Book VI

, s. 9.) On the alkalies or Cineres lixivii of the ancients, see further, Dutens (Découvertes attrib. aux Modern. 187.)

Κόνυζα,

Conyza, _Fleabane_; both species of it are desiccant and calefacient in the third degree. Hence, even the oil in which it is boiled stops periodical rigors; and the flowers have similar powers. The decoction of them promotes menstruation, and expels the fœtus. That which grows in moist situations is more fetid and has weaker powers.

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COMMENTARY. There is considerable difficulty in determining exactly the conyzæ of the ancients. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, i, 44), and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iii, 126.) The preponderance of authority seems to lead to the conclusion that they all were species of _Inula_, namely, the greater _I. viscosa_, Act., the lesser _Inula saxatilis_, and the third, _I. oculus Christi_. The conyzæ were employed in medicine at a very early period, being frequently mentioned in the Hippocratic treatises. See Dierbach, who, however, has decided differently from us as to the plants to which the conyzæ are referable. He marks the fetid conyza as being _Ambrosia maritima_, and the fragrant as _Inula bifrons_. The greater conyza of Dioscorides would appear to be the cunilago of Pliny (H. N., xx, 63), where see the note of Harduin. Our author follows Dioscorides and Galen, who agree in the main as to the medicinal properties of these plants. All the authorities concur in opinion that the greater conyza is emmenagogue, and procures abortion in pessaries. Ebn Baithar seems to treat of it rather confusedly under the head of _Thuback_. (ii, 150.) Few, if any, of the other Arabians have noticed it; and it is not contained in the Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κόπρος,

Stercus, _Dung_; all kinds of it are of a heating, desiccative, and discutient nature, but they differ from one another according to the temperament and diet of the animal which voids it. The dung, then, of dogs fed on bones, when dried, cures dysenteric affections if taken in a draught with divided milk (lac scissum), and old ulcers, if mixed with suitable medicines. In cynanche and inflammations about the tonsils, it is rubbed into the parts mixed with honey. These complaints are greatly relieved by the dung of children who have not been permitted to take too much food. The dung of wolves and the whiter sort which is found upon certain shrubs, is an admirable remedy for colics, and that, not only in a draught, but also when appended as an amulet. It may be fastened either with the wool of a sheep recently killed by a wolf, or the skin of a stag. Goat’s dung, being more acrid and discutient, discusses scirrhous tumours when applied externally, more especially upon hard flesh. When burnt it is more detergent and attenuate. The dung of oxen has some attractive powers, and, therefore, cures the stings of wasps and bees. And if the whole body of persons affected with dropsy be rubbed with cow’s dung in the sun they will be much relieved thereby. Sheep’s dung with vinegar cures myrmecia, acrochordon, furunculus, and clavus. That of wild pigeons, being much more acrid than the other kinds, proves rubefacient when applied with the seed of cardamus. That of domestic fowls, when drunk with oxymel, vinegar, or wine and honey, causes the suffocative mushrooms to be vomited, and proves a preservative from them. Some have given it to drink also in colics. They say also that the dung of storks, when drunk, is useful in orthopnœa. That of mice, being more detergent than all others, agrees with alopecia, and when applied to the anus of children provokes evacuation. The dung of starlings, when they feed on rice, becomes detergent so as to clear away freckles. That of land crocodiles removes alphos, as that of the crocodiles of the Nile is believed to attenuate leucoma (white films on the eyes).

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of _Dung_ is abridged from Galen. As we have no wish to see this article restored to the Materia Medica, we shall not enlarge upon the subject. Those who wish to improve their knowledge of the medicinal articles mentioned under this head by our author, may find them treated of _usque ad nauseam_ by Dioscorides, Galen, Serapion, and Avicenna. Many of them were retained in the Dispensatory down to a comparatively recent date. For example, the white dung of dogs, usually called _Album Græcum_, was long used in the cure of quinsies. See Quincy (140, 206.)

Κοράλλιον,

Corallium, _Coral_, is a sort of petrified arboret, not growing on dry land, but among the mud of the sea, being of a red colour, and like stone. Its powers are decidedly desiccant and moderately astringent. It answers, therefore, with cases of hæmoptysis and dysentery.

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COMMENTARY. The Coral of the ancients is the _Isis nobilis_, Pall.; the name Isis being borrowed from Pliny. (H. N. xiii, 52.) Pliny mentions, in another place, that corals, burnt and pulverised, and drunk in water, are useful in some pains of the bowels and bladder, and in calculus. He adds that they are also soporific. Corals were much used as amulets or phylacteries. (H. N. xxxii, 5.) See also Solinus (ii), and Geopon. (xv, 1.) Celsus ranks the corallium with those substances which burn: “Veratrum, album et nigrum, corallium, cantharides, pyrethrum, adurunt.” (v, 208.) This article does not occur in the Hippocratic treatises, nor in Galen’s work ‘On the Faculties of Simples.’ The latter, however, prescribes it for spitting of blood in another place. (De Comp. Med. sec. loc. vii.) Dioscorides and Serapion, likewise, recommend it as an astringent in hæmoptysis and in dysentery. It appears from the Royal Pharmacopœia of Moses Charras, that it was used for the cure of these complaints in his time. He prefers the red coral, and directs us to give it in the form of an impalpable powder. The red coral held a place in our English Dispensatory until a recent date. See Quincy (101.) It was much used in infantile convulsions. It is still admitted to be a good antacid. See Gray (Pharmacol. 146.) According to Dr. Ainslie, the Tamool practitioners prescribe it, when calcined, in cases of diabetes and bleeding piles. The Arabians place it among their astringents and cordials. (Mat. Ind. 52.) The sea-coralline is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, under the title of _Helminthochortos_, which, however, as is there stated, comprehends several species of the _Ceramium helminthochortum_, mixed up with ulvæ, confervæ, but especially red corallines. (77.) On the use of it by the Arabians, see the commentators on Mesue. (De Electariis, 89.) The Electarium de Gemmis, in which it occurs as an ingredient, is said to be most efficacious in cold affections of the brain, heart, stomach, liver, and womb; an excellent exhilarant and cordial; and restorative in palpitation of the heart, and in syncope.

Κόρεις,

Cimices, _Bugs_; these animals are of an acrid nature. Some write that when drunk with vinegar they eject leeches.

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COMMENTARY. Dioscorides recommends _Bugs_ in quartan intermittents, uterine suffocation, and as an antidote to the bite of the asp. (ii, 36.) Galen properly recommends garlic as a substitute for them in the case of leeches which have been swallowed. Pliny, apparently deriving his information from Dioscorides, ascribes to bugs alexipharmic properties of the most general nature; and more especially commends them as being a remedy against the bite of asps. (H. N. xxix, 17.) The Arabians copy all that the Greeks had recorded respecting the medicinal virtues of bugs, without making any addition. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 270.)

Κορὶς,

Coris, the herb; some call it Hypericum (_St. John’s Wort_). It is acrid and fragrant; but the fruit of it, in a draught, promotes the urinary and menstrual discharges. It is also a remedy for the bites of venomous spiders; and in cases of opisthotonos it is rubbed in with oil.

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COMMENTARY. It is _Hypericum Coris_. This name is taken from Pliny, who recommends it in strangury and pleurisy. (xxvi, 54.) Our author’s statement of its medicinal powers is abridged from Dioscorides. (iii, 164.) Galen does not treat of it by name, but ascribes nearly similar powers to hypericum. We cannot find it described in the works of the Arabians.

Κορριαννὸν ἢ κόριον,

Coriandrum, _Coriander_, is composed of opposite powers. For it consists of a terrene part formed of subtile particles, which is bitter, and of a watery juice, which is tepid (mild?). It has also a small degree of astringency, so as to accord with inflammations and cases of erysipelas, which are not of too hot a nature; and it also discusses the softer tumours with some of the other subtile remedies. The seed, when drunk in small quantity with sweet wine, expels worms; but when taken in larger doses it disturbs the understanding.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It certainly is the _Coriandrum sativum_. Dioscorides says that its action is refrigerant, but Galen insists that it is calefacient. Symeon Seth, Mesue, as quoted by Serapion, and most of the ancient authorities adopt the opinion of Dioscorides. Our modern views would seem to correspond better with those of Galen; coriander-seed being now generally looked upon as an aromatic stimulant, and as being carminative and stomachic. Galen’s remarks under this head are highly interesting. The coriander was used in the age of Hippocrates. (359, etc. ed. Föes.) Celsus, like Dioscorides, holds it to be refrigerant. (84, ed. Milligan.) He also calls it diuretic. (Ibid.) The Arabians say that when the juice is taken to the extent of four ounces, it proves destructive of life. Avicenna (ii, 2, 143); Serapion (c. 44); and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 229.) They also hold that it is possessed of soporific powers. They prescribe it for the cure of epilepsy, in which case they say it checks the aura which ascends from the stomach to the brain. The _Coriandrum sativum_ holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (58.) It is also still retained in our Materia Medica. See Pereira (1073.)

Κόρυδος ἢ Κορύδαλλος,

Alauda, _the Lark_; this bird when boiled with plain broth is of use in colic affections. But one must eat it perseveringly and frequently with the broth.

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COMMENTARY. No one can doubt, from the ancient descriptions of it, that it was the _Alauda cristata_. Galen remarks, that it is correctly described by Aristophanes, in his ‘Birds;’ and that it is noticed by Theocritus. (Idyll. vii.) It is also mentioned by Aristotle and Ælian in their works on Natural History. Pliny calls it _Galerita_. Galen says there is a herb of the same name. Like our author, he praises it when given in broth, for the cure of colic. Both, however, copy from Dioscorides. (ii, 59.) It is not noticed in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus. It would appear that it is the _hanabroch_ of Serapion, who, in describing it, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (436.) It is also briefly noticed by Ebn Baithar in nearly the same terms as Serapion. (ii, 329.)

Κορωνόπους,

Coronopus, _Buck’s-horn Plantain_; the root of it is believed to be useful in colic affections when eaten.

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COMMENTARY. It is the _Plantago Coronopus_, called in English Buckshorn Plantain. See Parkinson, Gerard, and Quincy. Dioscorides says it is used as a potherb, and that it is given as a medicine in colic. (ii, 157.) None of the others supply any additional information regarding it worth quoting.

Κόστος,

Costos, is possessed of a small degree of a bitter, but a greater degree of an acrid and hot quality. Wherefore, when a part requires to be heated, or a deep-seated humour attracted to the surface, one has recourse to the costus. It is therefore diuretic, emmenagogue, and anthelminthic. It has also some flatulent powers, so that it excites to venery when drunk with wine and honey. It suits with ischiatic and paralytic affections, and with periodical rigors when rubbed in with oil.

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COMMENTARY. We should occupy more space than we can afford to devote to it if we were to enter into a disquisition on the general literature of this article. Those who feel curious to know our opinions on this subject, are referred to the Appendix to Dunbar’s Lexicon, already frequently quoted by us. Much interesting information respecting the costus has been supplied by very recent writers. See Royle (Ant. of Hindoo Medicine, 88), Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 152), and Pereira (Mat. Med. 699.) Dr. Lindley says of it, “Dr. Falconer has ascertained that the costus of the ancients is the root of his Auklandia Costus, a plant inhabiting the moist open slopes surrounding the vale of Cashmere. In Cashmere the plant is not held in repute as a medicine, but is chiefly employed for protecting bales of shawls from the attacks of moths.” (Vegetable Kingdom, 708.) We may add, that although the zeduary be not the same as the costus, as has been supposed, there can be no doubt that it was often used in place of the costus. (See M. Charras’ Pharm.) More recently, we have reason to think, our costmary, _Balsamita vulgaris_, was used as a succedaneum for the ancient costus. Compare Parkinson (80) with Hill (M. M. 624.) The three kinds of costus described by Dioscorides, namely, the Arabian, the Indian, and the Syrian, would appear to have been only varieties of the same substance. He says it is possessed of calefacient, diuretic, and emmenagogue powers, and is useful in uterine affections, in pessaries, fomentations, and fumigations. He recommends it as being alexipharmic, expectorant, aphrodisiacal, vermifuge, a good application externally in paralytic cases; and, in short, he gives it nearly the same characters as our author, who evidently copies from him and Galen. Aëtius and Oribasius do the same. The Arabian authorities on the Mat. Med. in like manner, do little more than quote what Dioscorides, Galen, and our author have written on the subject. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 236); Avicenna (ii, 2, 161); Serapion (c. 318.) Avicenna and Rhases agree that it dries up humid ulcers when sprinkled over them. One of Rhases’s authorities states that the oil of costus is useful in relaxation and coldness of the nerves, and in sciatica; and that a fumigation made with it by means of an instrument for the purpose (per embotum), kills the fœtus, and promotes menstruation. All join in giving it the character of being alexipharmic. The costus, as far as we have been able to discover, does not occur in the works of Hippocrates. Celsus mentions it along with other aromatics (iv, 14, et alibi). It is often noticed as a precious ointment and aromatic by the classic authors. See Pliny (H. N. xii, 24); Columella (xii, 20); Propertius (iv, 6, 5); Lucan (ix, 917); Horace (Carm. iii, 1, 44); Ovid (Met. x, 308.)

Κοτυληδὼν,

Cotyledon, _Navel-wort_, is cooling, repellent, detergent, and discutient. It is believed that when the leaves of it are eaten along with the root, they prove lithontriptic and diuretic.

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COMMENTARY. Dioscorides describes two species, which are the _Cotyledon umbilicus_, and the _C. serrata_. Our author’s description applies to the former of these, and is abridged from Galen. Galen further recommends it strongly as an application to inflammatory erysipelas and erysipelatous inflammation, the nice distinction between which he has stated under coriander, and in his work Therap. ad Glauc. (ii.) See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 138.)

Κοχλίαι,

Cochleæ, _Snails_, when burnt are of a moderately desiccative nature, and somewhat heating. They are useful in dysenteries when mortification has not yet taken place, if to four parts of them, one part of white pepper, and two parts of galls be added. Unburnt, they are triturated and applied whole to the belly in dropsical complaints, and to the joints in arthritic, with advantage, being allowed to remain until they drop off spontaneously; and upon the whole they dry strongly deep-seated humours.

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COMMENTARY. The κ. χἔρσᾶιος is the _Helix Pomatia_, _Escargot_, or _Vinegar Snail_. The snail was esteemed a delicacy by the Roman gourmands. See Varro (de R. R. iii, 14) and Pliny (H. N. ix, 25.) The use of it, however, was forbidden by the Mosaic law. In one of the Hippocratic treatises, the cochleæ are recommended for procidentia ani. (De fistul.) Pliny, in like manner, recommends them in dysentery. (H. N. vii, 30.) Dioscorides and Galen give nearly the same account of their medicinal properties as our author. The latter says that they are difficult to digest, but very nutritious when digested. Celsus, on the other hand, ranks them among the weak articles of food. Horace seems to say that they whet the appetite.

Tostis marcentem squillis recreabis et Afrâ Potorem cochleâ.—_Satir._

Κρανέα,

Cornus, _the Cornel_; the fruit of the tree being sour, proves strongly astringent of the belly when eaten. The leaves and shoots, by their sourness, are strongly desiccative, so as to agglutinate the largest wounds of hard bodies.

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COMMENTARY. It is the _Cornus Mas_. Dioscorides recommends it as an application to lichen. (ii, 72.) Our author abridges Galen’s account of it. The Arabians speak favorably of it in the same cases as the Greeks, and also recommend it for cholera, diabetes, and vomiting. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 315), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 357.)

Κράμβη,

Brassica, _Cabbage_; that sort which is esculent has desiccative powers both when eaten and when applied externally, but it is not sensibly acrid. It therefore agglutinates wounds and ill-conditioned ulcers, and cures tumours which are difficult to discuss. It is also somewhat detergent, by which property it cures leprosy. Its seed when drunk kills worms, and especially the seed of the Egyptian cabbage does this. The ashes of its stalks when burnt are possessed of caustic powers, and with grease are applicable in chronic pains of the sides. The wild is stronger than the garden cabbage in all respects; hence it cannot be taken internally without inconvenience. The sea-cabbage being saltish and bitterish loosens the belly.

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COMMENTARY. The Brassica sativa of the ancients no doubt comprehended several species of cabbage. Dioscorides dwells largely on its medicinal properties, but in nearly the same terms as our author. He calls it laxative and alexipharmic, and recommends it as an application to erysipelas, epinyctis, and leprosy; with salts, he says, it breaks anthrax, and when boiled and mixed with milk, it is a good application to spreading gangrene. The Brassica sylvestris (which Sprengel inclines to set down as being the _Brassica incana_, Zenor.), he says, is agglutinative of wounds, and discutient of swellings and inflammations. Its cyme, he says, is not unpleasant to the taste. To the sea-cabbage (_Convolvulus soldanella_) he assigns the same characters as our author. (ii, 146, 147, 148.) Galen gives nearly the same account of the three species of brassica. In the Hippocratic treatises, the decoction of cabbage is recommended as an injection to the womb. (De Mulieb. ii.) According to Celsus, the brassica when half raw is laxative, but when twice boiled, astringent. (ii, 29, 30.) The Arabians treat of the different kinds of brassica at great length; as usual, drawing largely from the stores of the Greeks. One of the Arabian authorities quoted by Rhases, says its seed, if applied per vaginam post coitum, will prevent impregnation, and that the decoction of it expels the tape-worm. Another of the same authorities recommends a decoction of it as an application to the joints in gout, and to blistered surfaces after burning, more especially when its ashes are mixed up with the white of an egg. (Contin. l. ult. i, 198.) See in like manner, Serapion (c. 32) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 139.) As we have stated in our commentary on the 95th section of the First Book, all the ancient authorities held that the cabbage counteracts the intoxicating powers of wine. The brassicæ held a place in our Dispensatory, and retained their ancient character down to a comparatively recent date. See Parkinson, Culpeper, and still more recently Quincy. (116.) They are still much prized as medicines by the Arabians and Persians. See Ainslie (M. Ind.)

Κραταιόγονον,

Cratæogonon; the fruit of this herb is acrid to the taste and cold like millet.

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COMMENTARY. Dioscorides assigns it wonderful powers in promoting procreation, and hence its name. He calls it intensely acrid. Galen and the other Greek authorities, treat of it very succinctly like Paulus. We have not been able to find any traces of it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians. What plant it was seems a puzzle. Both Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 858) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.) incline to the _Polygonum Persicaria_, but the medicinal virtues of it, as given by our older herbalists, do by no means agree with the characters of the cratæogonon as given by the ancients.

Κρῆθμον,

Crethmum, _Samphire_, is somewhat saltish with a little bitterness, and therefore its powers are detergent and desiccative.

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COMMENTARY. It is the Crithmum maritimum, _Samphire_, or _Sea-fennel_. Dioscorides recommends its fruit, root, and leaves, when boiled in wine, for dysuria and jaundice. He further mentions it as a potherb and pickle. (ii, 156.) Galen and the other Greek authorities state its characters briefly like our author. Pliny, like Dioscorides, mentions it as a potherb and pickle, but says nothing of it as a medicine. (H. N. xxvi.) We do not find it noticed by Celsus nor by the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 280.)

Κριθὴ,

Hordeum, _Barley_, is of the first order of cooling and desiccative medicines, and is also somewhat detergent. It is more desiccative than the flour of beans, and less flatulent. The polenta of barley is more desiccative than barley itself. Its ptisan is not only more diluent, but is also more detergent.

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COMMENTARY. It is the _Hordeum vulgare_, comprehending no doubt several species. We have treated of it among the Cerealia in the First Book (Vol. I, p. 123.) The ἄλφιτον, or polenta, was a sort of malt. See Pliny (H. N. xviii, 14.) We have treated of it in the same place; and also of the mode of preparing ptisan. It was a favorite remedy with Hippocrates (de victu acut. et alibi.) Dioscorides calls it suitable to the acrimony, roughness, and ulceration of the windpipe, and says it attracts milk when taken boiled with the seed of fennel, and is diuretic, detergent, flatulent, bad for the stomach, and digestive of swellings. He further recommends the flour of barley for discussing boils and inflammations, when boiled with figs and honeyed water. See further (ii, 108.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, treat of it in nearly the same terms as our author. The Arabians give nearly the same statement of its virtues as a medicine. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 530.) He recommends barley-water very much as a drink in fevers, being, as he says, diluent and cooling; in hot fevers it is to be given pure, and in cold, with parsley and fennel. Ebn Baithar treats of it at great length, (ii, 97.)

Κρίμνον,

Crimnon, _Bran_; the thick part of the flour of wheat and of spelt is so named, being more nutritious than polenta, but more indigestible.

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COMMENTARY. It is, properly speaking, groats or coarse meal; it was also applied to spelt and other species of grain coarsely ground. See Dioscorides, from whom our author’s account of it is principally taken. Both Dioscorides and Galen recommend the coarse meal of spelt which has been toasted for binding the belly. From the coarse meal of wheat, pap or porridge, they add, is prepared.

Κρίνον,

Lilium, _the Lily_; its flower is of a mixed temperament, being composed of a subtile part, a terrene, and a certain water substance of a moderate temperament. Hence the oil composed from it being of a discutient and emollient nature agrees well with inflammations of the uterus. The root of it and its leaves are desiccative, detergent, and moderately discutient, and hence are useful for burns. The juice of it is serviceable for wounded nerves, with oxymel.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Lilium candidum_. Dioscorides praises the seed of the lily, given in wine, as an antidote to poisonous serpents; and, by the way, the same character is given of it by Walafridus Strabo in the ninth century, and by Macer Floridus in the tenth. Dioscorides further recommends it as an application to burns, ulcers, erysipelas, and so forth. He further describes a species of lilium with purple flowers, which grows in Syria and Pisidia of Pamphylia, and was famous for the composition of unguents. This might be the _Lilium Martagon_. Galen writes elaborately on this article, but in the main agrees with Dioscorides as to the medicinal virtues of the lily, of which he mentions only the former species. He recommends it principally in external applications to wounds, ulcers, and diseases of the skin, such as scabies, leprosy, and achores, and also very particularly to diseases of the uterus. Aëtius and Oribasius briefly give it the same characters. Celsus mentions a decoction of the leaves of the lily boiled in old wine and oil, as an application to burns. (v, 17, 18.) For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 436); Serapion (c. 189); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 422); Ebn Baithar (ii, 68.) They commend it as a general alexipharmic, both when applied to the bites of venomous animals, and as an antidote to hyoscyamus, coriander, and mushrooms. They all agree that it is one of the best applications to burning with hot water. Avicenna says the oil of lilies given internally, is useful in ileos. Ebn Baithar treats of the lily at very great length.

Κροκοδείλιον,

Crocodilium; the seed and juice of it are possessed of desiccative, heating, and discutient powers, and are, therefore, diuretic and emmenagogue; the root is of great use as an expectorant, and occasions a discharge of blood by the nose.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides describes it immediately after the black chamæleon to which he compares it. We therefore are inclined to join the modern commentators and herbalists, who hold it to have been the _Carlina vulgaris_, rather than those who refer it to the _Eryngium maritimum_. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 971, 988) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iii, 10.) Galen calls its seed aromatic and acrid, and says it is diuretic and emmenagogue. The juice of the seed and stalk being possessed, he says, of similar powers, is useful in nephritic diseases. The root is expectorant, and produces a discharge of blood from the nostrils. (De Simpl. vii.) We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, except in Ebn Baithar. (ii, 253.) His German translator holds it to be the _Eryngium maritimum_.

Κρόκος,

Crocus, _Saffron_, is of the second order of heating and of the first of desiccative medicines. It is also astringent and digestive.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Crocus sativus_. Dioscorides gives an interesting account of the different varieties of it which were used in his time. Suffice it to say, that the best decidedly was the Cicilian, from Mount Corycus, which is often alluded to by classical authors. See Pliny (xxi, 6); Celsus (v, 22); Statius (Silv. v, 3, 41); Galen (De Antid. i.) With regard to its action on the animal economy, he mentions that Thessalus held that it is merely fragrant, while some, on the other hand, maintained that it is a deadly poison in doses of dr. iij, but that in truth it is diuretic and sub-astringent, and therefore applicable to erysipelas and defluxions of the eyes, as a cure for surfeit, and for producing a discharge of urine (i, 25.) See, in like manner, Pliny (l. c.) It occurs in the Hippocratic treatises, and in the works of Celsus, who calls it purgative, emollient, and discutient. (196.) By the way, we may mention that by purgative, Celsus evidently means cleansing in external applications, as is evident from the substances with which it is enumerated, namely, verdigris, orpiment, &c. His editor, Dr. Milligan, therefore evidently mistakes the meaning of his author. (l. c.) Galen and his followers call it heating in the second degree, and drying in the first, with some astringency. The Arabians adopt the views of the Greeks as to its virtues, but prescribe it in a great many more cases than their predecessors. See Serapion (c. 173); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 241); Avicenna (ii, 2, 126.) Thus they held that it is both aphrodisiacal and cordial, and recommend it accordingly. They also used it in cases of difficult labour, and as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and spleen. One of Rhases’s authorities says that in doses of three drachms it proves fatal. Another of them says of it, that it improves the breathing and appetite. Symeon Seth says that it is stomachic and improves the colour. He, Serapion, and other of the ancient authorities, affirm that in large doses it occasions involuntary laughter, immoderate mirth, and the other effects which result from intoxicating liquors. From late experiments, it would appear that its powers had been overrated. See Pereira (Mat. Med. 696.) It was much used by the ancients as a perfume. See Beckmann’s ‘Hist. of Inventions,’ Joh. Bodæus a Stapel (Ad Theophrast. H. P. vi, 6), and Hertodt’s ‘Crocologia,’ as quoted by him. Its medical use, he adds, has always continued among the Orientals.

Κρόμμυον,

Cepa, _Onion_, is of the fourth order of heating medicines, its substance consisting of thick matter, and hence when applied to hemorrhoids it opens them. It is also sufficiently detergent, and removes alphos with vinegar; and in alopecia it occasions a more rapid growth of hair than alcyonium. Its juice is useful in suffusion and dimness of vision from thick humours.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Allium Cepa_, or onion. Galen, Dioscorides, and Serapion recommend it as an application in cases of alopecia or _Porrigo decalvans_. Dioscorides says that some applied it as a suppository to promote the discharge of blind piles, and he mentions its being introduced into the nose to promote the discharge from it. As a cataplasm with salt, rue, and honey, he recommends it for the bites of rabid dogs. He says it concocts and breaks hard tumours. Upon the whole, Galen, Aëtius, Oribasius, and our author, do little more under this head than abridge the more ample account of it given by Dioscorides. Celsus calls it an aperient of the bowels (ii, 29) and a diuretic (ii, 31.) He recommends it to be chewed in paralysis of the tongue. (iv, 2.) The Arabians treat of it at great length. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 119); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 18); Serapion (c. 354.) They speak favorably of it as a rubefacient, and all ascribe great powers to it as an alexipharmical medicine.

Κύαμος,

Faba, _the Bean_, is not far removed from a middle temperament as to cooling and drying. Its flesh is also somewhat detergent. It agrees, therefore, with expectorations from the chest and lungs. Its outer skin having also some astringency renders the whole bean, when boiled in oxycrate, a suitable remedy for cæliac and dysenteric affections. In a cataplasm it cures inflammations and swellings, and dispels the milk in the breasts.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have stated in the First Book the difficulty of determining exactly the nature of the ancient faba. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1054) and Dickson (Husbandry of the Ancients.) Dioscorides describes two species, the Egyptian and the Greek, of which the former, there can be little doubt, is the _Nelumbium speciosum_. See Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. ii, 128), and Lindley (Veget. King. 414.) The other, as we formerly stated, was probably a variety of our small bean. The characters of both are fully stated by Dioscorides, from whom Galen and our author borrow largely under this head. They treat, however, only of the Greek bean. Dioscorides says the Egyptian is astringent and stomachic; that the flour of it made into a poultice, answers in dysenteric and colic affections, and in earache. The Arabians give a very full account of the two species of bean, both as articles of food and as medicines. See in particular, Avicenna (ii, 2, 241); Serapion (c. 97); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 279.) Avicenna and Rhases agree in commending beans for spitting of blood, and other affections of the chest.

Κύανος,

Cyanus, is possessed of acrid, purgative, and discutient powers, greater than those of the cinnabar. It has also some astringency.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Matthiolus determines it to be the _Lapis Lazuli_, and Sprengel agrees with him that it was a mineral containing copper and some impurities, and nearly allied to the _L. Laz._ Serapion describes the ἀρμένιον by the name of _Lapis Lazuli_, and, in fact, the ἀρμένιον and κύανος seem to have been nearly the same thing. He recommends it as a purgative which evacuates black bile. Rhases, in his chapter on the Lapis Lazuli, gives the observations of Dioscorides and Galen on the ἀρμένιον, and in his chapter on the _Lapis Armenus_, he compares it to the _Lapis Lazuli_ (Cont. l. ult. i, 393, 404.) The following is Sprengel’s account of the armenium and cyanus: “Armenium est cuprum carbonicum terreum, lapidi Lazuli simile. Id in australibus petris arenosis, has ipsas penetrans mineram æris arenosam format. Ea vocatur κύανος.” (Ad Dioscor. v, 105.) From what has been stated, any person acquainted with mineralogy can have no difficulty in deciding that the _cyanus_ and _armenium_ were varieties of the mineral called “blue copper” by Jameson, that is to say, the “blue carbonate of copper” of Cleaveland (566.) For further information regarding it, we would refer to Matthiolus and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.), Beckmann (Hist. of Invent.), and our article under this head in the Appendix to Dunbar’s Greek Lexicon. Our author copies his account of it from Galen. Dioscorides recommends it only as an external application, possessed of repressing, moderately septic, escharotic, and ulcerative powers. (v, 106.) The Arabians, who, however, evidently do not distinguish properly this mineral from the lapis lazuli, recommend it as an emmenagogue and purgative. When boiled with lentils, Avicenna says, it acts as an emetic in the case of a person who has swallowed any poison. He also prescribes it in asthma and pain of the kidneys. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 56); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 692); Serapion (c. 389.) The later Greek writers on medicine, like the Arabians, confound this substance with the lapis lazuli. See Theophanes Nonnus (c. 125, 143); Myrepsus (i, 30.) The former of these prescribes it as a specific in the plague. In modern times also the cyanus or blue copper has been confounded with the lapis lazuli. See Lewis (M. M. ii, 50.)

Κύκλάμινος,

Cyclaminus, _Sow-bread_, is possessed of various powers; for it cleanses, incides, opens the mouths of vessels, and discusses; the juice of it, therefore, when applied to hemorrhoids opens them, and it discusses hardness along with other things. Along with honey it agrees with suffusions and purges by the nose. When rubbed into the epigastrium, it loosens the belly and kills the fœtus. The whole root, though weaker than the juice, is also strong, so that when drunk with honeyed water to the amount of three drachms, it purges the internal parts. To the skin it also proves detergent. The root of the other species of sow-bread (called Cissanthemon) is of no medicinal use, but its fruit is drastic, so that when drunk it acts like the former.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides treats at considerable length of the medicinal virtues of the former species, which was the _Cyclamen Europæum_, recommending it as being phlegmagogue, hydragogue, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic; as an errhine in diseases of the head, and a suppository per vaginam. His other species, which he describes as having leaves like the ivy, and which some of the commentators set down as being the _Lonicera Periclymenum_, and others as the _Solanum Dulcamara_ he recommends in splenic affections, in orthopnœa, and retention of the lochial discharge. (ii, 193, 194.) Pliny recommends also the second species as a remedy for coughs (H. N. xxv, 68.) Harduin agrees with Dodonæus in holding it to be the _Dulcamara_. The scholiast on Theocritus recommends the cyclaminus as an application to chilblains. (Ad Idyll, v.) Galen writes of it in such terms as shows that he looked upon it as a very important article. He says it promotes menstruation, both when taken internally and when applied per vaginam; and that it cures jaundice, not only by purging the viscus, but by evacuating the whole body with sweats; he also recommends it as an external application in hardness of the spleen. The other species he praises in asthma. The other Greek authorities supply nothing of much interest under this head. The Arabians treat of it largely, but somewhat confusedly. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 6, 61, 271); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 281); Mesue (De Simpl. 26); Serapion (c. 259.) Avicenna directs it to be given to the extent of three drachms with wine or mulse in cases of jaundice, and the patient is to be then covered up with many clothes, when he will sweat out the bile from his body. He says it purges the body, not only when given by the mouth, but in a suppository, and when rubbed into the skin. Rhases (l. c.) describes it under the names of _Falamios_, or Panis porcinus, whence the English name Sow-bread. His extracts from Dioscorides, Galen, Oribasius, and Bimasay comprise all the information on the subject possessed by his Grecian masters and his countrymen. Mesue gives a very elaborate article on the Sow-bread, which, like Avicenna, he praises as a general purger of bile, when taken by the mouth, in a suppository, and as a liniment rubbed into the belly; he also praises it as an emmenagogue, both when taken by the mouth and when applied as a pessary, and as a tried remedy in jaundice and induration of the spleen. Even as late as the days of Quincy, the cyclaminus held a place in the Dispensatory, and retained all its ancient characters. (i, 4, 293.) Orfila ranks it with the acrid poisons (iii, 3.) See further (ii, 242.)

Κύμινον,

Cuminum, _Cumin_, belongs to the third order of heating medicines, and is diuretic and carminative.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The C. of our author is no doubt the Cyminum sativum of Dioscorides, i. e. _Cuminum Cyminum_ L. The two varieties of the wild cumin of Dioscorides have never been satisfactorily determined. See Parkinson, Matthiolus, and Sprengel. Dioscorides represents it as being calefacient, astringent, desiccative, and relieving tormina and flatulence, and describes a variety of cases in which he calls it applicable. (iii, 61.) Galen says it is diuretic and carminative, being calefacient in the third degree. Aëtius and Oribasius give it much the same character. Celsus assigns to it diuretic powers. (iv, 9.) The Arabians treat of it at so great length, that we can scarcely do justice to their views on this head. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 212); Serapion (c. 287); Avicenna (ii, 2, 136); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 394.) Avicenna says the immoderate use of it renders the face pale. This property of cumin is alluded to by the poets as well as the medical authors. See Horace (Epist. i, 19, 18); Persius (Sat. v.) This character of it is confirmed by modern authority. See Matthiolus (Ad Dioscor. l. c.); Bodæus a Stapel (in Theophrast.) Cumin now barely holds a very undistinguished place in our Mat. Med. (See Pereira, 1057.)

Κυνόσβατος,

Rubus caninus, Hip-tree or Dog-rose; the fruit is no bad astringent; the leaves are moderately astringent; but we must guard against the woolly part of the fruit, as it is injurious to the trachea.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides’s description is not so precise as to enable us to pronounce decidedly what it was; but we incline with several of the best authorities to refer it to the _Rosa canina_, or Hip-tree. Galen, our author, and the other Greek authorities, follow Dioscorides.

Κυπάρισσος,

Cupressus, _Cypress_; the spherical fruit and shoots of it are possessed of desiccative powers, having no sensible heat, so that they agglutinate large wounds in hard bodies. In moist gangrene it consumes deep-seated humours without trouble, and is useful in intestinal hernia.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears unquestionably to be the _Cupressus sempervirens_. See Stackhouse (Tab. Syst. in Theophrast.) Its fruit, being of a globular shape, was called σφάιρια by the Greeks and _Pilulæ_ by the Latins. Pliny (H. N. xvii, 14.) Pliny recommends this as a cure for the stings of serpents, and in cases of hæmoptysis. (H. N. xxiv, 10.) Dioscorides and Serapion recommend it in these and various other cases. The cypress-nut is powerfully astringent and balsamic: hence it proves an excellent remedy in diarrhœas and dysenteries, and, as such, it is celebrated by many authors ancient and modern. Dioscorides in particular recommends it for stopping bleeding, for agglutinating wounds, and as an application to erysipelas and anthrax. Galen writes fully of it, but borrows largely from Dioscorides. Serapion does little more than give the notices of it by Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 55.) Avicenna recommends the cypress, and more especially the nut, in various cases requiring astringents, and among others as an application to polypus of the nose; he also speaks favorably of it in cases of hæmoptysis and dysuria. Like the others, he says it is a good application in ruptures. (ii, 2, 146.) See further Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 216.) The cypress is found in the ‘Flora Hippocratica,’ and in that of Celsus. The cypress-nuts are commended as astringents by all our older herbalists, and held a place in our Dispensatory as late as the time of Quincy. (93.)

Κύπερος,

Cyperus, is heating and desiccative, without pungency. Hence it promotes the cicatrization of the more humid ulcers in a wonderful manner, and relieves those in the mouth. It has also some incisive quality, and is lithontriptic, diuretic, and emmenagogue.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is undoubtedly the _Cyperus rotundus_. Our author’s account of its medicinal uses is taken from Galen, and is confirmed by Serapion, Avicenna, and Rhases. All of them, however, are indebted to Dioscorides, who gives it the character of being calefacient, anastomotic, and diuretic, recommends it in uterine complaints as an emmenagogue, in ulcers of the mouth, and as an ingredient in emollient plasters. (i, 4.) A modern author, Dr. Hill, gives it nearly the same character as the ancients; he calls it stomachic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, and diuretic. It likewise occurs in the Materia Medica of Tournefort, who also calls it deobstruent and emmenagogue. Quincy gives a confused account of it under the name of _Cyprus_ (Engl. Dispens. i, l, 69); see also Lewis. Dioscorides describes also an Indian species having a root resembling ginger. Both Matthiolus and Sprengel are inclined to refer to the _Curcuma_. We shall have occasion to notice it afterwards, when describing the substances introduced into the Mat. Med. by the Arabians.

Κύπρος,

Ligustrum, _Privet_; its leaves and tops are possessed of mixed powers, being discutient and astringent, and desiccative without pain or pungency. Hence the decoction of it, when poured on a part, is useful for burns, and agrees with inflammations of a hot nature. When chewed it also relieves aphthæ, and is mixed up with splenic remedies.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We must decline entering upon the general literature of this subject, which has created a good deal of discussion. Suffice it to say, that we have now no hesitation in deciding it to be the _Lawsonia inermis_, namely, the plant from which the henna of Egypt is obtained. See Lindley’s Veg. King. (575.) It is used by females for staining their hands and feet of an orange colour. Dioscorides mentions that an infusion of its leaves in the juice of saponaria, or soapwort, was used for painting the hairs yellow. He says of the ointment prepared from it (unguentum cyprinum), that it is calefacient, emollient, and fragrant. (i, 124.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give it the same characters as our author. The Arabians describe it under the name of _alcanna_, which seems to be _henna_ with an Arabic prefix. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 110), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 50.) Both copy freely from Dioscorides and Galen. They say its virtues in female complaints are similar to those of the Sanguis Draconis. All praise it as a vulnerary herb, and a good application in cases of burning. They further commend it in pleurisy and quinsy as a plaster. Ebn Baithar treats of it at very great length. (i, 338.) It would appear that the privet is still used as a medicine and dye by the native physicians of Hindostan. See a very interesting account of it in Ainslie’s Mat. Indica (ii, 190.)

Κύτισος,

Cytisus; its leaves are of a gently discutient and tepid nature, like those of melons.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. After maturely weighing the opinions which have been held respecting this classical herb, we have no hesitation in agreeing with those who refer it to the _Tree-medick_ (_Medicago arborea_ L.) Dioscorides says its leaves are cooling and discutient when applied externally, and diuretic when taken in decoction. (iv, iii.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it very succinctly, like our author. Avicenna briefly recommends it as a diuretic medicine, and one which is applicable in diseases of the spleen. (ii, 2, 24.)

Κώνειον,

Cicuta, _Hemlock_; that it is possessed of extremely cold powers is obvious.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears unquestionably to be the _Conium maculatum_. Stoerck and Bergius, contrary to the opinions of the ancient physicians, affirm that it is aphrodisiacal. This, however, seems doubtful. We have treated of its effects as a poison in the Fifth Book. As a medicine it does not appear to have been much used latterly, although Dioscorides says that its inspissated juice is of great use in the healing art, being mixed with wine in anodyne collyria, and used as a cataplasm for the cure of erysipelas and herpes. He also speaks of its being applied as a cataplasm to the testicles for the removal of the pollutio nocturni somni, and with the view of inducing impotence; and to the breasts, in order to dispel milk and render them atrophied. (iv, 79.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, like our author, merely state of it, in their works in the Mat. Med., that it is possessed of intensely refrigerant powers. It would appear that Galen was in the practice of administering it internally. (T. ii, 451, ed. Basil.) Of the Arabians, Avicenna gives the fullest exposition of its remedial powers, but he copies closely from Dioscorides, recommending it as a cold and narcotic application in the same cases as Dioscorides. He says it stops bleeding, congeals the blood, and induces torpor. (ii, 2, 662.) See also Serapion (c. 347.) It is, most probably, the cicuta of Celsus, who places it in his list of emollients. (v, 15.) It occurs also in the Hippocratic Collection, where both its leaves and seeds are recommended in fomentations. (De Steril.; de Fistulis, &c.)

Κῶνος,

Strobilus, _the Wild Pine_; the bark and leaves have powers like the pine, but more acrid and drastic. As to the fruit, which is called strobilus, the green has some bitterness and acrimony, with humidity, and hence it is applicable for promoting expectoration from the chest. The esculent kind, when soaked in water, so as to lay aside its acrimony, becomes of a good temperament, being free from pungency and emplastic, and hence it smooths asperities.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It here signifies the _Pinus sylvestris_, or Wild-pine; but it is commonly put for the _Nux Pinea_, or the cones of the _Pinus Pinea_, called in the shops _Pignoli pines_, and the seeds _pine-nuts_. Athenæus says that Theophrastus called the tree πέυκη and the fruit κῶνος. Diphilus, as quoted by the same, calls the pine-nuts nutritious, and says that they lubricate the trachea, and promote expectoration. (Deip. ii.) Galen, Serapion, and the other authorities also commend them in similar cases. Dioscorides treats of this subject in the 86th, 87th, and 88th chapters in the First Book, but not under the same head as our author. He recommends the different articles in nearly the same cases as Paulus and the other authorities. The fruit of the wild pine he commends as a demulcent in affections of the bladder and kidneys, and as a sedative in pains of the stomach. Celsus prescribes “nuclei ex pinu silvestri duodecim,” among his remedies for ulcerated kidneys. (iv, 10.) Avicenna treats of the subject under different heads, like Dioscorides, whom he closely follows. (ii, 2, 280, 301, 555, 693.) He recommends these articles in diseases of the chest and kidneys. He calls the fruit aphrodisiacal. See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 20); Serapion (c. 63); Averrhoes (Coll. v, 42.) All speak favorably of these medicines in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

Λαγώπους,

Lagopus, is possessed of desiccative powers and dries up fluxes of the belly.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This plant, the description of which is passed over by Dioscorides as being well known, may be set down among the articles of the ancient Materia Medica, which are least known to us. We may just mention regarding it, that some take it for _Trifolium arvense_, and others for _Lagurus ovatus_. Dioscorides calls it an astringent of the bowels, and mentions that it was used as an amulet in buboes. (iv, 17.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius briefly notice it as a desiccative medicine. We have not been able to find this article in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, but are aware that it may be concealed under some of their odd corruptions of the Greek terms. It seems probable that this is the _lagopyrus_ of Hippocrates. (De Ulcer.)

Λάδανον,

Ladanum; it is formed from the Cistus called Ladanus; the goats feeding upon it bring away upon their beard and thighs the fatter and more juicy part of the herb. Ladanum, when collected, is an excellent medicine, hot in about the second degree, and consisting of subtile particles. It is moderately emollient, discutient, and digestive; it therefore agrees with uterine affections in particular. It has also some astringency, and hence it strengthens hairs which are falling out.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dierbach and Sprengel agree with the elder commentators in calling it the _Cistus Creticus_. See also Royal Pharm. (i, c. 20.) Dr. Lindley says of the ladanum, that it is a resinous balsamic substance obtained from Cistus Creticus, and other species of the genus; he adds, that it has been esteemed as a stimulant and emmenagogue, and recommended in chronic catarrh. (Veg. King. 350.) Dioscorides mentions that it was procured either from the beards of goats which had browsed upon it, or by scraping the tree with thongs. Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen deliver its medicinal characters in much the same terms as our author. Dioscorides recommends it not only in uterine diseases, but also as a diuretic. He also speaks favorably of it as an ingredient in anodyne and expectorant plasters. (i, 128.) See Galen (ii, 160 ed. Basil.) The Arabians treat fully of it, but borrow almost every word they say respecting it from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 422); Serapion (c. 43); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 361); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The labdanum was retained in the Dispensatory as late as the time of Quincy, who has given an accurate account of it. (70.) It is also very correctly described by Tournefort, both in his voyage to the Levant and in his Mat. Med. (363.) Its use, however, is now obsolete. See Pereira (1263.) In Pemberton’s edition of the Dispensatory, there is given a formula for the composition of a “stomach plaster,” one of the ingredients of which is labdanum. (359.) We would vote for its being restored to the Pharmacopœia.

Λαθυρὶς,

Lathyris, is a species of spurge, and some say that its juice purges in a similar manner. Its seed in particular has purgative powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There can be no doubt, from our author’s brief notice of it, that it is the _Euphorbia Lathyris_, L. Dioscorides says of it that it evacuates phlegm, bile, and water. He mentions that its leaves were boiled along with a fowl or pot-herbs to loosen the bowels. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in brief terms, like our author. The Arabians treat of it at greater length, recommending it strongly in diseases of the joints, gout, and sciatica. They also mention its being a remedy for dropsy. They say it acts as an emetic. They direct its seeds to be boiled in the broth of an old cock, and taken. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 473); Serapion (c. 354.) It is not met with in the works either of Hippocrates or of Celsus. It does not occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, but is briefly noticed in Dr. Pereira’s Materia Medica (777.)

Λαμψάνη,

Lampsana, _Nipplewort_, when eaten supplies bad juices to the body. In a cataplasm it is detergent and discutient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears pretty certain that it is the Charlock, that is to say, either the _Raphanus Raphanistrum_ or _Sinapi Arvense_. Both are known by the English name of _Charlock_. It is rather a potherb than a medicine.

Λάπαθον,

Lapathum, _Dock_, is possessed of moderately discutient powers; but the oxylapathum is also somewhat repellent. The seed, particularly of the oxylapathum, being astringent, cures diarrhœas and dysenteries. The leaves, in so far, have opposite qualities to the seed; for they, when eaten, loosen the belly, whereas it, when drunk, proves astringent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Of the _Rumices_, the Oxylapathum, or _Rumex acutus_, was the species most used in medicine, and is the only one particularized by our author, with the exception of the hippolopathum already described. Of the four other species described by Dioscorides, the ὀξαλὶς is pretty generally acknowledged as the _Rumex acetosa_. The others cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy. See Sprengel, Sibthorp, Matthiolus, Parkinson, Gerard, and Rutty. Dioscorides gives the first of his species much the same characters as our author, recommending it most especially as a discutient application to leprosies and scrofulous tumours. He also speaks favorably of it as applied on a pessary in the fluor albus. The roots, he adds, boiled in wine, cure jaundice, and act as lithontriptics, emmenagogues, and alexipharmics. He further speaks of the dock as being appended in the form of an amulet for scrofulous swellings. (ii, 140, 141.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat cursorily of the lapatha, like our author. They occur in the works of Hippocrates and of Celsus; the latter ranks the _lapathum_ among the articles of food which contain bad juices (ii, 21), are bad for the stomach (ii, 25), and are laxative of the bowels (ii, 29.) Pliny’s account of the lapatha is mostly taken from Dioscorides. (H. N. xx, 85.) The term rumex, now generally applied to the genus dock, is taken from Pliny (xix, 60.) The dock is recommended by Africanus in jaundice, dropsy, and for the cure of leprosy, lichen, and alphos. (Geopon. xii, 38.) Macer, in the tenth century, describes it under the name of _paratella_, and, like the more ancient authorities, commends it externally for the cure of cutaneous diseases, and internally as an astringent. The Arabians, in like manner, prescribe it in these cases, and in general copy from Dioscorides in treating of the different species of dock. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 53); Serapion (c. 3); Ebn Baithar (i, 324.) The last of these treats fully of the rumices, but does not seem to describe any species not noticed by the Greeks.

Λειμώνιον,

Limonium, _Sea Lavender_; its fruit being austere, is given to the amount of an acetabulum, with wine, in cæliac and dysenteric affections, in hæmoptysis, and for the uterine discharge.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the limonium is borrowed from Dioscorides, who describes the plant as having leaves like beet, but more slender and longer, a slender straight stem, like that of the lily, filled with red fruit of an astringent taste. Like our author, he recommends it in cases requiring astringents. As far as we can judge, the characters here given it by Dioscorides apply very well to the plant called sea lavender or red behen, namely, the _Statice Limonium_, L. Compare Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1234) and Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmac.) with Dioscorides (iv, 16.) There seems no necessity, therefore, for following Gesner in transferring it to the _Polygonum Bistorta_. The other authorities, both Greek and Arabian, follow Dioscorides closely in treating of the limonium. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 423); Avicenna (ii, 2, 433); Ebn Baithar (ii, 452.) The German editor of the last of these, we are glad to find, agrees with us in referring this article to the _Statice Limonium_.

Λειχὴν,

Lichen; that upon rocks, which is like moss, being possessed of detergent and, at the same time, moderately refrigerant and desiccative powers, cures lichen, and is anti-inflammatory; and, as Dioscorides says, also stops hemorrhages. The lichens of horses, when triturated with vinegar, are said to cure epilepsy and the bite of every venomous animal.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the vegetable is abridged from Dioscorides, who, as stated by him, recommends it for stopping hemorrhages, and also for dispelling phlegmons and curing lichens: he adds, that it cures jaundice and removes defluxions of the mouth when rubbed in with honey. (iv, 53.) To which of the Lichenales of modern botanists it is applicable is somewhat doubtful: whether to the _Sticta pulmonacea_, as Matthiolus held; to the _Peltidea aphthosa_; or to the _Peltigera canina_. Compare Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.) with Lindley (Veg. King. 48), and Parkinson (1315.) This is also evidently identical with the second species of lichen described by Pliny. (H. N. xxvi, 10.) His former species is the _Marchantia conica_, L. (Ibid.) See Harduin (apud l. c.)

The λέιχηνες ἱππῶν are the well-known callosities forming at the knees of horses, called _spavins_ in English. See further, Harduin ad Plin. H. N. xxviii, 49. They are thus described by Cælius Aurelianus: “Sunt autem squamulæ anteriorum crurum sub armorum partibus in ipsis animalibus (equis) nata; has Græci lichenas vocant, sive chelidonas, nos vero impetigines vel hirundines.” (Tard. Pass. i, 4.) The Empirics gave them for the cure of epilepsy. (Ibid.) See Avicenna (ii, 233) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 271.)

Λεοντοπέταλον,

Leontopetalum, _Lion’s-leaf_; its root is heating and desiccative in the third degree, and is possessed of discutient powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Although Dioscorides has described this plant with more than his wonted accuracy, there is still some uncertainty regarding it, some holding it to be the _Leontice Leontopetalon_, and others the _Corydalis bulbosa_. The latter would appear to agree better in character with the description of Dioscorides than the other. See Lindley (Veg. King. 436.) The other authorities treat of it in very general terms, like our author, except Oribasius, who gives a pretty minute description of it, like Dioscorides. It is noticed by Ebn Baithar (ii, 186), who, however, does not supply much additional information. Dr. Sontheimer sets it down for the _Leontice Leontopetalon_.

Λεπίδιον,

Lepidium, _Pepperwort_ (by some called Iberis), belongs to the fourth order of calefacients, being like the cress in powers, but less desiccative.

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COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of this plant (which is _Lepidium latifolium_, Pepperwort) is mostly taken from Galen. Dioscorides says it is made into a pickle with milk, and that the power of its leaves is acrid and ulcerative, and hence it is used in a cataplasm for sciatica. He says further of it, that it is also applicable in diseases of the spleen, removes leprosy, and that its root _would seem_ to soothe pains of the teeth when appended to the neck as an amulet. (ii, 205.) It is to be remarked that Dioscorides always speaks of the virtues of amulets in ambiguous terms. It is described by the Arabians under the name of _Sitarig_ or _Scitaragi_. See Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 655) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 657.) Avicenna’s description of it is somewhat confused, and cannot be easily reconciled with that of Dioscorides, but with regard to its medicinal virtues, they are quite agreed. Bimasuy, one of Rhases’s authorities, says of it, that its seed is like the seed of nasturtium, but not so heating. Beckmann mentions that the _Lepidium latifolium_ was at one time used as a kitchen vegetable, and was called, in England, _poor man’s pepper_. (Hist. of Invent.)

Λεπὶς,

Squama, _Flake_; all kinds are strongly desiccative and astringent, and pungent in no inconsiderable degree. But the squama æris (_Flakes of copper_) is more desiccative, consists of more subtile particles, and has also some verdigris, more especially that from Cyprian nails, which is hence called clavaris. The squama ferri is possessed of more astringency, and still more that which is formed from the edge of sharp instruments, called stomoma, hence it is better for ill-conditioned ulcers. But the squama æris cleanses and melts down flesh more.

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COMMENTARY. The squama æris was a black per-oxyd of copper. The squama ferri, a black oxyd of iron. The stomoma was the chalybs or steel. See Dioscorides (v, 89), with the Commentaries of Matthiolus and Sprengel, and also the Appendix to Dunbar’s Lexicon. Geoffroy says of the squama æris, that it is little different from the æs astum being only the particles of burnt copper that fly off when hammered. Dioscorides calls it astringent and epulotic: when drunk with honeyed water, he says, it is phlegmagogue; some give it in flour as a pill; it is mixed, he adds, with ophthalmic remedies, drying defluxions, and removing asperities of the eyelids. The stomoma, he says, is inferior to the squama æris as a purgative. (v, 89, 90.) Our author’s account of these substances is borrowed from Galen. Aëtius also copies from Galen. Oribasius gives a fuller description of them, differing very little from that of Dioscorides. The Arabians treat of all these substances, as usual, borrowing freely from Dioscorides, and not adding much of their own. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 231); Serapion (c. 404); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. vi, 48); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43.) They prescribe the squama æris internally as a purge, and say of it that when the palate is smeared with it vomiting is excited. These substances occur in the Hippocratic treatises and in the works of Celsus. They have not been used medicinally in this country for some time past. The Hindoos use the preparations of copper both internally and externally, according to Dr. Royle. (Hindoo Med. 90.)

Λευκάκανθον,

Leucacanthon, _White Acanthus_ (called also Polygonaton and Ischias); its root is of a cutting nature and desiccative in the third degree, and it is heating in the first.

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COMMENTARY. We can only determine for certain that it belonged to the _Carduineæ_, but can scarcely venture to fix the genus, so loose is the description which the ancient authors have given of it, and so various the conjectures of modern commentators and herbalists respecting it. Upon the whole, the preponderance of the authorities is in favour of the _Cirsium tuberosum_. Dioscorides says of it, that its root is intensely bitter, and that the decoction of it with wine relieves chronic pleurisy and sciatica, ruptures and sprains, and further, that it relieves toothache. (iii, 19.) Galen recommends it in cæliac and stomach affections and hemoptysis; as a cataplasm to swellings, and a cure to toothache when used as a gargle. Aëtius gives the same character of it. The Arabians ascribe the same virtues to it, and also hold it to he alexipharmic. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 80, 671) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 118.) The use of it in medicine is as old as the Hippocratic age. See Dierbach’s Materia Medica Hippocr.

Λευκὰς,

Leucas, is heating and desiccative in the third degree, but its prevailing property is acrimony.

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COMMENTARY. It appears certainly to be a species of _Lamium_, either the _album_ or the _maculatum_. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 672) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor.) Dioscorides commends it as an application to venomous animals, especially those of the sea. (iii, 103.) The other authorities treat of it in general terms, like our author, who copies almost word for word from Galen.

Λευκοΐον,

Viola alba, _Stock Gillyflower_; the whole plant is detergent and attenuating, especially its flowers, and those in particular which are drier, so that it promotes menstruation, kills and ejects the fœtus; and if their powers are blunted by a mixture with water, they will answer with inflammations, particularly those of the uterus. The roots being possessed of similar powers, are composed of more gross matter, and are more terrene. But with vinegar they relieve indurated phlegmons.

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COMMENTARY. That the plant here described was stock, i. e. _Cheiranthus Cheiri_, is unquestionable. Dioscorides evidently included also another plant of the same order under this head, which, as stated by Sprengel, may probably be a variety of the _Matthiola incana_. He gives nearly the same account of its medicinal virtues as our author. Dioscorides says it kills the fœtus _in utero_ when applied on a pessary; and Galen and Aëtius ascribe the same powers to it when taken in a draught. By the Arabians it is obscurely treated of, their authorities in general seeming to confound it with the violet. See Rhases (Ad Mansor. iii, 21); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 37, 226); Ebn Baithar (i, 403.) The last of these does little more than copy from Galen and Dioscorides. It is not contained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. It is the _Viola lutea_ of our herbalist Gerard, and held a place in our Dispensatory as late as Quincy.

Λέυκη,

Populus alba, _the White Poplar_; the tree being composed of a watery, tepid, and terrene substance, has detergent properties.

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COMMENTARY. There can be no doubt of its being the _Populus alba_, L. Dioscorides says of it, that its bark, when taken in a draught, cures sciatica and strangury; that it is said to prevent conception; and that it is a remedy for earache and other complaints. (i, 109.) Our author copies from Galen. The Arabians, under this head, are servile copyists from the Greeks. See Serapion (c. 30); Avicenna (ii, 2, 333); and Ebn Baithar (i, 340.)

Λιβανωτὶς,

Rosmarinus, _Rosemary_; there are three varieties of it, one of which is sterile, and the other two bear fruit. They are possessed of detergent, incisive, discutient, and emollient powers. The juice of them, with honey, cures dimness of sight occasioned by thick humours. A decoction of that variety, which is used for garlands, proves serviceable in jaundice.

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COMMENTARY. Dioscorides, like our author, describes three species, of which the first bears a fruit called _cachrys_, a term previously used by Theophrastus and Nicander, and from which the plant has now got the scientific appellation of _Cachrys Libanotis_. The root of this plant is still kept by our apothecaries, although it has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory. See Gray’s Suppl. to the Pharmacop. (80.) The second species is probably the _Ferula nodiflora_. The third cannot be satisfactorily determined. Our old English herbalists give the libanotis the name of “herb frankincense.” (See Parkinson and Gerard.) These libanotides, however, must be distinguished from “the libanotis, called rosmarinus by the Romans,” which was the well-known _Rosmarinus officinalis_, and of which the flower, known by the name of _anthos_, was in frequent use as a medicine in the age of Sydenham, and still retains a place in our Dispensatory. We have been obliged to enter with more length than usual into the general literature of this subject, to prevent the mistake of confounding the _cachrys_ with the _rosmarinus_, which might be readily done, if the distinction now adverted to had not been clearly pointed out. Dioscorides recommends the libanotides for various medicinal purposes, as being emmenagogue, diuretic, and discutient. Our author’s character of them is mostly taken from Galen. The Arabians treat obscurely and confusedly of this subject. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 67); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 71); Serapion (c. 327.) Rhases says of the rosemary, that it is calefacient and attenuant, and hence proves carminative, diuretic, and emmenagogue. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the _Rosmarinus officinalis_ stands as the representative of the λιβανωτὶς. (Athens, 1837.)

Λιβανωτὸς,

Thus, _Frankincense_ is heating in the second order, and desiccative in the first. It has also a slight sub-astringency. The bark of it is perceptibly astringent. It is, therefore, desiccative in the second degree complete. Consisting of thicker matter than the frankincense, and being less acrid, it cures hæmoptysis, dysentery, cæliac and stomachic affections, both externally and when taken internally. The green shoot of it is heating and desiccative in the third degree. It is also somewhat detergent, by which property it cleanses and fills ulcers in the eyes.

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COMMENTARY. It is still by no means satisfactorily determined what tree it is which produces the frankincense; but the best authorities are now inclined to think that it is the _Boswellia turifera_. See Pereira (Mat. Med., 1185); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 78); and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 459.) Dioscorides says the best kind of incense is “the male,” by which the ancients meant the purest kind of it, or that consisting of the larger grains. See Gray (Pharmacop. 200.) The Indian is of an inferior quality. He calls it heating, astringent, and cleansing; and recommends it in hemorrhages, recent wounds, burns, chilblains, and other diseases of a like nature. He gives minute directions for the use of it in fumigations. The bark of the frankincense tree he recommends in fluxes and hemorrhages, and in ulcers of t