Chaps. 92-120.

Chap. 92.—The Pancratium: Twelve Remedies.

The pancratium is called by some the “little squill,” [“Scillam pusillam.” Fée considers it to be a squill, the variety with the red root of the Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the Sea-squill. Littré gives as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus, the Sea-daffodil.] in preference: it has leaves like those of the white lily, but longer and thicker, and a root composed of a large, red, bulb. The juice of it, taken with meal of fitches, relaxes the bowels, and acts as a detergent upon ulcers: for dropsy, and diseases of the spleen, it is administered with honey. Some persons boil it till the water becomes sweet; the water is then poured off, and the root is pounded and divided into tablets, which are dried in the sun and used for ulcerations of the head, and other affections which require detergents. It is sometimes given for cough, a pinch in three fingers in wine, and, in the form of an electuary, for pains in the side or peripneumony.

It is administered, also, in wine, for sciatica, griping pains in the bowels, and retardations of the catamenia.

Chap. 93.—The Peplis, Syce, Meconion, or Mecon Aphrodes: Three Remedies.

The peplis, [Probably the Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus; see B. xx. c. 81. It is a strong purgative.] known by the various names of “syce,” [“Fig-plant,” “poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference, no doubt, to its milky juice.] “meconion,” and “mecon aphrodes,” is a shrub-like plant, springing from a single, diminutive, root. The leaves of it resemble those of rue, but are a little larger; the seed, which lies beneath the leaves, is round, and smaller than that of the white poppy. It is ordinarily gathered in vineyards, at harvest-time, and is dried with the seed on, receivers being placed beneath to catch it as it falls. This seed, taken in drink, purges the bowels, and carries off bile and pituitous secretions: one acetabulum, taken in three heminæ of hydromel, is a middling dose. It is sprinkled also upon meat and other articles of food, as a laxative medicine.

Chap. 94.—The Periclymenos: Five Remedies.

The periclymenos [See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33.] is also a shrub-like plant, with two whitish, soft, leaves, arranged at intervals. At the extremity, among the leaves, is the seed, hard, and very difficult to pluck. It grows in ploughed fields and hedges, entwining around every object from which it can gain support. The seed is dried in the shade, pounded, and divided into lozenges. These lozenges are left to dissolve, in three cyathi of white wine, for a period of thirty days, and are given for diseases of the spleen; the volume of which is gradually diminished either by discharges of bloody urine, or else by alvine evacuation, the effects of the medicament being perceptible at the end of ten days. The leaves, boiled, act as a diuretic, and are useful for hardness of breathing. Taken in drink, in manner above-mentioned, they facilitate delivery, and bring away the afterbirth.

Chap. 95.—Pelecinon: One Remedy.

We have already [In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called “securidaca.”] spoken of pelecinon as growing in corn-fields, a plant which throws out a number of shoots from thin stems, and has leaves like those of the chick-pea. The seed, which is contained in pods of a curved shape, like diminutive horns and three or four in number, is similar to gith [See B. xx. c. 71.] in appearance, bitter, and an excellent stomachic. It is used as an ingredient in antidotes. [We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great antidote of Mithridates.]

Chap. 96.—Polygala: One Remedy.

Polygala [Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of Linnæus, the Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara of Linnæus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and Littré gives the Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp.] is a palm in height, with leaves like those of the lentil at the extremity of the stem. It has an astringent taste; taken in drink, it increases the milk in nursing women.

Chap. 97.—Poterion, Phrynion, or Neuras: Four Remedies.

Poterion, [See B. xxv. c. 76.] or, as some call it, “phrynion” or “neuras,” [The “sinew” plant.] throws out numerous branches, is shrivelled and prickly, and covered with a thick down. The leaves of it are small and round; the branches long, soft, thin, and flexible; and the blossom elongated, and of a grass-green colour. The seed is never used, but it has a pungent flavour and a powerful smell: the plant is found growing upon moist, watery, elevations. The roots are two or three in number, some two cubits in length, sinewy, white, and firm. It is dug up in autumn, and the stem yields a juice like gum, when cut. The root is said to be of wonderful efficacy as an application for the cure of wounds, more particularly of the sinews, even when severed. A decoction of it is also taken, with honey, for relaxations of the sinews, and for weakness or wounds of those parts.

Chap. 98.—The Phalangitis, Phalangion, or Leucacantha: Four Remedies.

The phalangitis [Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocallis liliastrum of Linnæus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M Fräas says, however (Synopsis, p. 288), that that plant has not been found in Greece; and relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers the Lloydia Græca, which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece, and the Peloponnesus, as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of 1500 feet.] is by some called “phalangion,” and by others “leucanthemum,” [“White flower.”] or, as I find it written in some copies, “leucacantha.” [“White thorn.”] Its branches are diminutive, never less than two in number, and running in contrary directions: the blossom is white, and similar to the flower of the red lily; the seed dark and broad, resembling the half of a lentil, but much thinner; and the root slender and of a grass-green colour. The leaves, blossoms, or seed of this plant are employed for the cure of wounds inflicted by scorpions, serpents, and the phalangium, [Hence its name. See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.] and for the removal of griping pains in the bowels.

Chap. 99.—The Phyteuma: One Property.

As for the phyteuma, [Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of Linnæus, the Crosswort.] I think it a mere loss of time to describe it, it being only used as an ingredient in philtres.

Chap. 100.—The Phyllon: One Property.

The Greeks give the name of “phyllon” [See B. xxii. c. 91. Fée thinks that it is two plants, the Cnicus Casabonæ, and the Thelygonum cynocrambe of Linnæus, that are here spoken of. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, Dog’s mercury, as its synonym.] to a plant which grows among the rocks, in mountainous spots. The female plant is of a more grass-green colour than the other, with a thin stem, a diminutive root, and a round seed, like that of the poppy. This last kind ensures the conception of issue of the same sex; while the male plant, differing only in the seed, which resembles the olive at its first appearance, ensures the conception of male issue. They are both taken in wine.

Chap. 101.—The Phellandrion: Two Remedies.

The phellandrion [Linnæus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name of Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active poison. It is probable that the Phellandrium, or “Male-cork-plant” of Pliny, still remains unknown.] grows in marshy spots, and has a leaf like that of parsley: the seed of it is taken in drink for calculi and affections of the bladder.

Chap. 102. The Phalaris: Two Remedies.

The phalaris [Possibly the Phalaris aquatiea of Linnæus, the Water canary-grass. Littré gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of Linnæus, Knotted canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34, Bohn’s Ed.] has a long thin stem, like a reed, with a drooping flower at the extremity; the seed is like that of sesame. [This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says “millet.”] This plant, too, taken with milk and honey, in wine or vinegar, breaks urinary calculi, and is curative of diseases of the bladder.

Chap. 103.—The Polyrrhizon: Five Remedies.

The polyrrhizon [Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the Aristolochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle.] has leaves like those of myrtle, and numerous roots. These roots are pounded and administered in wine, for injuries inflicted by serpents: they are useful, also, for cattle.

Chap. 104.—The Proserpinaca: Five Remedies.

The proserpinaca, [Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above in c. 91.] a common plant enough, is an excellent remedy for the sting of the scorpion. Powdered and mixed with brine and oil, in which the mæna [See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would appear that the mæna was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our Sardines.] has been preserved, it is an excellent cure, they say, for quinzy. [See B. xxvi. c. 11.] It is also stated that, however fatigued a person may be, to the extent even of losing his voice, he will be sure to be refreshed, by putting this plant beneath his tongue; and that if it is eaten, a vomit will be the result, productive of good effects.

Chap. 105.—Rhacoma: Thirty-six Remedies.

Rhacoma [The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally supposed to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of Linnæus, Pontic rhubarb.] is imported from the regions situate beyond Pontus. [The shores of the Euxine.] The root of it is similar to black costus, [See B. xii. c. 25.] but smaller and somewhat redder, inodorous, and of a hot, astringent flavour; when pounded, it yields a colour like that of wine, [“Fulvum,” probably, “tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black; see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18.] but inclining to saffron. Applied topically, it reduces abscesses and inflammations, and heals wounds: used with raisin wine, it allays defluxions of the eyes; with honey, ecchymosis; and with vinegar, livid marks upon the skin. Reduced to powder, it is sprinkled upon malignant ulcers, and is given internally for spitting of blood, in doses of one drachma, in water. For dysentery and cœliac affections, if unattended with fever, it is administered in wine; but if there is fever, in water. It is pounded more easily when it has been steeped in water the night before. A decoction of it is given, in doses of two drachmæ, for ruptures, convulsions, contusions, and falls with violence.

In cases of pains in the chest, a little pepper and myrrh is added. When the stomach is deranged, it is taken in cold water; and the same in cases of chronic cough, purulent expectorations, liver complaint, affections of the spleen, sciatica, diseases of the kidneys, asthma, and hardness of breathing. Pounded and taken in doses of three oboli, in raisin wine, or used in the form of a decoction, it cures irritations of the trachea: applied with vinegar, it acts as a detergent upon lichens. It is taken in drink, also, for flatulency, cold shiverings, chilly fevers, hiccup, gripings of the bowels, herpetic ulcerations, oppressions of the head, vertigo attended with melancholy, lassitude accompanied with pain, and convulsions.

Chap. 106.—The Reseda: Two Remedies.

In the vicinity of Ariminum, there is a well-known plant called “reseda:” [Possibly the Reseda alba of Linnæus.] it disperses abscesses and all kinds of inflammations. Those who employ it for these purposes, add the following words: “Reseda, [“Reseda, morbos reseda.” A pun upon the name of the plant, and the verb “resedo.”] allay this disease! knowest thou not, knowest thou not, what chick it is that has torn up these roots? Let it have nor head nor feet!” [Like the silly charm itself, “neither head nor tail.”] This formula is repeated thrice, the party spitting on the ground each time.

Chap. 107.—The Stœchas: Three Remedies.

The stœchas [See B. xxvi. c. 27.] grows only in the islands of that name. [The Stœchades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11.] It is an odoriferous plant, with leaves like those of hyssop, and of a bitter taste. Taken in drink, it promotes menstruation, and allays pains in the chest. It forms an ingredient, also, in antidotes.

Chap. 108.—The Solanum, by the Greeks Called Strychnon: Two Remedial Properties.

The solanum, [See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade is neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison.] according to Cornelius Celsus, [De Re Med. ii. 33.] is called “strychnon” by the Greeks; it is possessed of repercussive and refrigerative properties.

Chap. 109.—Smyrnion: Thirty-two Remedies. Sinon: Two Remedies.

Smyrnion [See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the Smyrnium perfoliatum of Linnæus, the Perfoliated alexander.] has a stem like that of parsley, but larger leaves, and growing principally about the young shoots, which are numerous. From the midst of these shoots the leaves make their appearance, unctuous, and bending towards the ground. This plant has a medicinal smell, penetrating to a certain degree, and agreeable: the colour of it is a pale yellow, and the stems bear rounded umbels like those of dill, [“Anethi” is a preferable reading to “apii,” “parsley.”] with a round, black seed, which dries at the beginning of summer. The root, also, is odoriferous, of an acrid, pungent flavour, soft and juicy, black on the outer coat and pale within. The smell of it partakes very much of the nature of that of myrrh, to which, in fact, it owes its name: it grows in localities of a stony nature, or covered with humus. Its medicinal properties are warming and resolvent.

The leaves and root are used as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue; the seed arrests diarrhœa; and the root, applied topically, disperses abscesses and suppurations, provided they are not inveterate, and reduces indurated tumours. It is useful, also, for injuries inflicted by the phalangium and by serpents, taken in wine, with the addition of cachrys, [See B. xxiv. c. 60.] polium, [See B. xxi. c. 21.] or melissophyllum; [See B. xxi. c. 86.] the dose, however, must be taken a little at a time only, for otherwise it acts as an emetic, a reason for which it is sometimes administered with rue. The seed or root is curative of cough, hardness of breathing, and diseases of the thoracic organs, spleen, kidneys, and bladder; the root, too, is used for ruptures and convulsions. This plant facilitates delivery, and brings away the afterbirth; it is also given, in combination with crethmos, [See B. xxvi. c. 60.] in wine, for sciatica. It acts as a sudorific and carminative, for which reason it is used to disperse flatulency of the stomach; it promotes, also, the cicatrization of wounds.

A juice is extracted from the root, which is very useful for female complaints, and for affections of the thoracic organs and viscera, possessing, as it does, certain calorific, digestive, and detergent properties. The seed, in particular, is given in drink for dropsy, external applications being made of the juice, and emollient poultices applied of the dried rind of the root. It is used, also, as a seasoning for food, boiled meat in particular, with the addition of honied wine, oil, and garum. [“Fish-sauce.” See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43.]

Sinon, [Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified with the Sison amomum of Linnæus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley.] a plant with a flavour very like that of pepper, promotes the digestion, and is highly efficacious for pains in the stomach.

Chap. 110.—Telephion: Four Remedies.

Telephion [Identified by Fée with the Sedum Telephium of Linnæus, the Orpine or livelong; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the Ever-green orpine; and by Littré with the Cerinthe aspeva, the Prickly honey-wort.] resembles purslain in the stem and leaves. From the root of it there spring seven or eight small branches, covered with thick, fleshy leaves; it grows in cultivated spots, and among vines in particular. It is used as an application for freckles, being removed as soon as dry; it is employed, also, for white morphew, [“Vitiligini.”] being applied some six hours each night or day, and the treatment continued for about three months: after removing it, barley-meal should be applied. Telephion is healing, also, for wounds and fistulas.

Chap. 111.—The Trichomanes. Five Remedies.

The trichomanes [The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86.] is a plant that resembles the adiantum, [See B. xxii. c. 30.] except that it is more slender and of a darker colour; the leaves of it, which are similar to those of the lentil, lie close together, on opposite sides, and have a bitter taste. A decoction of this plant, taken in white wine, with the addition of wild cummin, is curative of strangury. Bruised and applied to the head, it prevents the hair from falling off, and, where it has come off, restores it: pounded and applied with oil, it effects the cure of alopecy. The mere taste of it is provocative of sneezing.

Chap. 112.—The Thalictrum: One Remedy.

The thalictrum [Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of Linnæus, the Small meadow rue. Littré gives the Thalictrum flavum of Linnæus, the Common meadow rue.] has leaves like those of coriander, only somewhat more unctuous, and a stem resembling that of the poppy. [In its colour.] It is found growing everywhere, in champaign localities more particularly. The leaves, applied with honey, heal ulcers.

Chap. 113.—Thlaspi and Persicon Napy: Four Remedies.

Of thlaspi there are two kinds; the first [Fée identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of Linnæus, the Wild bastard-grass; Littré with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of Linnæus, Shepherd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris. Desfontaines gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of Linnæus.] of which has narrow leaves, about a finger in length and breadth, turned towards the ground, and divided at the point. It has a slender stem, half a foot in length, and not wholly destitute of branches; the seed, enclosed in a crescent-shaped capsule, [“Peltarum specie.” The “pelta” was a small, light shield, of various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent.] is similar to a lentil in shape, except that it has a jagged appearance, to which, in fact, it owes its name; [From θλάω, “to break.”] the flower is white, and the plant is found near footpaths and in hedges. The seed, which has an acrid flavour, carries off bile and pituitous secretions, by vomit and by alvine evacuation, the proper dose being one acetabulum. It is used, also, for sciatica, in the form of an injection, this treatment being persevered in until it has induced a discharge of blood: it acts also as an emmenagogue, but is fatal to the fœtus.

The other thlaspi, known by some as “Persicon napy,” [“Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of Linnæus, the Annual moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel, but its identity is very doubtful.] has broad leaves and large roots, and is also very useful as an injection for sciatica. Both plants are very serviceable for inguinal complaints; it being recommended that the person who gathers them should mention that he is taking them for diseases of the groin, for abscesses of all kinds, and for wounds, and that he should pluck them with one hand only.

Chap. 114.—The Trachinia: One Property.

What sort of plant the trachinia [This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B. xxi. c. 10.] is, the authorities do not state. I think that the assurance given by Democritus must be false: for it would be nothing less than a prodigy, for a plant, attached as an amulet, to consume the spleen in so short a time as three days.

Chap. 115.—The Tragonis or Tragion: Four Remedies.

The tragonis, [See B. xiii. c. 36. Fée suggests that it may possibly be a variety of the Pistacia lentiscus of Linnæus, the Mastich-tree, or lentisk. Desfontaines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M. Fräas (Synopsis, p. 182) suggests the Origanum maru.] or tragion, grows nowhere but in the maritime districts of the Isle of Crete; it resembles the juniper in the seed, leaf, and branches. Its milky juice, which thickens in the form of a gum, or its seed, taken in drink, expels pointed weapons from the flesh. The plant, too, is pounded fresh and applied as a liniment with wine, or, dried and powdered, with honey. It increases the milk in nursing women, and is a sovereign remedy for diseases of the mamillæ.

Chap. 116.—The Tragos or Scorpion: Four Remedies.

There is another plant also, called “tragos,” [See B. xiii. c. 37. M. Fräas (Synopsis, p. 257) identifies it with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the Great shrubby horsetail.] or “scorpion” by some, half a foot in height, branchy, destitute of leaves, and bearing diminutive red clusters, with a seed like that of wheat, but pointed at the extremity: this too grows in maritime localities. Ten or twelve tops of the branches, bruised and taken in wine, are remedial in cases of cœliac affections, dysentery, spitting of blood, and excessive menstruation.

Chap. 117.—The Tragopogon or Come.

There is the tragopogon, [“Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of Linnæus, the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert; it is never used in medicine”.] also, by some called “come;” a plant with a small stem, leaves like those of saffron, an elongated, sweet, root, and a large, swarthy calyx at the extremity of the stem. It grows in rugged soils, and is never used.

Chap. 118.—The Ages of Plants.

Such, then, is all that I have hitherto been enabled to learn or discover, worthy of mention, relative to plants. At the close, of this subject, it seems to me that it will not be out of place to remind the reader, that the properties of plants vary according to their age. It is elaterium, as already stated, [In B. xx. c. 3.] that preserves its properties the longest of all. The black chamæleon [See c. 41 of this Book.] retains its virtues forty years, centaury not more than twelve, peucedanum [See B. xxv. c. 70.] and aristolochia [See B. xxv. c. 54.] six, and the wild vine one year—that is to say, if they are kept in the shade. I would remark, also, that beyond those animals which breed within the plants, there are none that attack the roots of any of those which have been mentioned by me; with the exception, indeed, of the sphondyle, [A kind of fœtid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis.] a kind of creeping insect, [“Serpentis.”] which infests them all.

Chap. 119.—How the Greatest Efficacy in Plants May Be Ensured.

It is also an undoubted truth, that the virtues and properties of all roots are more feebly developed, when the fruit has been allowed to ripen; and that it is the same with the seed, when incisions have been previously made in the root, for the extraction of the juice. The efficacy, too, of all plants is impaired by making habitual use of them; and these substances, if employed daily, lose equally their good or bad properties, when required to be effectual. All plants, too, have more powerful properties, when grown in soils that are cold and exposed to the north-eastern blasts, or in dry localities.

Chap. 120.—Maladies Peculiar to Various Nations.

There are certain differences, also, by no means inconsiderable, in the predispositions of the various nations of the earth. I have been informed, for instance, that the people of Egypt, Arabia, Syria, and Cilicia, are subject to tapeworm and maw-worm, while those of Thracia and Phrygia, on the other hand, are totally exempt from them. This, however, is less surprising than the fact that, although Attica and Bœotia are adjoining territories, the Thebans are troubled with these inflictions, while among the people of Athens they are unknown.

Considerations of this description lead me now to turn my attention to the nature of the animated beings themselves, and the medicinal properties which are inborn in them, the most assured remedies, perhaps, for all diseases.

For Nature, in fact, that parent of all things, has produced no animated being for the purpose solely of eating; she has willed that it should be born to satisfy the wants of others, and in its very vitals has implanted medicaments conducive to health. While she has implanted them in mute [See B. xxii. c. 3.] and inanimate objects even, she has equally willed that these, the most invaluable aids of life, should be also derived from the life of another—a subject for contemplation, marvellous in the highest degree! [It is with regret that at the close of this Book, we take leave of the valuable Annotations of M. Fée, a series of illustrations which reflect the highest credit on his learning, his industry, and his critical acumen. Were the ancient authors in general subjected to the same minute examination and thorough enquiry which he has expended upon the Sixteen Botanical Books of Pliny, their value would be greatly enhanced, equally to the critical scholar, and to the general reader who makes his acquaintance with them through the medium of a translation. To say, that, in reference to their respective labours upon Pliny, M. Fée deserves our thanks almost equally with the learned Sillig—now, alas! no more—is to say much indeed in his praise, and to bestow upon him a commendation to which he is eminently entitled.]

Summary.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, six hundred and two.

Roman authors quoted.—Caius Valgius, [See end of B. xx.] Pompeius Lenæus, [See end of B. xiv.] Sextius Niger [See end of B. xii.] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus [See end of B. xx.] who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor, [See end of B. xx.] Cornelius Celsus. [See end of B. vii.]

Foreign authors quoted.—Theophrastus, [See end of B. iii.] Apollodorus, [See end of B. xi.] Democritus, [See end of B. ii.] Aristogiton, [Beyond being mentioned here, and in c. 14 of this Book, nothing is known of this writer.] Orpheus, [See end of B. xx.] Pythagoras, [See end of B. ii.] Mago, [See end of B. viii.] Menander [See end of B. xix.] who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander. [See end of B. viii.]

Medical authors quoted.—Mnesitheus, [See end of B. xix.] Timaristus, [See end of B. xxi.] Simus, [See end of B. xxi.] Hippocrates, [See end of B. vii.] Chrysippus, [See end of B. xx.] Diocles, [See end of B. xx.] Ophelion, [See end of B. xv.] Heraclides, [See end of B. xii.] Hicesius, [See end of B. xv.] Dionysius, [See end of B. xii.] Apollodorus [See end of B. xx.] of Citium, Apollodorus [See end of B. xx.] of Tarentum, Praxagoras, [See end of B. xx.] Plistonicus, [See end of B. xx.] Medius, [See end of B. xx.] Dieuches, [See end of B. xx.] Cleophantus, [See end of B. xx.] Philistion, [See end of B. xx.] Asclepiades, [See end of B. vii.] Crateuas, [See end of B. xx.] Petronius Diodotus, [See end of B. xx.] Iollas, [See end of B. xii.] Erasistratus, [See end of B. xi.] Diagoras, [See end of B. xii.] Andreas, [See end of B. xx.] Mnesides, [See end of B. xii.] Epicharmus, [See end of B. xx.] Damion, [See end of B. xx.] Tlepolemus, [See end of B. xx.] Metrodorus, [See end of B. xx.] Solo, [See end of B. xx.] Lycus, [See end of B. xii.] Olympias [See end of B. xx.] of Thebes, Philinus, [See end of B. xx.] Petrichus, [See end of B. xxi.] Micton, [See end of B. xx.] Glaucias, [See end of B. xx.] Xenocrates. [See end of B. xx.]

⁂ Before quitting the Botanical Books of Pliny, it is a duty both to our author and to the reader, to call attention to the illustrations of a few passages in this work, which will be found in the Textrinum Antiquorum, by Dr. James Yates, F.R.S., a book characterized by learning, equally profound and extensive, and the most indefatigable research: it being but recently, we are sorry to say, that we have been made acquainted with its valuable contents.

The following are selected as among the most useful and interesting results of his enquiries.

B. vi. c. 20 [V. ii. p. 36]. Dr. Yates is of opinion that Pliny has here mistranslated a passage of Aristotle, Hist. Anim. v. 19 and that he has mistaken the word βομβύκια, “cocoons,” for webs, similar to those of the spider, attached to the leaves of trees. Not understanding the original, he would seem to have given a distorted account of the simple operation of winding the threads from off the cocoons of the silkworm upon bobbins, by the hands of females; the threads upon which bobbins would be afterwards unwound for the manufacture of silken fabrics. See Notes 303 and 304 on the passage in question; also B. xi. c. 26.

B. viii. c. 74 [V. ii. p. 336]. For the word “Sororiculata,” Dr. Yates proposes to read “Soriculata,” and he suggests that the cloth thus called may have been a velvet or plush, which received its name from its resemblance to the coat of the field-mouse, “sorex,” the diminutive of which would be “soricula.”

B. xix. c. 2 [V. iv. p. 133] and c. 6 [p. 138], Dr. Yates expresses it as his opinion that the words “Carbasus” and “Carbasa” are derived from the oriental word Carpos, signifying “cotton,” and thinks that Pliny, in B. xix. c. 2, may have used the word by Catachresis, as meaning linen, in the same manner as the Latin poets repeatedly use the word “carbasa,” as signifying various kinds of woven textures. If this view be correct, the word “Carbasina” in B. xix. c. 6, will probably mean “awnings of woven material” generally, and not of fine linen, or cambric, as suggested in Note 856.

B. xix. c. 2 [V. iv. p. 134]. The genuineness of the passage which makes mention of the “Gossypium,” is questioned by Dr. Yates, who thinks it possible that it is an interpolation: such, however, if we may judge from the result of Sillig’s researches, does not appear to have been the case. If, on the other hand, the passage is genuine, Dr. Yates is of opinion that the statement is incorrect, and that cotton was not grown in Egypt. It seems just possible, however, that Pliny may have had in view the trees mentioned by him in B. xiv. c. 28.

B. xix. c. 4 [V. iv. p. 137, also p. 134, Note 837]. Dr. Yates has adduced a number of convincing arguments to prove that the “Byssus” of the ancients cannot have been cotton, but that in all probability it was a texture of fine flax. The passages of Pausanias, (B. v. c. 25, and B. vi. c. 26) in which “Byssus” is mentioned, would certainly seem to apply to flax, a product which is still cultivated near the mouth of the river Peneus, in ancient Elis. There is no doubt, however, that Philostratus, though perhaps erroneously, has used the word “Byssus” as meaning cotton.