evergreen thorn. It receives its name probably from the redness of its
berries, which are the colour of fire.
[280] Fée considers this to be the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolle,
and not identical with the Paliurus mentioned in B. xiii. c. 33.
[281] Fée thinks that the copyists have made a mistake in this passage,
and that the reading should be “aquifolia,” the same plant that is
mentioned afterwards under that name. He identifies them with the Ilex
aquifolium, or holly. See B. xvi. cc. 8, 12, where Pliny evidently
confounds the holm oak with the holly.
[282] Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 119, “the branches of the _rhamnus_,
it is said, placed at the doors and windows, will avert the spells of
sorcerers.” It is not improbable that Pliny, in copying from some other
author, has mistaken the one for the other.
[283] An exaggeration, no doubt. The Cissampelos Pareira of Lamarck, an
Indian plant, abounds in mucilage to such an extent, that an infusion
of it in water becomes speedily coagulated.
[284] One would be induced to think that this story is derived from
some vague account of the properties of the Boomerang. Although
supposed by many to have been the invention of the natives of
Australasia, representations of it are found on the sculptures of
Nineveh. It is not improbable that Pythagoras may have heard of it from
the Magi during his travels in the East. See _Bonomi’s Nineveh_, p. 136.
[285] “Recubitu” seems preferable to “cubitu.”
[286] This is very doubtful, Fée says.
[287] See B. xvi, c. 71.
[288] See B. xvi. c. 71.
[289] Blackberries are still used in the country, Fée says, as an
astringent medicine, and all here stated that is based upon that
property is rational enough. The same cannot, however, be said of the
greater part of the other statements in this Chapter.
[290] See B. xx. cc. 23, 81, and B. xxiii. cc. 12, 18.
[291] See B. xx. c. 81, B. xxii. c. 13, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
[292] Cabbage-sprouts. See B. xix. c. 41.
[293] Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxiii. c. 71.
[294] See B. xxvi. cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90.
[295] The spider called “phalangium” is meant, Fée says. See B. xi. c.
28.
[296] Astringents.
[297] “Lapidescunt.”
[298] The eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71.
[299] He alludes to “bedeguar,” a fungous excrescence found on the wild
rose-tree, and produced by the insect known as the Cynips rosæ. It is
somewhat rough on the exterior, like the outer coat of the chesnut.
[300] The fruit, Fée says, of the wild eglantine. See B. xxv. c. 6.
[301] Or “dog-bramble.”
[302] “Dog-strangle,” apparently.
[303] “Drawn with a string.” Fée thinks that Pliny has confused the
account given of this plant with that of the Aglaophotis, mentioned in
c. 102 of this Book, and that the Cynosbatos is only a variety of the
Rubus or bramble. Other authorities identify it with the Rubus caninus,
or with the Rosa sempervirens. Desfontaines thinks that it is the Ribes
nigrum, or black currant; and Littré is of opinion that some gooseberry
or currant tree is meant.
[304] See B. xiii. c. 44.
[305] “Thyrsus.” Fée thinks that the allusion is to the produce of the
caper, while Hardouin says that it is the first cynosbatos that he is
speaking of. Hardouin is probably right.
[306] The blossom, perhaps, of the Rubus fruticosus, or blackberry.
[307] See B. xii. c. 60.
[308] Fée says that they have no such property, and that the blossoms
of the bramble are entirely destitute of any known medicinal qualities.
The roots and leaves are somewhat astringent.
[309] The raspberry; see B. xvi. c. 71.
[310] There is one variety which is very diminutive, and entirely
destitute of thorns, the Rubus Idæus lævis of C. Bauhin, the Rubus
Idæus non spinosus of J. Bauhin.
[311] See B. xvi. c. 71.
[312] Of the bramble genus.
[313] In reality, as Fée says, there is no botanical affinity between
the Rubus, or bramble, and the Rhamnus.
[314] Sprengel identifies this plant with the Zizyphus vulgaris of
Linnæus, the jujube, and Desfontaines is of the same opinion. Fée,
however, takes it to be the Rhamnus saxatilis of Linnæus, the rock
buckthorn.
[315] Identified by some authorities with the Paliurus aculeatus of
Decandolles, mentioned in c. 71. Sprengel is in doubt whether it may
not be the Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus.
[316] Not a characteristic, Fée says, of the genus Rhamnus of modern
Botany.
[317] Or “Lycian” extract. See B. xii. c. 15.
[318] See B. xii. c. 15. Fée identifies this with the modern Catechu,
a decoction from the Acacia catechu, a leguminous plant of the East
Indies.
[319] The Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus, our buckthorn. The Indian plant
from which catechu is extracted is of a similar nature. See B. xii. c.
15.
[320] This Fée looks upon as an exaggeration.
[321] See B. xii. c. 15.
[322] _I.e._ the choice part of it; see B. xii. c. 15. Catechu is
adulterated at the present day with starch and argillaceous earths. As
a medicament it is not possessed of a very powerful action.
[323] “Clavos.”
[324] This statement is quite correct.
[325] See B. xiii. c. 20.
[326] The Penæa sarcocolla is not a thorny tree.
[327] Fée says that this is not the case. It is no longer used in
medicine.
[328] Or conserve of fruits. An electuary.
[329] Seed of the sumach. See B. xiii. c. 13.
[330] “Ground oak.” See B. xiv. c. 19; where it is identified with
the Teucrium chamædrys of Linnæus. Littré, however, informs us,
that M. Fraäs considers it to be the Teucrium lucidum of Linnæus;
because, as we learn from Dioscorides, it grows on rocky places, is a
remarkably diminutive shrub, and has a fine odour, all of which are
characteristics of the latter plant, and not of the Teucrium chamædrys,
commonly known as the dwarf oak or germander.
[331] An invention attributed to Dædalus, in B. vii. c. 57.
[332] The Teucrium chamædrys is a bitter plant, which has been
successfully used for fever, and it acts as a tonic and vermifuge.
Beyond these, it has no medicinal properties whatever.
[333] See B. xiv. c. 19.
[334] Or “ground-laurel.” Fée considers this to be identical with the
Alexandrian laurel, mentioned in B. xv. c. 39. It is no longer used
in medicine, but the roots of a plant of kindred nature, the Ruseus
aculeatus, or butcher’s broom, are diuretic.
[335] Or “ground olive.” See B. xiii. c. 35.
[336] This, Fée says, is consistent with modern experience; indeed it
is drastic to a dangerous extent.
[337] “Albugines.”
[338] Or “ground fig.” The Euphorbia chamæsyce, or annual spurge.
[339] The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be
highly dangerous to the eyes.
[340] Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of
warts.
[341] Or “ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book.
[342] Fée says that this comparison is not strictly correct.
[343] The “ground-poplar.” See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the
Tussilago farfara of Linnæus; our colt’s-foot.
[344] Or “tube”—“infundibulum.” Colt’s-foot is still smoked, either
by itself or in conjunction with tobacco. Fée says, however, that to
inhale the smoke in the manner here described, would be enough to
create a cough if it did not exist before.
[345] “Ground-pine” or “ground pitch-tree.” Identified by Sprengel with
the Stohelina chamæpeuce of Willdenow, a corymbiferous plant of the
Isle of Candia.
[346] “Ground-cypress.” Identified with the Euphorbia cyparissias of
Linnæus, the cypress spurge. Taken internally, it is a corrosive poison.
[347] Or “vine-leek.” The Allium ampeloprason of Linnæus, the great
round-headed garlic. It is no longer used in medicine, and all that
Pliny states as to its medicinal properties is quite unfounded, Fée
says.
[348] Fée thinks that Pliny has committed an error here, and that the
word “marrubii” should be substituted, our “horehound.” He identifies
it with the Stachys Germanica of Linnæus, or base horehound; which is
more commonly found in the South of Europe than in Germany.
[349] Or “bed-foot.” The Clinopodium vulgare of Linnæus, our wild
basil. It has some useful properties attributed to it; but what Pliny
here states respecting it is erroneous.
[350] This seems to be the meaning of “orbiculato foliorum ambitu.”
[351] Turner and C. Bauhin identify it with the Gnaphalium Germanicum
of Lamarck, and Sprengel with the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnæus. If
so, Fée says, the synonym here given by Pliny is erroneous; for the
Greek clematis, there can be little doubt, is the Clematis cirrhosa of
Linnæus. See the account given of the Gnaphalion in B. xxvii. c. 61.
[352] All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée says,
is erroneous.
[353] Probably the Asclepias nigra of Linnæus, black swallow-wort.
[354] The Asclepias nigra has no such medicinal effects as those
mentioned by Pliny.
[355] The Vinca major and Vinca minor of Linnæus, the greater and
smaller periwinkle. Fée is at a loss to know why it should be called
“Egyptian,” as it is a plant of Europe.
[356] “Laurel-shaped” and “many-cornered.”
[357] In B. xix. c. 30.
[358] Fée says that the Dracontion of the Greeks and the Dracunculus
of the Latins are identical, being represented in modern Botany by the
Arum dracunculus of Linnæus, the common dragon.
[359] From “draco,” a “dragon” or “serpent.” Fée says, that it is not
to its roots, but to its spotted stem, resembling the skin of an adder,
that it owes its name.
[360] “Virus.” Fée says that the Arum dracunculus has a strong, fetid
odour, and all parts of it are acrid and caustic, while the Arum
colocasia has an agreeable flavour when boiled.
[361] This, Fée says, is fabulous.
[362] Though no longer used in medicine, the account here given of
the properties of the Arum colocasia is in general correct, a few
marvellous details excepted.
[363] Sillig thinks that there is a lacuna here, and that the name
“Cleophantus” should be supplied.
[364] Fée thinks that, thus employed, it would be more injurious than
beneficial. Though Pliny is treating here of the Arum colocasia or
Egyptian Arum, he has mingled some few details with it, relative to the
Arum dracunculus, a plant endowed with much more energetic properties.
See Note 360 above.
[365] See B. viii. c. 54, as to the use alleged to be made by animals
of this plant.
[366] Fée says that this is very doubtful.
[367] In c. 91 of this Book. This story is owing merely to its
appearance, which somewhat resembles the skin of a serpent.
[368] “Demonstratum mihi est.”
[369] Identified by Fée with the Arum Italicum of Lamarck.
[370] Fée queries whether this may not be the Arum maculatum of
Linnæus, wake-robin, cuckoo pint, or lords and ladies.
[371] Identified by C. Bauhin with the Calla palustris of Linnæus.
[372] The Arum arisarum of Linnæus, hooded arum or friar’s cowl, a
native of the coasts of Barbary and the South of Europe.
[373] Or “ten thousand leaves.” The Myriophyllum spicatum of Linnæus,
according to most authorities, though Fée considers it very doubtful.
[374] Possibly the Achillea millefolium of Linnæus, our milfoil or
yarrow. It is still said to have the property of healing wounds made by
edge-tools, for which reason it is known in France as the “carpenter’s
plant.”
[375] This assertion, as Fée remarks, is more than doubtful.
[376] “Bastard turnip.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Bunium
aromaticum; Fée queries whether it may not be the Pimpinella tenuis of
Sieber, found in Crete. The Berberis vulgaris has been also suggested.
[377] Desfontaines identifies it with the Scandix odorata of Linnæus.
Hardouin says that it is musk chervil, the Chærophyllum aromaticum
of Linnæus, in which he has followed Dodonæus. Fuchsius suggests the
Chærophyllum silvestre of Linnæus: Fée expresses himself at a loss to
decide.
[378] Probably the Hedysarum onobrychis of Linnæus, our sainfoin.
[379] They are _very much_ larger than those of the lentil, in fact.
This diversity has caused Fée to express some doubts whether it really
is identical with sainfoin. The Polygala officinalis has also been
suggested.
[380] Dalechamps considers these appellations to mean the “virgins’
plant,” and the “plant of beauty.”
[381] The Cissampelos Pareira, as already stated, abounds in mucilage
to such a degree, as to impart a consistency to water, without
impairing its transparency. See c. 72 of this Book.
[382] The reading of this word is doubtful. Hardouin thinks that it is
the same as the Minyanthes mentioned in B. xxi. c. 88.
[383] Fée says that the only cases known of a phænomenon resembling
this, are those of the Dictamnus albus, white dittany, which attracts
flame momentarily when in flower, and of the Tropæolum majus, or great
Indian cress. He thinks, however, that there are some trees so rich in
essential oil, that they might possibly ignite as readily as naphtha.
[384] In B. ii. c. 109.
[385] Another reading here is “aproxis,” which seems more probable.
[386] “The work of his own hands,” according to Hesychius.
[387] “Admiration of man.” It is impossible to say what plant is meant
under this name, but the pæony, Pæonia officinalis, has been suggested;
also the Tropæolum majus. Desfontaines queries whether it may not be
the Cæsalpinia pulcherrima, a native of the East. Some authors, Fée
says, have identified it with the “Moly” of Homer.
[388] So called from Achæmenes, the ancestor of the Persian kings. Fée
thinks that it was a variety of the Euphorbia antiquorum, or else a
nightshade.
[389] “Food for the gods.”
[390] See B. xii. c. 30; also the Introduction to Vol. III.
[391] “Venerable” or “majestic.”
[392] “Hard as a diamond.”
[393] The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. c. 18.
[394] See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name.
[395] Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name.
[396] “Serpent-plant.” Fée thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant,
or perhaps the Arum serpentaria; see c. 93 of this Book.
[397] “Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, Fée thinks, probably a
night-shade.
[398] Hardouin suggests “potamitis,” river-plant.
[399] It is not impossible that this may in reality be an allusion to
the effects of opium, or of hasheesh.
[400] “Messenger of the gods,” apparently.
[401] “Laughing leaves.” Possibly, Fée thinks, the Ranunculus
philonotis, the Herba Sardoa or Sardonic plant of Virgil, known by some
authorities as the Apium risus, or “laughing parsley.” Desfontaines
suggests that hemp (prepared in the form of _hasheesh_) is meant.
[402] “Convivial” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Areca
catechu, which is chewed in India for the benefit of the teeth and
stomach, and as a sweetener of the breath.
[403] “Brother” plant.
[404] “Bride of Dionysus or Bacchus.”
[405] “Sun-flower.” Not the plant, however, known to us by that name.
[406] “Beauty of the sun,” apparently.
[407] “Mixture of Hermes,” apparently.
[408] Previously mentioned in this Chapter.
[409] As Fée remarks, it has been a notion in comparatively recent
times, that it is possible to procreate children of either sex at
pleasure.
[410] The “bashful” plant. An Acacia, Fée thinks; see B. xiii. c. 19.
The Mimosa casta, pudica, and sensitiva, have similar properties: the
Sensitive Plant is well known in this country.
[411] Fée queries whether this may not be the Silene muscipula of
Linnæus, the fly-trap.
[412] The “wine-tamer.”
[413] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Grammarian Apion.
Dalechamps thinks that it is either Apion or Apollodorus.
[414] The “returning” plant. Fée says that the Sedum Telephium of
Linnæus, or orpine, is called in the dictionaries by this name. He
queries whether it may not be the Sedum anacampseros, or evergreen
orpine, as Hesychius says that it continues to live after being taken
up from the earth; a peculiarity, to some extent, of the house-leek.
[415] He probably alludes to his remarks upon Magic, in Books xxix. and
xxx.
[416] From ἔριφος, a “kid.” Ruellius has attempted to identify this
plant with one of the Ranunculaceæ; but there is little doubt, as Fée
says, that both plant and insect are imaginary.
[417] “Herba lanaria.” See B. xix. c. 18.
[418] Hardouin identifies it with the Ulva lactuca of Linnæus; but
that plant, Fée says, contains no milky juice, and does not act as an
emetic. One of the Euphorbiaceæ is probably meant.
[419] “Military” plant. Hardouin identifies it with the Achillea
millefolium of Linnæus, mentioned in c. 95 of this Book. Fée, however,
does not recognize the identity.
[420] “Soldier” plant. Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Salvinia
natans; but Fée thinks, with Sprengel, that it is the Pistia stratiotes
of Linnæus, great duckweed or pondweed.
[421] “Always living.” See B. xix. c. 58.
[422] It is pretty clear that in relating this absurdity he is not
speaking of one plant solely, but of any plant which may chance to grow
on the head of a statue. Numerous mosses grow upon marble; and statues
are gradually covered, Fée says, with the Byssus antiquitatis.
[423] “Tongue” plant. Fée identifies it with the Scolopendrium
officinarum of Willdenow, the Lingua cervina of other botanists. See B.
xxv. c. 84.
[424] In B. xiv. c. 3.
[425] Or “vine-supporting.”
[426] Fée suggests that this may possibly be the Spiræa ulmaria of
Linnæus.
[427] The “impious” or “unnatural” plant. Fée identifies it with
the Filago Gallica of Linnæus, the corn cudweed. It is destitute of
medicinal properties, and what Pliny states is without foundation.
[428] Generally identified with the Scandix pecten Veneris, corn
cicely, or shepherd’s needle. See B. xxii. c. 38.
[429] Fée queries whether this may not possibly be the Rhus coriaria
of Linnæus, elm-leaved sumach, mentioned in B. xiii. c. 13. He would
appear, however, to have confounded it with the Notia, next mentioned.
[430] “Man-loving,” or rather “attached to man.” Identified with the
Galium aparine of Linnæus, goose-grass, or common ladies bedstraw; the
seeds of which attach themselves to the dress.
[431] See B. xxi. c. 64.
[432] The dog-bur. The Lappa tomentosa of Lamarck. See B. xxvi. c. 65.
[433] See c. 95 of this Book.
[434] Or hartwort; see B. xx. cc. 18, 87.
[435] The Tordylium officinale of Linnæus, officinal hart-wort.
[436] “Grass.” The Triticum repens, or Paspalum dactylon of Linnæus,
our couch-grass.
[437] This is probably quite a different production, being the
Parnassia palustris, according to Dodonæus; but Fée is inclined to
think that it is the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, bell-flower or
rampions.
[438] Fée thinks that this applies to the plant of Parnassus, and not
to the common Gramen.
[439] This property, Fée says, is still attributed to couch-grass.
[440] “Draconum.” A peculiar kind of serpent. See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B.
ix. ll. 727-8.
[441] No such variety is known.
[442] Fée is somewhat at a loss as to its identity, but thinks that
it may be the Panicum sanguinale of Linnæus, or possibly the Cynodon
dactylon.
[443] See B. xix. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 102. Possibly a Sedum or
houseleek, Fée thinks; certainly not a grass.
[444] Fée queries whether this may not be the Poa rigida of Linnæus,
hard meadow-grass.
[445] An Euphorbia, Fée thinks.
[446] “Bull’s horn” or “goat’s horn.”
[447] In B. xviii. c. 39.
[448] The seed contains a mucilage, and is considered emollient and
resolvent. Till recently, Fenugreek was the base, Fée says, of a
plaster held in high esteem.
[449] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third.
[450] “Sapa.”
[451] Fée remarks, that in reality there is no bitterness in fenugreek.
He suggests therefore, that the meaning may be “offensive smell,” that
emitted by fenugreek being far from agreeable.
[452] See end of B. xx.
[453] See end of B. xiv.
[454] See end of B. xii.
[455] See end of B. xx.
[456] See end of B. xx.
[457] See end of B. vii.
[458] See end of B. iii.
[459] See end of B. xi.
[460] See end of B. ii.
[461] See end of B. xx.
[462] See end of B. ii.
[463] See end of B. viii.
[464] See end of B. xix.
[465] See end of B. viii.
[466] See end of B. vii.
[467] See end of B. xxi.
[468] See end of B. xxi.
[469] See end of B. xxi.
[470] See end of B. xxi.
[471] See end of B. iv.
[472] See end of B. xxi.
[473] See end of B. xxi.
[474] See end of B. xxi.
[475] See end of B. vii.
[476] See end of B. xx.
[477] See end of B. xx.
[478] See end of B. xx.
[479] See end of B. xii.
[480] See end of B. xxv.
[481] See end of B. xxii.
[482] See end of B. xx.
[483] See end of B. xx.
[484] See end of B. xx.
[485] See end of B. xx.
[486] See end of B. xx.
[487] See end of B. xx.
[488] See end of B. xx.
[489] See end of B. xx.
[490] See end of B. vii.
[491] See end of B. xx.
[492] See end of B. xx.
[493] See end of B. xii.
[494] See end of B. xi.
[495] See end of B. xii.
[496] See end of B. xx.
[497] See end of B. xii.
[498] See end of B. xx.
[499] See end of B. xx.
[500] See end of B. xx.
[501] See end of B. xx.
[502] See end of B. xx.
[503] See end of B. xx.
[504] See end of B. xii.
[505] See end of B. xx.
[506] See end of B. xx.
[507] See end of B. xix.
[508] See end of B. xx.
[509] See end of B. xx.
[510] As Fée remarks, it is more as a writer upon Agriculture than upon
Materia Medica, that Cato is entitled to the thanks of posterity.
[511] See end of B. xx.
[512] His piety, apparently, was tainted with adulation.
[513] With the exception of Cato, of course.
[514] See end of B. xiv.
[515] See c. 79 of this Book: also B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxix. c. 8.
[516] A mere prejudice, arising from the fact that numerous poisonous
plants grew in the countries on the shores of the Euxine. The blood of
no animal whatever is an antidote to any poison.
[517] See B. vii. c. 37. An interesting account of his system will be
found in B. xxvi. c. 7. See also B. xxix. c. 5.
[518] See B. xxiii. c. 77.
[519] The four great changes in plants, though not always at the four
seasons of the year, are the budding and foliation, the blossoming, the
fructification, and the fall of the leaf.
[520] See end of B. xx.
[521] There is little doubt that he alludes to the passage of Æschylus,
quoted by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 15. Τυῤῥήνων γενεὰν
φαρμακοποιὸν ἔθνος—“The race of the Tyrrheni, a drug-preparing nation.”
[522] See B. ii. c. 87, B. iii. c. 9, B. xv. c. 36, and B. xxxii. c. 21.
[523] See B. vii. c. 2.
[524] See B. ii. c. 87.
[525] Od. iv. 228, _et seq._
[526] See B. xxi. c. 91.
[527] See B. xxi. cc. 21, 84.
[528] Or serpent.
[529] In B. x. c. 20.
[530] Most probably by the agency of “feverish expectation” on the part
of the patient.
[531] In B. xviii. c. 45.
[532] As Fée remarks, this dreadful malady is still incurable,
notwithstanding the eulogiums which have been lavished upon the virtues
of the Scutellaria laterifolia of Linnæus, the Alisma plantago, Genista
tinctoria, and other plants, as specifics for its cure.
[533] Dog-rose, or eglantine. See B. viii. c. 63.
[534] An unwarranted assertion, no doubt.
[535] He alludes to a substance known to us as “bedegnar,” a kind of
gall-nut, produced by the insect called Cynips rosæ.
[536] Or “little dragon.” The Arum dracunculus of Linnæus. See B. xxiv.
cc. 91, 93.
[537] In c. 93.
[538] As Fée remarks, the influence of water impregnated with selenite
upon the health is well known.
[539] Fée says that this disease was an “intense gastritis, productive
of a fetid breath.” It would seem, however, to be neither more nor less
than the malady now known as “scurvy of the gums.” Galen describes the
“sceloturbe,” as a kind of paralysis. “Stomacace” means “disease of the
mouth;” “sceloturbe” “disease of the legs.”
[540] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Rumex aquaticus,
but Fée considers it to be the Inula Britannica of Linnæus. The Statice
armeria, Statice plantaginea, and Polygonum persicaria have also been
suggested.
[541] The pseudo-Apuleius, in B. xxix. t. 7, says, that if gathered
before thunder has been heard, it will be a preservative against quinzy
for a whole year.
[542] The flower of the Inula Britannica, Fée says, is much more
likely, from its peculiarities, to have merited a peculiar name, than
that of the Rumex.
[543] Lipsius, in his Commentaries upon Tacitus, Ann. i. 63, has very
satisfactorily shown that it did not derive its name from the islands
of Britain, but from a local appellation, the name given by the natives
to the marshy tracts upon the banks of the Ems, between Lingen and
Covoerden, which are still known as the “Bretaasche Heyde.” Munting
and Poinsinet de Sivry suggest that it may have received its name from
being used as a strengthener of the teeth in their sockets, being
compounded of the words _tann_, “tooth,” and _brita_, “to break.”
[544] And therefore comparatively unknown.
[545] In c. 33, _et seq._, of this Book.
[546] In the next Book.
[547] See the case of M. Agrippa, mentioned in B. xxiii. c. 27.
[548] Said, by Plutarch, to have been administered to him by his
freedman Callisthenes, with the view of securing his affection
[549] Od. x. l. 302, _et seq._
[550] Fée devotes a couple of pages to the _vexata quæstio_ of the
identification of this plant, and comes to the conclusion that the
Moly of Homer, mentioned on the present occasion, and of Theophrastus,
Ovid, and the poets in general is only an imaginary plant; that the
white-flowered Moly of Dioscorides and Galen is identical with the
Allium Dioscoridis of Sibthorp; and that the yellow-flowered Moly of
the author of the Priapeia is not improbably the Allium Moly or magicum
of Linnæus. Sprengel derives the name “Moly” from the Arabic, and
identifies it with the Allium nigrum of Linnæus.
[551] Homer says that there _is_ difficulty to men, but not to the gods.
[552] In their pictures, mentioned in c. 4.
[553] Ovid, Galen, and Theophrastus, say the same.
[554] There must either be some error in the reading here, or the
physician must have attempted to impose upon our author’s credulity.
[555] Or “the twelve gods.”
[556] Generally identified with the Primula vulgaris or officinalis of
Linnæus. Its leaves, however, are of varying number, and not like those
of the lettuce. The Dodecatheos Meadia, or Virginian cowslip, it must
be remembered, is an American plant.
[557] The Pæonia officinalis of Linnæus, our Peony.
[558] Pæon, the physician, mentioned in the Iliad, B. v. l. 401. as
healing Pluto, when wounded by Hercules.
[559] From its _five_ seeds, which resemble _fitches_.
[560] “Sweet to the view,” apparently.
[561] See B. xxiii. c. 76.
[562] He means nightmare.
[563] See B. x. cc. 18, 20, and B. xxvii. c. 60.
[564] The Greek for “all-healing.”
[565] Probably the Laserpitium hirsutum of Lamarck. The Echinophora
tenuifolia of Linnæus, the thin-leaved prickly parsnip, has also been
named.
[566] Or “All-heal.”
[567] In B. xii. c. 57
[568] In B. xii. c. 57.
[569] Identified with the Laserpitium Chironium of Linnæus, otherwise
called Pastinaca opopanax. Fée observes, that when the word ‘Panaces’
is used alone, this plant is always the one meant.
[570] In B. xx. cc. 62, 69.
[571] The Centaur Chiron; see B. vii. c. 57. Sprengel identifies
this plant with the Hypericum origanifolium of Willdenow, but Fée is
inclined to think that its synonym is still unknown. M. Fraäs, in
his Synopsis, p. 139, identifies it with the Hypericum Olympicum, an
odoriferous plant, which the H. organifolium is not.
[572] The Centaurea centaurium of Linnæus, the greater centaury.
[573] “Seritur.”
[574] Hardouin identifies it with the Geranium Robertianum of Linnæus;
Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Phellandrium mutellina of Linnæus;
Columna with the Sanicula; Sibthorp with the Scrofularia lucida; and
M. Fraäs with the Scrofula chrysanthemifolia of Linnæus. Fée expresses
himself unable to speak with any certainty on the subject.
[575] Whence its name “sidereon.”
[576] Or “Chironian vine.”
[577] In B. xxiii. c. 17.
[578] In B. xxii. c. 20.
[579] “Swine’s bean”—our henbane.
[580] The Hyoscyamus reticulatus of Linnæus, reticulated henbane.
[581] The Hyoscyamus niger of Linnæus, black henbane.
[582] See B. xviii. c. 22, and B. xxii. c. 75. The Hyoscyamus aureus of
Linnaæus, golden henbane.
[583] The Hyoscyamus albus of Linnæus, white henbane.
[584] The third kind mentioned above.
[585] In B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiii. c. 49. This cannot have been a
fixed oil.
[586] The Mercuralis annua of Linnæus, male and female; the herb
mercury.
[587] “Herb of Hermes.”
[588] The male, as Fée suggests, bears no seed at all.
[589] A mere absurdity, of course.
[590] De Nat. Mul. and De Morb. Mul. B. i. and B. ii.
[591] The medicinal properties of the Mercurialis are not by any means
energetic, but it is still used, Fée says, as a gentle aperient.
[592] B. xxvi. cc, 74, 76, 89.
[593] Both stories are equally improbable.
[594] See B. xxxiv. c. 45.
[595] The weapons in early time, it must be remembered, were made of
copper or bronze.
[596] The third Sideritis of Dioscorides is thought to be the same with
the Heracleon siderion of c. 15 of this Book. Pliny evidently confounds
the Achillea and the Sideritis, totally different plants. The Achillea
is identified by Fée with the Achillea tomentosa or abrotonifolia of
Linnæus. As to the Sideritis, see B. xxvi. c. 12. The _real_ Panaces
heracleon has been mentioned in c. 12 of this Book.
[597] Or “Thousand leaves,” probably identical with the Achillea
millefolium of Linnæus, milfoil or yarrow. See B. xxiv. c. 95.
[598] “Marrubii.”
[599] “Ironwort.” The third Sideritis of Dioscorides, above mentioned.
See c. 15 of this Book. See also B. xxvi. cc. 12 and 88.
[600] Identified by Desfontaines with the Sanguisorba officinalis of
Linnæus.
[601] “Royal broom,” identified by many commentators with the
Chenopodium scoparia of Linnæus.
[602] Or “mule-plant.” It is identified by Fée with the Asplenion
ceterach, or Ceterach officinarum of Linnæus, the Ceterach, a fern, and
a different plant from the Teucrium of B. xxiv. c. 80, or Germander.
[603] Hence its name, “Asplenium.”
[604] “Exinanisse.” A fable, of course.
[605] The Teuerium lucidum of Linnæus: though, as Fée says, there is
little similarity between it and hyssop, or between its leaves and
those of the bean. See B. xxiv. c. 80.
[606] Identified by Fée with the Veratrum album and Veratrum nigrum of
Linnæus, species between which there is little difference.
[607] Identified by Tournefort with the Helleborus niger of Lamarck.
Littré mentions the Helleborus orientalis of Linnæus.
[608] The stem of white hellebore is much longer than this.
[609] This comparison with the onion, Fée says, is altogether inexact.
[610] If he would imply that they do this without inconvenience, the
statement, Fée says, is incorrect.
[611] “Cut off,” and “With many roots.”
[612] Hellebore is no longer used, except in veterinary medicine.
[613] Petronius Arbiter says that the philosopher Chrysippus used it.
[614] M. Livius Drusus. See B. xxviii. c. 42, and B. xxxiii. c. 6.
[615] Anticyra in Phocis was a peninsula, _not_ an island.
[616] In B. xxii. c. 64.
[617] In B. xix. c. 18.
[618] Hence the Greek name “ectomon.”
[619] “Tenuior.”
[620] This is the meaning assigned by Hardouin to the word “ramulos.”
Holland renders it “small shoots” or “slips,” and he is probably right.
[621] “Squama æris.”
[622] See a similar statement as to Consiligo, in B. xxvi c. 21.
[623] See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiv. c. 11.
[624] Its properties, Fée says, are not more active than those of black
hellebore.
[625] Fée remarks, that they showed their wisdom in this.
[626] Herophilus, it must be remembered, lived a considerable time
before Themison.
[627] “Forficulis.” He probably refers to c. 21, where, however, he has
mentioned only a needle—“acus.” It is possibly a _lapsus memoriæ_ on
his part.
[628] This he has stated to be attended with danger, in the case of
black hellebore, should the dose be too strong.
[629] In c. 21 of this Book.
[630] Twitchings of the mouth, which cause the patient to show his
teeth, like a dog.
[631] Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Erythronium dens canis of
Linnæus, and Commerson and Schreiber with the Dorstenia tambourissa of
Sonnerat. Fée is probably right in considering its synonym as still
unknown.
[632] Hardouin identifies it with the Stachys Germanica, Linnæus and
Sprengel with the Nepeta scordotis of Linnæus, and Fée with the Stachys
Palæstina.
[633] Fée remarks, that none of the plants mentioned in the last Note
bear any resemblance to the “quercus,” or oak.
[634] Probably the Teucrium scorodonia of Linnæus, Fée says; though, as
he remarks, the description might apply to many of the Labiatæ.
[635] Its names were derived from Polemon, a king of Pontus, and
Philetærus, a king of Cappadocia. It is generally identified with the
Polemonium cæruleum of Linnæus, Greek valerian, or Jacob’s ladder. M.
Fraäs suggests that it may be the Hypericum Olympicum of Linnæus, with
which he also identifies the Panaces chironion.
[636] “With a thousand virtues.”
[637] So called probably from a king Eupator. Sprengel and Desfontaines
identify it with the Agrimonia eupatorium, but Fée prefers the
Eupatorium cannabinum of Linnæus, relying upon the description given by
Dioscorides. B. iv. c. 41.
[638] Fée considers this to be the same with the Panaces centaurion or
Pharnaceon of c. 14 of this Book, the greater Centaury. Littré also
names the Centaurea centaureum of Linnæus.
[639] See B. xii. c. 15. B. xxiii. cc. 58, 60, and B. xxiv. c. 77, for
a preparation with a similar name, but, as Fée says, of an entirely
different character.
[640] In B. xxvi. cc. 15, 19, 34, 55, 66, 76, 85, and 91.
[641] Or “small” centaury, Probably the Chironia centaureum of Smith,
_Flor. Brit._, our Felwort. Littré names the Erythræa centaureum of
Persoon.
[642] From λιβάδες, “flowing streams.”
[643] See B. xxi. cc. 10, 39, and 98, also c. 80 of this Book.
[644] “Fel terræ.”
[645] A word of Celtic origin, most probably, and not from the Greek,
as Pintianus supposes.
[646] Theophrastus, as stated by Pliny, in B. ix. c. 9, says that
centaury is protected by the “triorchis” (see B. x. cc. 95, 96), and
Pliny in translating the passage has made a mistake as to a third kind.
Fée is probably right in his conjecture that the Centaurea centaureum
is meant; though Brotier and Desfontaines look upon this as being a
distinct plant, and identify it with the Rumex sanguineus of Linnæus.
[647] The root of the greater centaury, Fée remarks, is of a deep red
within.
[648] Pliny himself is one of the “imperiti” here.
[649] Son of Cæneus, and king of Arcadia. The plant is identified with
the Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, our Woodbine or Honeysuckle.
Sibthorp identifies the Clymenum of Dioscorides with the Convolvulus
sepium of Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Lathyrus clymenum of Linnæus.
[650] Possibly the Clymenum of Dioscorides, mentioned in the preceding
Note. Littré names the Calendula arvensis, the Field marigold.
[651] The Gentiana lutea of Linnæus.
[652] This, Fée remarks, is not the fact.
[653] This comparison is inexact.
[654] It is _not_ swarthy.
[655] A king of Thrace, contemporary with Alexander the Great. Sprengel
and Desfontaines identify this plant with the Lythrum salicaria of
Linnæus, the purple Willow-herb. Fée, on the authority of Dioscorides,
identifies it with the Lysimachia vulgaris of Linnæus, the yellow
Willow-plant. Littré gives the Lysimachia atro-purpurea of Linnæus.
[656] Pliny has probably mistranslated the Greek πυῤῥόν here, “reddish
yellow.”
[657] An absurdity, of course.
[658] Artemis or Diana, the guardian of pregnant women.
[659] Probably the Artemisia chamæmelifolia, Camomile-leaved mugwort.
The A. arborescens, the Tree-wormwood is named by Littré.
[660] Either the Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or
Roman wormwood, or else A. campestris of Linnæus, Field southern-wood.
[661] Identified with the Artemisia camphorata of Linnæus, Camphorated
mugwort.
[662] Quite a different plant. See B. xxvii. c. 11.
[663] Judging from the text of Dioscorides, a passage has been probably
lost here, to the effect that “it is taken in drink by persons troubled
with lascivious dreams.”
[664] Identified with the Nymphæa alba of Linnæus, the White-flowered
nymphæa.
[665] “Adversatur ei allium.” A corrupt reading, in all probability.
[666] The Nuphar lutea of Sibthorp; the Yellow-flowered nymphæa, or
Nenuphar.
[667] See B. v. c. i.
[668] In B. xix. c. 38.
[669] Il. xii. 444.
[670] The Euphorbia officinarum of Linnæus, Officinal spurge.
[671] An incorrect statement, as Fée remarks.
[672] Its odour, Fée says, is not so strong as Pliny would have us
believe.
[673] On the contrary, Fée observes, it would be not unlikely to
produce ophthalmia of the most obstinate kind.
[674] This Fée considers to be almost impracticable.
[675] Cisalpine Gaul.
[676] See B. xiii. c. 35.
[677] See B. xii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 14, and B. xxxi. c. 39.
[678] The Plantago lagopus of Linnæus, according to Sibthorp; but
Sprengel identifies it with the Plantago lanceolata of Linnæus, or else
the P. maritima.
[679] The Plantago altissima or major of modern botany.
[680] _I.e._ the ribs, nerves, or sinews of the leaf.
[681] “Seven-sided.”
[682] Whence its name, from the Greek. Sprengel and Desfontaines
identify it with the Borrago officinalis of Linnæus, our Borage. Littré
gives the Anchusa Italica.
[683] Though Pliny’s assertion is supported by the authority of
the School of Salerno, Fée treats it as entirely unfounded. Leaves
of borage still form an ingredient in the beverages known as Copas
and Cider-cup at Cambridge. See this usage, and the identity of the
Buglossos discussed at some length by Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. ii. p.
340, _Bohn’s Ed._
[684] “Promoting cheerfulness.”
[685] “Dog’s tongue.” The Cynoglossum officinale of Linnæus, Hound’s
tongue, or Venus’ navel-wort; or else the C. pictum of Aiton.
[686] Fée is at a loss to know how it can have been employed in topiary
work or ornamental gardening.
[687] This statement is made by Dioscorides with reference to
Arnoglossos, Lamb’s tongue, or Plantago. See c. 39, above.
[688] Identified with the Myosotis lappula of Linnæus, Prickly-seeded
scorpion-grass.
[689] See B. xxi. c. 64.
[690] “Ranis.” Under this name he probably includes toads.
[691] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Anthemis valentina
of Linnæus, the Purple-stalked camomile; but Fée agrees with Sibthorp
in considering it to be the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the
Corn marigold, the former not being, apparently, a native of Greece.
Littré gives the Chrysanthemum coronarium of Linnæus, the Garland
chrysanthemum.
[692] “Steatomata.” Tumours of a fatty nature.
[693] Generally agreed to be identical with the Glycyrrhiza of B. xxii.
c. 2, our Liquorice. Fée says that the G. asperrima grows in great
abundance on the banks of the river Volga.
[694] See B. xxvii. c. 1.
[695] Liquorice certainly palls the appetite, but it is very apt to
create thirst.
[696] In copying from the Greek, Pliny has mistaken “hippace,” a cheese
made from mare’s milk, for a plant! It is very likely, however, that it
would tend, like any other cheese, to appease hunger, though, probably,
not thirst.
[697] He has probably invented this reason himself, as it is hardly
probable that the Scythians would feed their horses with cheese, even
though made from mare’s milk.
[698] Sprengel identifies it with the Andropogon ischæmon of
Linnæus, the Woolly andropogon. Fée expresses his doubts as to its
identification. It derives its name “ischæmon,” from its property of
stanching blood.
[699] To arrest epistaxis or bleeding at the nose.
[700] The Betonica alopecuros of Linnæus, the Fox-tail betony.
[701] The “little saw.”
[702] “Nurtured by breezes.” M. Fraäs thinks that the Cestros of the
Greeks is a different plant from the Vettonica of the Romans, and
identifies it with the Sideritis Syriaca.
[703] See B. xx. c. 85.
[704] Pliny is the only author that mentions the Cantabrica, and his
account, Fée thinks, is too meagre to enable us satisfactorily to
identify it with the Convolvulus cantabrica of Linnæus.
[705] A conical work-basket or cup. See B. xxi. c. 11.
[706] Sprengel and other commentators identify it with the Pulmonaria
officinalis of Linnæus, Lungwort or Pulmonary. Others, again, consider
it to be the Veratrum album of Linnæus, or White hellebore. Fée
considers that its synonym has not hitherto been discovered. Holland
calls it Bear-foot.
[707] B. xxvi. c. 21.
[708] Fée identifies it with the Lepidium graminifolium of Linnæus,
Grass-leaved pepperwort; Desfontaines with the L. Iberis of Linnæus,
Bushy pepperwort. Littré gives as its synonym the Iberis amara of
Linnæus, the White candy-tuft.
[709] “Fictum nomen.” Salmasius thinks that by these words, Pliny means
that Democrates invented the name of a friend of his as being the
discoverer of this plant, which in reality was discovered by himself.
It would seem to mean, however, that the name “iberis” was only a
fanciful title, derived from the country where it was found, and given
to it for want of acquaintance with its real name.
[710] Still preserved in Galen, B. x. c. 2.
[711] The Chelidonium majus of Linnæus, the Greater celandine or
swallow-wort.
[712] “Pastinaca erratica.” See c. 64 of this Book.
[713] Identified with the Ranunculus ficaria of Linnæus, the Pilewort,
or Lesser celandine.
[714] The same is the case, Fée remarks, with numbers of other plants.
[715] “Collyriis.”
[716] The Dactylos of B. xxiv. c. 119, is supposed to be the plant
alluded to. The word “canariam” is found here in former editions, but
Sillig omits it. Indeed Pliny seems to say that it is quite unknown to
him.
[717] In B. xxii. c. 37.
[718] From the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.”
[719] In B. viii. c. 41.
[720] The Origanum dictamnus of Linnæus, Dittany of Candia.
[721] This is an error: it grows, and doubtless did in Pliny’s time, in
numerous other places; but that of Mount Ida in Crete was held in the
highest esteem.
[722] It has all three, in fact; as Fée says, it is evident that Pliny
never saw it. Its medicinal properties are no longer held in any esteem.
[723] “False-dittany.” It is generally identified with the Marrubium
pseudodictamnus of Linnæus, the Shrubby white horehound; though perhaps
on insufficient grounds.
[724] Fée is inclined, with Sprengel, to identify it with the Origanum
Creticum of Linnæus. Other commentators have suggested the Origanum
Tournefortii, the Thymus mastichina of Linnæus, and the Marrubium
acetabulosum of Linnæus.
[725] See B. xx. c. 91.
[726] “Limes Diomedis.”
[727] “Most excellent for pregnancy.”
[728] See B. xxvi. c. 56.
[729] Identified by Fée with the Aristolochia rotunda of Linnæus,
Rounded birthwort, a native of the south of France and the southern
parts of Europe. Littré gives the Aristolochia pallida of Willdenow.
[730] Most probably the Aristolochia longa of Linnæus, found in
France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Littré gives as its synonym the
Aristolochia parvifolia of Sibthorp.
[731] The Aristolochia clematis of Linnæus, almost identical with the
Aristolochia Cretica and Bætica.
[732] The Aristolochia plistolochia of Linnæus, the Spanish branching
stemmed birthwort. Fée thinks that these identifications, though
probable enough, are not altogether satisfactory, and that the Greeks
may have made these distinctions between varieties of the plant
comparatively unknown to the rest of Europe. They are no longer held in
any esteem for their medicinal properties.
[733] See B. xxvi. c. 91.
[734] “With many roots.”
[735] See B. xxvi. c. 62.
[736] See c. 6 of this Book.
[737] See cc. 11, 12, 13, 14, of this Book.
[738] See B. xx. c. 61.
[739] See B. xxiv. c. 80.
[740] See c. 15 of this Book.
[741] See c. 27 of this Book.
[742] See c. 35 of this Book.
[743] See c. 50 of this Book.
[744] See B. xvi. c. 24.
[745] See c. 54 of this Book. As Fée remarks, these asserted remedies
for the stings of serpents are not deserving of discussion.
[746] The Papaver argemone of Linnæus, the Rough poppy. It is a native
of France, and many other parts of Europe.
[747] This, Fée remarks, is not stated by Dioscorides, whose
description is more correct.
[748] It is supposed by commentators that he is in error here, and that
this description applies to the Lappa canaria, mentioned in B. xxiv. c.
116.
[749] The root of the Papaver argemone has no such smell.
[750] See B. xxi. c. 94, B. xxiv. c. 116, and B. xxvi. c. 59.
[751] The Boletus agaricum of Aiton, or White agaric. It is a strong
purgative, but is rarely used for that purpose.
[752] This distinction into male and female is no longer recognized,
though it continued to be so till within the last century.
[753] Desfontaines identifies it with the Saponaria ocimoïdes. Fée
thinks it may have possibly been some kind of sage, or else a variety
of the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, French lavender. Littré gives the
Silene Gallica of Linnæus, the Gallic catchfly.
[754] Identified by Fée with the Pseudanchusa, Echis, or Doris of B.
xxii. c. 24, the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus. Littré gives the Echium
rubrum of Linnæus.
[755] The Arctium lappa of Linnæus, probably, our Great clot-burr. See
B. xxi. c. 51.
[756] See B. xxi. c. 64.
[757] “Holy plant.”
[758] “Pigeon plant.”
[759] Our “vervain.” It was much used in philtres, and was as highly
esteemed as the mistletoe by the people of Gaul. It is no longer used
in medicine.
[760] In B. xxii. c. 3.
[761] On the occasion of the Feasts of Jupiter in the Capitol, prepared
by the Septemviri.
[762] The Verbena supina of Linnæus, Recumbent vervain.
[763] The Verbena officinalis of Linnæus, Vervain or holy plant.
[764] See c. 73 of this Book.
[765] Mostly identified with the third Phlomos, mentioned in c. 74
of this Book. Littré gives as its synonym the Phlomis fruticosa of
Linnæus, Jerusalem sage, or tree-sage.
[766] “Blattæ.”
[767] Not the “Limonion” of B. xx. c. 28, as the Statice limonium emits
no juice. Desfontaines identifies it with the Scolymos or Limonia of B.
xxii. c. 43; but Fée is inclined to think that Pliny is speaking of the
Atractylis gummifera, but has made a mistake in the name.
[768] Or “five-leaved.” Most probably the Potentilla reptans of
Linnæus, our Cinquefoil, or Five-leaved grass. Sprengel, however,
identifies it with the Tormentilla reptans of Linnæus, the Tormentil;
and other authorities with the Potentilla rupestris of Linnæus.
[769] Its fruit is dry, and bears no resemblance to the strawberry.
[770] “Five-leaved.”
[771] “Creeping on the ground.”
[772] Identified by Fée with the Sparganium ramosum of Linnæus, or
Branchy burr-reed. Littré gives the Butonus umbellatus of Linnæus, the
Flowering rush, or Water gladiole.
[773] Fée remarks, that the account given by Pliny has not the same
precision as that of Dioscorides, who describes three varieties of the
Daucus.
[774] Fée is inclined to identify the Daucus of Crete and Achaia with
the Daucus Creticus of Fuchsius, the Athamanta annua of Linnæus.
Desfontaines identifies it with the Athamanta Cretensis of Linnæus.
[775] This kind is identified by Fée with the Seseli ammoïdes of
Linnæus, and by Littré with the Ammi majus of Linnæus, the Common or
Greater bishop’s weed.
[776] Identified by Sprengel with the Daucus Mauritanicus, and by
Brotero and Desfontaines with the Daucus carota, var. α, our Common
carrot. Fée seems inclined to identify it with the Athamanta cervaria
of Linnæus, Mountain carrot, or Broad-leaved spignel. The account given
by Pliny is, however, a mass of confusion.
[777] Or “wild parsnip.” See B. xix. c. 27.
[778] For the purpose of expelling the dead fœtus, according to
Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 83.
[779] See B. xxiv. c. 102. The plant here spoken of has not been
identified, but the Epilobium angustifolium, montanum, tetragonum, &c.,
varieties of the Willow-herb, have been suggested. They are destitute,
however, of all poisonous qualities.
[780] Hence its name—“Benumbing wild beasts.”
[781] Fée thinks that there is an error in the name, and that it is
the “personata” that is here spoken of, the plant already mentioned
in c. 58 of this Book. Hardouin identifies it with the Tussilago
petasites—the Butter-burr, according to Nemnich—but apparently without
any sufficient authority.
[782] Fée identifies it with the Cyclamen hederæfolium of Aiton, the
Ivy-leaved sow-bread; Littré with the Cyclamen Græcum of Lamarck.
[783] “Tuberosity of the earth.”
[784] “Suum venenum ei est.” Gerard seems to have had a worse opinion
of it than our author; for he states in his Herbal, p. 845, that he
had experienced great misfortunes owing to his _imprudence_ in having
cultivated Cyclamen in his garden.
[785] “Ivy-flowered.” It resembles the other plant in nothing but the
name. Fée is inclined, with Desfontaines, to identify it with the
Lonicera caprifolium of Linnæus, the Italian honeysuckle, though that
plant bears no resemblance in either leaf or flower to the ivy. The
Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, the Common woodbine or honeysuckle,
has been also suggested, as well as the Bryonia alba, Solanum
dulcamara, and Cucubalus bacciferus.
[786] According to Brotero, it is the Parnassia palustris of
Tournefort, an opinion with which Fée is inclined to agree. Sprengel
considers it to be the same as the Convallaria bifolia of Linnæus, our
Small lily of the valley, and identifies it with the one-leafed Ceratia
of B. xxvi. c. 34. Littré names the Antirrhinum asarina of Linnæus, the
Bastard asarum.
[787] The Peucedanum officinale of Linnæus, Sulphur-wort, or Hog’s
fennel. It receives its name from a fancied resemblance between its
fruit and that of the “Peuce,” or pitch-tree.
[788] This juice, Fée remarks, is no longer known.
[789] Or Wall-wort. See B. xxiv. c. 35. and B. xxvi. c. 49.
[790] See c. 28 of this Book.
[791] See c. 54 of this Book.
[792] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum thapsus of Linnæus, Great
mullein, High-taper, or Cow’s lung-wort.
[793] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum sinuatum of Linnæus.
Desfontaines considers _this_ to be the male plant of Pliny, and the V.
thapsus to be the female.
[794] Fée considers this to be the same as the Blattaria mentioned in
c. 60, and identifies it with the Verbascum phlomoïdes of Linnæus.
Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Phlomis lychnitis of
Linnæus. Littré gives the Phlomus fruticosa of Linnæus, the Jerusalem
sage, or Tree sage.
[795] See B. xxii. c 71.
[796] Fée identifies these two kinds with the Phlomis fruticosa of
Linnæus; Sprengel and Desfontaines consider the second kind to be the
Phlomis Italica of Smith; on insufficient grounds, Fée thinks. Littré
mentions the Sideritis Romana and S. elegans of Linnæus.
[797] The “Lamp plant.” It is mostly identified with the Verbascum
lychnitis of Linnæus, the White mullein. Fée is somewhat doubtful on
the point. It is doubtful whether it is not the same as the Thryallis,
mentioned in B. xxi. c. 61. Littré identifies it with the Phlomis
lychnitis.
[798] In the last paragraph he is speaking of the Phlomos, here he
evidently reverts to the Phlomis.
[799] Or “Female killer.” See B. xxvii. c. 2.
[800] Dioscorides states, somewhat more rationally, that this plant
strikes the scorpion with torpor, and that the contact of hellebore
revives it.
[801] “Rubetis.” A kind of toad, probably. See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi.
c. 16, and B. xxxii. c. 18.
[802] Schneider, on Nicander’s Alexiph. p. 277, says that he cannot
understand this passage. There is little doubt that Sillig is right in
his conjecture that it is imperfect, for the pith of the narrative,
whatever it may have been, is evidently wanting. The Psylli were said
to be proof against all kinds of poisons. See B. viii. c. 38, and B.
xi. c. 30; also Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 192, _et seq._
[803] See also B. xxvii. c. 97. Fée identifies it with the Astragalus
Creticus of Lamarck, Desfontaines with the Astragalus poterium.
[804] The “nerve-plant” and the “drinking-plant,” apparently.
[805] Sprengel identifies it with the Alisma Parnassifolium of Linnæus;
but as that plant is not found in Greece, Sibthorp suggests the Alisma
plantago of Linnæus, the Great water-plantain. It has no medicinal
properties, though it was esteemed till very recent times as curative
of hydrophobia.
[806] “Capite thyrsi.”
[807] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.
[808] In c. 6 of this Book.
[809] “Pigeon-plant.” The same as Vervain, already described in c. 59
of this Book.
[810] See c. 8 of this Book.
[811] By “Mithridatia” he probably means the antidotes attributed to
Mithridates in c. 3 of this Book, and in B. xxix. c. 8, and not the
plant previously mentioned in c. 26.
[812] See c. 27 of this Book.
[813] See c. 54 of this Book.
[814] See c. 55.
[815] Generally identified with the Antirrhinum Orontium of Linnæus,
Small toad-flax, Calf’s snout, or Lesser wild snapdragon. Desfontaines
mentions the Antirrhinum purpureum, and Littré the A. majus of Linnæus,
the Common snapdragon, or Greater calf’s snout.
[816] “Wild lychnis.”
[817] Theophrastus says, B. ix. c. 21, speaking of the last-mentioned
plant, “The same too, with reference to glory and consideration.”
Pliny, singularly enough, has mistaken the Greek word “eucleia” (glory)
for the name of a plant, and has fabricated one accordingly: a similar
blunder to that made by him with reference to “hippace,” in c. 44 of
this Book.
[818] See c. 36 of this Book.
[819] Fée is inclined to identify it with the Bulbine of B. xx. c. 41
probably the Hyacinthus botryoïdes of Linnæus, the Blue grape hyacinth.
Brotero and Desfontaines name the Hyacinthus comosus, the Purple grape
hyacinth. Littré mentions the Ornithogalum nutans of Linnæus, the May
star of Bethlehem.
[820] Identified by Fée with the Bulbus vomitorius or Bulb emetic of B.
xx. c. 41, the same, in his opinion, with the Narcissus jonquilla, the
Emetic jonquil. Sprengel, however, would identify the Bulbus vomitorius
with either the Narcissus orientalis or the Pancratium Illyricum; and
Sibthorp considers its synonym to be the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes of
Aiton. Littré gives the Muscari comosum.
[821] See c. 13 of this Book.
[822] See c. 37 of this Book, and B. xxvi. c. 28.
[823] There seems to be an hiatus here. From the words of Dioscorides,
B. iii. c. 138, it would appear that pitch was the other ingredient, to
be beaten up with the plant.
[824] The same as the Polytrichos of B. xxii. c. 30.
[825] In B. xxii. c. 30, he makes them to be the same plant, and it
is most probable that they may be both referred to the Asplenium
trichomanes of Linnæus.
[826] “Frutice.”
[827] See B. xxiv. c. 108.
[828] See c. 11 of this Book.
[829] See c. 54 of this Book.
[830] See c. 49 of this Book.
[831] See c. 67 of this Book.
[832] Or Vervain.
[833] Sprengel identified this plant at first with the Buplevrum
longifolium of Linnæus, the Long-leaved hare’s ear, but at a later
period with the Mercurialis tomentosa, the Woolly mercury. Fée suggests
the Cacalia petasites or albifrons, though with diffidence. Littré
gives the Cacalia verbascifolia of Sibthorp.
[834] See c. 83 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxvii. c. 111.
[835] There has been much discussion on the identification of the
Hyssopum of the ancients, their descriptions varying very considerably.
It has been suggested that that of the Egyptians was the Origanum
Ægyptianum; that of the Hebrews, the Origanum Syriacum; that of
Dioscorides, the Origanum Smyrnæum; and that of the other Greek
writers, the Teuerium pseudo-hyssopus, or else the Thymbra verticillata
and spicata. Fée is inclined to identify that here mentioned by
Pliny with the Thymbra spicata of Linnæus, and the Garden hyssop of
Dioscorides, with the Hyssopus officinalis of Linnæus. Littré states,
however, that this last is a stranger to Greece, and that M. Fräas
(_Synopsis_, p. 182) identifies the hyssop of Dioscorides with the
Origanum Smyrnæum or Syriacum.
[836] Generally identified with the Serapias lingua of Linnæus.
[837] The same, most probably, as the Gladiolus of B. xxi. c. 67. See
also the next Chapter in this Book.
[838] This was a characteristic feature of the masks used in the Roman
Comedy.
[839] See Note 837 above. The medicinal properties here attributed to
the Xiphion, or Gladiolus communis, our common Red corn-flag, are very
doubtful, as Fée remarks.
[840] With the outer coat on, of course.
[841] Dalechamps is probably right in preferring the reading
“carpentis” to “serpentis,” in which case the meaning would be, “or
bones when accidentally crushed by the wheels of vehicles.”
[842] Or “meagrim.”
[843] Identified with the Plantago Psyllium of Linnæus, our Fleawort
Fleaseed, or Fleabane.
[844] Nothing, Fée says, can be more absurd than this description of
the plant.
[845] Whence its name “cynoïdes” and “cynomyia.”
[846] This plant has not been identified; Wild water-parsley, perhaps a
kind of Sium, has been suggested.
[847] All the plants here mentioned are of a more or less irritating
nature, and would greatly imperil the sight.
[848] See c. 50 of this Book.
[849] See c. 11 of this Book.
[850] See B. xviii. c. 14, and B. xxii. c. 59.
[851] “Collyriis.”
[852] A most dangerous application, in reality.
[853] A comparatively harmless, though useless application.
[854] See c. 49 of this Book.
[855] See c. 73 of this Book.
[856] In c. 70 of this Book.
[857] See c. 90 of this Book.
[858] The Corchorus of B. xxi. c. 106, is most probably altogether a
different plant.
[859] Identified with the Anagallis arvensis of Linnæus, with a red
flower, the Red pimpernel, Corn pimpernel, or Shepherd’s weather-glass.
[860] The Anagallis cæruleo flore of Tournefort, the Blue pimpernel.
[861] In reality they are destitute of medicinal properties. It is
said, though apparently on no sufficient grounds, that red pimpernel is
poisonous to small birds.
[862] Or “blood-shot eyes.”
[863] A disease of the pupil.
[864] Belladonna, a preparation from the Atropa belladonna, is now
generally used for this purpose.
[865] “Paracentesis.”
[866] This plant is unknown. Fée suggests that Pliny may have made
a mistake, and that the account from which he copies may have been,
that when cattle have been stung by the asilus, or gadfly, they have
recourse to the Anagallis.
[867] “Savage eye.”
[868] In c. 38 of this Book.
[869] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxi. c. 63.
[870] Or “Plant of Circe.”
[871] Identified by Fée with the Atropa mandragora vernalis of
Bertolini, the Spring mandrake.
[872] The Atropa mandragora autumnalis of Bertolini, the Autumnal
mandrake.
[873] The Greek for “male.”
[874] “Dementing.” Fée remarks that the “Morion” in reality is
a different plant, and queries whether it may not be the Atropa
belladonna of Linnæus, the Belladonna, or Deadly nightshade, mentioned
above in Note 864.
[875] The female, or black, mandrake.
[876] See B. xx. c. 85.
[877] The superstitions with reference to the Mandrake extended
from the earliest times till a very recent period. It was used in
philtres, and was supposed to utter piercing cries when taken up;
Josephus counsels those whose business it is to do so, to employ a dog
for the purpose if they would avoid dreadful misfortunes. All these
notions probably arose from the resemblance which the root bears to
the legs and lower part of the human body. See B. xxii. c. 9, where
we have queried in a Note whether the Eryngium may not have been the
“mandrake,” the possession of which was so much coveted by the wives of
Jacob.
[878] “Pestis est.”
[879] In the same way that chloroform is now administered.
[880] “Cicuta.” Identified with the Conium maculatum of Linnæus,
Common hemlock or Keghs. It grows in the vicinity of Athens, and
probably formed the basis of the poisons with which that volatile
people “recompensed,” as Fée remarks, the virtues and exploits of their
philosophers and generals. Socrates, Phocion, and Philopœmen, are said
to have been poisoned with hemlock; but in the case of Socrates, it was
probably combined with opium and other narcotics. See B. xiv. cc. 7,
28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
[881] He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter
into a description of poisons.
[882] Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with
impunity.
[883] See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
[884] A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks.
[885] Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when
the milk is in excess.
[886] By causing those organs to waste away.
[887] The province of Asia Minor.
[888] “Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum
of Linnæus, Small samphire, or sea fennel.
[889] Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago Europæa of Linnæus,
Leadwort, or French dittander.
[890] See B. xx. c. 85.
[891] “Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin
thinks.
[892] Or “smoke-plant;” so called from its smell, which resembles that
of smoke or soot.
[893] “Pedes gallinacei.” Identified by Fée with the Corydalis digitata
of Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of
Fumitory.
[894] Identified by Fée with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck,
Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have
also been mentioned.
[895] The Acorus calamus of Linnæus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling
flag. See B. xii. c. 48.
[896] See B. xxi. c. 19.
[897] “Utribus.”
[898] See B. xv. c. 7.
[899] Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith, _Flor. Brit._,
Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort.
[900] Identified by Littré with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by
Fée with the Cotyledon serrata of Linnæus, Saw-toothed navel-wort.
[901] “Sordidis.”
[902] “Always living.”
[903] “Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum
tectorum of Linnæus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.
[904] Called “geisa” in Greek.
[905] “Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.”
[906] Fée identifies it with the Sedum ochroleucum of Sibthorp;
Sprengel with the Sedum altissimum, and others with the Sedum acre,
varieties of Wall pepper, or Stone-crop. Littré gives the Sedum
amplexicaule of Decandolle.
[907] “Spring blossoming.”
[908] “Blossoming like gold.”
[909] “The same all the year.”
[910] “Wild andrachle.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Sedum
stellatum; Fée, though with some hesitation, with the Sedum reflexum
of Linnæus, the Sharp-pointed stone-crop, or Prick-madam. The Sedum,
however, is of a caustic and slightly corrosive nature, and not edible;
in which it certainly differs from the Andrachle agria of our author.
Holland calls it “Wild purslain.”
[911] This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.”
[912] See c. 19 of this Book.
[913] See c. 100 of this Book.
[914] “Strigil.” This in general means a “body-scraper;” but it most
probably signifies a “syringe,” in the present instance. See B. xxix c.
39, and B. xxxi c. 47.
[915] See B. xxiv. c. 35.
[916] See c. 19 of this Book.
[917] See c. 54 of this Book.
[918] See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70.
[919] “Ozænam.”
[920] See c. 11 of this Book.
[921] See c. 28 of this Book.
[922] See c. 73 of this Book.
[923] See c. 92 of this Book.
[924] Identified by Desfontaines with the Senecio Jacobæa of Linnæus,
Common ragwort. Fée identifies it with the Senecio vulgaris of Linnæus,
our Groundsel. They are both destitute of medicinal properties.
[925] Sec B. xxiv. c. 80.
[926] Ἔαρι γέρων, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.”
[927] “Spinæ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.”
[928] It may possibly have been so called from the Acanthis, or
goldfinch, that bird being fond of groundsel.
[929] “Thistle-down.” If Pliny is speaking of groundsel, he is wrong in
his assertion that it turns white, or in other words, goes to seed, in
spring.
[930] Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes; but
that has no blue flower, and the same is the case with many other
plants that have been suggested as its synonym. Fée suggests the
Convallaria verticillata of Linnæus, the whorl-leaved Solomon’s seal;
as to which, however, there is the same difficulty in reference to the
flower. Holland calls it the “May lily,” otherwise the Lily of the
valley, the Convallaria Maialis; and this is the synonym suggested by
Fuchsius. Littré gives the Convallaria multiflora of Linnæus.
[931] See c. 50 of this Book.
[932] Or “Venus’ bath.” Identified by Littré with the Dipsacus
silvestris of Linnæus, and by Fée with the Dipsacus fullonum of
Linnæus, the Teazel, or Fuller’s thistle. It received its Roman name
from the form of the leaves, which are channelled, and curved at the
edges.
[933] This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated
some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs
formed by the leaves.
[934] He alludes to the larvæ of the Curculio or weevil, which are
found in the head of the Dipsacus, and many other plants. See B. xxvii.
c. 62, and B. xxx. c. 8.
[935] “Frog-plant.”
[936] “Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us.
[937] Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the
R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.
[938] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus hirsutus, or
philonotis. Fée, with Hardouin, considers it to be the same as the
Apiastrum of B. xx. c. 45, and identifies it with the Ranunculus
Sardoüs of Crantz, the plant probably which produces a contraction of
the mouth, rendered famous as the “Sardonic grin,” and more commonly
known as the Ranunculus sceleratus, Apium risus, or Apium Sardoüm,
“Laughing parsley,” or “Sardinian parsley.”
[939] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus
repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus
muricatus of Linnæus.
[940] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by
Fée with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linnæus, the Water crowfoot. The
Ranunculi are all active poisons.
[941] A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any
one ever made the trial of its efficacy.
[942] Or scrofula.
[943] See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5.
[944] See c. 90 of this Book.
[945] See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.
[946] “Stigmata.”
[947] See c. 94 of this Book.
[948] See end of B. xx.
[949] See end of B. xiv.
[950] See end of B. xii.
[951] See end of B. xx.
[952] See end of B. xx.
[953] See end of B. vii.
[954] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus,
see end of B. xviii.
[955] See end of B. iii.
[956] See end of B. xi.
[957] See end of B. ii.
[958] See end of B. v.
[959] See end of B. xx.
[960] See end of B. ii.
[961] See end of B. viii.
[962] See end of B. xix.
[963] See end of B. viii.
[964] See end of B. vii.
[965] See end of B. xxi.
[966] See end of B. xxi.
[967] A Lydian historian, anterior to Herodotus, of whom little is
known with any degree of certainty. He probably flourished in the
earlier part of the fifth century B.C.
[968] See end of B. xxi.
[969] See end of B. xxi.
[970] See end of B. iv.
[971] See end of B. xxi.
[972] See end of B. xxi.
[973] See end of B. xxi.
[974] See end of B. vii.
[975] See end of B. xx.
[976] See end of B. xx.
[977] See end of B. xx.
[978] See end of B. xii.
[979] See end of B. xv.
[980] See end of B. xii.
[981] See end of B. xx.
[982] See end of B. xx.
[983] See end of B. xx.
[984] See end of B. xx.
[985] See end of B. xx.
[986] See end of B. xx.
[987] See end of B. xx.
[988] See end of B. xx.
[989] See end of B. vii.
[990] See end of B. xx.
[991] See end of B. xx.
[992] See end of B. xii.
[993] See end of B. xi.
[994] See end of B. xii.
[995] See end of B. xx.
[996] See end of B. xii.
[997] See end of B. xx.
[998] See end of B. xx.
[999] See end of B. xx.
[1000] See end of B. xx.
[1001] See end of B. xx.
[1002] See end of B. xx.
[1003] See end of B. xii.
[1004] See end of B. xx.
[1005] See end of B. xx.
[1006] See end of B. xix.
[1007] See end of B. xx.
[1008] See end of B. xx.
[1009] See end of B. xx.
[1010] Probably as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis,
the leprosy of the middle ages.
[1011] The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult
to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.
[1012] Meaning the people of Italy.
[1013] It is somewhat difficult to say whether Tiberius, the
predecessor, or Claudius, the successor of Caligula, is meant; most
probably the latter, as the former’s reign would have been in the times
of “our fathers.”
[1014] Asia Minor.
[1015] “Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was
known in Asia from the very earliest times.
[1016] This assertion as to the slaves and lower orders is somewhat
doubtful, though it is very possible that the diet and habits of the
higher orders may have predisposed them more particularly for the
attacks of the diseases.
[1017] “Osculi”, “kissing;” a nauseous and silly practice, still
adhered to, between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe.
[1018] Upwards of £1500.
[1019] A.U.C. 590.
[1020] “Carbunculus.” A malignant pustule, accompanied with swelling
and ending with gangrene, is still known by this name, but it does not
manifest any particular preference for the mouth and tongue. Fée says
that carbuncle was recently (1833) endemic in Provence, the ancient
Gallia Narbonensis, for which reason it had received the name of
“Charbon Provençal.”
[1021] Consul, A.U.C. 819.
[1022] Consul, A.U.C. 816.
[1023] Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more
like chancre than carbuncle.
[1024] In B. xx. c. 52.
[1025] Supposed, as Pliny says, to have originally come from Upper
Egypt. Lucretius, B. vi. l. 1111, _et seq._, attributes it to the water
of the Nile. It is but rarely known in Europe.
[1026] Fée thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to
those between the fingers which are known as _fourches_ by the French,
and by medical men as “Aposthema phalangum.” Gruner considers it to be
a sort of Elephantiasis, and Triller identifies it with the disease
called _Gumretha_ by the Talmudists.
[1027] “Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.
[1028] See B. xxix. c. i.
[1029] See end of B. xx.
[1030] See B. xxix. c. 3.
[1031] See B. xxix. c. 5.
[1032] See end of B. vii.
[1033] “Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a
carriage drawn by horses.
[1034] See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable
length, in the Florida, B. iv.
[1035] Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.
[1036] We adopt Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nimborum altrice,” the
word “imperatrice” being evidently out of place. The climate of Italy
seems to have changed very materially since his day.
[1037] See B. ii. c. 51.
[1038] See B. ix. c. 79.
[1039] “Organo.”
[1040] See B. xxiv. c. 102.
[1041] We agree with Pintianus that the name of some plant here has
been lost, the word “condiendis” making no sense.
[1042] See B. xxiv. c. 102.
[1043] Some plant as fictitious as the others here mentioned.
[1044] See B xxx. c. 1.
[1045] See B. xxiv. c. 102.
[1046] See B. iii. c. 9.
[1047] In B. xxiv. c. 102.
[1048] In B. xxix. c. 5.
[1049] See B. xxi. c. 68.
[1050] See B. xx. c. 85.
[1051] “Flos visci.”
[1052] See c. 39 of this Book.
[1053] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia polymorpha of Linnæus,
Common Marchantia, or Fountain liverwort, the male plant.
[1054] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia stellata, Star-headed
Marchantia, or Female fountain liverwort. Desfontaines takes it to
be either the Marchantia conica, or the Peltidea canina. It must
be remembered that the Marchantia is not a Lichen in the modern
acceptation of the word, and that our Lichens are destitute of stem.
Littré identifies it with the Lecanora parella.
[1055] See B. xiii. c. 43.
[1056] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1057] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1058] See B. xxvii. c. 104.
[1059] See B. ix. c. 42.
[1060] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1061] Fée remarks that none of the plants here mentioned are of any
utility for the cure of scrofula.
[1062] See B. xxv. c. 50.
[1063] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1064] See B. xxv. c. 36.
[1065] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1066] See B. xxv. c. 19, where our author has confused the Achillea
with the Sideritis; also c. 15, where he describes the Heraclion
siderion. Fée identifies the Sideritis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 19, as
having a square stem and leaves like those of the quercus, with the
Stachys heraclea of modern botany. That mentioned in the same Chapter,
as having a fetid smell, he identifies with the Phellandrium mutellina
of Linnæus. The large-leaved Sideritis is, no doubt, the one mentioned
as having leaves like those of the quereus. See the Note to B. xxv. c.
19.
[1067] In B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxv. c. 119.
[1068] See B. xxv. c. 77.
[1069] Probably the Bellis perennis of Linnæus, the Common daisy. Fée
remarks, that it was probably unknown to the Greeks.
[1070] See B. xxv. c. 36.
[1071] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Saponaria
vaccaria, the Perfoliate soapwort. Other commentators have suggested
the Valeriana rubra, but Fée thinks that its synonym has not been
hitherto discovered.
[1072] See B. xxv. c. 11.
[1073] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1074] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1075] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1076] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1077] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1078] See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxv. c. 43. Our Liquorice probably,
which, Fée remarks, as also figs and hyssop, has maintained its ancient
reputation as a pectoral.
[1079] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1080] See B. xxv. c. 85.
[1081] See B. xxiv. c. 85.
[1082] “Aquileges.”
[1083] See B. xxiv. c. 85.
[1084] Dried bechion, or coltsfoot, is still smoked by some persons for
affections of the chest.
[1085] Generally identified with the Phlomos, or Verbascum lychnitis
mentioned in B. xxv. c. 74.
[1086] “Sage.” See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1087] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.
[1088] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1089] See B. xx. c. 27.
[1090] See R. xviii. c. 29. Fée observes that none of these
prescriptions would be countenanced at the present day.
[1091] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1092] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1093] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1094] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1095] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1096] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1097] Possibly the same plant as the “Moly” of B. xxv. c. 8. If so, as
Fée says, it would appear to belong to the genus Allium, or garlic.
[1098] See B. xxv. c. 84.
[1099] See B. xxv. c. 68.
[1100] See introduction to Vol. III.
[1101] See B. xii. c. 28. Fée says that none of these so-called
remedies would now be recognised.
[1102] See B. xxv. c. 20.
[1103] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1104] See B. xxv. c. 99.
[1105] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1106] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1107] Probably the Equisetum silvaticum of Linnæus, our Wild
horse-tail. He is in error in saying that it climbs the trunks of
trees; a mistake also made by Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 46, who calls
it “hippuris.” It is said by some to be a strong diuretic. Littré,
however, gives as its synonym the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus.
[1108] The Geum urbanum of Linnæus, the Common avens, or herb bennet.
It was probably unknown to the Greeks.
[1109] Its root has a smell like that of cloves, for which reason it is
sometimes known as “Caryophyllata.”
[1110] In B. xxv. c. 48.
[1111] Sprengel identifies it with the Plumbago of B. xxv. c. 22. Fée
is not of that opinion, and agrees with Matthioli in considering it to
be the Aster tripolium of Linnæus, the Sea starwort. Littré gives the
Statice limonium of Linnæus.
[1112] See B. xx. c. 25.
[1113] In B. xxi. c. 21.
[1114] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Amaranthus
tricolor; Fée is strongly of opinion that it has not been correctly
identified.
[1115] Clusius and Sprengel identify it with the Lychnis silvestris of
Linnæus, the Wild lychnis or Viscous catchfly. Fée considers it to be
unknown, but of the two, would prefer the Lychnis dioica of Linnæus,
the White lychnis, or White campion.
[1116] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Valeriana locusta of Linnæus,
Corn valerian, Corn-salad, or Lamb’s lettuce. Fée considers its
identity as still unknown.
[1117] See B. xviii. c. 10.
[1118] Perhaps the same as the Limonium of B. xxv. c. 61.
[1119] See B. xxii. c. 42; one of the Sonchi, probably, which, contain
a milky juice. Littré gives the Sonchus palustris of Linnæus.
[1120] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1121] The Betonica officinalis of Linnæus.
[1122] Either the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus, Spleenwort, Ceterach,
or Miltwaste, or the A. hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s fern. See B.
xxvii. c. 17.
[1123] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1124] See B. xxv. c. 33.
[1125] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1126] For the identity of this plant, see B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1127] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c 61.
[1128] See B. xxiv. c. 80
[1129] See c. 18 of this Book.
[1130] Identified with the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, the French
lavender.
[1131] “Vas”.
[1132] In search of pheasants. See B. vi. c. 4.
[1133] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1134] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1135] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1136] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1137] See B. xxv. c. 89.
[1138] See B. xviii. c. 29.
[1139] See B. xxv. c. 84.
[1140] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1141] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1142] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1143] See B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1144] See B. xxv. c. 84.
[1145] See Note 1143 above.
[1146] See B. xxvii. c. 6.
[1147] Sprengel identifies it with the Phaca Bætica, Spanish bastard
vetch; but the flowers of that plant, as Fée remarks, are yellow.
He considers it to be the Lathyrus tuberosus of Linnæus, the Pease
earth-nut. Littré gives the Orobus sessilifolius of Sibthorp.
[1148] “Rubrum,” and not “nigrum,” which was also what we call “red”
wine.
[1149] Fée is unable to identify it. The Galeopsis ladanum of Linnæus,
the Red dead-nettle, has been suggested, but on insufficient grounds,
probably.
[1150] See B. xii. c. 37.
[1151] It is still brought from the islands of Greece, but no longer
from Arabia.
[1152] Τοξὸν.
[1153] In B. xii. c. 37.
[1154] “False-dittany,” or “bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53.
[1155] The Cytinus hypocisthis of Linnæus.
[1156] In B. xxiv. c. 28.
[1157] See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. c. 67.
[1158] See B. xiv. c. 5.
[1159] The Sium of B. xxii. c. 41.
[1160] Probably the Potamogeton natans of Linnæus, Broad-leaved
pondweed, or some kindred plant. Its name signifies “the neighbour of
rivers.”
[1161] C. Bauhin and Sprengel identify the plant here described with
the Potamogeton pusillum of Linnæus; but Fée considers it extremely
doubtful.
[1162] A species of Equisetum would seem to be meant; indeed, Littré
gives the Equisetum telmateia.
[1163] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1164] Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Statice Armeria of
Linnæus, Sea thrift, or Sea gilly-flower.
[1165] Considered by Sprengel to be the Cyclaminos chamæcissos of
B. xxv. c. 69, which he identifies with the Convallaria bifolia of
Linnæus, the Little lily of the valley, or May lily. Fabius Columna and
Brotero consider it to be the Dentaria trifolia, Three-leaved toothwort.
[1166] This is incorrect, if it is the Lily of the valley.
[1167] “Lion’s paw,” “white plant,” or “rock-spear.” Probably the
Leontice leontopetalum of Linnæus, Lion’s paw, or Lion’s leaf. See B.
xxvii. c. 72.
[1168] “Lymphatica somnia.”
[1169] “Hare’s foot.” Possibly the Trifolium arvense of Linnæus, Hare’s
foot trefoil.
[1170] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1171] See Introduction to Vol. III. Fée remarks that none of the
assertions in the present Chapter are confirmed by modern experience.
[1172] See B. xxv. c. 38.
[1173] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1174] See B. xxiv. cc. 49, 84, and B. xxv. c. 69.
[1175] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1176] Identical with the Orobanche of B. xviii. c. 44, the Cuscuta
Europæa of Linnæus, Dodder, Hell-weed, or Devil’s guts; or else the
Cuscuta minor, or epithymum of Linnæus. See also B. xxii. cc. 78, 80.
[1177] He is in error here.
[1178] Hardouin suggests “hypopheos,” as “springing up under the Pheos”
or Stœbe, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 13.
[1179] See B. xxi. c. 19.
[1180] It has a root originally, but the root withers as soon as it has
attached itself to the stem of the plant to which it clings.
[1181] See B. xxv. c. 37. Holland says, on the contrary, that it is a
binding plant.
[1182] “Thick hair.” It is generally identified with the Leonurus
marrubiastrum of Linnæus. Columna makes it to be the Scabiosa succisa
of Linnæus, the Devil’s bit scabious, and Brunsfeld the Angelica
silvestris of Linnæus, Wild angelica.
[1183] See B. xxi. c. 60.
[1184] See B. xxv. c. 98.
[1185] “Many-footed.” The Polypodium vulgare of Linnæus, the Common
polypody.
[1186] It is for this reason that it is called “reglisse,” or
“liquorice,” in some parts of France. It contains a proportion of
saccharine matter, which acts as a purgative.
[1187] “Pulticula.”
[1188] This fancy is solely based on the accidental resemblance of the
name.
[1189] He very incorrectly says this of all the ferns. See B. xxvii.
cc. 17, 48, and 55.
[1190] The produce of the Convolvulus scammonia of Linnæus, the
Scammony bind-weed. The scammony of Aleppo is held in the highest
esteem, and is very valuable. That of Smyrna also is largely imported.
[1191] See the following Chapters.
[1192] This assertion is erroneous; it has all its properties in fall
vigour immediately after extraction, and retains them for an indefinite
period.
[1193] “Herba lactaria.”
[1194] Because goats are fond of it. See B. xx. c. 24.
[1195] Known to us by the general name of Euphorbia of Spurge.
[1196] The Euphorbia characias of Linnæus, Red spurge. An oil is
still extracted from the seed of several species of Euphorbia, as a
purgative; but they are in general highly dangerous, taken internally.
[1197] “Catapotia.”
[1198] “Aphronitrum.” See B. xxx. c. 46
[1199] The Euphorbia myrsinites of Linnæus.
[1200] From the Greek κάρυον, a “nut.”
[1201] “Sea-shore” tithymalus. See B. xx. c. 80.
[1202] The Euphorbia paralias of Linnæus, Sea spurge.
[1203] The Euphorbia helioscopia of Linnæus, Sun spurge or Wart-wort.
[1204] “Sun-watching.”
[1205] See B. xx. c. 81.
[1206] Fée says that this is more than doubtful.
[1207] An assertion, Fée says, not confirmed by modern observation.
[1208] The Euphorbia cyparissias of Linnæus, the Cypress spurge, or
else the Euphorbia Aleppica of Linnæus.
[1209] “Broad-leaved,” “clustered,” and “almond-like.” It is the
Euphorbia platyphyllos of Linnæus, the Broad-leaved spurge.
[1210] “Tree-like”
[1211] “Small-leaved.” The Euphorbia dendroides of Linnæus, the Shrubby
spurge.
[1212] See c. 39 above.
[1213] “Wild radish.” Identified with the Euphorbia apios of Linnæus, a
plant with dangerous properties.
[1214] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1215] See B. xxv c. 70.
[1216] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1217] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1218] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.
[1219] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1220] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1221] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1222] See B. xxiv. c. 80.
[1223] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1224] See B. xxv. c. 55.
[1225] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1226] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1227] See B. xxv. c. 68.
[1228] See B. xxv. c. 88. Fée says that it is the Aspidium lonchitis,
of Linnæus, that is meant.
[1229] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1230] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1231] See B. xxv. c. 33.
[1232] See B. xxv. c. 20.
[1233] Or Scordotis. See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1234] See B. xxv. c. 7.
[1235] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1236] See c. 19 of this Book.
[1237] See B. xxv. cc. 88,89.
[1238] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1239] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1240] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1241] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1242] It is quite useless for such a purpose; and the same is the
case, Fée says, with all the asserted remedies mentioned in this
Chapter. See B. xxv. c. 101
[1243] See B. xxv. c. 71.
[1244] See B. xxv. c. 106.
[1245] See B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1246] See c. 31. of this Book.
[1247] See B. xxv. c. 36.
[1248] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1249] See B. xxv. c. 96.
[1250] De Nat. Mul. c. 20, and De Morb. Mul. I. 10.
[1251] See B. xxii. c. 44.