being a secondary product in the cupellation of argentiferous lead. It
was, therefore, a protoxide of lead. The varieties of it known to the
ancients, and their modes of preparing it, are circumstantially described
by Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 35), Dioscorides (v, 72), and Oribasius (Med.
Collect. xiii.) It was used by the Hippocratists in the practice of
medicine. (De Morb. Mulier. ii.) It is the “Spuma Argenti” of Celsus,
who notices it in various parts of his works as a cooling and cleansing
medicine. (v, 290.) Dioscorides merely says of it, that washed litharge
seems to suit ophthalmic remedies, unseemly cicatrices, wrinkled faces,
and maculæ. (v, 102.) Our author condenses what Galen says under this
head. The Arabian authorities treat of it fully, but supply little or
no additional information respecting it. See Serapion (De Simpl. 410);
Avicenna (ii, 2, 460); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Rhases (Cont. l. ult.
i, 428.) They recommend it generally as an astringent in fetor of the
armpits, to restrain copious perspiration, to dispel extravasated blood,
and remove unseemly cicatrices, and especially the marks of variolæ and
morbilli. It does not appear that any of the physicians administered it
internally; but Avicenna mentions that he had known women give it in
fluxes and ulceration of the intestines. Ebn Baithar is very full on this
head (ii, 513.) One of his Arabian authorities, Ibn Ben Amram, recommends
it in diarrhœa, as a clyster to stop the discharge; and mixed up with
vinegar and rose-oil, it is said to be useful in congenital hernia and
other complaints about the scrotum.
Λίθοι,
Lapides, _Stones_; all kinds are desiccative like earth; but the
Hæmatites, or _Blood-stone_, is astringent and desiccative in a
considerable degree, so that it agrees with trachoma of the eyelids,
and if they are free from inflammation it is to be used with water; but
if inflamed, with an egg. It is drunk also with advantage for spitting
of blood; and it restrains the fungous flesh of ulcers. The _Schistos_
or _Scissilis_ has similar properties, but is weaker: and after it the
Galactites, or _Milk-stone_. The Melititis, or _Honey-stone_, has also
a certain degree of heat. The Moroxus (called also Leucographis), being
so much softer than the others, and possessing no active quality,
is much more mild, and occasions less pain; it is, therefore, used
as an application to the soft parts of the body with cerate for the
cicatrization of ulcers. The greenish _Jasper_, being possessed of
stronger powers, attenuates cicatrices and pterygia. The Green Jasper
is useful in stomach complaints, when appended as an amulet, and when
worn in a ring. That called the _Judaic-stone_ breaks renal calculi,
and hence the moderns have called it Tecolithos. The _Pyrites_ acts as
a powerful discutient of tumours and coagula; and when it is not at
hand, the _Molaris_ may be used instead. The _Phrygian_, in addition to
being powerfully desiccative, has also some astringency and pungency;
hence it is repellent and discutient, and is therefore mixed up with
ophthalmic remedies. The _Ageratus_, being possessed of astringent and
discutient powers, is of use in inflammations of the uvula. The flower
of the _Asian-stone_ is composed of so subtile parts that it corrodes
flabby flesh without pungency. The _Gagate-stone_, being considerably
desiccative, agrees principally with chronic cases of emphysema. The
_Magnet_ (called also the Heraclean-stone) has similar powers to the
Hæmatites. The _Arabian-stone_ is like ivory, desiccative and detergent.
Some give those affected with stomach complaints a draught composed of
burnt _Alabaster_. The Smeris, _Emery_, having detergent powers, cleanses
the teeth. The stones found in _Sponges_ break down renal calculi; and
those formed on the Argæan mountain of Cappadocia are possessed of
similar powers, and in like manner the stone called _Ophites_, which is
appended as an amulet with advantage to those bitten by the viper. The
_Ostracites_ and _Geodes_ are said to be considerably desiccative so as
to cure inflammatory swellings. The Retrimentum Naxiæ cotis, _filings
of the Naxian Whetstone_, is said to be refrigerant, so as to repress
the breasts of virgins, and the testicles of children. The filings of
the _Cos oleraria_, being detergent, suit with alopecia. It is said that
the _Hieracites_ and _Indian-stone_, when appended as amulets, stop
the discharge of blood from hemorrhoids, and that the _Sapphire_, when
drunk, relieves persons bitten by the scorpion, and the _Aphroselinum_,
epileptics. The _Armenian-stone_ purges the belly downwards, but is
prejudicial to the stomach.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The following account of the stones used by the ancients in
the practice of medicine is derived from a careful study of the ancient
writers on this subject, especially Theophrastus, Pliny, Orpheus, and
Psellus. We have also availed ourselves freely of the labours of the
modern commentators who have written on these ancient authors, namely, De
Laet, De Boet, Marbodeus, Hill, and others. For a fuller description of
some of the articles, we would beg to refer to our Appendix to Dunbar’s
English and Greek Lexicon.
The _Hæmatites_ or _Blood-stone_ was so called from its colour, or
because it was used as a styptic for stopping hemorrhages, as stated by
Galen. It consists principally of the oxide of iron. Professor Cleaveland
says it contains from 60 to 80 per cent. of iron of excellent quality.
It was used for the cure of ophthalmy. See Dioscorides (v, 143); Galen
(De Simpl. ix); Serapion (De Simpl. 421.) They also recommend it in
menorrhagia. Alexander praises it in hæmoptysis. Averrhoes recommends it
in diseases of the eyelids and eyes. (Collig. iv, 43.) Dr. Hill says it
is accounted astringent and desiccative. He adds, “it is given from 10
to 25 grains in hemorrhages and in distemperatures of the eyes.” Besides
this, the ancients were acquainted with another Blood-stone which they
call Heliotrope.
The _Schistos_ is only a variety of the hæmatites, having a fibrous
appearance and ochre colour. Pliny says it is used in diseases of the
eyes.
The _Lapis Melitites_ of Pliny is supposed by Dr. Kidd to have been
borax, or the borate of soda. Pliny recommends it mixed with wax for
ulcers of the throat. (H. N. xxxvi, 33.) See Isidorus (Orig. xvi, 4.) It
seems likely that it was the same as the tincar of the Arabians, although
on this point we do not venture to pronounce a decided opinion. One of
Serapion’s authorities speaks highly of it in caries of the teeth, and
says it kills the worms in them. Is this the original of the popular
belief, that toothache is connected with worms in the teeth? (De Simpl.
423.)
The _Galactites_ most probably consisted principally of chalk. Matthiolus
and Sprengel mention that it is found in Saxony. Dr. Hill remarks that
it is, properly speaking, a species of indurated clay, and not a stone.
Dr. Jameson conjectures that it may have been Fuller’s earth. Dioscorides
recommends it as a liniment in defluxions of the eyes. (v, 149.)
The _Morochthus_, according to Sprengel, is called _Speckstein_ and
_Seifenstein_ in German. It consists of talc, argil, and silica, with a
small proportion of iron and manganese. Dr. Hill says it is an indurated
clay, and is now known by the name of _French chalk_. Dioscorides
recommends it in hæmoptysis, cæliac affections, and pains of the bladder;
and for the cure of fluor albus on pessaries. (v, 151.) Avicenna speaks
favorably of it also in fistula lachrymalis. (ii, 2, 431.)
The _Achates_, or Agate, is well described by Orpheus, and recommended as
a remedy for fever and various other complaints. It does not seem to be
noticed by the medical authorities.
The ancients were acquainted with several varieties of _Jasper_.
See Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 37.) They contained talc and various other
ingredients. Dioscorides recommends it solely as a phylactery _or_ amulet
to expedite delivery. (v, 159.) Galen and Avicenna speak of its being
useful as an amulet in affections of the stomach and bowels. The latter
calls it _Lapis aneseb_. (ii, 2, 408.) Even in modern times the Jasper
has been celebrated as an amulet. See Andreas Laurentius (De Mirab.
Strum. Sanat. 69), and Hill (Mat. Med. 276.)
The _Judaic-stone_ appears to be the Tecolithos of Pliny. It is now
ascertained that it is formed from the quills of the _Echinus Marinus_,
impregnated with calcareous earth, silica, and perhaps some magnesia.
Most of the ancient authorities commend it as a lithontriptic. V.
Harduin in Plin. H. N. xxxvii, 68. Dioscorides recommends it not only
as a lithontriptic medicine, but a remedy for dysuria in general. (v,
154.) Galen and Serapion also affirm that they had experienced good
effects from it when given in calculus of the kidneys or bladder. See in
particular Serapion (c. 390.) Rhases, however, affirms that he had tried
the lapis vesicæ, by which he probably means this article, but had not
found it to be lithontriptic. (Cont. l. ult. 414.) Dr. Hill says it is,
undoubtedly, diuretic, but it is not so certain that it is lithontriptic.
The _Pyrites_, when burnt, forms an oxide of copper with sulphur. From
our author’s account, it is evident that the Molaris nearly resembled
it, and the same may be understood from Pliny. It will, of course, be
understood that it is the copper pyrites, and not the iron. This is
very obvious from the description of it given by Dioscorides. He calls
it heating, detergent, and a cleanser of obscurities of the eyes, and
recommends it for repressing fungated ulcers. When burnt, he adds, some
call it _diphryges_. It is described under the name of _marchasita_ by
Serapion (c. 395), Phases (Cont. l. ult. i, 449), and Avicenna (ii, 2,
464.) They all recommend it with vinegar in leprosy and other obstinate
diseases of the skin.
The _Phrygian-stone_ was a pumice with alum and some other ingredients.
Dioscorides says it has astringent, cleansing, and moderately escharotic
powers, and proves a remedy for burns. (v, 140.) Galen professes to have
had great experience of it in diseases of the eyes. (Ed. Basil. t. ii,
122, 208.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 405.)
The _Ageratus_ does not occur we believe in Dioscorides or Pliny. Galen
calls it a stone which the curriers of leather use. He says it is
astringent and acrid, and recommends it particularly in inflamed uvula.
Avicenna copies from him. (ii, 2, 409.)
The _Anthrax_ or _Carbuncle_ of the ancients comprehended the ruby and
a multitude of other gems of the same colour. It was scarcely used in
medicine.
De Boet says that the _Asian-stone_ is light and spongy, and contains
alum, nitre, and salt. Dioscorides calls it slightly septic and
discutient, and recommends it as an application to old, and more
especially fungated, ulcers, and those of a malignant nature. The flower
of it, by which was meant an efflorescence on the surface of it, he says
does good in phthisis. He further says of it, that a hip-bath prepared
with it is highly beneficial in the cure of gout. (v, 141.) Galen and the
other authorities treat of it in more general terms. (De Simpl. ix.) See
also Serapion, who merely copies from Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 393.)
The _Amethyst_ of our times is the same gem that the ancients knew by
this name. Except that it was suspended from the neck as an amulet to
prevent drunkenness, we are not aware that it was used in medicine. See
Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 40); Marbodeus (De Lapid. 4.)
The _Gagate_ is a fossil, bituminous substance, containing carbon and
ethereal oil. It is jet. The _Thracian-stone_ was similar to it; indeed,
we suppose, a variety of it. The Gagate was used by the ancients as a
test of epilepsy, and a restorative from hysterical fits. Galen gives
an interesting account of his experience in the medicinal use of gagate
and Thracian-stone, the result of which is, that he found gagate rather
to weaken than increase the powers of the bitumen which he had picked up
upon the shores of the Dead Sea; but that as a desiccant, it operated
beneficially in the cure of sores, and that not only of recent, but also
of sinuous ulcers. (De Simpl. ix.) He mentions that he could not discover
the river Gagas in Lycia, from which, according to Dioscorides, this
stone derives its name. (Ibid.) There is an interesting description of
the Thracian-stone in a passage of Nicander quoted by Galen, under this
head, _Theriac_. (45.) The Arabians who treat of it merely copy from the
Greeks. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 399, 400), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 107.)
Mesue gives a formula for an oil of gagate. (De Oleis, i.)
Aristotle suggests that perhaps the _Magnet_ is animated. (De Anima.)
To comprehend his reasons for maintaining this singular opinion,
it would be necessary to understand his theory of motion, as fully
exposed in his ‘Auscultationes Naturales.’ Lucretius, with considerable
ingenuity, attempts to explain the manner in which the magnet attracts
iron. (vi, 1000.) Plato (in Timæo) and Hippocrates (De Sterilibus) also
allude to its attractive property. Galen recommends it in dropsies.
Dioscorides, Galen, and the other Greek authorities treat of it in a
very cursory manner, merely stating of it that it has the same virtues
as the hæmatite. The Arabians, more especially Serapion, give a much
fuller description of it, which at all events identifies the Magnetis or
Heraclean-stone of the ancients with our loadstone, that is to say, the
magnetic oxide of iron. It was used by the Arabians as an application to
poisoned wounds. See Serapion (De Simpl. 394); Avicenna (ii, 2, 463.)
It was used in the practice of medicine from the earliest date. See
Hippocrates (De Sterilibus.) Ebn Baithar recommends it in pains of the
head and feet, if taken hold of, and in cramps. He copies Aëtius. (ii,
25.)
The _Arabian-stone_ is a species of white marble. It is recommended by
Dioscorides for hemorrhoids and as a dentifrice. (v, 145.)
The _Alabastrites_ is a thick concrete gypsum. See Kidd’s ‘Mineral.’
(i, 63.) Galen says of it, that when burned it is adapted for medicinal
use, and that it is sometimes administered in a draught to persons
affected with stomach complaints. Dioscorides speaks of its being applied
externally in such cases along with wax; calls it discutient, and says
it represses the gums. (v, 152.) It would appear that this article is
the Lapis eburneus of Rhases, who calls it an astringent and dentifrice.
(Cont. l. ult. i, 395.)
Geoffroy says that the Smiris is the _Emery_ of the shops. It is held
by the mineralogists to be a variety of Corundam. See Cleaveland’s
‘Mineral.’ (278.) A specimen of it, from the Isle of Naxos (which may
be supposed a good representation of the ancient Smiris), was found
by Tennant to consist principally of alumine, with small proportions
of silex and oxide of iron. Dioscorides recommends it in looseness of
the gums, and as a dentifrice; he ranks it with septic and caustic
substances. (v, 165.)
The _Stones in Sponges_ consist principally of the muriate of lime. They
were much commended as lithontriptics. See Dioscorides, Pliny, Galen, and
Avicenna.
The _Ophites_ is a pellucid stone, so called from its serpentine streaks.
It was that variety of serpentine called _verde antico_. See Jameson’s
‘Mineralogy.’ According to Dioscorides, it was useful as an amulet in the
case of persons stung by snakes, and was also reported to be useful in
lethargy and headache. (v, 161.) Galen holds it to be lithontriptic. (De
Simpl. viii.) The Arabians copy from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna
(ii, 2, 406.)
The _Ostracites_ appears to have been petrified oysters. Dioscorides
recommends it in menorrhagia, in inflamed breasts, and spreading sores.
(v, 164.) Galen also recommends it for clearing the cornea. (De Simpl.
viii.) See in like manner Avicenna (ii, 2, 393.)
The _Geodes_ contains iron, argil, and silica. It is nearly allied to the
Eagle-stone, and hence it is often called the Bastard Eagle-stone. See
Hill’s ‘Theophrastus.’ Dioscorides recommends it as an ophthalmic remedy,
and as a liniment for inflammations of the mammæ and testicles. (v,
168.) Avicenna says the vapour of vinegar in which it is dissolved checks
the flow of blood and cures hot aspostemes. (ii, 2, 398.)
Matthiolus confesses himself quite unacquainted with the _Naxian
Whetstone_. Sprengel reckons it allied to the Smiris. Galen would rather
seem to make it a variety of the Ostracites.
The _Lapis Lyncurius_ of the ancients was our Jacinth or Hyacinth.
See Beckmann, and De Laet, ‘de gemmis.’ Dioscorides recommends it in
affections of the stomach and bowels. (ii, 100.) Serapion describes
minutely the _Lapis iacinctus_, or hyacinth, but merely mentions of it
that it was used as a seal to avert the thunderbolt. (c. 398.) The stone
which he describes in the following chapter, would appear decidedly to be
the Tourmaline. He calls it Lapis rubeus, _seu_, _hager albuzedi_. Used
as a seal, he says it dispels bad dreams.
The _Cos_ is composed of a schistose argil. The _Cos Olearia_ would
appear to have derived its name from requiring the use of oil to answer
the purpose of whetstone. See Pliny (H. N. xxxvi, 47.)
It is impossible to determine accurately the nature of the _Hieracites_.
Aëtius, who has given the fullest account of it, describes it as a
darkish green stone.
The _Indian-stone_ would seem to be identical with the Arabian-stone.
Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 401.)
The _Lydian-stone_ is ranked by Dr. Thomson as a sub-species of
Flint-slate. He remarks that it was used as a touchstone by the ancients.
The _Ætites_, or _Eagle-stone_, is a species of oxide of iron. Dr. Hill
remarks that custom has given the name of ætites to every fossil that
has a loose nucleus within it. The ancients used it very frequently as
an amulet and incantation. See particularly Dioscorides and Aëtius. The
Arabians also confirm, in the strongest terms, the imaginary efficacy of
the Eagle-stone when used as an amulet. That it accelerated the delivery
of woman in tedious labours, Serapion and Rhases declare, from ample
experience, and that it would produce this beneficial effect on those who
had faith in it _we_ can readily believe. Indeed, we have often regretted
that such innocent modes of working upon the imagination of women in
labour had given place to more dangerous methods of practice in such
cases. The Eagle-stone was retained in the English Dispensatory with all
its ancient characters as late as Quincy. (165.)
The _Thyites_, according to Fuchsius, was a Turquoise; but Matthiolus is
of a different opinion. Sprengel thinks it may have been a species of
turquoise, although not the common one. Dr. Hill says it contains a small
quantity of copper, which rendered it a valuable ingredient in collyria.
It is prescribed for this purpose by Dioscorides. (v, 153.)
The _Amiantus_ is composed of talc, calcareous and siliceous earth, clay,
and a small proportion of iron. It is often confounded with the _Alumen
plumosum_ of the ancients, to which it is compared by Dioscorides. He
does not mention any medicinal use to which it was applied, but merely
states of it that it was used for forming the _linum asbestinum_. (v,
155.) See further Harduin in Plin. H. N. (xxxvi, 31.)
The _Sapphirus_ of the ancients is supposed by Beckmann to have been
the Lapis lazuli. (History of Inventions.) This opinion is now pretty
generally established, and yet there is a difficulty attending it;
for the Arabians, in treating of the _Lapis lazuli_, do not quote the
descriptions of the sapphirus given by Dioscorides and Galen, but
apparently refer to the _cyanus_. Dioscorides recommends the sapphirus
as an alexipharmic, and a remedy for internal ulcerations and diseases
of the eyes. (v, 156.) Galen merely recommends it as an antidote to the
stings of scorpions. Rhases, under the head of “Lapis lazuli,” quotes
Dioscorides as saying of it that it promotes the growth of the eyelashes,
that it restrains fungous flesh, is septic, caustic, and ulcerative; and
Galen, as saying of it, that it has abstergent powers, with a moderate
degree of attenuating and styptic virtues; that it may be mixed in
collyria for the eyes, and especially for the eyelids when affected with
sharp humours, which it represses, and also prevents the growth of the
hairs. (Cont. l. ult. i, 404.) See also Serapion (c. 389); Averrhoes
(Collig. v, 43); and Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 45.)
The _Calais_ of Pliny and the ancients is said by Dr. Hill to be the
_Turquoise_, or _Gemma Turcica_, which consists principally of lime and
iron. See the Thyites.
The _Memphites_ contains bitumen and ethereal oil. It is the
retinasphaltum of Mr. Hatchett, or retinite of Jameson. (Mineral, iii,
478.) According to Dioscorides, when rubbed smoothly upon places about
to be burnt or cut, it renders them insensible without danger. (v, 157.)
The _Selenites_ consists principally of a compact lamellated gypsum.
According to Eustathius, it is the same as the _Lychnitis_, which
Dionysius the geographer describes as resembling fire in lustre. (Orbis.
Descrip. 328.) It is soft, pellucid, and colourless. Dioscorides
describes it minutely, and mentions of it that it was given as a draught
to epileptics, and used as a phylactery by women. He adds, that it was
also appended to trees in order to make them keep their fruit. (v,
158.) Rhases, under the head of “lapis lunaris,” copies this chapter of
Dioscorides. (Cont. l. ult. i, 405.)
The _Lapis Specularis_ was the same as the Moscovy talc. It was much
used by the ancients for windows in place of glass. It is a variety of
selenite, or sparry gypsum. See Kidd and Jameson. We have treated of it
under the head of Gypsum in the Fifth Book.
The _Smaragdus_ of the ancients is unquestionably referable to our
emerald, but there is every reason to believe, also comprehended coloured
crystals and certain stones of the jasper kind. It does not occur in the
works of Dioscorides or Galen; and, as far as we know, Aëtius is the
first medical author who describes it. He says of it, that when roasted
and levigated with Attic honey, it cures dimness of vision; that it is
most useful in elephantiasis, both externally and internally; and that
as an amulet it restrains bleeding. (ii, 39.) We are not aware that any
other ancient authority, whether Greek, Roman, or Arabian, has noticed it.
We will treat of the _Bezoar-stone_ and _Gall-stone_ of the bull in the
Appendix to this section.
Λιθόσπερμον (called also λειόσπορμον ἢ ἡράκλειον),
Lithospermon, _Gromwel_, is the seed of the herb called Aegonychus, of
a stony hardness, and white, which, when drunk with white wine, proves
lithontriptic and diuretic.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Lithospermum officinale_, or
_Gromwel_. Pliny expresses himself respecting it in the following
terms: “Nec quidquam inter herbas majore quidem miraculo aspexi. Tantus
est decor, velut aurificum arte alternis inter folia candicantibus
margaritis: tam exquisita difficultas lapidis ex herba nascentis.” (H.
N. xxvii, 74.) Dioscorides describes it minutely, and, like our author,
calls it lithontriptic and diuretic. (iii, 148.) Serapion and Avicenna
give it the same characters, which it maintained in modern times, as
long as it held a place in the Dispensatory. See the works of Parkinson,
Culpeper, and Quincy.
Λινόσπερμον,
Lini Semen, _Linseed_, is heating in the first order, and holds the
middle rank of diluents and desiccants. When eaten, it is flatulent, even
although roasted.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the seed of the _Linum usitatissimum_, Angl. _Linseed_.
Dioscorides gives a long account of its medicinal virtues, recommending
it externally for ephelides, vari, and other complaints, and internally
as an expectorant and aphrodisiacal medicine. He further commends it
as an enema in pains of the bowels and womb, and as a hip-bath in
inflammations of the uterus. (ii, 125.) Galen, like our author, treats
of it in very general terms. The Arabians, and especially Avicenna, give
a more circumstantial account of it. (ii, 2, 598.) See Serapion (c. 21);
Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 426.) Like Dioscorides, they recommend it as an
external application to apostemes of a hard character, and internally for
the cure of diseases of the chest and intestines.
Λινόζωστις,
Mercurialis, the herb _Mercury_, is considerably laxative of the belly,
and applied in cataplasms it is discutient. It ought to be known that
when its seed is rubbed upon those preternatural excrescences of the
body, which the vulgar call narphia, it is found to make them disappear.
But the seed must be green, and they must be often rubbed with it.
* * * * *