[1253] See B. xxv. c. 18.
[1254] See B. xxvii. c. 6.
[1255] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1256] See B. xxi. c. 103.
[1257] See B. xxi. c. 103.
[1258] The Sedum cepæa of Linnæus, the Sea purslain. Holland calls it
“Beccabunga,” or “Brooklime.”
[1259] Perhaps so called from the impressions on the leaves, ὑπὲρ and
εἰκών, or else from its resemblance to heath, ὑπὲρ and ἐρέικη. See,
however Note 1266 below.
[1260] “Ground pine.”
[1261] Sillig reads this “corissum.” Former editions have “corion.”
[1262] Identified by Fée with the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus,
the Perforated St. John’s wort. Littré gives the Hypericum crispum of
Linnæus.
[1263] “Oleraceo.” Another reading is “surculaceo,” “tough and
ligneous;” and is, perhaps, preferable.
[1264] “Coris” is the old and more common reading, Fée identifies
it with the Hypericum coris of Linnæus, and Brotero with the H.
saxatile of Tournefort. Desfontaines gives as its synonym the Coris
Monspelliensis.
[1265] See B. xxiv. c. 41.
[1266] It is not improbable, supposing the “tamarix” to be one of
the Ericæ, that to this circumstance it may owe its name. Indeed
Dioscorides has ἐρείκη, in the corresponding passage.
[1267] “Pinguioribus.”
[1268] Dioscorides gives the stem larger dimensions.
[1269] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.
[1270] This plant has not been identified. Anguillara says that it is
the same as the “repressa,” a plant given to horses by the people at
Rome, when suffering from dysuria. What this plant is, no one seems to
know.
[1271] See B. xxi. c. 30.
[1272] The same as the Helichrysos of B. xx. cc. 38 and 96. It is
identified with the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the Corn marygold.
[1273] Fée identifies it with the Eranthemis of B. xxii. c. 26, which
he considers to be the Anthemis rosea of Linnæus, the Rose camomile.
[1274] See c. 32 of this Book.
[1275] Hardouin thinks that it is the Apium graveolens of Linnæus,
Smallage; but at the present day it is generally identified with the
Peucedanum silaus of Linnæus, the Meadow sulphur-wort, or saxifrage.
[1276] Sorrel, for instance.
[1277] “Scabiem.”
[1278] See B. xxv. c. 11.
[1279] Generally supposed to be the same as the “Apple of the earth,”
mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54.
[1280] See B. xx. c. 41.
[1281] It is doubtful whether he means an animal or plant; most
probably the latter, but if so, it is quite unknown.
[1282] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1283] “Herba Fulviana.”
[1284] A plant now unknown.
[1285] See B. xxv. c. 27. In reality it is of an irritating nature.
[1286] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1287] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1288] Or madder; see B. xix. c. 17. The seed and leaves are no longer
employed in medicine; the root has been employed in modern times, Fée
says, but with no success.
[1289] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1290] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1291] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1292] Or “broad” tendon. The Tendon Achillis.
[1293] See cc. 53 and 54 of this Book.
[1294] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1295] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1296] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1297] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1298] De Rust. c. 159. He says that is must be carried under the ring.
[1299] See B. xxvii. c. 28.
[1300] The “Groin plant.” Probably the same as the Bubonion of B.
xxvii. c. 19.
[1301] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._
[1302] See c. 12 of this Book.
[1303] See B. xxv. c. 77.
[1304] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1305] The following is the formula of this monstrous piece of
absurdity: “Negat Apollo pestem posse crescere cui nuda virgo
restinguat.”
[1306] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1307] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1308] An unknown plant.
[1309] In B. xxv. c. 37. This alleged property of the Nymphæa is
entirely fabulous.
[1310] See B. xx. c. 13.
[1311] See B. xxv. cc. 88 and 89.
[1312] See B. xxv. c. 96.
[1313] See B, xviii. cc. 10 and 22.
[1314] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1315] Identified by Littré with the Orchis undulatifolia, and by
Fée with the Orchis morio of Linnæus, the Female orchis, or Female
fool-stones. Its aphrodisiac properties seem not to have been proved
by modern experience, but it is nourishing in the highest degree.
Linnæus, however, seems to be of opinion that it may have the effect
of an aphrodisiac upon cattle. It is the name, no doubt, signifying
“testicle,” which originally procured for it the repute of being an
aphrodisiac.
[1316] Identified by Desfontaines with the Orchis pyramidalis, and by
Fée with the O. papilionacea of Linnæus. Littré gives the Limodorum
abortivum.
[1317] He is probably speaking of the Cratægonon of B. xxii. c. 40,
which Fée identifies with the Thelygonon of c. 91 of this Book. He
remarks that from the description, the Satyrios orchis cannot have been
a Monocotyledon.
[1318] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1319] See B. viii. c. 72.
[1320] Littré identifies it with the Aceras anthropophora of Linnæus;
Desfontaines with the Orchis bifolia, the Butterfly orchis. The Iris
florentina of Linnæus has also been named; but, though with some doubt,
Fée is inclined to prefer the Tulipa Clusiana, or some other kind of
tulip.
[1321] Mostly identified with the Erythronium dens canis of Linnæus,
the Dog’s tooth violet. M. Fraäs, however, in his _Synopsis_, p.
279, remarks that the E. dens canis is not to be found in Greece,
and is of opinion that the Fritillaria Pyrenaica, the Pyrenean lily,
or Fritillary, is meant. The Serapias cordigera of Linnæus has been
suggested, and Fée thinks that it is as likely to be the plant meant by
Pliny as any other that has been named.
[1322] See B. xxiv. c. 38.
[1323] See B. xix. c. 38.
[1324] “Cratægonon” is most probably the correct reading. See B. xvi.
c. 52, and B. xxvii. c. 40.
[1325] See c. 91 of this Book.
[1326] Of the three plants named, the Thelygonon is the only one to
which this assertion will apply. See c. 91 of this Book, and B. xxvii.
c. 40.
[1327] See B. xxvi. c. 39.
[1328] Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 20.
[1329] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1330] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1331] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1332] In B. xxv. c. 49. None of these so-called remedies are now
employed.
[1333] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1334] See B. xxv. cc. 88, 89.
[1335] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1336] See B. xxv c. 102.
[1337] See B. xxv. c. 106.
[1338] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1339] See B. xxiv. c. 116.
[1340] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1341] Identified with the Galium mollugo of Linnæus, Great ladies’
bedstraw, or Wild bastard madder.
[1342] The Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus has been named, but Fée
remarks that from its resemblance to Mollugo, the plant must be sought
among the Rubiaceæ, and not among the Borragineæ.
[1343] “Fucus marinus.” See B. xiii. c. 48.
[1344] “Qui conchyliis substernitur.” See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. I.
p. 36, _Bohn’s Ed._
[1345] What Fucus or Laminaria this may have been is now unknown.
[1346] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1347] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1348] “Limus aquaticus.”
[1349] See B. xxv. c. 32.
[1350] See c. 19 of this Book.
[1351] See B. xviii c. 14.
[1352] See B. xx. c. 2.
[1353] See c. 37 of this Book.
[1354] See B. xii. c 28.
[1355] See B. xxiv. c. 88.
[1356] “Ox lappa.” Possibly the same as the Philanthropos, or else the
Lappa canina, both mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.
[1357] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1358] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1359] See B. xxv. c. 109.
[1360] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 35 of this Book.
[1361] See B. viii. c. 47.
[1362] See B. xxv. c. 9.
[1363] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1364] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1365] Not in reality the same plant as the Geranion; see B. xxiv. c.
97. Littré, however, gives the Erodium moschatum of Linnæus as the
synonym of this Geranion myrrhis.
[1366] Hence its name, from the Greek γέρανος, a “crane.”
[1367] This kind of Geranion has been identified with the Geranium
molle, or Erodium malacoïdes of Linnæus, the Common dove’s-foot crane’s
bill.
[1368] Identified with the Geranium tuberosum of Linnæus.
[1369] Fée remarks that all his assertions as to the medicinal
properties of the Geranion are erroneous.
[1370] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1371] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1372] Voracious appetite—“sine modo esurientium.”
[1373] See B. xxvi. c. 39.
[1374] See B. xxv. cc. 11 and 12.
[1375] See B. xxv. c. 33.
[1376] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1377] Identified with the Epilobium roseum of Linnæus, Rose-coloured
willow-herb.
[1378] See c. 25 of this Book.
[1379] In B. xxv. c. 49.
[1380] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1381] In B. xxv. c. 12.
[1382] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1383] See B. xxiii. c. 16.
[1384] See B. xxi. c. 16.
[1385] See B. xxiv. c. 88.
[1386] See B. xxv. c. 87.
[1387] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1388] See c. 30 of this Book.
[1389] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1390] See B. xxv. c. 40.
[1391] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.
[1392] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1393] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1394] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1395] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1396] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1397] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1398] See c. 39 of this Book.
[1399] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1400] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1401] See B. xxv. c. 88.
[1402] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1403] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1404] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1405] See B. xxv. c. 71.
[1406] See c. 44 of this Book.
[1407] See c. 54 of this Book.
[1408] See B. xxv. c. 71.
[1409] See B. xxv. c. 71.
[1410] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1411] See B. xxv. c. 71.
[1412] See B. xxi. c. 105.
[1413] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1414] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1415] Or Grape-juice.
[1416] The “belt”—known to us as “shingles.”
[1417] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1418] See B. xxxv. c. 57.
[1419] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1420] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1421] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1422] See B. xxv. c. 18.
[1423] See c. 37 of this Book.
[1424] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1425] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1426] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1427] See B. xxv. c. 107.
[1428] B. iv. cc. 62, 64.
[1429] See B. xxv. c. 30.
[1430] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1431] Or Bechion. See B. xxiv. c. 85.
[1432] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1433] See c. 10 of this Book.
[1434] See B. xxv. c. 83.
[1435] See B. xix. c. 18.
[1436] “Little thieves,” literally.
[1437] See c. 36 of this Book.
[1438] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1439] See c. 83 of this Book.
[1440] See B. xxv. c. 31.
[1441] “Collyriis.”
[1442] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1443] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 this Book.
[1444] See B. viii. c. 47.
[1445] See B. xxv. c. 101.
[1446] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1447] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1448] See c. 39 of this Book.
[1449] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1450] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1451] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1452] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1453] See B. xxv. c. 103.
[1454] See B. xxiv. c. 85.
[1455] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1456] See B. xxvii, c. 72.
[1457] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1458] See Chapters 36 and 77 of this Book.
[1459] See c. 62 of this Book.
[1460] See c. 62 of this Book.
[1461] See c. 66 of this Book.
[1462] Probably the “Alcea” of B. xxvii. c. 6. See also B. xxv. c. 77.
[1463] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1464] See B. xxvii, c. 16.
[1465] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1466] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1467] Or “Corison.” See c. 53 of this Book.
[1468] See B. xxv. e. 39.
[1469] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1470] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1471] See B. xxv. c. 93.
[1472] See B. xxv. c. 106.
[1473] See c. 35 of this Book.
[1474] See c. 53 of this Book.
[1475] See B. xxv. c. 76.
[1476] See Note 1462 above.
[1477] Our peony. See B. xxv. c. 10.
[1478] See B. xxv. c. 33.
[1479] See B. xxv. c. 35.
[1480] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1481] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1482] See c. 29 of the present Book.
[1483] See B. xxv. c. 45.
[1484] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1485] In B. xviii. c. 67; where it is called “equisætis.” M. Fräas
identifies it with the Equisætum limosum of Linnæus.
[1486] Whence its name “equisætum.”
[1487] See B. xi. c. 30.
[1488] Identified by Littré with the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus. Fée
gives as its synonym the Equisætum arvense of Linnæus, the Common
horse-tail, or Corn horse-tail.
[1489] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1490] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1491] See B. xxv. c. 15.
[1492] Dalechamps identifies it with the Potentilla anserina of
Linnæus, Silver-weed, or White tansy; but on insufficient grounds Fée
thinks.
[1493] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1494] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1495] See B. xxv. c. 30.
[1496] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1497] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1498] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1499] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1500] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1501] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1502] See B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1503] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1504] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Cnicus erysithales of
Willdenow; but that plant, Fée says, was unknown to the Greeks.
[1505] See B. xxiv. c. 80.
[1506] See B. xviii. c. 10.
[1507] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1508] See B. xi. c. 39, and B. xx. c. 32.
[1509] See B. xxiii. c. 13.
[1510] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._
[1511] See B. xxv. c. 15.
[1512] For a description of this substance, see B. xxxiv. c. 24.
[1513] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1514] See B. xxv. c. 15.
[1515] See B. xxv. c. 17.
[1516] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1517] See B. xiii. c. 36.
[1518] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1519] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1520] See B. xxv. c. 30.
[1521] See B. xxv. c. 31.
[1522] See B. xxv. c. 33.
[1523] See B. xxiv. c. 77.
[1524] See B. xxv. c. 35.
[1525] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1526] See B. xxv. c. 50.
[1527] See B. xix. c. 4, B. xxiii. c. 35, and B. xxxiv. c. 52.
[1528] See B. xxv. c. 53.
[1529] Bastard dittany. See B. xxv. c. 53.
[1530] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1531] See B. xxi. c. 19.
[1532] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1533] See B. xxv. c. 77.
[1534] See c. 12 of this Book.
[1535] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1536] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1537] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1538] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1539] See B. xxv. c. 92.
[1540] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1541] “Siligo.” See B. xviii. c. 20.
[1542] See B. xxv. c. 102.
[1543] See B. xxv. c. 106.
[1544] See c. 29 of this Book.
[1545] See c. 31 of this Book.
[1546] See B. xxvii. c. 72.
[1547] See B. xxviii. c. 14.
[1548] See c. 29 of this Book.
[1549] See c. 39 of this Book.
[1550] See c. 62 of this Book.
[1551] See c. 69 of this Book.
[1552] Our “liquorice,” See B. xxv. c. 43.
[1553] See B. xxv. c. 66.
[1554] In B. xxii c. 33.
[1555] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1556] See B. xxv. c. 17.
[1557] See c. 29 of this Book.
[1558] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.
[1559] See B. xxv. c. 35.
[1560] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1561] See Note 46 above.
[1562] Desfontaines identifies it with the Mentha cervina, or Stag mint.
[1563] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61.
[1564] See B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1565] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1566] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1567] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1568] See B. xvii. c. 14.
[1569] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1570] See B. xxiv. c. 80.
[1571] See B. xxv. c. 56.
[1572] See B. xxv. c. 109.
[1573] See B. xxv. c. 18.
[1574] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._
[1575] “Pterygia.”
[1576] See B. xii. c. 37 and c. 30 of this Book.
[1577] See B. xxv. c. 81.
[1578] See B. xxii. c. 71.
[1579] See B. xxv. c, 10.
[1580] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1581] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1582] See B. xxv. c. 19.
[1583] See B. xxv. c. 50.
[1584] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._
[1585] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1586] See B. xxv. c. 31.
[1587] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1588] “Bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53
[1589] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[1590] See B. xxv. c. 80.
[1591] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1592] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1593] See B. xxv. c. 68.
[1594] See B. xxv. c. 88.
[1595] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1596] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1597] See B. xxv. c. 94.
[1598] See B. xxxv. c. 50.
[1599] See B. xxv. c. 109.
[1600] In B. xxv. c. 109.
[1601] See B. xxv. c. 64.
[1602] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.
[1603] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.
[1604] See B. xxv. c. 96.
[1605] Probably the word “juice,” or “decoction,” is lost here.
[1606] See c. 68 of this Book.
[1607] See Chapters 20 and 83 of this Book.
[1608] See B. xxvii. c. 91.
[1609] The same as “Alcea” probably; see Chapters 79 and 81 of this
Book. Also B. xxvii. c. 6.
[1610] See B. xxv. c. 39.
[1611] See B. xxv. c. 36.
[1612] See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.
[1613] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1614] See B. xxi. c. 29.
[1615] See B. xxv. c. 96.
[1616] See B. xxi. c. 103.
[1617] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.
[1618] “Albugines.”
[1619] See c. 68 of this Book.
[1620] See c. 31 of this Book.
[1621] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[1622] See B. xxv. c. 90.
[1623] See B. xxvii. c. 24.
[1624] See B. xxv. c. 27.
[1625] See B. xxv. c. 53.
[1626] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1627] See B. xxv. c. 68.
[1628] These two plants, the names of which signify “begetting males,”
and “begetting females,” are identified by Fée as the male and the
female of the same plant, the Mercurialis tomentosa of Linnæus, the
Woolly mercury. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus,
Dog’s mercury; and Desfontaines identifies them with the Thelygonum
cynocrambe.
[1629] See B. xxi. c. 60.
[1630] In B. xxv. c. 102.
[1631] See B. xxv. c. 106.
[1632] See B. xxii. c. 44.
[1633] Meaning the “breast” plant. It has not been identified.
[1634] See B. xxxii. c. 10.
[1635] “Testas.”
[1636] See B. xxv. c. 37.
[1637] See B. xxv. c. 67.
[1638] See B. xxv. c. 85.
[1639] See B. xxv. c. 100.
[1640] See B. xxv. c. 35.
[1641] The most highly esteemed among the Romans of all colours of the
hair.
[1642] See Chapter 53 of this Book.
[1643] The “eye-brow” plant. It is identified by Fée with the Ophrys
ovata or bifolia of Linnæus, Ivy blade. The indentations in the leaves
are almost imperceptible.
[1644] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1645] See B. xxvi. c. 70.
[1646] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._
[1647] See B. xxv. c. 19
[1648] See end of B. ii.
[1649] See end of B. xx.
[1650] See end of B. xiv.
[1651] See end of B. xii.
[1652] See end of B. xx.
[1653] See end of B. xx.
[1654] See end of B. vii.
[1655] See end of B. iii.
[1656] See end of B. ii.
[1657] See end of B. v.
[1658] See end of B. xx.
[1659] See end of B. ii.
[1660] See end of B. viii.
[1661] See end of B. xix.
[1662] See end of B. viii.
[1663] See end of B. vii.
[1664] See end of B. xxi.
[1665] See end of B. xxi.
[1666] See end of B. xxv.
[1667] See end of B. xxi.
[1668] See end of B. xxi.
[1669] See end of B. iv.
[1670] See end of B. xxi.
[1671] See end of B. xxi.
[1672] See end of B. xxi.
[1673] See end of B. vii.
[1674] See end of B. xx.
[1675] See end of B. xx.
[1676] See end of B. xx.
[1677] See end of B. xii.
[1678] See end of B. xv.
[1679] See end of B. xii.
[1680] See end of B. xx.
[1681] See end of B. xx.
[1682] See end of B. xx.
[1683] See end of B. xx.
[1684] See end of B. xx.
[1685] See end of B. xx.
[1686] See end of B. xx.
[1687] See end of B. xx.
[1688] See end of B. vii.
[1689] See end of B. xx.
[1690] See end of B. xx.
[1691] See end of B. xii.
[1692] See end of B. xi.
[1693] See end of B. xii.
[1694] See end of B. xx.
[1695] See end of B. xii.
[1696] See end of B. xx.
[1697] See end of B. xx.
[1698] See end of B. xx.
[1699] See end of B. xx.
[1700] See end of B. xx.
[1701] See end of B. xii.
[1702] See end of B. xx.
[1703] See end of B. xx.
[1704] See end of B. xix.
[1705] See end of B. xx.
[1706] See end of B. xx.
[1707] See end of B. xx.
[1708] He alludes to the Glycyrrhiza or Scythice, our Liquorice, which
is still found on the banks of the river Volga. See B. xxi. c. 54, B.
xxii. c. 11, B. xxv. c. 43, and B. xxvi. cc. 15, 87.
[1709] See B. xxv. c. 38.
[1710] See B. xxv. c. 6.
[1711] “Extra terras.” Meaning, the continental part of the earth.
[1712] See c. 3 of this Book.
[1713] See B. xxv. c. 75.
[1714] Properly “Cælius”—the same M. Cælius Rufus who is mentioned in
B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46.
[1715] “Hinc illa atrox peroratio ejus in digitum.” Sillig is probably
right in his suggestion that the word “mortiferum” is wanting at the
end of the sentence. Bestia was accused of having killed his wives by
the contact of aconite, applied, through the agency of the finger, to
the secret parts.
[1716] See B. vi. c. i.
[1717] See B. xxv. c. 75.
[1718] The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv c. 21.
[1719] The scorpion.
[1720] “Pard-strangle.”
[1721] See B. viii. c. 41.
[1722] He seems here, by implication, to contradict himself, and, by
his explanation, to be sensible that he does so. He would appear not to
have known exactly what his belief was in reference to first causes.
[1723] “Hoc habet nomen” is omitted; for, as Sillig says, it is
evidently a gloss, which has crept into the text.
[1724] The ancients no doubt knew several plants under the common name
of Aconitum. The one here described, is identified by Fée with the
Doronicum pardalianches of Linnæus, Leopard’s bane.
[1725] See B. xxv. c. 67. Fée says that neither the leaves of the
Doronicum, nor of any plant of the genus Arnica, bear any resemblance
to those of the Cyclamen, or the cucumber. He remarks also, that the
contact solely of it is not productive of poisonous effects.
[1726] A kind of crab.
[1727] At the beginning of this Chapter.
[1728] “Female-bane,” or “female-killer.” See B. xx. c. 23.
[1729] “Mice-killer.” This assertion is incorrect.
[1730] So called from ἀ, “without,” and κόνις, “dust,” Theophrastus
says that it received its name from the town of Aconæ, in the vicinity
of which it grew in great abundance.
[1731] Also called ἀκόνη.
[1732] Generally identified with the Salvia argentea of Linnæus, Silver
sage, or else with the Salvia Æthiopis, Woolly sage. It must not be
confounded with the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxiv c. 102.
[1733] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1734] See c. 16 of this Book.
[1735] “Not growing old.” It is identified by Fée and Desfontaines with
the Achillæa ageratum of Linnæus, Sweet milfoil or Maudlin. Littré
gives as its synonym, the Hypericum origanifolium.
[1736] See B. xx. c. 67.
[1737] The ancients probably included under this name several distinct
species of the aloe. They were well acquainted, Fée says, with the
Indian aloe, but probably not with that of Africa. As described
by Pliny, he identifies it with the Aloe perfoliata of Linnæus:
Desfontaines gives the Aloe umbellata.
[1738] See B. xxi. c. 68.
[1739] “Asia.”
[1740] See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden
vessels, in this country, at least; but only as an ornament.
[1741] He alludes to the bitumen of Judæa, much used by the Egyptians
for the purposes of embalmment.
[1742] He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce.
[1743] It is still used for this purpose.
[1744] There is no foundation, Fée says, for this statement.
[1745] It would appear that it is still employed in India for this
purpose, but it is no longer used in Europe.
[1746] Identified by Fée with the Malva alcea of Linnæus, the Vervain
mallow, an emollient and, comparatively, inert plant. Littré gives as
its synonym the Malope malachoïdes, Marsh mallow. Sibthorp identifies
it with the Hibiscus trionum, and Anguillara with the Althæa cannabina
of Linnæus. It is probably the same plant as the Alcima, mentioned
several times in B. xxvi.
[1747] See B. xxv. c. 59.
[1748] Identified with the Globularia alypum of Linnæus, the
Three-toothed leaf Globularia, or Turbith.
[1749] Identified by Sprengel with the Cerastium aquaticum, and
by other authorities with the Alsine media of Linnæus, the Common
chickweed. Desfontaines suggests the Stellaria nemorum, the Broadleaved
stitchwort, but Fée prefers the Parietaria Cretica of Linnæus, Cretan
pellitory, as its synonym.
[1750] “Mouse-ear.”
[1751] From the Greek ἄλσος, a “grove.”
[1752] In c. 80 of this Book.
[1753] The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19.
[1754] He has previously stated that it grows in the woods. The fact
is, M. Fraäs says, that it grows equally upon garden walls, heaps of
rubbish, in plains, upon shady rocks, and upon mountains, below an
elevation of 15OO feet.
[1755] Generally supposed not to be a vegetable production, but a
Madrepore. Fée identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of Linnæus
[1756] “Man’s blood.” Identified by Sprengel with the Hypericum
montanum, and by Sibthorp and Fée with the Hypericum perforatum, of
Linnæus, Perforated tutsan or St. John’s wort.
[1757] See B. xxvi cc. 53, 54
[1758] Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linnæus, the Sea
ambrosia.
[1759] The “cluster” plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See
B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book.
[1760] See B. xxi. c. 58.
[1761] “Dispelling lassitude.” Identified with the Anagyris fœtida of
Linnæus, the Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds
are emetic.
[1762] See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. cc. 24, 28.
[1763] It has not been identified, Pliny being the only author that has
mentioned it. The Ajuga pyramidalis of Linnæus, and the Ajura iva have
been suggested.
[1764] “Anonymos,” or “nameless.”
[1765] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxiv. c. 116. It is identified with
the Galium Aparine of Linnæus, Ladies’ bedstraw, Cleavers, goosegrass,
hariff, or catch weed. Its medicinal properties are next to nothing.
[1766] “Navel-fruit.”
[1767] “Man-loving.” See B. xxiv. c. 116.
[1768] See Note 53 above.
[1769] Brotero and Linnæus identify it with the Arctium lappa of
Linnæus, the Burdock or clot-burr: Sibthorp with the Conyza Candida,
the White fleabane: others, again, with the Celsia arcturus of Linnæus,
and Sprengel with the Verbascum ferrugineum of Linnæus, the Ferruginous
mullein; between which two last, Fée is unable to decide.
[1770] See B. xxv. c. 73.
[1771] So called from its supposed property of consuming the spleen.
It is generally identified with the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus,
Spleenwort, or miltwaste. The Asplenium hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s
fern, and the Asplenium scolopendrium of Linnæus, Hart’s tongue, have
also been suggested; but Fée prefers the first-named plant.
[1772] The “mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of
it.
[1773] This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed,
but it is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance.
[1774] Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnæus, the Common
white-flower swallow-wort; though Fée considers it somewhat doubtful.
[1775] Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance.
[1776] See B. xviii. c. 44.
[1777] Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but Fée adopts the
opinion of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of
Linnæus, the Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the
Inguinalis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 59.
[1778] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsæmum
of Linnæus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littré gives as the
synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, the Perforated St. John’s
wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli
think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linnæus.
[1779] See B. xxvi. c. 53.
[1780] It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.
[1781] “Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book.
[1782] Different probably from the plant of a similar name mentioned in
B. xxi. cc. 52, 59. Fée identifies it with the Vetch, mentioned in B.
xviii. c. 37. Littré gives as its synonym the Vicia cracca of Linnæus,
the Tufted vetch, and Desfontaines the Lathyrus aphaca, the Yellow
vetchling, or bindweed.
[1783] Fée considers it to be the same plant as the Anchusa or
Archebion, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 25. Desfontaines identifies the
Alcibium with the Echium rubrum of Linnæus. Holland observes here that
Pliny “hath here forgotten himself.”
[1784] “Cock’s comb.” The Rhinanthus crista galli of Linnæus, Yellow
rattle, or cock’s comb.
[1785] “Crest” or “Comb.”
[1786] Identified by Desfontaines with the Symphytum officinale, or
Great comfrey. Fée, however, considers it to be the Coris Monspeliensis
of Linnæus, Montpellier coris. Lobel identifies it with the Prunella
vulgaris of Linnæus, Common self-heal, and Cæsalpinus with the Hyssopus
officinalis of Linnæus. See B. xxvi. c. 26.
[1787] Fée reiterates his assertion here that this “rock” symphytum is
a totally different plant from the Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey,
though they appear to have been generally considered as identical by
Scribonius Largus, Plinius Valerianus, Apuleius, and other writers.
[1788] See B. xxvi. c. 26.
[1789] This account of its medicinal properties applies properly to
the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey, a plant which would appear
to have been confounded by Pliny with the Alum, if Fée is right in his
conjecture.
[1790] Hence its Latin name “consolida,” and its French name
“consoude.” Fée says that Comfrey still figures in the French Materia
Medica, and that the lower classes use it in most of the cases
mentioned by Pliny; he states also, that it is destitute of energetic
properties, in a medicinal point of view.
[1791] Σύμφυτον, “consolidating.”
[1792] See B. xiii. c. 48, and B. xxvi. c. 66.
[1793] The Actæa spicata of Linnæus, Herb-christopher or bane-berries,
is mentioned by Desfontaines; but Fée is inclined to identify it
with the Sambucus ebulus of Linnæus, the Dwarf elder, wall-wort, or
dane-wort.
[1794] See B. xxiii. c. 14.
[1795] In B. xxi. cc. 33, 38.
[1796] The Artemisia Santonica of Linnæus, Tartarian southernwood.
[1797] The Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or Roman
wormwood.
[1798] See B. xi. c. 75.
[1799] The Artemisia absinthium of Linnæus, Common wormwood.
[1800] Upon which occasion a sacrifice was offered on the Alban Mount.
See further as to this Festival, in B. iii. c. 2.
[1801] In B. xiv. c. 19. Wine of wormwood is still used medicinally.
[1802] “Dilutum.” An infusion.
[1803] It contains a small quantity of essential oil.
[1804] See B. xx. c. 18.
[1805] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1806] See B. xxi. c. 19.
[1807] See B. xxii. c. 30.
[1808] “Puls.” See B. xviii. c. 19.
[1809] From a passage in Scribonius Largus, c. 191, it has been
concluded that by the word “visco,” he means the juice of the Ixias or
Chamæleon, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21.
[1810] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.
[1811] This, Fée observes, is not the case.
[1812] The Artemisia maritima of Linnæus, Sea wormwood: see B. xxxii.
c. 31
[1813] The Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking
black horehound; see B. xx. c. 89.
[1814] He is in error here, as the word “melamprasion” means “black
horehound.” “Black leek” would be “melamprason.”
[1815] “Horehound,” properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature,
and contains a considerable quantity of essential oil.
[1816] The Chenopodium botrys of Linnæus, Cut-leaved goose foot, or oak
of Jerusalem. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 11 of this Book.
[1817] There is no such resemblance. The name “botrys” was given to the
plant from the little clusters formed by the blossoms.
[1818] Identified by Fée with the Prunus domestica of Linnæus, var. β,
or Damascena, the Damascene plum or damson. Desfontaines considers it
to be the Prunus instititia, the Bullace plum. Holland mentions in a
Note, “Bullois, skegs, or such like wild plums.”
[1819] The Ulva lactuca of Linnæus, Lettuce laver; see B. xiii. c. 49,
B. xxiv. c. 17, and B. xxxii. c. 36.
[1820] He probably says this in reference to the opinion expressed by
Theophrastus, Hist. iv. 7, that it was a name for sea-weed in general,
and not a specific plant.
[1821] In reality, it is destitute of medicinal properties. Some kinds
of laver are considered a dainty food.
[1822] See B. xxii. c. 35.
[1823] See B. xx. c. 67.
[1824] Dioscorides speaks of two kinds of Catanance; one of which has
been identified by Sprengel with the Ornithopus compressus of Linnæus,
and the other with the Astragalus pugniformis. Fée expresses his doubts
as to the correctness of these conclusions.
[1825] “As if it would catch women, and hold them fast
perforce.”—_Holland._ It has been suggested that the Coronopus, or
“crow’s foot,” mentioned in B. xxi. c. 59, was so called for a similar
reason.
[1826] Prosper Alpinus identifies it with the Plantago Cretica of
Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Micropus erectus of Linnæus. Fée
considers it to be the Gnaphalium leontopodium of Lamarck.
[1827] Other readings are “calsa,” and “calla;” but “calyx” is
supported by the text of Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 23. The first kind has
been generally identified with the Arum arisarum of Linnæus, Hooded
arum, or Monk’s hood, and is identical probably with the Aris aros of
B. xxiv. c. 94.
[1828] See B. xxiv. c. 93.
[1829] Probably the Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus, Dyer’s alkanet. See
B. xxii. c. 23.
[1830] “Flore polentæ.” See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1831] Sprengel identifies it with the Asclepias nigra, Black
swallow-wort, but Fée considers it to be the Circæa Lutetiana of
Linnæus, Parisian circæa, or enchanter’s nightshade. Other authorities
have suggested the Capsicum annuum of Linnæus, Indian or Guinea
pepper, and the Celosia margaritacea of Linnæus, Pearly celosia, or
cock’s comb. M. Fraäs suggests, though with some doubt, the Cynanchum
Monspeliacum, the Montpellier dog’s-bane.
[1832] See B. xxi. c. 105.
[1833] Identified with the Carduus parviflorus of Linnæus, the
Small-flowered thistle.
[1834] See B. xxv. c. 40.
[1835] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Polygonum persicaria
of Linnæus, the Spotted persicaria, red-shanks, fleawort, or lakeweed.
Littré gives the Crucianella Monspeliaca of Linnæus, Montpellier petty
madder.
[1836] Hence its name, signifying that it strengthens the generative
powers.
[1837] See B. xxvi. c. 91.
[1838] See B. xxiv. c. 72. Littré remarks that Pliny is in error here,
for that the Cratægos of Theophrastus is the Cratægos azarolia of
Linnæus, the Parsley-leaved hawthorn, while the Aquifolia of Pliny is
the Holly. As to the latter point, see B. xvi. cc. 8, 12.
[1839] Hist. Plant. B. iii. c. 15.
[1840] Desfontaines identifies it with the Centaurea crocodileum of
Linnæus, and Littré with the Carduus pycnocephalus of Linnæus. Ruellius
considers it to be the same plant as the Leucacantha of Dioscorides;
which Sprengel identifies with the Cnicus Casabonæ. Fée expresses
himself at a loss as to its identity.
[1841] See B. xxii. c. 21.
[1842] “Dog’s testicle.” Considered to be a synonym merely of the
Orchis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 62.
[1843] This comparison is totally incorrect.
[1844] See B. xxvi. c. 62.
[1845] Or onions.
[1846] A tissue of groundless superstitions.
[1847] “Golden vegetable.” Supposed to be identical with the Atriplex
of B. xx. c. 38, our Orage.
[1848] Cultivated orage, probably.
[1849] “Earth rennet.” This plant has not been identified. Lobelius has
made a _guess_ at the Serapias abortiva of Linnæus, the Helleborine. It
is pretty clear that it was unknown to Pliny himself.
[1850] The same, probably, as the Trychnon of B. xxi. cc. 52, 105,
Solanum nigrum or Black nightshade. In the former editions the reading
is “cuculus.”
[1851] The “strumous” or “scrofula” plant.
[1852] Possibly the Conferva rivularis, or the C. glomerata of Linnæus,
the River conferva or River sponge, or the Green cluster conferva.
[1853] On account of its asserted agglutinative properties. In reality
it is an inert plant, and is never used in medicine.
[1854] Fée considers this statement as fabulous in every respect.
[1855] See B. xiii. c. 35.
[1856] “Coccus.” See B. xvi. c. 12.
[1857] This is not the case. Sillig is of opinion that the passage is
imperfect.
[1858] The same plant as the Labrum Venereum of B. xxv. c. 108. It is
used for carding cloth, but is no longer employed in medicine.
[1859] Hence its name “Venus’ bath.”
[1860] “Collyrii.”
[1861] The same plant, probably, as the Polypodion of B. xxvi. c. 37.
Littré, however, identifies it with the Asplenium adiantum nigrum of
Linnæus, the Black maiden-hair, or spleenwort.
[1862] It is the root that is sweet, and _not_ the leaves.
[1863] It has no such properties.
[1864] The “oak-killer.” Fée thinks that it may possibly be the
Convallaria uniflora of Linnæus. Desfontaines names the Cochlearia
draba and Littré the Lepidium draba of Linnæus.
[1865] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.
[1866] Desfontaines and Fée identify it with the Antirrhinum spurium of
Linnæus, Bastard toad-flax, calves’ snout, or snapdragon. Littré gives
the Linaria Græca as its synonym.
[1867] See B. xxii. c. 19.
[1868] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[1869] Fée, with Sprengel, identifies it with the Salsola polychlonos
of Linnæus, Branchy saltwort or glasswort; Bauhin with the Passerina
polygalifolia. The Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Sea samphire, has
been suggested by Desfontaines. Littré gives the Frankenia pulverulenta
of Linnæus. Holland suggests Saxifrage.
[1870] “Calculus-breaking.”
[1871] See B. xiii. c. 35.
[1872] Sprengel suggests the Marsilea quadrifolia of Linnæus; Columna
the Botrychium lunaria of Linnæus; G. Bauhin the Ornithogalum
Narbonense of Linnæus, Narbonese star of Bethlehem; and Talius the
Caltha palustris of Linnæus, the Marsh marigold. Fée considers its
identification impossible.
[1873] Because it was said to be a cause of sterility.
[1874] Identified with the Dentaria enneaphylla of Linnæus, the
Nine-leaved tooth-wort.
[1875] From this remark, Fée is of opinion that he had in view more
particularly the Pteris aquilina and the Blechnum spicatum of Linnæus,
plants in which the seed is not easily detected.
[1876] Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix mas of Linnæus, the
Male fern.
[1877] Dioscorides says it _has_ a somewhat unpleasant smell, and this
is nearer the truth.
[1878] “Female fern.” Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix
fæmina of Linnæus, Female fern or Pteris aquilina.
[1879] See B. xviii. c. 59.
[1880] Fée remarks that root of fern is an undoubted remedy for
tapeworm, and that it is worthy of remark that we owe to the ancients
the two most efficient anthelmintics known, fern-root, namely, and
pomegranate rind.
[1881] The Femur bubulum has not been identified. C. Bauhin has
suggested the Leonurus cardiaca of Linnæus, Motherwort.
[1882] It has been suggested that this plant is the same as the
Lamium, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 16, but Fée is not of that opinion.
He identifies the Galeopsis with the Lamium purpureum of Linnæus, the
Purple arch-angel, or dead-nettle. Littré gives as its synonym the
Scrofularia peregrina of Linnæus, the Foreign figwort.
[1883] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Astragalus glaux of
Linnæus, or Milk vetch, as originally suggested by Clusius. Littré
gives as its synonym the Sennebierra coronopus of Poireau.
[1884] The “Good milk” plant.
[1885] See B. xviii. cc. 19, 20.
[1886] See B. xx. c. 78, where a similar plant is mentioned. Fée
identifies this plant with the Glaucium hybridum, or Chelidonium of
Linnæus, the Violet-coloured celandine, or horned poppy. Littré gives
the Glaucium flavum of Linnæus as its synonym.
[1887] This is a yellow, acrid, caustic juice; it is no longer used in
medicine.
[1888] The Peony; described in B. xxv. c. 10.
[1889] See B. xx. c. 25, and B. xxii. c. 2.
[1890] See B. xxv. c. 10.
[1891] In reality it is destitute of smell.
[1892] See B. xxv. c. 10.
[1893] Or, as Holland says, would “be ready to job out their eyes.”
[1894] In reality, the peony has no medicinal virtues whatever.
[1895] “Suppressionibus nocturnis”.
[1896] Sprengel identifies it with the Santolina maritima, Sea cudwort
or cotton-weed. Fée considers its identification as doubtful.
[1897] Identified by Hardouin and Desfontaines with the Dipsacus
pilosus of Linnæus, the Shepherd’s rod, or small white teasel. Fée is
doubtful on the subject
[1898] See B. xxii. c. 18.
[1899] See B. xxv. c. 28.
[1900] Identified with the Hordeum murinum of Linnæus, and the same,
most probably, as the Mouse barley of B. xxii. c. 65.
[1901] Whence its name, from the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.”
[1902] “Swine’s endive.” It is generally identified with the Centaurea
nigra of Linnæus; though, as Fée says, on very insufficient grounds, as
the black centaury has but little similarity to endive.
[1903] The “all-bone” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the
Plantago coronopus of Linnæus, the Buckshorn plantain; but Fée prefers
the Plantago holostea of Lamarck, the Grass-leaved plantain. Littré
names the Holosteum umbellatum. The Plantago albicans of Linnæus has
been also mentioned.
[1904] Because there is no hardness in it.
[1905] Τὰ γλύκεα.
[1906] See B. xxiv. c. 68. In B. xvi. c. 92, Fée identifies this plant
with the Calcitrapa stellata of Lamarck. He also suggests that it may
possibly be the second “Hippophaes,” mentioned in B. xxii. c. 14.
Desfontaines identifies it with the Cnicus stellatus, the Star-thistle.
Littré gives as its synonym the Centaurea spinosa, Prickly centaury;
in accordance with the opinion of M. Fraäs, who admits, however, that
the statement that it has neither stem nor flower, would hardly seem to
indicate a species of centaury.
[1907] The Ruscus hypoglossum of Linnæus, the Double tongue.
[1908] The Hypecoüm procumbens of Linnæus, Horned cummin.
[1909] Fée thinks that “Idæa herba,” “plant of Ida,” may possibly be
one of the synonyms of the Alexandrian laurel. See B. xv. c. 39. Should
that identity not hold good, he prefers the Uvularia amplexifolia of
Linnæus.
[1910] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.
[1911] Fée suggests the Corydalis claviculata of Decandolle. Littré
mentions the Fumaria capreolata of Linnæus.
[1912] Or kidney-bean. See B. xxiv. c. 40.
[1913] Or Gith. See B. xx. c. 71.
[1914] The Euphorbia lathyris of Linnæus, the Caper plant, or Caper
spurge.
[1915] There is no such resemblance, except that they both contain a
milky juice, the properties of which are, however, very different. It
is a plant of an energetic and even dangerous nature, and must never be
mistaken for the real caper.
[1916] Mostly thought to be the same plant as the Leontopodium of B.
xxvi. c. 34. Littré, however, identifies it with the Evax pygmæus of
Linnæus.
[1917] Probably the Echium Italicum of Linnæus, Italian viper’s tongue.
[1918] There is no resemblance between the Echium and the lettuce.
[1919] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Lithospermum
officinale of Linnæus, Gremil, gromwell, or stone-crop. Littré mentions
the Lithospermum tenuiflorum of Linnæus.
[1920] “Jove’s wheat,” or the “plant of Hercules.”
[1921] This description applies to the variety of Gremil, known as the
Coix lacryma of Linnæus, Job’s tears, originally an Indian plant; but
it may have been known in Italy in Pliny’s time.
[1922] A poor compliment to Nature, as Fée remarks.
[1923] It has in reality no medicinal properties to speak of; but its
name, “stone seed,” and its appearance, would, of course, ensure its
reputation as an efficient cure for calculus.
[1924] Some kind of lichen, probably, but what in particular it is
impossible to say.
[1925] Ring-worm or tetter.
[1926] Hardouin says that this herpetic disease is called
“cantharides,” because it attacks the body as the cantharis attacks
wheat. See B. xviii. c. 44.
[1927] It would be superfluous to look for sense in this silly formula.
[1928] Anguillara and C. Bauhin identify it with the Ranunculus thora
of Linnæus, and other authorities with the Doronicum pardalianches of
Linnæus. Pliny is the only writer that mentions it; and if it really
had any existence, it would seem quite impossible, as Fée says, to
identify it with correctness.
[1929] “Venenum cervarium.”
[1930] See B. xxv. c. 25.
[1931] “Salivati.” Holland renders this, “A mash wherewith they used to
drench cattle.”
[1932] Identified with the Lamium of B. xxii. c. 16.
[1933] See B. xxv. c. 18. The resemblance, Fée says, is by no means a
striking one.
[1934] The “white” plant.
[1935] “White in the middle.”
[1936] Identified by Fée with the Cerinthe of B. xxi. c. 41. Sprengel,
however, considers it to be the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus.
[1937] Fée identifies it with the Campanula Medium of Linnæus, our
Canterbury or Coventry bells; but this flower is blue, while the colour
of the Medion is purple. Littré gives the Convolvulus althæoides
of Linnæus. Sibthorp has named the Campanula laciniata; and other
authorities the Michauxia campanuloïdes.
[1938] See B. xx. c. 32.
[1939] “Mouse-ears.” Fée identifies it with the Myosotis Scorpioïdes
of Linnæus, Scorpion-grass, or mouse-ear, which is not of a corrosive
nature, as Pliny says, but emollient and soothing. Littré names the
Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus, Wild bugloss, German madwort, or great
goose-grass.
[1940] Sprengel identifies it with the Alyssum sativum, the Garden
madwort; Fée with the Camelina sativa of Crantz, the Cultivated
cameline. Littré gives the Neslia paniculata as its synonym.
[1941] Or “Nigina,” in some editions. It is utterly unknown.
[1942] Possibly a fabulous plant; though it is generally identified
with the Ononis natrix of Linnæus. Poinsinet de Sivry derives its name
from the Celto-Germanic words, _nat_, “night,” and _ris_, “wand;” a
name given to it, according to him, for its efficacy in dispelling the
illusions of the night.
[1943] Or “Fauni,” the same as our nightmare.
[1944] Probably the Euphrasia odontites of Linnæus, the Red eye-bright.
[1945] “Inter feni genera.”
[1946] See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them.
[1947] On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots.
[1948] Hence its name “odontitis,” “tooth-wort.”
[1949] Its synonym is unknown. Sprengel has identified it with the
Tagetes patula of Linnæus, but that is purely an American plant!
[1950] Probably one of the Borragineæ, Fée thinks, but beyond that he
considers it impossible to say. Desfontaines identifies it with the
Onosma echioides of Linnæus, the Hairy onosma.
[1951] See B. xxii. c. 23.
[1952] If it is the plant above-mentioned, this is incorrect.
[1953] Fée suggests that it may be identical with the Onopyxos of
B. xxi. c. 56. Desfontaines, also, identifies it with the Onopordon
acanthium of Linnæus, the Cotton thistle or woolly thistle.
[1954] Probably the Osyris alba of Linnæus, the Poet’s cassia.
Anguillara and Dodonæus have mentioned the Chenopodium scoparia of
Linnæus, the Summer cypress, or line-leaved goosefoot, but without any
good reason, it is thought. Holland calls it “toad-flax.”
[1955] “Smegmata.”
[1956] The “sour” plant. Mostly identified with the Oxalis acetosella
of Linnæus, Cuckoo’s meat, three leaved sorrel, or wood-sorrel.
[1957] “Enterocele.”
[1958] The “many-flowered” plant. Probably the Ranunculus polyanthemos
of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 109.
[1959] The “frog” plant.
[1960] “Vitiligines”.
[1961] “Many-seeded.”
[1962] “Blood plant.”
[1963] Identified by Fée with the Polygonum aviculare of Linnæus, the
Knot-grass.
[1964] “Many-knotted.” Scribonius says that it received its name,
“polygonos,” from its being found everywhere.
[1965] Or “mountain” plant. Fée considers it to be the same as the
second kind above mentioned, and to correspond with the female
Polygonos of Dioscorides. He identifies it with the Hippuris vulgaris
of Linnæus, Mare’s tail, or female horse-tail; Littré gives the
Equisetum pallidum of Bory as its synonym.
[1966] Identified by Fée with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the
Great shrubby horsetail.
[1967] See B, xix. c. 7.
[1968] “Scillam pusillam.” Fée considers it to be a squill, the variety
with the red root of the Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the Sea-squill.
Littré gives as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus, the
Sea-daffodil.
[1969] Probably the Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus; see B. xx. c. 81. It
is a strong purgative.
[1970] “Fig-plant,” “poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference, no
doubt, to its milky juice.
[1971] See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33.
[1972] In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called “securidaca.”
[1973] See B. xx. c. 71.
[1974] We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great
antidote of Mithridates.
[1975] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of
Linnæus, the Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara
of Linnæus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and Littré
gives the Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp.
[1976] See B. xxv. c. 76.
[1977] The “sinew” plant.
[1978] Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocallis
liliastrum of Linnæus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M Fräas
says, however (_Synopsis_, p. 288), that that plant has not been found
in Greece; and relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers
the Lloydia Græca, which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece,
and the Peloponnesus, as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of
1500 feet.
[1979] “White flower.”
[1980] “White thorn.”
[1981] Hence its name. See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc.
24, 28, 29.
[1982] Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of Linnæus, the Crosswort.
[1983] See B. xxii. c. 91. Fée thinks that it is two plants, the Cnicus
Casabonæ, and the Thelygonum cynocrambe of Linnæus, that are here
spoken of. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, Dog’s
mercury, as its synonym.
[1984] Linnæus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name
of Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active
poison. It is probable that the Phellandrium, or “Male-cork-plant” of
Pliny, still remains unknown.
[1985] Possibly the Phalaris aquatiea of Linnæus, the Water
canary-grass. Littré gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of
Linnæus, Knotted canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34,
_Bohn’s Ed_.
[1986] This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says “millet.”
[1987] Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the
Aristolochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle.
[1988] Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above in
c. 91.
[1989] See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would
appear that the mæna was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our
Sardines.
[1990] See B. xxvi. c. 11.
[1991] The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally
supposed to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of Linnæus, Pontic rhubarb.
[1992] The shores of the Euxine.
[1993] See B. xii. c. 25.
[1994] “Fulvum,” probably, “tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black;
see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18.
[1995] Possibly the Reseda alba of Linnæus.
[1996] “Reseda, morbos reseda.” A pun upon the name of the plant, and
the verb “resedo.”
[1997] Like the silly charm itself, “neither head nor tail.”
[1998] See B. xxvi. c. 27.
[1999] The Stœchades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11.
[2000] See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade
is neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison.
[2001] De Re Med. ii. 33.
[2002] See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the
Smyrnium perfoliatum of Linnæus, the Perfoliated alexander.
[2003] “Anethi” is a preferable reading to “apii,” “parsley.”
[2004] See B. xxiv. c. 60.
[2005] See B. xxi. c. 21.
[2006] See B. xxi. c. 86.
[2007] See B. xxvi. c. 60.
[2008] “Fish-sauce.” See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43.
[2009] Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified
with the Sison amomum of Linnæus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley.
[2010] Identified by Fée with the Sedum Telephium of Linnæus, the
Orpine or livelong; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the
Ever-green orpine; and by Littré with the Cerinthe aspeva, the Prickly
honey-wort.
[2011] “Vitiligini.”
[2012] The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86.
[2013] See B. xxii. c. 30.
[2014] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of
Linnæus, the Small meadow rue. Littré gives the Thalictrum flavum of
Linnæus, the Common meadow rue.
[2015] In its colour.
[2016] Fée identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of Linnæus,
the Wild bastard-grass; Littré with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of
Linnæus, Shepherd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris.
Desfontaines gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of
Linnæus.
[2017] “Peltarum specie.” The “pelta” was a small, light shield, of
various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent.
[2018] From θλάω, “to break.”
[2019] “Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of Linnæus, the Annual
moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel,
but its identity is very doubtful.
[2020] This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B.
xxi. c. 10.
[2021] See B. xiii. c. 36. Fée suggests that it may possibly be a
variety of the Pistacia lentiscus of Linnæus, the Mastich-tree, or
lentisk. Desfontaines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M.
Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 182) suggests the Origanum maru.
[2022] See B. xiii. c. 37. M. Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 257) identifies it
with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the Great shrubby horsetail.
[2023] “Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of Linnæus,
the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert;
it is never used in medicine”.
[2024] In B. xx. c. 3.
[2025] See c. 41 of this Book.
[2026] See B. xxv. c. 70.
[2027] See B. xxv. c. 54.
[2028] A kind of fœtid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis.
[2029] “Serpentis.”
[2030] See B. xxii. c. 3.
[2031] It is with regret that at the close of this Book, we take leave
of the valuable Annotations of M. Fée, a series of illustrations which
reflect the highest credit on his learning, his industry, and his
critical acumen. Were the ancient authors in general subjected to the
same minute examination and thorough enquiry which he has expended
upon the Sixteen Botanical Books of Pliny, their value would be
greatly enhanced, equally to the critical scholar, and to the general
reader who makes his acquaintance with them through the medium of a
translation. To say, that, in reference to their respective labours
upon Pliny, M. Fée deserves our thanks almost equally with the learned
Sillig—now, alas! no more—is to say much indeed in his praise, and to
bestow upon him a commendation to which he is eminently entitled.
[2032] See end of B. xx.
[2033] See end of B. xiv.
[2034] See end of B. xii.
[2035] See end of B. xx.
[2036] See end of B. xx.
[2037] See end of B. vii.
[2038] See end of B. iii.
[2039] See end of B. xi.
[2040] See end of B. ii.
[2041] Beyond being mentioned here, and in c. 14 of this Book, nothing
is known of this writer.
[2042] See end of B. xx.
[2043] See end of B. ii.
[2044] See end of B. viii.
[2045] See end of B. xix.
[2046] See end of B. viii.
[2047] See end of B. xix.
[2048] See end of B. xxi.
[2049] See end of B. xxi.
[2050] See end of B. vii.
[2051] See end of B. xx.
[2052] See end of B. xx.
[2053] See end of B. xv.
[2054] See end of B. xii.
[2055] See end of B. xv.
[2056] See end of B. xii.
[2057] See end of B. xx.
[2058] See end of B. xx.
[2059] See end of B. xx.
[2060] See end of B. xx.
[2061] See end of B. xx.
[2062] See end of B. xx.
[2063] See end of B. xx.
[2064] See end of B. xx.
[2065] See end of B. vii.
[2066] See end of B. xx.
[2067] See end of B. xx.
[2068] See end of B. xii.
[2069] See end of B. xi.
[2070] See end of B. xii.
[2071] See end of B. xx.
[2072] See end of B. xii.
[2073] See end of B. xx.
[2074] See end of B. xx.
[2075] See end of B. xx.
[2076] See end of B. xx.
[2077] See end of B. xx.
[2078] See end of B. xii.
[2079] See end of B. xx.
[2080] See end of B. xx.
[2081] See end of B. xxi.
[2082] See end of B. xx.
[2083] See end of B. xx.
[2084] See end of B. xx.
[2085] The trees and plants.
[2086] On the contrary, this and the four following Books are full of
the most extravagant assertions, which bear ample testimony to his
credulity notwithstanding the author’s repeated declarations that he
does not believe in Magic. As Ajasson says, he evidently does not
know what he ought to have inserted in his work, and what to reject
as utterly unworthy of belief. His faults, however, were not so
much his own as those of his age. Want of space, equally with want
of inclination, compels us to forego the task of entering into an
examination of the system of Animal Therapeutics upon which so much
labour has been wasted by our author.
[2087] See B. viii. c. 97, _et seq._, and B. xxv. c. 89, _et seq._
[2088] See B. xxviii. c. 3.
[2089] This practice is mentioned with reprobation by Celsus and
Tertullian. It was continued, however, in some degree through the
middle ages, and Louis XV. was accused by his people of taking baths of
infants’ blood to repair his premature decrepitude.
[2090] In recent times, Guettard, a French practitioner, recommended
human marrow as an emollient liniment.
[2091] Hence, as Ajasson remarks, the ignorance of anatomy displayed by
the ancients.
[2092] For further particulars as to Osthanes, see B. xxix. c. 80,
and B. xxx. cc. 5 and 6; also cc. 19 and 77 of the present Book. The
reading, however, is very doubtful.
[2093] “Oculorum suffusiones.” As Ajasson says, the remedy here
mentioned reminds us of the more harmless one used by Tobias for the
cure of the blindness of his father Tobit.
[2094] He gives a great many, however, which are equally abominable.
[2095] “Piacula.”
[2096] We may here discover the first rudiments of the doctrine of
Animal Magnetism.
[2097] In accordance with the republican doctrines of Cato of Utica,
Brutus, Cassius, and Portia.
[2098] Holland remarks, “Looke for no better divinitie in Plinie, a
meere Pagan, Epicurean, and professed Atheist.” See B. vii. cc. 53, 54.
[2099] Whether or not, they cannot, as Ajasson remarks, be regarded as
remedies _derived from_ the human body, being no part of the human body.
[2100] “Homini acceptum fieri oportere conveniat.” This passage is
probably corrupt.
[2101] Beginning with an address to Janus and Vesta, imploring their
intercession with the other divinities, and concluding with an appeal
to Janus.
[2102] “Impetritis.”
[2103] “Qui favere linguis jubeat.” “Favete linguis” were the words
used in enjoining strict silence.
[2104] By him who is offering up the prayer.
[2105] A trick adroitly performed by the priests, no doubt.
[2106] Given by Livy, in Books viii. and x.
[2107] To death, in battle, for the good of their country.
[2108] Preserved by Valerius Maximus, B. viii. c. 1. Tertullian and
Saint Augustin doubt the authenticity of the story. She is said to have
carried water in a sieve from the river Tiber to the temple of Vesta.
[2109] “Forum Boarium;” in the Eighth Region of the City.
[2110] Of Gaul, as Plutarch informs us, who mentions also the Greek
victims, The immolation of the Gauls is supposed to have happened in
the beginning of the reign of Vespasian.
[2111] Originally the “Decemviri Sacris Faciundis,” whose number was
increased by Sylla to fifteen. They had the management of the Games of
Apollo, and the Secular Games.
[2112] In B. ii. c. 54.
[2113] It has been suggested that Tullus Hostilius was acquainted with
some of the secrets of electricity, and that he met his death while
trying experiments with a lightning conductor. See B. ii. c. 54.
[2114] Ajasson thinks that there is an equivoque here upon the word
“templum,” which signified not only a building, but certain parts of
the heavens, and corresponding lines traced on the earth by the augur’s
staff.
[2115] This story is mentioned by Plutarch, in the Life of Publicola.
[2116] In which case it was considered necessary to repeat the words,
“Accipio omen,” “I accept the omen.”
[2117] “Qui fruges excantassit.”
[2118] “Qui malum carmen incantassit.”
[2119] Ajasson is of opinion that this name was either Favra or Fona,
Acca, Flora, or Valesia or Valentia.
[2120] “As in saying thus, The Devill take thee, or The Ravens
peck out thine eyes, or I had rather see thee Pie peckt, and such
like.”—_Holland_.
[2121] It is a superstition still practised to pierce the shell of an
egg after eating it, “lest the witches should come.” Holland gives
the following Note—“Because afterwards no witches might pricke them
with a needle in the name and behalfe of those whom they would hurt
and mischeefe, according to the practice of pricking the images of any
person in wax; used in the witchcraft of these daies.” We learn from
Ajasson that till recently it was considered a mark of ill-breeding in
France not to pierce the shell after eating the egg. See also Brand’s
Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 19, _Bohn’s Ed._
[2122] See the Eighth Eclogue of Virgil.
[2123] “That is to say, _Arse verse_, out of Afranius, as Festus
noteth, which in the old Tuscane language signifieth, _Averte ignem_,
Put backe the fire.”—_Holland_.
[2124] Odyss. xix. 457. It is not Ulysses, but the sons of Autolycus
that do this. Their bandages, however, were more likely to be effectual.
[2125] De Enthusiasmo.
[2126] See B. xvii. c. 47.
[2127] In passing along the Velabrum, on the occasion of his Gallic
triumph, the axle of the carriage having broke.
[2128] See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 175, _et seq._, and Epist. de Ponto.
B. iv. El. 4. l. 23, _et seq._
[2129] See B. xi. c. 103.
[2130] Hence the saying, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.”
[2131] “Defunctorum memoriam a nobis non sollicitari.”
[2132] It is still a saying, and perhaps a belief, that “There is luck
in odd numbers.”
[2133] This has been a practice from the earliest times to the present
day. See Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 123, _Bohn’s Ed_.
[2134] In France and England, at the present day, this notion, or
rather, perhaps, the memory of it, is universally to be found. If the
right ear tingles, some one is speaking well of us; if the left ear,
the reverse.
[2135] King Attalus Philometor. See end of B. viii.
[2136] “Two.”
[2137] This passage, it is pretty clear, ought to follow the preceding
one, though in the Latin it is made to precede.
[2138] The thumb was turned upwards as a mark of favour, downwards, as
a mark of disfavour.
[2139] “Repositorium.”
[2140] It was not yet the custom to bring in several courses, each
served up on a separate table.
[2141] Good manners possibly, more than superstition, may have
introduced this practice.
[2142] Or Pluto. He alludes to the Feralia, or feasts celebrated, in
the month of February, in honour of the dead.
[2143] Or household god.
[2144] The “Nundinæ,” held every ninth day; or rather every _eighth_
day, according to _our_ mode of reckoning.
[2145] Gronovius suggests a reading which would make this to mean that
it is “ominous to touch money with the forefinger.” It does not appear
to be warranted, however.
[2146] _Twenty-eighth_, according to _our_ reckoning.
[2147] Probably from their ominous resemblance to the Parcæ, or Fates,
with their spindles.
[2148] “Frugum.”
[2149] “Princeps civitatis.”
[2150] “Rho” and “Alpha.”
[2151] In B. vii. c. 2.
[2152] In B. vii. c. 2, he speaks of these people—“the serpent-born”—as
natives of Parium, a town of the Hellespont. Ajasson suggests that they
may have been a branch of the Thamirades, a sacerdotal family of Cyprus.
[2153] “Dolium.”
[2154] See B. viii. c. 38.
[2155] Ajasson has thought it worth while to contradict this assertion.
[2156] Meaning, of course, _in case_ such an accident should befall the
party. The passage appears, however, to be corrupt.
[2157] “Hasta velitaris.”
[2158] In B. vii. c. 2.
[2159] It is the _shoulder-blade_ of Pelops that is generally mentioned
in the ancient Mythology. Pliny omits to say of what medicinal virtues
it was possessed.
[2160] In B. vii. c. 2.
[2161] It certainly does seem to be possessed of some efficacy for the
removal of spots and stains, but for no other purpose probably.
[2162] In some parts of France, the peasants spit in the hand when in
terror of spectres at night. In our country, prize-fighters spit in
the hand before beginning the combat, and costermongers spit on their
morning’s handsel, or first earned money, for good luck.
[2163] “In sinum.”
[2164] See Juvenal, Sat. v. l. 112.
[2165] Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate
of soda and potash; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be
infinitely small.
[2166] A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He
would seem to imply it.
[2167] “Levatur illico in percusso culpa.”
[2168] This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to
use strong exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as
Ajasson remarks.
[2169] “Malum terræ.” See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. Littré
translates “malum,” “apple,” in the former passage; but here he calls
it “curse of the earth.”
[2170] “Rubetas.” See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. cc. 19, 76, and 116, and
B. xxv. c. 76.
[2171] This divinity was identical with Mutinus or Tutinus, and was
worshipped under the form of a phallus, the male generative organ.
As the guardian of infants, his peculiar form is still unconsciously
represented in the shape of the coral bauble with which infants are
aided in cutting their teeth.
[2172] Hence the expression “præfiscini,” “Be it said without envy,”
supposed to avert the effects of the envious eye, fascination, or
enchantment.
[2173] “Resipiscere” seems to be a preferable reading to “respicere,”
adopted by Sillig. This passage is evidently in a very corrupt state;
but it is most probable that reference is made to the attendant who
stood behind the general in his triumph, and reminded him that he was
a man—or, according to Tzetzes, bade him look behind him. Pliny speaks
of a servant attending the triumphant general, with a golden crown,
in B. xxxiii. c. 4. Hardouin attempts another explanation, but a very
confused and improbable one.
[2174] See end of the present Book.
[2175] Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”
[2176] Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in
this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.
[2177] This superstition still exists among the lower classes of this
country, with reference to the beneficial effects of stroking neck
diseases with the hand of a man who has been hanged.
[2178] Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.
[2179] Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.
[2180] The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to
Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.
[2181] Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here
should be omitted.
[2182] See B. xv. c. 5.
[2183] “Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax.
[2184] Properly, “poppy juice.”
[2185] Or “clara lectio,” “reading aloud,” as Celsus calls it,
recommending it for persons of slow digestion.
[2186] “Gestatio.” Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by
horses, or in a litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7.
[2187] See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is
still recommended for consumptive patients.
[2188] Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the
spleen, as they are called.
[2189] “Strigilium.”
[2190] Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.
[2191] “Non prandentium.”
[2192] Callistenes the physician is the person supposed to be alluded
to. Lucullus did not seem to be of opinion that a man “must be a fool
or a physician at forty.”
[2193] “Ut in quâ homo alius exsiliret ex homine.” The true meaning of
this it seems impossible, with certainty, to ascertain: though a more
indelicate one than that give might be easily suggested.
[2194] On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness
of sight.
[2195] See Ovid, Met. ix. 273, _et seq._
[2196] Much more probably, because they were considered to be
significant of anything but seriousness and attention.
[2197] Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.
[2198] The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.
[2199] See end of B. vii.
[2200] In B. viii. c. 58.
[2201] A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.
[2202] This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as
indicative of the health of the patient.
[2203] From the Greek πτύω, “to spit.”
[2204] “Argema.”
[2205] Who had to use _lant_, or stale urine, in their business.
[2206] At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the
“nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.
[2207] This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.
[2208] Works and Days, l. 727, _et seq._
[2209] The use of the word “prodidere” shows that treatises had been
written on these abominable subjects. Laïs, Elephantis, and Salpe were
probably the “meretrices” to whom he here alludes. See c. 23, and the
end of this Book.
[2210] There is probably no foundation for this assertion.
[2211] “Rana.” He means the “rubeta” probably, or “bramble-frog,” so
often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290.
[2212] “Salivam.”
[2213] See B. xx. c. 2.
[2214] See B. xxx. c. 10. Latreille has written a very able treatise on
the Buprestis of the ancients, and considers it to belong to the family
of Cantharides. _Annales du Museum d’histoire Naturelle_, Vol. xix. p.
129, _et seq._
[2215] Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18.
[2216] “Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23.
[2217] Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid,
Seneca, Quintilian, and Velleius Paterculus.
[2218] “Fascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head.
[2219] The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an
interpolation.
[2220] In B. vii. c. 13.
[2221] Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B.
xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it.
[2222] Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.
[2223] See the end of this Book.
[2224] See B. vii. c. 13.
[2225] See B. vii. c. 13.
[2226] Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to
Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.
[2227] See B. viii. c. 44.
[2228] One peculiarity not mentioned by Pliny, is, that its skin, like
that of the sea-calf, was said to be proof against the effects of
lightning.
[2229] In B. viii. c. 44.
[2230] “Glaucomata.” Littré considers, on the authority of M. Sichel,
that “Glaucoma” and “suffusio” are different names for the same
disease—cataract.
[2231] See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
[2232] “Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig.
[2233] “Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek ἄτλας, “much enduring,”
Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The
“hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a _non sequitur_.
[2234] We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the
“alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.
[2235] “Vanas species.”
[2236] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[2237] “Pila.”
[2238] Identified by Ajasson with the _chamses_, or common crocodile of
the Nile.
[2239] See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with the _souchos_
of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. It is equally amphibious with the other;
and the account of its habits given by Pliny is probably founded on
the fact that Upper Egypt, which it inhabits, is covered with a more
aromatic vegetation than the other parts of that country.
[2240] See B. xii. c. 51.
[2241] See B. xviii. c. 17.
[2242] It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated
its timidity.
[2243] This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.
[2244] A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12.
[2245] And therefore harmless.
[2246] See B. xxii. c. 21.
[2247] See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.
[2248] One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.
[2249] See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.
[2250] See B. xxvi. c. 62.
[2251] In B. viii. c. 40.
[2252] See B. viii. c. 57.
[2253] Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.
[2254] See B. xi. c. 96. Dalechamps remarks that Pliny is in error
here: this name being properly given to infants which have been put to
the breast too soon after child-birth. And so it would appear from the
context.
[2255] The “biestings.”
[2256] Amalthæa.
[2257] Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”
[2258] In B. xxv. c. 53.
[2259] From the Greek σχιστὸν, “divided” milk, or “curds.”
[2260] See B. xxi c. 105.
[2261] He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless.
[2262] In B. xi. c. 97.
[2263] From the Greek σαπρὸν, “rotten” cheese.
[2264] Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.
[2265] The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.
[2266] In this passage also it is generally supposed that he refers to
the nomadic life of barbarous nations, in which multitudes of sheep and
cattle constituted the chief wealth. It is, however, not improbable
that he means to say that among the Romans it was only the wealthy who
could afford to use it.
[2267] Βούτυρον, “cow cheese.”
[2268] Qy. whether for “aquæ,” “water,” we should not read “acidi”
here, “sour milk,” as at the beginning of the next Chapter? Beckmann
suggests “aceti,” “vinegar.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505, _Bohn’s Ed._
[2269] Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respecting
_oxygala_ is attended with difficulties: and I am fully persuaded
that his words are corrupted, though I find no variations marked in
MSS. by which this conjecture can be supported.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505.
He suggests another arrangement of the whole passage, but without
improving it, for the difficulty would appear to be totally imaginary;
as it is quite clear that by “oxygala,” or “sour milk,” Pliny means
the thickest part of the curd, which is first removed and then salted,
forming probably a sort of cream cheese. Though his meaning is clear,
he may very possibly give an erroneous description of the process.
[2270] The remark of Holland on this passage is curious—“Some would
amend this place, and for ‘magis,’ ‘more,’ put ‘minus,’ ‘less,’ in a
contrary sense; but I suppose he writeth in regard of barbarous people,
who make more account of such ranke butyr; like as the uncivile Irish
in these daies.”
[2271] He has forgotten to do so, however.
[2272] From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.”
[2273] Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and
hogs’ lard is a cure for syphilis by promoting salivation.
[2274] “Farina salsamentariæ testæ.”
[2275] See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
[2276] “Sebum”—Suet or tallow.
[2277] Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen
should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.
[2278] The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius
in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous
ceremonies.
[2279] This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.
[2280] See B. iv. c. 6.
[2281] His meaning is, that the excitement produced by religious
feeling neutralizes that antipathy which, under ordinary circumstances,
is manifested towards the system by bull’s blood.
[2282] See B. xxxiii. c. 6.
[2283] See B. viii. c. 50.
[2284] In B. viii. c. 50.
[2285] Or “hundred skins.” Called the _mirefeuillet_ in French.
[2286] In B. viii. c. 50.
[2287] See B. xxiv. c. 91.
[2288] See B. xx. c. 63.
[2289] The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnæus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.
[2290] Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.
[2291] See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.
[2292] See B. xx. c. 67.
[2293] See B. viii. c. 76.
[2294] In B. viii. c. 76.
[2295] A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical
grounds.
[2296] Cloquet says that the application would be useless.
[2297] In B. viii. c. 34.
[2298] Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the
latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity.
[2299] It is no longer reckoned among the poisons.