Book XXVII. A Description of Plants, and of the Remedies Derived from Them.

Chaps. 1-22.

Chap. 1. (1.)—Researches of the Ancients Upon This Subject.

The further I proceed in this work, the more I am impressed with admiration of the ancients; and the greater the number of plants that remain to be described, the more I am induced to venerate the zeal displayed by the men of former times in their researches, and the kindly spirit manifested by them in transmitting to us the results thereof. Indeed their bounteousness in this respect would almost seem to have surpassed the munificent disposition even of Nature herself, if our knowledge of plants had depended solely upon man’s spirit of discovery: but as it is, it is evident beyond all doubt that this knowledge has emanated from the gods themselves, or, at all events, has been the result of divine inspiration, even in those cases where man has been instrumental in communicating it to us. In other words, if we must confess the truth—a marvel surpassed by nothing in our daily experience—Nature herself, that common parent of all things, has at once produced them, and has discovered to us their properties.

Wondrous indeed is it, that a Scythian [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.] plant should be brought from the shores of the Palus Mæotis, and the euphorbia [See B. xxv. c. 38.] from Mount Atlas and the regions beyond the Pillars of Hercules, localities where the operations of Nature have reached their utmost limit! That in another direction, the plant britannica [See B. xxv. c. 6.] should be conveyed to us from isles of the Ocean situate beyond the confines of the earth! [“Extra terras.” Meaning, the continental part of the earth.] That the æthiopis [See c. 3 of this Book.] should reach us from a climate scorched by the luminaries of heaven! And then, in addition to all this, that there should be a perpetual interchange going on between all parts of the earth, of productions so instrumental to the welfare of mankind! Results, all of them, ensured to us by the peace that reigns under the majestic sway of the Roman power, a peace which brings in presence of each other, not individuals only, belonging to lands and nations far separate, but mountains even, and heights towering above the clouds, their plants and their various productions! That this great bounteousness of the gods may know no end, is my prayer, a bounteousness which seems to have granted the Roman sway as a second luminary for the benefit of mankind.

Chap. 2. (2.)—Aconite, Otherwise Called Thelyphonon, Cammaron, Pardalianches, or Scorpio; Four Remedies.

But who, I say, can sufficiently venerate the zeal and spirit of research displayed by the ancients? It is they who have shown us that aconite is the most prompt of all poisons in its effects—so much so indeed, that female animals, if the sexual parts [See B. xxv. c. 75.] are but touched with it, will not survive a single day. With this poison it was that M. Cæcilius [Properly “Cælius”—the same M. Cælius Rufus who is mentioned in B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46.] accused Calpurnius Bestia of killing his wives in their sleep, and this it was that gave rise to that fearful peroration of his, denouncing the murderous finger of the accused. [“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.] According to the fables of mythology, this plant was originally produced from the foam of the dog Cerberus, when dragged by Hercules from the Infernal [See B. vi. c. i.] Regions; for which reason, it is said, it is still so remarkably abundant in the vicinity of Heraclea in Pontus, a spot where the entrance is still pointed out to the shades below.

And yet, noxious as it is, the ancients have shown us how to employ aconite for the benefit of mankind, and have taught us as the result of their experience, that, taken in mulled wine, it neutralizes the venom of the scorpion: indeed such is the nature of this deadly plant, that it kills man, unless it can find in man something else to kill. When such is the case, as though it had discovered in the body a fit rival to contend with, that substance is the sole object of its attack; finding another poison in the viscera, to it alone it confines its onslaught; and thus, a truly marvellous thing! two poisons, each of them of a deadly nature, destroy one another within the body, and the man survives. Even more than this, the ancients have handed down to us remedies employed by the animals themselves, and have shown how that venomous creatures even effect their own cure. By the contact of aconite the scorpion is struck with torpor, [See B. xxv. c. 75.] is quite benumbed, assumes a pallid hue, and so confesses itself vanquished. When this is the case, white hellebore is its great auxiliary: the very touch of it dispels its torpor, and the aconite is forced to yield before two foes, its own enemy [The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv c. 21.] and the common [The scorpion.] enemy of all.

Now, after this, if any one should be of opinion that man could, by any chance or possibility, make such discoveries as these, he must surely be guilty of ingratitude in thus appreciating the beneficence of the gods! In countries frequented by the panther, they rub meat with aconite, and if one of those animals should but taste it, its effects are fatal: indeed were not these means adopted, the country would soon be over-run by them. It is for this reason, too, that some persons have given to hellebore the name of “pardalianches.” [“Pard-strangle.”] It has been well ascertained, however, that the panther instantaneously recovers if it can find the opportunity of eating human ordure. [See B. viii. c. 41.] So far as these animals are concerned, who can entertain a doubt that it was chance only that first led them to this discovery; and that as often as this happens the discovery is only a mere repetition of the accident, there being neither reason nor an appreciation of experience to ensure its transmission among them?

(3.) It is chance, [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.] yes, it is chance that is the Deity who has made to us these numerous revelations for our practical benefit; [“Hoc habet nomen” is omitted; for, as Sillig says, it is evidently a gloss, which has crept into the text.] always understanding that under this name we mean Nature, that great parent and mistress of all things: and this is evident, whether we come to the conclusion, that these wild beasts make the discovery from day to day, or that they are gifted from the first with these powers of perception. Regarded in another point of view, it really is a disgrace that all animated beings should have an exact knowledge of what is beneficial to them, with the exception of man!

The ancients, openly professing their belief that there is no evil without some admixture of good, have asserted that aconite is a remarkably useful ingredient in compositions for the eyes. It may therefore be permitted me, though I have hitherto omitted a description of the poisonous plants, to point out the characteristics of aconite, if only that it may be the more easily detected. Aconite [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.] has leaves like those of cyclaminos [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.] or of the cucumber, never more than four in number, slightly hairy, and rising from near the root. This root, which is of moderate size, resembles the sea-fish known as the “cammarus,” [A kind of crab.] a circumstance owing to which the plant has received the name of “cammaron” from some; while others, for the reason already [At the beginning of this Chapter.] mentioned, have called it “thelyphonon.” [“Female-bane,” or “female-killer.” See B. xx. c. 23.] The root is slightly curved, like a scorpion’s tail, for which reason some persons have given it the name of “scorpio.” Others, again, have preferred giving it the name of “myoctonon,” [“Mice-killer.” This assertion is incorrect.] from the fact that the odour of it kills mice at a considerable distance even.

This plant is found growing upon the naked rocks known as “aconæ;” [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.] and hence it is, according to some authorities, that it is called “aconitum,” there being not so much as dust even about it to conduce to its nutriment. Such is the reason given for its name by some: but according to others, it receives this appellation from the fact that it fatally exercises the same effects upon the body that the whetstone [Also called ἀκόνη.] does upon the edge of iron, being no sooner employed than its effects are felt.

Chap. 3. (4.)—Æthiopis: Four Remedies.

Æthiopis [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.] is a plant with leaves resembling those of phlomos, [See B. xxv. c. 73.] large, numerous, hairy, and springing from the root. The stem is square, rough, similar to that of arction [See c. 16 of this Book.] in appearance, and with numerous axillary concavities. The seed resembles that of the fitch, being white and twofold; the roots are several in number, long, fleshy, soft, and of a viscous taste; when dry they turn black and hard, and might easily be taken for horns. In addition to Æthiopia, this plant grows upon Mount Ida in Troas, and in Messenia. The roots are gathered in autumn, and left to dry for some days in the sun, to prevent them from turning mouldy. Taken in white wine they are curative of affections of the uterus, and a decoction of them is administered for sciatica, pleurisy, and eruptions of the throat. The kind, however, which comes from Æthiopia, is by far the best, and gives instantaneous relief.

Chap. 4.—Ageraton: Four Remedies.

Ageraton [“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.] is a ferulaceous plant, a couple of palms in height, similar to origanum [See B. xx. c. 67.] in appearance, and bearing flowers like balls of gold. Used as a fumigation, this plant acts as a diuretic; and as a detergent upon the uterus, when used in a sitting bath more particularly. Its name has been given to it, from the circumstance that it keeps a very long time without fading.

Chap. 5.—The Aloe; Twenty-nine Remedies.

The aloe [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.] bears a resemblance to the squill, except that it is larger, and has more substantial leaves, with streaks running obliquely. The stem is tender, red in the middle, and not unlike that of the anthericus. [See B. xxi. c. 68.] It has a single root, which runs straight downwards, like a stake driven into the ground; its smell is powerful, and it has a bitter taste. The most esteemed aloes are those imported from India, but it grows in the Asiatic provinces [“Asia.”] as well. This last kind, however, is never used, except that the leaves are applied fresh to wounds; indeed, these leaves, as well as the juice, are glutinous to a marvellous degree, and it is for this property that it is grown in vessels of a conical form, in the same way as the greater aizoüm. [See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden vessels, in this country, at least; but only as an ornament.] Some persons make incisions in the stem to obtain the juice, before the seed is ripe, while others, again, make them in the leaves as well. Tearlike drops are also found adhering to it, which exude spontaneously: hence it is that some recommend that the place should be paved where it is grown, to prevent this juice from being absorbed.

Some authors have stated, that there is found in Judæa, beyond Hierosolyma, a mineral [He alludes to the bitumen of Judæa, much used by the Egyptians for the purposes of embalmment.] aloe, but that it is inferior to the other kinds, being of a darker colour and more humid than any of the rest. Aloes [He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce.] of the finest quality should be unctuous and shining, of a red colour, brittle, compact, like the substance of liver, and easily liquefied. That which is hard and black should be rejected; the same, too, when it is mixed with sand or adulterated with gum and acacia, a fraud which, may be easily detected by the taste.

This plant is of an astringent nature, binding, and slightly calorific. It is employed for numerous purposes, but principally as a purgative, [It is still used for this purpose.] it being almost the only one of all the medicaments which produce that effect, that is at the same time a good stomachic, and does not exercise the slightest noxious influence upon the stomach. It is taken in doses of one drachma, and, in cases of derangement of the stomach, it is administered two or three times a day, in the proportion of one spoonful to two cyathi of warm or cold water, at intervals, according to the nature of the emergency. As a purgative it is mostly taken in doses of three drachmæ; and it operates still more efficaciously, if food is eaten directly afterwards. Used with astringent wine, it prevents [There is no foundation, Fée says, for this statement.] the hair from falling off, the head being rubbed with it the contrary way of the hair, in the sun. Applied to the temples and forehead, with rose oil and vinegar, or used as an infusion, in a more diluted form, it allays head-ache. It is generally agreed that it is remedial for all diseases [It would appear that it is still employed in India for this purpose, but it is no longer used in Europe.] of the eyes, but more particularly for prurigo and scaly eruptions of the eye-lids; as also for marks and bruises, applied in combination with honey, Pontic honey in particular.

It is employed, also, for affections of the tonsillary glands and gums, for all ulcerations of the mouth, and for spitting of blood, if not in excess—the proper dose being one drachma, taken in water or else vinegar. Used by itself, or in combination, with vinegar, it arrests hæmorrhage, whether proceeding from wounds or from other causes. In addition to these properties, it is extremely efficacious for the cure of wounds, producing cicatrization very rapidly: it is sprinkled also upon ulcerations of the male organs, and is applied to condylomata and chaps of the fundament, either in common wine, raisin wine, or by itself in a dry state, according as a mollifying or restrictive treatment is required. It has the effect, also, of gently arresting hæmorrhoidal bleeding, when in excess. In cases of dysentery, it is used as an injection, and where the digestion is imperfect it is taken shortly after the evening meal. For jaundice, it is administered in doses of three oboli, in water. As a purgative for the bowels, it is taken in pills, with boiled honey or turpentine. It is good also for the removal of hangnails. When employed in ophthalmic preparations, it is first washed, that the more gravelly portions of it may subside; or else it is put over the fire in a pipkin, and stirred with a feather from time to time, that the whole of it may be equally warmed.

Chap. 6.—Alcea: One Remedy.

Alcea [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.] is a plant with leaves, resembling those of vervain, [See B. xxv. c. 59.] known also as “peristereon,” some three or four stems covered with leaves, a flower like that of the rose, and white roots, at most six in number, a cubit in length, and running obliquely. It grows in a soil that is rich without being dry. The root is given in wine or water, for dysentery, diarrhœa, ruptures, and convulsions.

Chap. 7.—The Alypon: One Remedy.

The alypon [Identified with the Globularia alypum of Linnæus, the Three-toothed leaf Globularia, or Turbith.] has a small stem, with a soft head, and is not unlike beet in appearance. It has an acrid, viscous taste, extremely pungent and burning. Taken in hydromel, with a little salt, it acts as a purgative. The smallest dose is two drachmæ, a moderate dose, four, and the largest, six. When used as a purgative, it is taken in chicken broth.

Chap. 8.—Alsine, a Plant Used for the Same Purposes as Helxine: Five Remedies.

Alsine, [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.] a plant known as “myosoton” [“Mouse-ear.”] to some, grows in the woods, to which fact it is indebted for its name of “alsine.” [From the Greek ἄλσος, a “grove.”] It begins to make its appearance at mid-winter, and withers in the middle of summer. When it first puts forth, the leaves bear a strong resemblance to the ears of mice. We shall have occasion, [In c. 80 of this Book.] however, to speak of another plant which may, with much more justice, be called “myosotis.” As for alsine, it would be the same thing as helxine, [The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19.] were it not that it is smaller and not so hairy. It grows in [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.] gardens and upon walls more particularly: when rubbed, it emits a smell like that of cucumber. It is used for abscesses, inflammations, and all those purposes for which helxine is employed; its properties, however, are not so active. It is applied topically, also, to defluxions of the eyes, and to sores upon the generative organs, and ulcerations, with barley meal. The juice is used as an injection for the ears.

Chap. 9.—The Androsaces: Six Remedies.

The androsaces [Generally supposed not to be a vegetable production, but a Madrepore. Fée identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of Linnæus] is a white plant, bitter, without leaves, and bearing arms surmounted with follicules, containing the seed. It grows in the maritime parts of Syria, more particularly. This plant is administered for dropsy, in doses of two drachmæ, pounded or boiled, in either water, wine, or vinegar: it acts most powerfully as a diuretic. It is used also for gout, either taken internally or used as a liniment. The seed is possessed of similar properties.

Chap. 10.—Androsæmon or Ascyron: Six Remedies.

Androsæmon [“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.] or, as some persons call it, “ascyron,” is not unlike hypericon, a plant of which we have spoken already: [See B. xxvi cc. 53, 54] the stems, however, are larger, redder, and lie more closely together. The leaves are of a white colour, and like those of rue in shape; the seed resembles that of the black poppy, and the upper branches, when bruised, emit a red juice the colour of blood: these branches have also a resinous smell.

This plant grows in vineyards, and it is usually in the middle of autumn that it is taken up and hung to dry. Used as a purgative, it is bruised with the seed, and taken in the morning or just after the evening meal, in doses of two drachmæ, in hydromel, wine, or pure water, the draught amounting to one sextarius in all. It carries off bile, and is particularly good for sciatica; but in this last case, caper root must be taken with resin the day after, the dose being one drachma, to be repeated every four days: after being purged, it is the practice for the patient, if in robust health, to take wine, but if in a weak state of body, water. It is employed topically, also, for gout, burns, and wounds, as it tends to arrest the flow of blood.

Chap. 11.—Ambrosia, Botrys, or Artemisia: Three Remedies.

Ambrosia is a vague name, which has fluctuated between various plants: there is one, [Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linnæus, the Sea ambrosia.] however, which has been more particularly designated by this appellation, a branchy, shrub-like plant, with a thin stem, some three palms in height; the root of it is one third shorter, and the leaves, towards the lower part of the stem, resemble those of rue. Its diminutive branches bear a seed which hangs down in clusters, and has a vinous smell: hence it is that by some persons the plant is called “botrys,” [The “cluster” plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book.] while to others it is known as “artemisia.” The people of Cappadocia use it for garlands. It is employed in medicine as a resolvent.

Chap. 12.—The Anonis or Ononis: Five Remedies.

The anonis, [See B. xxi. c. 58.] by some called “ononis” in preference, is a branchy plant, and similar to fenugreek in appearance, except that it is more shrub-like and more hairy. It has an agreeable smell, and becomes prickly after spring. It is pickled in brine for eating. Applied fresh to ulcers, it cauterizes the margins of them. For the cure of tooth-ache, the root is boiled in oxycrate: taken in drink, with honey, the root expels urinary calculi. For epilepsy, it is administered in oxymel, boiled down to one half.

Chap. 13.—The Anagyros or Acopon: Three Remedies.

The anagyros, known to some by the name of “acopon,” [“Dispelling lassitude.” Identified with the Anagyris fœtida of Linnæus, the Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds are emetic.] is a shrub-like plant, with an offensive smell, and a blossom like that of the cabbage. The seed grows in small hornlike pods of considerable length and resembles a kidney in shape; it hardens about the time of harvest. The leaves of this plant are applied to gatherings, and are attached to the person in cases of difficult parturition, care being taken to remove them the moment after delivery. In cases where the extraction of the dead fœtus is attended with difficulty, or where the after-birth or catamenia are retarded, the leaves are taken, in doses of one drachma, in raisin wine. The leaves are administered in the same manner for asthma: they are prescribed also in old wine, for injuries inflicted by the phalangium. [See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. cc. 24, 28.] The root is employed medicinally as a resolvent and maturative: the seed, chewed, acts as an emetic.

Chap. 14.—The Anonymos: Two Remedies.

The anonymos, [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.] through not having a name, has at last found one. [“Anonymos,” or “nameless.”] It is brought from Scythia, and has been highly extolled by Hicesius, a physician of no small repute, as also by Aristogiton. Bruised in water and applied, it is remarkably useful for wounds, and taken in drink it is good for blows upon the chest or mamillæ, as also for spitting of blood: it has been thought, too, that it might be advantageously taken in a potion for wounds. I am of opinion that the additional statement, to the effect that, burnt fresh, it acts as a solder to iron or copper, is wholly fabulous.

Chap. 15. (5.)—Aparine, Omphalocarpos, or Philanthropos: Three Remedies.

Aparine, [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.] otherwise called “omphalocarpos” [“Navel-fruit.”] or “philanthropos,” [“Man-loving.” See B. xxiv. c. 116.] is a ramose, hairy, plant, with five or six leaves at regular intervals, arranged circularly around the branches. The seed is round, hard, concave, and of a sweetish taste. It grows in cornfields, gardens, and meadows, and, by the aid of its prickly points, adheres to the clothes. The seed is employed to neutralize the venom of serpents, being taken in doses of one drachma, in wine: it is useful also for the bite of the phalangium. [See Note 53 above.] The leaves, applied topically, arrest hæmorrhage from wounds. The juice is used as an injection for the ears.

Chap. 16.—The Arction or Arcturum: Five Remedies.

The arction [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.] is by some called “arcturum” in preference: the leaves of it are like those of verbascum, [See B. xxv. c. 73.] except that they are more hairy; the stem is long and soft, and the seed resembles that of cummin. It grows in rocky localities, and has a tender root, white and sweet. A decoction of it is made with wine for tooth-ache, being retained for that purpose in the mouth. The plant is taken in drink for sciatica and strangury, and is applied with wine to burns and chilblains, which are fomented also with the root and seed bruised in wine.

Chap. 17.—The Asplenon or Hemionion: Two Remedies.

Some persons call the asplenon [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.] by the name of “hemionion.” [The “mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of it.] It has numerous leaves, a third of a foot in length, and a slimy root, pierced with holes like that of fern, white, and hairy. It is destitute of stem, flower, and seed, [This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed, but it is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance.] and is found growing upon rocks or sheltered damp walls. The most approved kind is that of Crete. A decoction of the leaves in vinegar, taken in drink for a period of thirty days, will consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being applied simultaneously. The leaves give relief also in hiccup. This plant should never be given to females, being productive of sterility.

Chap. 18.—The Asclepias: Two Remedies.

The asclepias [Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnæus, the Common white-flower swallow-wort; though Fée considers it somewhat doubtful.] has leaves like those of ivy, [Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance.] long branches, and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca: [See B. xviii. c. 44.] it is found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are used for the cure of griping pains in the bowels, and of stings inflicted by serpents, either taken in drink or applied topically.

Chap. 19.—The Aster or Bubonion: Three Remedies.

The aster [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.] is called “bubonion” by some, from the circumstance of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the groin. It has a diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or three in number; and at the summit it is surmounted with small radiated heads, like stars. This plant is taken also in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents: but if required for the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended that it should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the body near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an amulet, for sciatica.

Chap. 20.—Ascyron and Ascyroïdes: Three Remedies.

Ascyron [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.] and ascyroïdes are plants similar to one another, and to hypericon [See B. xxvi. c. 53.] as well, except that the plant known as “ascyroïdes” [It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.] has larger branches, ferulaceous, red all over, and bearing small yellow heads. The seed, enclosed in small calyces, is diminutive, black, and resinous. The tops of the branches, when bruised, stain like blood; for which reason some persons have given it the name of “androsæmon.” [“Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book.] The seed is used for the cure of sciatica, being taken in doses of two drachmæ, in one sextarius of hydromel. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off bile: it is applied also to burns.

Chap. 21.—The Aphaca: Three Remedies.

The aphaca [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.] has remarkably diminutive leaves, and is but little taller than the lentil. The pods are of a larger size, and enclose some three or four seeds, of a darker colour, moister, and more diminutive than those of the lentil: it grows in cultivated fields. It is naturally more astringent than the lentil, but in other respects is applied to much the same purposes. The seed, used in a decoction, arrests fluxes of the stomach and bowels.

Chap. 22.—Alcibium: One Remedy.

I have not found it stated by authors what kind of plant alcibium [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.”] is; but the root, I find, and the leaves, are pounded and employed, both externally and internally, for injuries inflicted by serpents. When the leaves are used, a handful of them is bruised in three cyathi of undiluted wine: the root is employed in the proportion of three drachmæ to the same quantity of wine.