transmitted to us in a corrupted form. Ajasson gives some suggestions as to their probable Eastern form and origin.

[2718] One among the many proofs, Ajasson says, that the Iliad and the Odyssey belong to totally different periods.

[2719] In reference to the Tenth Book of the Odyssey.

[2720] See B. v. cc. 28, 29. Cicero mentions a college of Aruspices established at this city.

[2721] The name “Thessala” was commonly used by the Romans to signify an enchantress, sorceress, or witch. See the story of Apuleius, Books i. and iii.

[2722] The countries of the East.

[2723] Purely medicinal remedies.

[2724] In contradistinction to lightnings elicited by the practice of Magic.

[2725] A poetical figure, alluding to the “thunderbolts of war,” as wielded probably by Achilles and other heroes of Thessaly.

[2726] See B. ii. c. 9.

[2727] Ajasson queries whether this is a proper name, or an epithet merely.

[2728] Ajasson combats this assertion at considerable length, and with good reason. It is quite inadmissible.

[2729] The mysteries of philosophy, as Ajasson remarks, were not necessarily identical with the magic art.

[2730] In reality, Pythagoras was an exile from the tyranny of the ruler of Samos, Plato from the court of Dionysius the Younger, and Democritus from the ignorance of his fellow-countrymen of Abdera. There is no doubt that Pythagoras and Democritus made considerable researches into the art of magic as practised in the East.

[2731] Nothing is known of this writer.

[2732] Dardanus, the ancestor of the Trojans, if he is the person here meant, is said to have introduced the worship of the gods into Samothrace.

[2733] The works of Homer were transmitted in a similar manner.

[2734] Moses, no doubt, was represented by the Egyptian priesthood as a magician, in reference more particularly to the miracles wrought by him before Pharaoh. From them the Greeks would receive the notion.

[2735] In 2 Tim. iii. 8, we find the words, “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth.” Eusebius, in his _Præparatio Evangelica_, B. ix., states that Jannes and Jambres, or Mambres, were the names of Egyptian writers, who practised Magic, and opposed Moses before Pharaoh. This contest was probably represented by the Egyptian priesthood as merely a dispute between two antagonistic schools of Magic.

[2736] Of this person nothing is known. The former editions mostly have “Jotapea.” “Jotapata” was the name of a town in Syria, the birthplace of Josephus.

[2737] He is mistaken here as to the nation to which Jannes belonged.

[2738] By some it has been supposed that this bears reference to Christianity, as introduced into Cyprus by the Apostle Barnabas. Owing to the miracles wrought in the infancy of the Church, the religion of the Christians was very generally looked upon as a sort of Magic. The point is very doubtful.

[2739] His itinerary, Ajasson remarks, would have been a great curiosity.

[2740] B. xxviii. c. 4.

[2741] These sacrifices forming the most august rite of the Magic art, as practised in Italy.

[2742] That this art was still practised in secret in the days of Pliny himself, we learn from the testimony of Tacitus (Annals, II. 69), in his account of the enquiries instituted on the death of Germanicus.

[2743] More particularly in the worship of their divinity Heu or Hesus, the god of war.

[2744] This he did officially, but not effectually, and the Druids survived as a class for many centuries both in Gaul and Britain.

[2745] He alludes to the British shores bordering on the Atlantic. See B. xix. c. 2.

[2746] It is a curious fact that the round towers of Ireland bear a strong resemblance to those, the ruins of which are still to be seen on the plains of ancient Persia.

[2747] “Ut dedisse Persis videri possit.” This might possibly mean, “That Persia might almost seem to have communicated it direct to Britain”. Ajasson enumerates the following superstitions of ancient Britain, as bearing probable marks of an Oriental origin: the worship of the stars, lakes, forests, and rivers; the ceremonials used in cutting the plants samiolus, selago, and mistletoe, and the virtues attributed to the adder’s egg.

[2748] Ajasson seems inclined to suggest that this may possibly bear reference to the Christian doctrines of redemption and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

[2749] These kinds of divination, rather than magic, were called hydromancy, sphæromancy, aëromancy, astromancy, lychnomancy, lecanomancy, and axinomancy. See Rabelais, B. iii. c. 25, where a very full account is given of the Magic Art, as practised by the ancients. Coffee-grounds, glair of eggs, and rose-leaves, are still used in France for purposes of divination by the superstitious.

[2750] Suetonius says that his body was full of foul spots.

[2751] It was probably a doctrine of Magic, that an adept must not be deficient in any of his limbs.

[2752] After being conquered by the Roman general, Corbulo, he received the crown of Armenia from Nero, A.D. 63.

[2753] All vegetable substances were divided, according to their doctrine, into the pure and the impure, the rule being strictly observed at their repasts.

[2754] See end of this Book.

[2755] See B. xxv. c. 80.

[2756] Like the assertions of the famous impostor of the close of the last century, Count Cagliostro.

[2757] A mistake, of course; and one for which there is little excuse, as its eyes are easily perceptible. It is not improbably, however, that it was an impression with the ancients that its sight is impeded by the horny covering of its eyes.

[2758] In B. xxix. c. 27.

[2759] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2760] It is doubtful what is meant by this male white “water-serpent.” In B. xxxii. c. 26, he appears to include it among the fishes.

[2761] See B. xxv. c. 108.

[2762] It is a singular thing that we still hear of the maggots found in filberts being used for the same purpose.

[2763] See B. xxix. c. 17.

[2764] Marcus Empiricus says, honey.

[2765] See B. xvi. c. 19.

[2766] Dalechamps thinks that these “Herculean” ants were so called from their great size. Ajasson queries whether they may not be the “grenadier ants” of Dupont de Nemours.

[2767] See B. xxii. c. 36. Belon takes it to be the Lixus paraplecticus.

[2768] In B. xxix. c. 30.

[2769] In B. xxii. c. 21.

[2770] “Stigmata.”

[2771] See B. iv. c. 23, B. viii. c. 59, and cc. 15 and 43 of the present Book.

[2772] “Smegma.”

[2773] See B. xx. c. 2.

[2774] No very great obligation, apparently.

[2775] See B. x. c. 49.

[2776] “Riparia.”

[2777] The only birds’ nests that are _now_ taken internally are the _soutton bourong_, or, edible birds’ nests, of the Chinese.

[2778] See B. xxix. c. 39.

[2779] Marcus Empiricus says that the heart must be enclosed in a silver lupine and worn suspended from the neck, being efficacious for scrofula both in males and females. The silver lupine was probably what we should call a “locket.”

[2780] “The bull.” Dalechamps takes this to be the stag-beetle or bull-fly; but that, as Ajasson remarks, has four horns, two antennæ, and two large mandibules; in addition to which, from its size, it would hardly be called the “earth-louse.” He concludes that a lamellicorn is meant; but whether belonging to the Lucanidæ or the Scarabæidæ, it is impossible to say.

[2781] “Pediculus terræ.”

[2782] In B. xxix. c. 33.

[2783] In B. xxix. c. 21.

[2784] He probably speaks of woodlice here. Ettmuller asserts their utility in this form for scrofula. Valisnieri says the same; Spielmann prescribes them for arthrosis; Riviere considers them as a detergent for ulcers, and a resolvent for tumours of the mamillæ; and Baglivi maintains that they are a first-rate diuretic, and unequalled as a lithontriptic. They contain muriate of lime and of potash, which may possibly, in some small degree, give them an aperitive virtue.

[2785] See Horace, Epode xii. l. 5.

[2786] Hence, perhaps, the practice of nursing lap-dogs.

[2787] See B. iii. c. 30, and Note 2, p. 267.

[2788] In France and Italy, snails are considered a delicacy by some. Snail milk is sometimes used medicinally in England for consumptive patients: it is doubtful with what effect.

[2789] Or fish-sauce. See B. xxxi. c. 43.

[2790] See B. v. c. 20.

[2791] See B. iii. c. 12.

[2792] Our periwinkles.

[2793] Dalechamps takes this to mean “without horns:” and Hardouin is of opinion that it means “genuine” or “unmixed.” In either sense, the word is derived from the Greek.

[2794] He has omitted to do so.

[2795] “Humida tussis.”

[2796] See c. 12 of this Book.

[2797] Our “cricket.” The troxallis was probably a kind of locust, still known to naturalists by that name.

[2798] “Protropum.” Wine of the first running.

[2799] “Carmen.” Holland says “the _aforesaid_ charm:” but this does not appear from the context. From the account, however, given by Marcus Empiricus, we learn that the charm, thus repeated twenty-seven times, is the same as that already given.

[2800] Or “wolf.” See B. xi. c. 28.

[2801] See B. xxix. c. 28

[2802] Or woodlouse. See B. xxix. c. 39.

[2803] In B. xxix. c. 36.

[2804] See B. xxix. c. 36.

[2805] The iliac passion, or ileus volvulus.

[2806] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2807] A kind of bustard. See B. x. cc. 29, 50, and c. 45 of this Book.

[2808] See c. 14 of this Book, where a similar notion is mentioned.

[2809] There were three consuls of this name, L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 7; L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 29; and P. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 38. They are mentioned also by Suetonius, Tacitus, Dion Cassius, Frontinus, and Seneca.

[2810] See c. 14 of this Book.

[2811] See B. viii. c. 56.

[2812] This passage is omitted by Sillig as an evident interpolation from the context a couple of lines below.

[2813] The belief in lithontriptics can hardly be said to exist at the present day. Ajasson refers to the grant made by the British Parliament of £5000 to Mrs. Stephens for her lithontriptic!!

[2814] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2815] See B. xxix. c. 39.

[2816] See B. xxxiv. c. 33.

[2817] It can hardly be said to add to his fame.

[2818] See B. xiv. c. 4.

[2819] In B. xxix. c. 36 and in c. 19 of this Book.

[2820] See B. xxxii. c. 35.

[2821] Ajasson remarks that this may probably be useful.

[2822] See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13.

[2823] “Acetabuli mensurâ” seems a preferable reading to “aceto mensurâ,” which makes no sense.

[2824] See B. xxi. c. 56.

[2825] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[2826] “Subluviem.” The same, probably, as the disease of the fingers which he elsewhere calls “paronychia,” and perhaps identical with whitlow.

[2827] See B. xxiii. c. 13.

[2828] A popular fallacy of Pliny’s time. See B. xi. c. 40.

[2829] Spectres and nightmare.

[2830] The serpent so called.

[2831] See B. viii. c. 35.

[2832] In c. 12 of this Book. Woodlice are meant.

[2833] See B. viii. c. 49.

[2834] A cozener, cheat, or rogue. Ajasson has a page of discussion on the origin of this appellation.

[2835] In B. xxix. c. 16.

[2836] See B. xvi. c. 6.

[2837] Like our game poultry.

[2838] This word being also the Greek name for the jaundice.

[2839] See B. x. c. 50. The Witwall.

[2840] “Bastard-wasp.”

[2841] “Rostellum.” Holland renders it “The little prettie snout’s end of a mouse.”

[2842] Of cowdung. It was supposed that there was no female scarabæus, and that the male insect formed these balls for the reproduction of its species. It figures very largely in the Egyptian mythology and philosophy as the emblem of the creative and generative power. It has been suggested that its Coptic name “_skalouks_” is a compound Sanscrit word, signifying—“The ox-insect that collects dirt into a round mass.” See B. xi, c. 34.

[2843] Probably the “lucanus” mentioned in B. xi. c. 34; supposed to be the same as the stag-beetle.

[2844] The “fuller,” apparently. This name may possibly be derived, however, from the Greek φυλλὸν, a “leaf.”

[2845] See B. xi. c. 38.

[2846] Some suppose that this was an insect that lived among dry wood, and derive the name from the Greek φρυγανὸν. Queslon is of opinion that it is the salamander.

[2847] The “wolf” spider. See c. 17 of this Book.

[2848] See B. xxxiv. c. 33.

[2849] Ajasson remarks that, in reality, this is not blood, but a kind of viscous liquid.

[2850] “Digitus medicus”—“The physician’s finger,” properly. Why the fourth finger, or that next to the little finger, was thus called, it seems impossible to say.

[2851] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2852] See B. xxxiv. c. 34.

[2853] See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13.

[2854] “Cosses.”

[2855] Dioscorides speaks of this honey as the produce of Sicily.

[2856] The “creeper.” It has not been identified.

[2857] Which are also called “herpetic” or “creeping.”

[2858] The serpent so called.

[2859] Antonius Castor, probably. See end of B. xx.

[2860] See c. 16 of this Book.

[2861] A chronic cancer.

[2862] “Ulula.”

[2863] In B. xxviii. c. 77.

[2864] “Fieri.”

[2865] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[2866] See B. xii. c. 51.

[2867] See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.

[2868] Varro calls them “albulæ,” and says that they were found at Reate.

[2869] Of course she will be liable to do so, from fright.

[2870] The whole of this account appears to be in a very confused state, and is probably corrupt. Sillig’s punctuation has not been adopted.

[2871] Ajasson has wasted ten lines of indignation upon the question where such a staff is to be found!

[2872] See c. 16 of this Book.

[2873] See B. xxxvi. c. 39.

[2874] An impossibility. See B. x. c. 15, for the stories about the raven on which this notion was based.

[2875] See B. x. cc. 29, 50.

[2876] See B. xxxiv. cc. 22, 23.

[2877] See B. xxviii. c. 77.

[2878] “Scabiem vulvarum.”

[2879] Ajasson queries whether “denigrare” may not mean here “to render pale.”

[2880] “Sorex.”

[2881] Supposed to be an inflammation of the membranes of the brain.

[2882] See c. 8 of this Book.

[2883] A remedy still used, Ajasson says, in the French provinces.

[2884] See B. viii. c. 14, and B. xxix. c. 38.

[2885] “Inter se conligatæ in coitu.”

[2886] See B. xxviii. c. 80.

[2887] See end of B. xxix.

[2888] He has hardly immortalized his name by it.

[2889] Possibly a kind of crane.

[2890] See B. viii. c. 75, and B. xxviii. c. 42.

[2891] It has not been identified.

[2892] Hardouin thinks that the worm called ἴξ by the Greeks is meant. Ovid speaks in his Fasti, B. i. 11. 354-360, of the goat, as being very fond of gnawing the vine.

[2893] See B. xi. c. 19.

[2894] See B. x. c. 20.

[2895] See B. viii. c. 72.

[2896] Some authorities say the ass, and others the Onager, or wild ass.

[2897] This story is generally regarded as an absurdity, and is rejected by Arrian and Plutarch.

[2898] See end of B. ii.

[2899] See end of B. vi.

[2900] See end of B. vii.

[2901] See end of B. xii.

[2902] See end of B. xix.

[2903] See end of B. ii.

[2904] See end of B. ii.

[2905] An eminent philosopher, a native of Smyrna, and disciple of Callimachus. He flourished about the middle of the third century B.C., and left numerous works, the principal of which was a Biography of the Philosophers, Poets, and Historians, which seems to have been highly esteemed. It is thought, too, that he wrote a work on Magic and Astrology; but there are some doubts about the writer’s identity.

[2906] A native of Oasis in Egypt, who taught rhetoric at Rome in the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius. Some curious particulars are given respecting him in c. 6 of the present Book. His ostentation, vanity, and insolent pretensions fully merited the title “Cymbalum mundi,” which Tiberius bestowed on him. He was a man, however, of considerable learning and great eloquence, and was distinguished for his hatred to the Jews. Of his numerous works only some fragments remain.

[2907] See end of B. xx.

[2908] See end of B. ii.

[2909] See end of B. xxi.

[2910] See end of B. xiii.

[2911] See end of B. xxix.

[2912] See end of B. xi.

[2913] See end of B. xix.

[2914] See end of B. xii.

[2915] See end of B. xxix.

[2916] See end of B. xx.

[2917] See end of B. xxix.

[2918] See end of B. xx.

[2919] See end of B. viii.

[2920] See end of B. xxix.

[2921] See B. ii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks, that the electric fluid, forming lightning, escapes from the clouds through causes _totally_ independent of water. Still, Pliny would appear to be right in one sense; for if there were no water, there would be no clouds; and without clouds the electric fluid would probably take some other form than that of lightning.

[2922] He alludes to the mineral waters of Acqs or Dax on the Adour, in the French department of the Ariège. They are still highly esteemed.

[2923] The principal of which are those of Aigues-Chaudes, Aigues-Bonnes, Bagnères-Adores, Cambo, Bagnères, Barèges, Saint-Sauveur, and Cauteret.

[2924] Ajasson remarks that animals in all cases refuse to drink mineral waters.

[2925] He alludes to Neptune, Amphitrite, the Oceanides, Nereides, Tritons, Crenides, Limnades, Potamides, and numerous other minor divinities.

[2926] See B, iii. c. 9.

[2927] See B. iii. c. 7.

[2928] See B. iii. c. 5.

[2929] The mineral waters of Baiæ are still held in high esteem.

[2930] As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book.

[2931] Posides, a eunuch who belonged to the Emperor Claudius, according to Suetonius, c. 28.

[2932] There are still submarine volcanoes in the vicinity of Sicily, but the spot here referred to is now unknown.

[2933] The Eaux Bonnes in the Basses Pyrénées are good for wounds. After the battle of Pavia they received from the soldiers of Jean d’Albret, king of Navarre, the name of _Eaux d’arquebusade_.

[2934] Only, Ajasson remarks, where the ophthalmia is caused by inflammation of the conjunctive.

[2935] He also called it his Puteolan villa.

[2936] The “Quæstiones Academicæ.”

[2937] “Monumenta.” Ajasson queries what monuments they were, thus raised by the “_parvenu_ of Arpinum.” He suggests that the erection may have been a chapel, temple-library, or possibly funeral monument.

[2938] C. Antistius Vetus probably, a supporter of Julius Cæsar, Consul Suffectus, B.C. 30.

[2939] “In parte primâ.”

[2940] There are three Epigrams probably by this author in the Greek Anthology.

[2941] We are sensible that, in thus shortening the penultimate, we shall incur the censure of solecizing, which Hardouin has cast upon the poet Claudian for doing the same.

[2942] At the Torre de’ Bagni, Hardouin says, near the church of Santa Maria a Caudara.

[2943] Saline and gaseous waters are good for this purpose. See B. iii. c. 12.

[2944] It has still the same reputation, Hardouin says, and is situate near the castle of Francolici.

[2945] See B. iii. c. 9.

[2946] Or “half-strength” waters, apparently. See B. iii. c. 9.

[2947] See B. iii. c. 9.

[2948] See B. ii. cc. 62, 106, and B. iii. c. 17.

[2949] Alluded to, probably, by Ovid, Met. xv. 319, _et seq._

[2950] The present Bagni di Tivoli. They have other sanitary properties as well, a fact known to Strabo. Martial and Vitruvius also mention them.

[2951] See B. iii. c. 17. Called Cotiscoliæ by Strabo. They were of a salt and aluminous nature.

[2952] See B. iv. c. 2.

[2953] Pausanias calls it the “Elaphus.”

[2954] Isidorus, in his “Origines,” calls it the “Lechnus.”

[2955] In Thessaly, probably, according to Stephanus Byzantinus.

[2956] Ἄλφος; from which the lake probably derived its name. It has been suggested that the source of the river Anigrus in Elis is meant. Its waters had an offensive smell, and its fish were not eatable; and near it were caverns sacred to the Nymphs Anigrides, where persons with cutaneous diseases were cured. The water of these caverns is impregnated with sulphur.

[2957] Possibly the M. Titius who was proscribed by the Triumvirs, B.C. 43, and escaped to Sex. Pompeius in Sicily.

[2958] See B. v. c. 22.

[2959] “Cassius Parmensis.” See the end of this Book.

[2960] According to some authorities, he alludes to the still famous waters of Spa; but it is more probable that he alludes to the spring still in existence at the adjacent town of Tongres, which was evidently well known to the Romans, and is still called the “Fountain of Pliny.”

[2961] The springs on the present Monte Posilippo.

[2962] This work is lost. Chifflet suggests that “Varro” should be read. See, however, B. vii. c. 2, B. xxix. c. 16 and c. 28 of this Book. It was a common-place book, probably, of curious facts.

[2963] See B. ii. c. 106, where a growing rock in the marsh of Reate is mentioned.

[2964] In Thessaly. A mere fable, no doubt.

[2965] Ovid, Met. xv. 315, _et seq._, tells very nearly the same fabulous story about the rivers Crathis and Sybaris.

[2966] This marvellous story appears to have been derived from the works of Aristotle.

[2967] Near the town of Lebadea, now Livadhia.

[2968] One called “Mnemosyne” or Memory, and the other “Lethe,” or Forgetfulness.

[2969] From the Greek νοῦς “spirit,” “mind,” or “intelligence.” Ajasson thinks it possible that its water may have assuaged vertigo, or accelerated the circulation of the blood, and that thence its reputation.

[2970] A fable invented by the priests, Ajasson thinks.

[2971] See Ovid, Met. xv. 322. It seems to be uncertain whether it was at this lake or the adjoining spring of Lusi above-mentioned, that the daughters of Prœtus were purified by Melampus. See the “Eliaca” of Pausanias.

[2972] In B. ii. c. 106.

[2973] See B. ii. c. 106. As Ajasson remarks, Mucianus should have had the sense to see that it was only a juggle of the priests of Bacchus. He compares it to the miracle of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples. The contrivance of the priests of Bel was not very dissimilar; but in their case, _they themselves_ were the real recipients of what the god was supposed to devour.

[2974] He no doubt alludes to “petroleum,” rock-oil, or Barbadoes tar.

[2975] So called from the Greek λιπαρὸς, “unctuous.”

[2976] A new reading given by Sillig in place of “India,” the former one. Tasitia is the name of a district mentioned by Ptolemy, iv. 7, 15, as being in Æthiopia. He alludes to a burning spring, probably, of naphtha or of petroleum. The burning springs of Bakou in the East are well known. Genoa is lighted with naphtha from the village of Amiano, in Parma.

[2977] In Macedonia.

[2978] “Lacum insanum.”

[2979] Juba has been deceived, Ajasson remarks, by the tales of travellers, there being no serpents of this length in Africa, except boas. He thinks that large congers, and other similar fishes, may be the animals really alluded to.

[2980] From κλαίειν, “to weep,” and γελᾷν, “to laugh.”

[2981] His credulity, we have seen already, was pretty extensive.

[2982] In Thessaly.

[2983] At the town called “Aquæ Mattiacæ,” the modern Wiesbaden.

[2984] In B. ii. c. 106.

[2985] Sotion, professing to quote from Ctesias, says that it rejected everything placed on its waters, and hurled it back upon dry land.

[2986] Whence, as it was said, its name, ἄορνος, “Without birds.” Strabo ridicules this story.

[2987] M. Douville says that in the interior of Africa there is a lake called Kalonga Kouffoua, or the Dead Lake, the surface of which is covered with bitumen and naphtha, which contains no fish, has oleaginous waters, and presents all the phænomena of the Dead Sea.

[2988] In Lycia.

[2989] Hardouin is of opinion that a river also was so called. See B. v. c. 43. Of the divinity of this name, nothing further is known.

[2990] A story evidently connected with a kind of ordeal.

[2991] See B. iv. c. 34. Intermittent springs are not uncommon. See B. ii. c. 106.

[2992] See B. xix. c. 11.

[2993] According to Elias of Thisbe this river was the Goza; but Holstenius says that it was the Eleutherus, or one of its tributaries. Josephus says that it flowed on the Sabbath day, and was dry the other six.

[2994] Ajasson thinks that he means, grey. He remarks also, that it is a matter of doubt whether there are any fishes that are poisonous.

[2995] The Danube.

[2996] In B. ii. c. 106, see also B. xxx. c. 53.

[2997] See B. iii. c. 14, and B. xviii. c. 21.

[2998] In B. iv. c. 15.

[2999] He alludes, according to Dalechamps, to the Eurotas, a tributary, and not the source, of the Peneus. See B. iv. c. 8.

[3000] “Siliquà.”

[3001] A town of Mysia, south of Adramyttium.

[3002] As Ajasson remarks, numerous instances are known of this at the present day. Pliny, however, does not distinguish the _incrusting_ springs from the _petrifying_ springs.

[3003] In Thessaly, according to Hecatæus.

[3004] “Lateres.” He means unburnt bricks, probably.

[3005] He alludes to stalactites and stalagmites.

[3006] Both on the roof and on the floor.

[3007] In Caria, opposite Rhodes.

[3008] Rain-water really is the lightest, but the reason here given is frivolous, for it does not ascend as water, but as vapour.

[3009] See B. ii. c. 38. Before venturing on this argument, he should have been certain as to the circumstances under which aërolites are generated, a question which still remains hidden in mystery.

[3010] Ajasson remarks that this is only the case in the water of heavy falls of rain after long drought.

[3011] “Calefiat.”

[3012] Snow-water is pernicious in a very high degree, being the fruitful source of goitre and cretinism.

[3013] See B. xvii. c. 44, and B. xviii. c. 68.

[3014] This is somewhat similar to what is said of the putrefaction and purification of Thames water, on a voyage.

[3015] “Inutilis alvo duritia faucibusque.” The passage is probably corrupt.

[3016] See B. vi. c. 27.

[3017] Or “mud”—“limus.” All rivers of necessity have it, in a greater or less degree.

[3018] On the contrary, the more the mud and slime, the more numerous the eels.

[3019] “Tænias.”

[3020] Waters, probably, impregnated with mineral alkali. As to the “nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book.

[3021] “Salmacidas.”

[3022] “Cænum.”

[3023] Also, Ajasson says, to observe whether soap will melt in it. If it will not, it is indicative of the presence of selenite.

[3024] As drinking water.

[3025] As Plautus says of women, Mostell, A. i. S. 3—“They smell best, when they smell of nothing at all.”

[3026] See B. xv. c. 32.

[3027] In purity and tastelessness. As Ajasson observes, Pliny could hardly appreciate the correctness of this remark, composed as water is of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen.

[3028] Pausanias and Athenæus mention also the well of Mothone in Peloponnesus, the water of which exhaled the odour of the perfumes of Cyzicus. Such water, however, must of necessity be impure.

[3029] More probably Astarte, Fée thinks, Juno being unknown in Mesopotamia.

[3030] “Statera.” Ajasson remarks that it does not require an instrument _very_ nicely adjusted to indicate the difference in weight between pure and very impure water. Synesius, Ep. xv., gives an account of the “hydroscopium” used by the ancients for ascertaining the weight of water. Beckmann enters into a lengthy examination of it, as also an enquiry into the question whether the ancients, and among them Pliny, were acquainted with the hydrometer. See his _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 163-169. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3031] “Ne manus pendeant.” These words, which Hardouin pronounces to be full of obscurity, have caused considerable discussion. The passage appears to be imperfect, but it is not improbable that he alludes to the use of the balance or scales for ascertaining the comparative wholesomeness of water.

[3032] “Corripiat.”

[3033] The thread of his reasoning is not _very_ perceptible; but he seems to mean that the more air there is in a body the colder it is. If the air is inhaled by a person when eating peppermint, he will be sensible of a cold feeling in the mouth.

[3034] Galen believes this method to have been known to Hippocrates, and Aristotle was undoubtedly acquainted with it. See Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 143-4. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3035] This is not at all the opinion at the present day.

[3036] “Magis refrigerari.” The experiments made by Mariotte, Perrault, the Academy del Cimento, Mariana, and others, showed no perceptible difference in the time of freezing, between boiled and unboiled water; but the former produced ice harder and clearer, the latter ice more full of blisters. In later times, Dr. Black, of Edinburgh, has from his experiments asserted the contrary. “Boiled water,” he says, “becomes ice sooner than unboiled, if the latter be left at perfect rest.” Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 145. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3037] “Subtilissimo invento.”

[3038] Or perhaps, as we say, “to the touch, and vice versâ.” The original is “Alternante hoc bono.”

[3039] A considerable number of its arches are yet standing, and it still in part supplies Rome with water.

[3040] At Sublaqueum, now Subiaco.

[3041] “Primus auspicatus est.” In obedience to the “auspices,” probably.

[3042] In A.U.C. 720. See B. xxxvi. c. 24.

[3043] “Aqua Virgo.” This aqueduct, erected A.U.C. 735, still exists, and bears the name of “Aqua Vergine.”

[3044] Another story was, that it had this name from the circumstance that the spring was first pointed out by a girl to some soldiers in search of water.

[3045] In c. 23 of this Book.

[3046] This was only temporarily, in all probability.

[3047] There seems, as he says below, to be no general rule as to this point.

[3048] So called from the snow on their summit.

[3049] In B. xxvi. c. 16.

[3050] “Salix erratica.”

[3051] Surely _not_ the reed, as he has mentioned it above as one of the indications to be depended upon. In one MS. it appears to be omitted, and with justice, probably.

[3052] “Coria.”

[3053] “Sabulum.”

[3054] “Sabulum masculum.” Coarse, reddish sand, Dalechamps says.

[3055] “Arena.”

[3056] See B. xvii. c. 3.

[3057] An inconvenience neutralized in a considerable degree by Davy’s invention of the safety-lamp.

[3058] “Arenatum.” Properly a mortar, which consisted of one part lime and two parts sand.

[3059] “Riget.”

[3060] See B. iv. c. 11. At Bisley, in Surrey, there is a spring, Aubrey says, that is cold in summer and warm in winter.

[3061] See B. xviii. c. 7.

[3062] The sandy soil being dried in hot weather into masses of mud or clay, which become loosened when rain falls.

[3063] See B. ii. c. 106.

[3064] Ajasson remarks, that just the converse of this has been proved by modern experience to be the case.

[3065] The son of Antipater, then acting for Alexander during his absence in the East.

[3066] See B. ii. c. 84.

[3067] In Cilicia.

[3068] Whether he means the district of Thessaly so called, or one of the two cities of that name in Lydia, does not appear to be known.

[3069] Its locality is unknown, but it was probably near the sea-shore.

[3070] In Elis in Peloponnesus.

[3071] His credulity is influenced by the popular story that the river Alpheus in Peloponnesus, in its love for the Fountain Nymph Arethusa, penetrated beneath the bed of the sea, and reappeared in Sicily. See B. iii. c. 14.

[3072] See c. 20.

[3073] The modern Dnieper.

[3074] The Boug.

[3075] See B. xviii. c. 3, and the Introduction to Vol. III.

[3076] In jets, he means.

[3077] “Si quinariæ erunt.”

[3078] “Denaria.”

[3079] “Quinaria.”

[3080] The name given to these reservoirs was “castellum” or “dividiculum:” in French the name is “_regard_.” Vitruvius describes them, B. vii. c. 7.

[3081] Pliny appears to have forgotten the warm springs of the Scamander, mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, B. xxii. l. 147, _et seq._

[3082] Or rather, as Ajasson says, for cutaneous diseases.

[3083] See B. iii. c. 17.

[3084] In conformity with Sillig’s suggestion, we reject “atque” as an interpolation.

[3085] “Mulceri.”

[3086] In spite of what Pliny says, in some cases the use of a mineral bath is recommended for a long period of time together. At Leuk or Læch, for instance, in the Valais, the patients, Ajasson says, remain in the bath as much as eight hours together.

[3087] To promote expectoration, Dalechamps says; or rather vomiting, according to Holland.

[3088] This substance, Ajasson says, is still used in medicine; that of the waters of Silvanez, for example, in the department of Aveyron, is highly celebrated for the cure of inveterate ulcers and sciatica. The mud baths, too, of Saint Amand, enjoy an European reputation.

[3089] See B. ii c. 106.

[3090] In B. xxiv. c. 19, and B. xxviii. c. 14.

[3091] An elder brother of the philosopher Seneca. His original name was M. Annæus Noratus; but upon being adopted by the rhetorician Junius Gallio, he changed his name into L. Junius Annæus—or Annæanus—Gallio. He destroyed himself, A.D. 65.

[3092] He was “Consul subrogatus” only.

[3093] “Malagmatis.”

[3094] It acts in most cases as an emetic, and is highly dangerous if taken in considerable quantities.

[3095] It is still considered useful, Ajasson says, for the treatment of lymphatic diseases.

[3096] “Virus.”

[3097] Or “spitter.” See B. xxviii. c. 18.

[3098] “Mammas sororiantes.” A malady, according to Dalechamps, in which the mamillæ are so distended with milk that they kiss, like sisters—“sorores.”

[3099] The ancients being unable to analyze sea-water, could only imitate it very clumsily.

[3100] “Sea-water honey.”

[3101] See B. xiv. c. 20, and B. xxii. c. 51. He is speaking, probably, of fermented hydromel, a sort of mead.

[3102] The joints being rendered more supple thereby.

[3103] He probably means sea-water, alluding to certain kinds of sea-weed. Dioscorides speaks of it, in B. iv. c. 99, as being good for gout. It is, in reality, of some small utility in such cases.

[3104] He most probably means sea-water.

[3105] The Greeks used sand-baths for the purpose of promoting the perspiration; the names given to them were παρόπτησις and φοίνιγμος.

[3106] “Sal fit.” This expression is not correct, there being no such thing as _made_ salt. It is only collected from a state of suspension or dissolution. Pliny, however, includes under the name “sal” many substances, which in reality are _not_ salt. His “hammoniacum,” for instance, if identical with hydrochlorate of ammonia, can with justice be said to be _made_, being formed artificially from other substances.

[3107] “Coacto humore vel siccato.” These two terms in reality imply the same process, by the medium of evaporation; the former perfect, the latter imperfect.

[3108] The evaporation not being sufficiently strong to dry up the deeper parts.

[3109] There is in reality nothing wonderful in this, considering that most lakes are constantly fed with the streams of rivers, which carry mineral salts along with them, and that the work of evaporation is always going on.

[3110] “Glæbas.”

[3111] Because it is necessarily purer than that found upon the sand.

[3112] The description is not sufficiently clear to enable us to identify these lakes with certainty. Ajasson thinks that one of them may be the Lake of Badakandir in the Khanat of Bokhara; and the other the lake that lies between Ankhio and Akeha, in the west of the territory of Balkh, and near the Usbek Tartars.

[3113] “Sale exæstuant.”

[3114] In consequence of the intense heat.

[3115] All these regions, Ajasson remarks, are covered with salt. An immense desert of salt extends to the north-east of Irak-Adjemi, and to the north of Kerman, between Tabaristan, western Khoracan, and Khohistan.

[3116] Identified by Ajasson with the Herat and the Djihoun. He thinks that it is of some of the small affluents of this last that Pliny speaks.

[3117] “Lapis specularis.”

[3118] A “crumb” properly, in the Latin language.

[3119] See B. vi. c. 32.

[3120] More commonly known as Jupiter Hammon.

[3121] See B. xii. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 28, for an account of gum resin ammoniac, a produce of the same locality. The substance here spoken of is considered by Beckmann to be nothing but common salt in an impure state. See his _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 398-9, where this passage is discussed at considerable length. Ajasson, on the other hand, considers it to be Hydrochlorate of ammonia, the Sal ammoniac of commerce. According to some accounts, it was originally made in the vicinity of the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, by burning camels’ dung.

[3122] Called ἄμμος, in Greek.

[3123] See B. xxxv. c. 52.

[3124] Sal ammoniac crystallizes in octahedrons.

[3125] “Intra specus suos.” On this passage, Beckmann says, “From what is said by Pliny it may with certainty be concluded that this salt was dug up from pits or mines in Africa.—Many kinds of rock-salt, taken from the mines of Wieliczka, experience the same change in the air; so that blocks which a labourer can easily carry in the mine, can scarcely be lifted by him after being for some time exposed to the air. The cause here is undoubtedly the same as that which makes many kinds of artificial salt to become moist and to acquire more weight.”—Vol. II. p. 399, _Bohn’s Ed._

[3126] According to modern notions, his reason is anything but _evident_.

[3127] In Celtiberia. He alludes to the mountain of salt at Cardona, near Montserrat in Catalonia.

[3128] Speaking generally, this is true; but soils which contain it in small quantities are fruitful.

[3129] A similar method is still employed, Ajasson says, at the salt-mines near Innspruck in the Tyrol.

[3130] Native bitumen; always to be found in greater or less quantities, in saliferous earths.

[3131] The process of artificial evaporation.

[3132] This would produce an impure alkaline salt. According to Townson, this practice still prevails in Transylvania and Moldavia.

[3133] “The water, evaporating, would leave the salt behind, but mixed with charcoal, ashes, earth, and alkaline salts; consequently it must have been moist, or at any rate nauseous, if not refined by a new solution.”—Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 493. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3134] Not improbably a people of India so called, and mentioned in B. vi. c. 20.

[3135] See B. ix. c. 42.

[3136] “In laterculis.” Hardouin considers this to mean small earthen vessels or pipes.

[3137] In c. 39 of this Book.

[3138] “Melanthium.” See B. xx. c. 17.

[3139] “Flos salis.” Further mentioned in c. 42.

[3140] See B. iv. c. 17.

[3141] St. Augustin mentions this marvellous kind of salt. De Civit. Dei, B. xxi. cc. 5, 7.

[3142] As well as Centuripa.

[3143] “Opsonium.”

[3144] “Pulmentarii.”

[3145] See c. 43 of this Book.

[3146] This is consistent with modern experience.

[3147] “Sales.”

[3148] Literally, “salt money”—“argentum” being understood. The term was originally applied to the pay of the generals and military tribunes. Hence our word “salary.”

[3149] Beginning at the Colline Gate.

[3150] “In congiario.”

[3151] Most probably “He cannot earn salt to his bread,” or something similar, like our saying, “He cannot earn salt to his porridge.” The two Greek proverbs given by Dalechamps do not appear to the purpose.

[3152] “Mola salsa.”

[3153] “Favillam.”

[3154] “Schroder thinks that in what Pliny says of _Flos Salis_, he can find the martial sal-ammoniac flowers of our chemists, [the double chloride of ammonium and iron], or the so-called _flores sales ammoniaci martiales_.—It is certain that what Dioscorides and Pliny call _flos salis_, has never yet been defined. The most ingenious conjecture was that of Cordus, who thought that it might be Sperma ceti; but though I should prefer this opinion to that of Schroder, I must confess that, on the grounds adduced by Matthiali and Conrad Gesner, it has too much against it to be admitted as truth.”—Beckmann, _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 193. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3155] Salt collected from the foam on the sea-shore.

[3156] A sort of bitumen, probably.

[3157] Medicines for relieving weariness. See B. xxiii. c. 45, and B. xxix. c. 13.

[3158] “Smegmatis.”

[3159] It was, probably, of an intermediate nature, between caviar and anchovy sauce.

[3160] See B. xxxii, c. 53. It does not appear to have been identified.

[3161] As to the identity of the Scomber, see B. ix. c. 19.

[3162] See B. xix. c. 7.

[3163] “Garum sociorum.”

[3164] The present Straits of Gibraltar.

[3165] In Gallia Narbonensis.

[3166] Sillig reads “Delmatia” here.

[3167] See B. ix. c. 74. The fry of larger fish, Cuvier says.

[3168] Ajasson considers this to be an absurd derivation; and thinks it much more probable, that the name is from ἀ privative, and φύω “to beget;” it being a not uncommon notion that these small fish were produced spontaneously from mud and slime.

[3169] The present Frejus, in the south of France.

[3170] “Wolf.” Not the fish of that name, Hardouin says, mentioned in B. ix. c. 28.

[3171] The festivals of Ceres. The devotees, though obliged to abstain from meat, were allowed the use of this _garum_, it would appear.

[3172] Gesner proposes to read “_non_ carêntibus,” “_with_ scales”—fishes _without_ scales being forbidden to the Jews by the Levitical Law. See Lev. c xi. ver. 10. It is, most probably, Pliny’s own mistake.

[3173] See B. xxvii. c. 2.

[3174] At the end of c. 42.

[3175] He alludes to its decrepitation in flame.

[3176] Pharnaces caused the body of his father Mithridates to be deposited in brine, in order to transmit it to Pompey.

[3177] He uses the word “pterygia” here, as applied to the whole of the body—“totius corporis”—in its two distinct senses, a hangnail or excrescence on the fingers, and a web or film on the eyes.

[3178] In c. 23, he has said much the same of cold water.

[3179] “Sale et sole.”

[3180] This passage would come more naturally _after_ the succeeding one.

[3181] See B. xxiii. c. 13.

[3182] “Ita ut batuerentur ante.” From the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, where the expression Βαπτόμενοι εἰς ὄξος is used, it would appear that the proper word here is “baptizarentur;” or possibly, a lost Græco-Latin word, “bapterentur.” Littré suggests “hebetarentur,” “the part being first numbed” by the aid of a bandage.

[3183] “Spuma salis.” Collected from the foam on the sea-shore.

[3184] See Note 36, above, p. 507.

[3185] Beckmann, who devotes several pages to a consideration of the “nitrum” of the ancients, considers it not to be our “nitre” or “saltpetre,” but a general name for impure alkaline salts. See his _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 490-503, _Bohn’s Ed._ Ajasson, without hesitation, pronounces it to be nitrate of potash, neither more or less than our saltpetre, and quotes a statement from Andreossy, that it is still to be found in great quantities at Mount Ptou-Ampihosem, near the city of Pihosem, called Nitria by St. Jerome.

[3186] “Salt bursting from the earth.”

[3187] “Wild.”

[3188] See c. 40 of this Book. He is evidently speaking of a _vegetable_ alkali here. See Beckmann, Vol. II. pp. 492-3, _Bohn’s Ed._

[3189] Beckmann thinks that these kinds of water were in reality only impure and not potable, from their nauseous taste, and that hence they were considered as nitrous. Nitrous water, he remarks, or water containing saltpetre, in all probability, does not exist. Vol. II. pp. 498-9. _Bohn’s Edition._

[3190] Or in other words, crystallization. Beckmann remarks that, in reference to alkaline water, this is undoubtedly true. Vol. II. p. 499.

[3191] From the adjacent town of Chalastra, on the Thermæan Gulf. The site is probably occupied by the modern Kulakia.

[3192] Carbonate of soda is found in the mineral waters of Seltzer and Carlsbad, and in the volcanic springs of Iceland, the Geysers more

## particularly.

[3193] Ajasson remarks, that from this we may conclude that the fabrication of nitrate of potash, or saltpetre, was in its infancy. It is by no means improbable that the _artificial_ nitrum, _here_ mentioned by Pliny, really was artificial saltpetre, more or less impure; the _native_ nitrum, on the other hand, being, as Beckmann suggests, a general term for impure alkaline mineral salts, in common with native saltpetre. Pliny’s account, however, is confused in the highest degree, and in some passages far from intelligible.

[3194] Of a bituminous nature, probably. See c. 42 of this Book.

[3195] See B. v. c. 40. An alkaline water, Beckmann thinks. See Vol. II, pp. 96-7. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3196] He may possibly mean bleaching the material before dyeing.

[3197] See B. xxxvi. c. 65. This certainly goes far towards proving that under the name “nitrum,” alkaline salts were included.

[3198] “Faciunt ex his vasa, necnon frequenter liquatum cum sulphure, coquentes in carbonibus.” This passage Beckmann pronounces to be one of the _darkest_ parts in the history of _nitrum_. See Vol. II. p. 502. He is of opinion that not improbably the result here obtained would be, liver of sulphur, which when it cools is hard, but soon becomes moist when exposed to the air. Dalechamps, it would appear, explains the whole of this passage as applicable to glazing; but in such case, as Beckmann observes, the nitrum could serve only as a flux. Michaelis suggests that the vessels here mentioned, were cut, not for real use, but merely for ornament, in the same manner as they are still made, occasionally, from rock-salt.

[3199] The mention of nitrum, sulphur, and charcoal, probably the three ingredients of gunpowder, in such close proximity, is somewhat curious.

[3200] “Quæ” seems a preferable reading to “quos.”

[3201] “Spuma nitri.” An accidental property, Beckmann says, of the same salt that has been previously called “Chalastricum,” “Halmyrax,” “Aphronitrum,” and “Agrion.” In his opinion, “the ancients were acquainted with no other than _native_ nitrum, which they called _artificial_, only when it required a little more trouble and art to obtain it.”—_Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 502. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3202] “Froth of nitre.” Ajasson identifies this with hydro-carbonate of soda.

[3203] Supposed by Hardouin to be derived from the Greek κόλικας, “round cakes;” owing to the peculiar form of the pieces of rock by which the aphronitrum was produced. The reading, however, is very doubtful. Sillig, from Photius, suggests that it should be “scolecas.”

[3204] One proof, Beckmann thinks, that Soda is meant. See Vol. II. p. 491.

[3205] “Whether Pliny means that the vessels were not burnt, but only baked in the sun, or that before they were filled, they were completely dried in the sun, has been determined by no commentator. To me the latter is probable.”—Beckmann, _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 491.

[3206] Beckmann thinks that this mode of adulteration, with lime, is an additional proof that the “nitrum” of our author was only soda. See Vol. II. p. 492.

[3207] That, namely, of the lime. Quick-lime, certainly, would have a pungent taste, in comparison with that of soda, but not in comparison with that of saltpetre.

[3208] Another proof, Beckmann thinks, that it was native soda, impregnated with common salt. Vol. II. p. 492.

[3209] This would hardly apply to soda.

[3210] Probably to promote its rising, as Beckmann observes, Vol. II. p. 496; a circumstance which goes a great way towards proving that “Soda” was included, at least, under the name of “nitrum.” Carbonate of soda is extensively used for this purpose at the present day.

[3211] And to correct the acridity of the radishes, possibly. A somewhat analogous fact is mentioned by Drury, in his “Journal in Madagascar.” He says that the sourest tamarinds, “mixed with wood ashes, become sweet and eatable.” See p. 316.—We are not unaware that many look upon this work and its statements as a work of fiction.

[3212] See B. xix. c. 26.

[3213] Carbonate of soda is added to pickles and boiling vegetables for this purpose.

[3214] Vegetable ashes, and tobacco-ashes in particular, have the same effect.

[3215] See B. xxxv. c. 57.

[3216] Viewed by the ancients as a poison, when taken warm; but erroneously, as we have more than once remarked.

[3217] See B. xix. c. 15.

[3218] Nitre balls are still given to the patient to suck, in cases of sore throat.

[3219] See B. xii. c. 51.

[3220] Beckmann considers that this statement throws some light on the obscure passage, commented on in Note 3198, p. 514. See _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 503. _Bohn’s Ed._

[3221] In B. ix. c. 69.

[3222] No such distinction, of course, _really_ exists; sponge being in reality a fibrous tissue formed by minute animals.

[3223] “Goats,” literally.

[3224] See B. ix. c. 69. He probably alludes to the semifluid thin coat of animal jelly which covers the sponge in its recent state, and is susceptible of a slight contraction on being touched.

[3225] A fanciful notion, certainly.

[3226] Hot water renders them greasy, so to say; an inconvenience which may be remedied by steeping them in an alkaline solution, or in urine.

[3227] “Penicilli.”

[3228] See B. ix. c. 69.

[3229] See B. v. c. 28.

[3230] An absurdity, of course.

[3231] See end of B. ii.

[3232] Called C. Cassius Severus Parmensis, according to some authorities. He was one of the murderers of Cæsar, and perished, the last of them by a violent end, about B.C. 30. He is supposed to have written tragedies, epigrams, and other works. See Horace, Epist. B. i. Ep. 4, l. 3.

[3233] See end of B. vii.

[3234] See end of B. ii.

[3235] Cælius Antipater. See end of B. ii.

[3236] See end of B. vii.

[3237] See end of B. vii.

[3238] See end of B. xviii.

[3239] See end of B. iv.

[3240] This personage is entirely unknown. It may possibly be a corruption for Soranus, a poet of that name (Q. Valerius Soranus) who flourished about 100 B.C. See also B. xxxii. c. 23.

[3241] See end of B. iv.

[3242] See end of B. ii.

[3243] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 9 of this Book, nothing whatever is known of him.

[3244] See end of B. iii.

[3245] See end of B. ii., and end of B. vi.

[3246] See end of B. ii.

[3247] See end of B. xii.

[3248] See end of B. v.

[3249] See end of B. xii.

[3250] See end of B. xxx.

[3251] See end of B. ii.

[3252] He is also mentioned in B. xxxii. c. 16, but beyond that, nothing whatever appears to be known of him. He must not be confounded with Pelops of Smyrna, one of Galen’s preceptors, who flourished in the second century after Christ.

[3253] See end of B. xxviii.

[3254] See end of B. ii.

[3255] See end of B. ii.

[3256] See end of B. viii.

[3257] A celebrated Comic poet, a disciple of Theophrastus, and the inventor of the New Comedy at Athens. Only a few fragments of his works survive.

[3258] See end of B. viii.

[3259] A physician, of whom, beyond the mention made of him in B. xxxii. c. 26, no further particulars appear to be known.

[3260] See end of B. xx.

[3261] A Greek writer on plants, and a follower of Asclepiades of Bithynia. He is supposed to have flourished in the latter half of the first century B.C. His medical formulæ are several times quoted by Galen. See c. 31 of the succeeding Book.

[3262] See end of B. vii.

[3263] See end of B. xxi.

END OF VOL. V.

J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER (FROM WOKING), GUILDFORD, SURREY.

Transcriber’s Notes:—

In footnote [24] “See Introduction to Vol. III.” probably refers to the glossary of “GREEK AND ROMAN MONEY, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES MENTIONED BY PLINY.” which follows the Contents section of Volume III.

The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly.