to relieve those who have been bitten by him. The sanies of a boiled
goat’s liver relieves nyctalopia when injected into the eye. They also
direct the vapour of it when boiling to be received into the eyes, and
also to be eaten. They say that it rests epileptics if eaten, and that
the liver of the buck-goat does the same. The liver of a lizard when
put into carious teeth relieves the pain. That of the wolf is added to
the hepatic medicine prepared from eupatorium. The liver of an ass when
roasted is of use to epileptics when eaten fasting. That of a bear when
dried in its fresh state and triturated with wine is drunk for the
bites of reptiles. The liver of the cormorant, when dried and taken in a
draught, makes calculi be discharged.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We have treated of the livers of animals in the dietetical
part of the First Book. See also in particular Galen and Serapion. Our
author copies from the former, who in his turn follows closely in the
footsteps of Dioscorides.
Ἠριγέρων,
Senecio, _Groundsel_, has mixed powers, being refrigerant and moderately
discutient.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dioscorides recommends it (_Senecio vulgaris_) in
inflammatory complaints, and also says of it that when drunk with must
it relieves the pains of the stomach proceeding from bile. Galen and
the other authorities, like Paulus, treat of it in general terms as an
antiphlogistic application. Apuleius recommends it in sciatica (75, 5.)
In modern times it had the character of being emetic, but the ancient
authorities do not say that it has this property.
Ἠρύγγιον,
Eryngium, _Eryngo_, is calefacient in no imperceptible degree, and has no
little heat and subtility of parts.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. That it is a species of _Eryngium_ or sea holly seems
indisputable. It may either be the _maritimum_, the _planum_, or the
_campestre_, all of which are brought into view and figured by our
careful herbalist Parkinson. (Theatre of Plants, 986.) Dioscorides’s
description of its localities would seem to agree best with the
_campestre_; he calls it calefacient, and says it is diuretic and
emmenagogue, removing tormina and flatulences, and proving serviceable in
hepatic diseases, and as an alexipharmic. He adds, that it is related of
it that it discusses hard tumours, both when appended as an amulet and in
a cataplasm; and that the root of it cures opisthotonos and epilepsy when
drunk with hydromel. (iii, 21.) Galen and the other Greek authorities
treat of it in general terms like Paulus. The _secacul_ of the Arabians
has been taken for this article, but erroneously, as Matthiolus has well
remarked. (Ad Dioscor. iii, 21.) But Serapion treats of it under the
name of _Iringi_, as being a white variety of the Aster Atticus. He
merely translates the words of Dioscorides and Galen. (De Simpl. 96.) We
cannot find any mention of it in the works of the other Arabians, except
Ebn Baithar, who also does little more than copy from Dioscorides and
Galen. The eryngo long retained its place in our Dispensatory, indeed
it can scarcely be said to be yet formally expelled from it. Pereira
briefly notices the _Eryngium campestre_. It is the _Eryngium maritimum_,
however, which is described in the Edinburgh Mat. Med. Quincy, by the
way, in imitation of Serapion, confounds the Eryngo with the Aster
Atticus. (Complete Engl. Disp. 113.) Boerhaave gave the candied root and
decoction of eryngo as an attenuant and deobstruent in obstructions of
the viscera, and for coughs; and Tournefort makes mention of the same as
being in common use in his days. (Mat. Med. 98. Engl. edition.)
Θάλάσσιον ὕδωρ,
Aqua Marina, _Sea Water_, is acrid, moderately calefacient, and
desiccant; it is bad for the stomach when taken in a draught, disorders
the bowels, and proves phlegmagogue. If poured hot on a part it attracts
and discusses.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The ancient authorities who have written most learnedly on
this important, although common-place article of the Mat. Med., are
Dioscorides, Avicenna, and Rhases. Sea water, says Dioscorides, is
heating, acrid, and bad for the stomach, for it disorders the belly,
bringing away phlegm and bile. When poured hot on a part it attracts and
discusses, suiting with affections of the nerves and chilblains before
they become ulcerated. It is proper for mixing with raw barley-meal, and
is suitable for plasters and discutient malagmata. For evacuating the
bowels it is injected in a tepid state, and for tormina in a hot. It is
a suitable fomentation in cases of scabies, pruritus, lichen, enlarged
tonsils, and turgid mammæ. In hot fomentations it dispels lividities,
and is useful in the bites of venomous animals, such at least as induce
tremblings and rigors, but especially of scorpions, phalangia, and asps,
and if, in such cases, one go into a hot bath, it proves useful; and
in chronic cachexiæ of the body and nerves the bath of it is useful.
Its hot vapours soothe dropsies, headaches, and dullness of hearing.
It is given as a purge either alone or with oxycrate, wine, or honey;
and after the purging takes place the broth of a hen or of fishes is
exhibited to dilute its acrimony and pungency. (v, 19.) Avicenna borrows
largely from Dioscorides, but supplies some additional remarks of his own
by no means devoid of interest and importance. He recommends sea water
for chilblains, for killing lice, and discussing extravasated blood.
He also, copying from Dioscorides, praises it in pruritus, scabies,
and impetigo. Epileptics, he says, are benefited by tepid salt water,
but injured by hot. The vapour of salt water, he adds, is beneficial
in vertigo and dropsies. (ii, 2, 58.) From Rhases’s very lengthened
dissertation on this subject we can only find room for a few extracts.
Upon the authority of Johannitius (Serapion?), he states that the use
of salt water to one unaccustomed to it proves laxative and pinches the
belly, but to one accustomed to it, it proves astringent. Another of his
authorities, Judæus, says salt water proves beneficial in pain of the
head and chest, in dropsy, and a watery stomach. He also states of salt
water, that although at first it proves laxative, the continued use of it
brings on constipation, because, he says, its salt dries, astringes, and
strengthens the belly. (Cont. l. ult. i, 70.)
Θαλίκτρον,
Thalictrum, _Meadow Rue_, has desiccant powers, without pungency. It
therefore heals chronic ulcers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Sprengel confidently pronounces it to be the _Thalictrum
minus_, L., that is to say, the lesser meadow rue of our herbalists. See
Parkinson (265.) Dioscorides and Galen state its medicinal properties in
the same terms as our author. It is the Thalitruum of Pliny, who likewise
praises it as an application to ulcers. (H. N. xxvii, 112.) We have not
been able to find it described by any of the Arabian authorities on the
Mat. Med. except Ebn Baithar, and it has had no place in our English
Dispensatory for many ages past.
Θαψία,
Thapsia, _Deadly Carrot_, is acrid and strongly calefacient, with some
humidity. It therefore attracts strongly the deep-seated fluids, and
dispels them when attracted.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The authorities are divided between the _Thapsia Garganica_
and the _Thapsia Asclepium_. Old Gerard gives it the name of deadly
carrot, but Parkinson that of scorching fennel. Theophrastus mentions
that it purges upwards and downwards. (P. ix, 10, 24.) Pliny describes
it as a very acrid poison. (H. N. xxiii, 43.) See Dioscorides (iv, 154.)
Serapion states that it is a violent emetic and cathartic, and operates
powerfully as an external application. The thapsia has long ceased to
be employed in medicine; even old Culpeper calls it “a venomous foreign
root, and therefore no more of it.”
Θεῖον,
_Sulphur_; it likewise is possessed of attractive powers, is hot, and
consists of subtile particles, so as to be an antidote against many
poisonous animals, more especially the sea-turtle and dragon, either
sprinkled dry or mixed with saliva, or with the urine of a child, or oil,
or honey. It is also a wonderful remedy for scabious complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Sulphur was extensively used in medicine from the earliest
times. Pliny gives a very full and interesting account of it. (H. N.
xxxv, 50.) The sulphur vivum, of which mention is so often made in this
work, was evidently native sulphur, that is to say, the prismatic sulphur
of Jameson. The sulphur ignem expertum was clearly the factitious sulphur
or brimstone, namely, that which is procured from pyrites by sublimation.
We need scarcely mention that sulphur was extensively used as an
application in cutaneous diseases, and more especially scabies. It was
also given internally in catarrhs and other complaints of the chest. See
Dioscorides and Pliny. The words of the latter are well worth quoting in
the present instance. “Natura ejus calfacit, concoquit, sed et discutit
collectiones corporum: ob hoc talibus emplastris malagmatisque miscetur.
Renibus quoque et lumbis in dolore cum adipe mire prodest impositum.
Aufert et lichenas a facie cum terebinthi resina et lepras. Harpacticon
vocatur a celeritate avellendi, avelli enim subinde debet. Prodest
et suspiriosis linctum. Purulenta quoque extussientibus, et contra
scorpionum ictus. Vitiligines vivum nitro mixtum atque ex aceto tritum
et illitum tollit, item lendes in palpebris, aceto sandarachato admixto.”
We have not found the acetum sandarachatum mentioned by any other writer;
from its name, it was no doubt composed of vinegar and arsenic, that
is to say, realgar. Serapion, in treating of sulphur, confines himself
entirely to Greek authorities (407); and so in like manner Avicenna (ii,
2, 612), and Rhases (Cont. ult. 694.)
Θέρμος,
Lupinus, _Lupine_; that which is edible is possessed of emplastic powers;
but the bitter is detergent, discutient, and desiccative, without
pungency. It kills worms, both when applied externally and when taken in
infusion, and it cleanses the bowels when drunk with rue and pepper. It
also cleanses the skin, and discusses tumours when applied with oxymel.
The wild is more bitter and stronger than the cultivated in all respects.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Two varieties of the lupine, the _sativus_ and _sylvestris_,
were used in medicine from the days of Dioscorides down to our Quincy.
Though the former of these, which was the one principally used, be
well known, there is some doubt as to the species; whether it was the
_pilosus_, or the _hirsutus_, or, what is more probable, whether it
comprehended both. Dioscorides and Galen agree in enumerating a long list
of cases to which the lupine is applicable, but as our author’s account
embraces the sum of what they have written on it, we need not enter
here into an exposition of their opinions. Suffice it to say, that as
an emmenagogue and deobstruent it was much relied upon internally, and
applied in a great variety of external complaints in fomentations. The
same virtues are ascribed to it by the Arabians, who, however, supply
no additional observations of any importance. Avicenna’s account of its
medicinal powers is particularly full. (ii, 2, 440.) Rhases derives
almost all his information from the Greeks. (Cont. l. ult. i, 435.)
Serapion copies altogether from Dioscorides and Galen (De Simpl. 74.)
Θηλύπτερον,
Which some call Nymphæa or Filix, _Female Fern_, is like the fern in all
its properties. When drunk with wine it kills the broad and round worms.
It also destroys the fœtus in utero. Its leaves, when eaten, soften the
belly.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There seems every reason to refer it to the _Asplenium
Filix fœmina_, Bernh., or _Polypodium_, L. Theophrastus recommends it
as a vermifuge medicine. (H. P. ix, 20.) Galen, Avicenna, and all the
authorities that treat of it, concur in assigning to it this faculty.
Dioscorides also sets it down as a medicine calculated to induce
sterility and occasion abortion. The powder of it is recommended as an
application to ill-conditioned sores. In the days of Quincy it still held
an equivocal place in the Dispensatory.
Θλάσπι,
Bursa Pastoris, _Shepherd’s Purse_, is possessed of acrid powers, so
that when drunk it breaks internal abscesses, and occasions a flow of
the menses; and if injected by the anus it relieves ischiatic disease
by occasioning a bloody discharge. It otherwise purges bile upwards and
downwards when drunk to the amount of an acetabulum.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Sprengel holds that the Θ. of Dioscorides is the _Thlaspi
Bursa Pastoris_. Dioscorides describes another species, which is either
the _Iberis umbellata_, or the _Viola latifolia_. Pliny recommends the
Thlaspi as a phlegmagogue and cholagogue. (H. N. xxvii, 113.) Dioscorides
assigns it the same character, and also holds that it is emmenagogue. Our
author copies closely from Galen. Avicenna dwells at considerable length
upon the virtues of Thlaspi, calling it emetic and purgative, and also
anthelminthic, emmenagogue, and carminative. The _Thlaspi arvense_ held
a place in the Dispensatory, with all the characters of the ancient T.,
down to a late date. See Quincy (Compl. Engl. Dispens. 66.)
Θρίδαξ,
Lactuca, _Lettuce_, is a juicy and cold potherb, yet not extremely so,
but of the temperament of spring water. It therefore suits with hot
inflammations, and also quenches thirst. When taken in an infusion it
stops gonorrhœa and libidinous dreams. The wild lettuce is less cooling
and diluent than the other, and is also more juicy.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The cultivated kind is certainly the _Lactuca sativa_: the
wild the _L. virosa_. The ancients, as we have stated in another place,
were well acquainted with the hypnotic powers of lettuce. See Celsus (ii,
32); Dioscorides (ii, 164); Athen. (Deipnos, ii, 80, ed. Schweig.); Pliny
(xix, 38); Galen (De Alim. Facul. ii, 40); Geopon. (xii, 13); Aëtius
(i, 168); Symeon Seth (De Alimentis); Macer Floridus (De Herb. vir.);
Serapion (De Simpl. ex Plant.) According to Dioscorides, it is also
anaphrodisiac, and removes the pollutio nocturni somni. One of Serapion’s
Arabian authorities commends it in jaundice; and another of them says
that it dispels the unpleasant effects produced by intoxication. (De
Simpl. 240.) Avicenna’s account of its medicinal virtues is very
interesting, but is in the main derived from Dioscorides and Galen. He
represents it to be an eminently cold, that is to say, a sedative plant,
and recommends it in all complaints of a hot nature, in watchfulness,
alienation of mind, and in _coup de soleil_. He also speaks highly of its
milk in hot affections of the eyes. (ii, 2, 441.) Rhases likewise gives
an excellent description of its powers, but in nearly the same terms as
Avicenna. He makes it to be soporific, anaphrodisiac, and alexipharmic.
(Cont. l. ult. i, 386.) Dioscorides states that the wild lettuce is a
hydragogue purgative, and we may mention that the late Dr. Collin, of
Vienna, gave it with great success in dropsies. Avicenna says the wild,
in virtue, resembles the black poppy. We need scarcely say that both
the _L. sativa_ and _virosa_ have, of late years, been restored to the
Materia Medica. Upon reference to the works of Orfila, Paris, Pereira,
and other authorities of the day, it will be seen that the ancients had
correctly stated the medicinal virtues of both species.
Θύμος,
Thymus, _Thyme_, heats and dries in the third degree. It also incides
viscid and thick humours.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We have little hesitation in describing it to be the _Thymus
vulgaris_. Dioscorides states that thyme is expectorant, diuretic,
emmenagogue, and discutient; and all the authorities, down even to modern
times, confirm this character of it. Galen says it is to be placed in the
third order of desiccants and calefacients. He recommends it as being
diuretic and emmenagogue, and says that it destroys the fœtus in utero,
clears out the viscera, and is useful in discharges from the chest and
lungs. Oribasius gives it the same character. Aëtius, from personal
experience, as he says, writes of its virtues more elaborately than any
other ancient author. Thus he gives a prescription for a draught composed
of oxymel and finely powdered thyme, which he says proves beneficial in
arthritic diseases by purging bile and the acrid humours, both by the
belly and by the bladder. He recommends similar compositions in sciatica,
pleuritic pains, meteorism of the hypochondria, and tympanitis. He
prescribes, in like manner, thyme and oxymel to melancholic persons, to
those disordered in mind, and possessed with morbid apprehension; and in
gout, when given with undiluted wine. He also recommends it to be given
in swellings of the testicles, to the patient fasting, in undiluted
wine. The Arabians write fully on this head, but borrow almost all their
information from Dioscorides and Galen, and make no reference to Aëtius.
See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 328), and Serapion (De Simpl. 281.)
They all agree in giving it the character of being diuretic, emmenagogue,
anthelminthic, and phlegmagogue.
Θύμβρα,
Thymbra, _Savory_; the wild has the same powers as thyme. The garden is
in all respects weaker, but is better for food.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The ancients made use of _Savory_ (_Satureia Thymbra_) as
a condiment. Aristophanes (Nubes, 420.) Dioscorides recommends it in
the same cases as thyme, and all the others write of it in much the
same terms. Symeon Seth says it promotes digestion, is emmenagogue,
diaphoretic, and carminative. Macer Floridus affirms that it is
aphrodisiacal, and produces abortion in pregnant women when applied on a
pessary. It long held a place in the Dispensatory with the character of
being “warm and discussive.” See Quincy (127.)
Θυμελάια,
Thymelæa, _Spurge-flax_; from it the _Granum Gnidium_ is produced, which
has similar powers to it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The confusion about the Thymelæa and Chamelæa of the ancients
may be partly removed by the following account of the matter given by
Alston. There are three species of Laureola, 1st, the _L. officinalis_,
or _L. Mas_, _Dwarf Laurel_, or _Spurge Laurel_, which grows in hedges
and woods in England; 2d, the Chamelæa, or _Laureola femina_ namely, the
true _Mezereon_, or _Spurge Olive_, which grows plentifully in Germany;
3d, the Thymelæa, _Spurge Flax_, or _Mountain Widow Wail_, which grows in
the south of France. We will treat further of the Chamelæa, or Mezerion,
in its proper place. Sprengel is decidedly of opinion that the Thymelæa
of the ancients is _Daphne Gnidium_, L., or flax-leaved daphne, and one
of the latest and best authorities on the Mat. Med. comes to the same
conclusion respecting it. Dr. Pereira says, “_Daphne Gnidium_ is the
Θυμελάια, or Thymelæa of Dioscorides, whose fruit is the κόκκος κνίδιος,
or Gnidium berry, used by Hippocrates. Its properties are similar to
those of the _D. Mezereon_.” (Elements of Mat. Med. 807.) For an account
of its effects on the animal economy, see Orfila (Toxicol. ii, 3.) We
will treat of its medicinal virtues under _Coccus gnidius_.
Ἰδαῖα ρίζα,
Idæa Radix, _Idæan Root_; being sour as to taste and powers, it agrees
with hemorrhages and rheumatic affections when drunk or applied
externally.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. As may be seen upon referring to Bauhin, Woodville, Sprengel,
and Pereira, several of the authorities have been disposed to hold this
plant for the _Arbutus Uva Ursi_; but the probability is that it was the
Laurus Alexandrina, or _Uvularia amplexifolia_. Dioscorides recommends
it in fluxes from the bowels and womb, and in all kinds of hemorrhage.
(iv, 44.) Pliny translates the chapter of Dioscorides. (H. N. xxvii, 69.)
Our author copies from Galen; and Oribasius, in like manner, borrows
his description of the plant from him. As far as we can discover the
Idæa Radix is not treated of by the Arabians; and even in the days of
Matthiolus it had disappeared from the Mat. Med.
Ἰδρῶς.
Sudor, _Sweat_; it is troublesome to collect by itself; but is mixed
with the powder of those who exercise themselves in the palestra, which
powder, being only repellent before, thus becomes altogether discutient.
It is, therefore, a powerful remedy for inflamed nipples, and for
extinguishing the heat in them. It also answers with buboes; but if too
dry it must be softened with oil of privet or oil of roses.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. _Sweat_, or the matter of Perspiration. “Sweat,” says Galen,
“is one of the fluids formed in the animal body, consisting of the same
materials, and having the same mode of formation, as the urine, for both
are formed from the liquids drunk, these being heated, and acquiring
also some bilious property. But the sweat is more elaborated, as having
passed through so many intervening bodies to the skin.” (De Med. Simpl.
x.) This is a very ingenious account of the nature of the sweat and
urine, which, it is certain, bear a close analogy to one another, and
are often vicarious discharges. Thus, in cases of suppression of urine,
the perspiration has often an urinous taste and smell. But this is not
the place for enlarging further upon this subject. Our author’s account
of the medicinal properties of sweat is taken from Galen. (l. c.) All
the other authorities, in like manner, copy from him. See in particular
Serapion (De Simpl. 466), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 648.)
Ἰξὸς,
Viscum, _Birdlime_, is heating with acrimony. It attracts, therefore, the
deep-seated humours powerfully, and is discutient, like the Thapsia, but
is much more inefficacious than it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The Viscum, or Birdlime, is got from the _Loranthus
Europæus_, or Misseltoe. The Viscum quercinum held a place in the Materia
Medica from the earliest times down to a very late date. Dioscorides
mentions that birdlime is also got from the apple tree, the pear tree,
and other trees, and is found upon the roots of certain shrubs. Pliny
describes the ordinary mode of preparing it. (H. N. xvi, 94.) Dioscorides
recommends it principally as an agglutinative and attractive application
to indolent tumours and sores. When mixed with the caustic ley (quicklime
and potass) he says birdlime increases its efficacy. With orpiment and
sandarach, and applied in a cataplasm, it draws off diseased nails.
(iii, 93.) Galen remarks that, like Thapsia, its calefacient powers do
not come into immediate operation. The other authorities, in treating of
this substance, follow Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Avicenna
(ii, 2, 717), and Ebn Baithar (i, 410.) The Viscum album is retained in
the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (Athens, 1837, 167.)
Ἰὸν,
Viola, _the Violet_; its leaves have a watery and coldish substance for
their prevailing ingredient.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There can be little or no doubt that the purple violet of
Dioscorides is the _Viola Odorata_. On the violet, see a most interesting
disquisition by Celsius (Hierobotanicon in voce Dudaim); also Sprengel
(R. H. H.) Dioscorides calls it refrigerant, and recommends it as an
external application in ardor of the stomach, inflammation of the eyes,
and prolapsus ani; and mentions, that it had been taken internally in
quinsy and epilepsy of children. (iv, 120.) Galen merely recommends it
externally in the same cases as Dioscorides. The Arabian authorities
extend the use of this article. Thus, Avicenna recommends it in heat
of the stomach, both internally and externally; in a syrup for coughs,
pleurisies, and other affections of the lungs; in pains of the kidneys as
a diuretic, and as a cholagogue. (ii, 2, 715.) See also Rhases (Cont. l.
ult. 3, 21), and Ebn Baithar (i, 170.) Serapion, on the authority of Aben
Mesuai, says further of it that it is laxative in doses of from three to
seven drachms. (De Simpl. 141.)
Ἰὸς,
Ærugo, _Verdigris_, has a bitter quality to the taste, being discutient,
cathartic, and corrosive, not only of soft but also of hard flesh; but
by mixing a little of it with much cerate, one may render the medicine
detergent without pungency.
* * * * *