_Mercurialis annua_, L. It occurs frequently in the Hippocratic treatises
as an article of diet and gentle laxative. Dioscorides, who describes it
in two separate places of his Materia Medica, (iii, 130 and iv, 188),
speaks of it as being a laxative pot-herb, and a medicine of which the
decoction in water proves cholagogue and hydragogue. He also alludes to
the popular notion that the leaves of the female plant, when applied to
a woman’s parts of generation after her menstrual period, will promote
conception of a female, while those of the male plant will promote
conception of a male. It does not occur in the works of Celsus, nor,
as far as we can discover, in those of any of the Arabians, with the
exception of Averrhoes, who calls it a gentle purgative of the same class
as Cassia fistula, tamarinds, and the like, and says it evacuates yellow
bile and phlegm; and boiled in wine proves an excellent application
to large sores, and in particular to the ulcers produced by burns. He
further recommends its leaves boiled in vinegar for diseases of the
spleen, and its flower in a masticatory and errhine. (Collig. v, 42.)
What our author says of its virtues in the diseases called _narphia_,
by the vulgar, is taken from Aëtius (i), where, however, the reading
is _carphia_. Galen says of it, “everybody uses the herb mercury for
purging the belly.” (De Simpl. Med.) Notwithstanding this testimony,
which is, in fact, confirmed by that of all the ancient writers who have
treated of it, Bergius says, “Virtus suspecta: vis emolliens nondum ritè
nobis constat.” However, Moses Charras, who appears to have written from
experience, affirms of it that “it loosens the belly, and provokes the
menstruums. The dose is from oz. j to iij.” (Roy. Pharm. 106.) Alston
likewise acknowledges its laxative powers. Dr. Hill says of it, “This
plant is of an emollient nature, and is eaten by many people in the
manner of spinach, which, when cultivated in the garden, it greatly
excels. If eaten largely it gently opens the bowels.” (Mat. Med.) It held
a place in our Dispensatory as late as Quincy. (106.)
Λίτρον,
Nitrum, _Nitre_ (or _Soda_?), is possessed of intermediate powers between
the aphronitrum and salts. When burnt it becomes more attenuate and
discutient. If taken internally it cuts and attenuates the thick and
viscid humours more than any other. The Chalestræan (so called from
Chalestra, a place in Thessalonica) is more acrid and desiccative,
so that it is used for defluxions from the head, and for arthritic
complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The following extract from Pliny’s description of the
nitrum clearly indicates the substance to which he applies it: “Non
est differenda et nitri natura, non multum a sale distans. Exiguum fit
apud Medos, canescentibus siccitate convallibus, quod vocant halmyrhaga.
Optimum copiosumque in Litis Macedoniæ quod vocant Chalestricum,
candidum, purumque, proximum sali. Lacus est nitrosus, exsiliente e
medio dulci fonticulo. In Ægypto autem conficitur multo abundantius, sed
deterius. Fit pæne eodem modo quo sol, nisi quod salinis mare infundunt,
Nilum autem nitrariis.” (H. N. xxxi, 46.) Compare the above with the
following account of the native carbonate of soda: “In Egypt it is
plentifully found in what are called _the Lakes of Natron_. These lakes,
six in number, are westward of the Nile, not far from Terrana, in a
valley surrounded by limestone. The carbonate and muriate of soda exist
together in these waters; but when the water is diminished by natural
evaporation, these salts are deposited in distinct layers.” (Brogniart,
in Cleaveland’s Mineral., 133.) It would be superfluous to bring any
further proof that the ancient nitrum generally applies to our natron
or the native carbonate of soda. Were the Greeks, Romans, and Arabians
then entirely ignorant of saltpetre or the nitrate of potash? This seems
incredible, considering how largely it is distributed in Europe, Asia,
and Africa; and, therefore, we cannot bring ourselves to think that this
mineral can have entirely escaped the observation of the ancients; and
if this were the proper place for such a disquisition, we believe that
we could state satisfactory reasons for drawing the conclusion, that
“nitrum” was applied to it as well as to the other mineral. But at the
same time, as mentioned above, we are quite satisfied that by _litrum_
and _nitrum_ the medical authors generally, if not universally, meant
the native carbonate of soda. Dioscorides, with regard to its medicinal
powers, merely states of it that it has alterative or metasyncritic
powers. (v, 129.) We have given his views respecting the _Aphronitrum_
under that head. Our author abridges Galen’s account of it, but omits to
mention, as stated by Galen, and also by Aëtius, that the different kinds
of nitre were popularly used as counter-agents in cases of poisoning by
mushrooms. All the Arabians treat largely of this substance generally
under the name of _baurach_. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 84); Rhases (Cont. l.
ult, iii, 115); Mesue (De Simpl. xvii); Serapion (c. 401); Haly Abbas
(Pract. ii, 46, 487); Ebn Baithar (i, 187.) Rhases marks what it is:
“Nitrum appellatur Arabicè natrum et est simile sali gemmæ.” (Cont.
l. ult. ii, 508.) They used it externally for the cure of prurigo and
scabies, and as an application to diseased joints, and along with figs
to remove dropsical swellings. They recommend an injection of it into
the ear for the cure of deafness. The aphronitrum, or African nitrum,
is said by Avicenna to be possessed of emetic powers, and that it was
more incisive of gross humours than the other varieties of it. It was
used by them in cases of poisoning with mushrooms, cantharides, and
bull’s blood; and as an application to the bites of mad dogs. Mesue, with
his wonted precision, states its powers very distinctly, recommending
it, when given by the mouth, in clysters, and in suppositories as an
evacuant of crude and viscid phlegm, for colic and affections of the
stomach. Like Avicenna, he says that it will sometimes occasion vomiting.
His commentator, Costa, has many ingenious observations on the ancient
nitrum, which will be found very interesting to those who desire to
become better acquainted with this subject. Haly Abbas states that
friction with it before the hour of invasion will prevent an attack of
ague.
Λόγχιτις,
Lonchitis, _Rough Spleenwort_; the root of that species which has
triangular seed, like a spear, resembles that of the carrot, and is
diuretic. But the green leaves of that species which resembles the
scolopendrium, are agglutinative of wounds; and when dried, and drunk
with vinegar, they cure indurated spleens.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the two species of _Lonchitis_ is
taken from Dioscorides. Of these, the former, which has been conjectured
to be the _Serapias Lingua_, he says is diuretic. The other, which
would seem to be the species of _aspidium_, to which the name is still
appropriated, he calls vulnerary and anti-inflammatory, and recommends
for reducing the size of the spleen. Galen and the other authorities
give a similar account of it. Such of the Arabians as treat of it follow
Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 336.)
Λύκοψις,
Lycopsis, _Hound’s-tongue_; having an astringent root, Dioscorides says,
that when applied with polenta in a cataplasm, it agrees with erysipelas,
and that if rubbed in with oil it is sudorific.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is either the _Echium Italicum_, L., or the _Lycopsis
echioides_, L., probably the former. Our author, as he acknowledges,
borrows from Dioscorides. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, as well as
Hippocrates and Celsus, do not treat of it at all. If the Arabians notice
it, they do so under the head of _Anchusa_.
Λύκιον,
Lycium, _Buckthorn_, is composed of heterogeneous powers, one part
of its ingredients being heating, attenuate, and discutient, and the
other, or terrene part, being cooling and gently astringent; so that it
is desiccative in the second degree, and calefacient and refrigerant
in an intermediate degree. They use it, therefore, as a detergent in
obstructions of the pupil, and as an astringent in cæliac and dysenteric
cases and ill-conditioned ulcers; and in inflammations as a discutient.
The Indian is the best.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dioscorides gives a sufficiently distinct description of the
tree which produces the _lycium_, so as to leave no doubt that he points
to the _Rhamnus infectorius_. The _Lycium Indicum_ of the same author, is
now satisfactorily determined to be the product of the _Berberis Lycium_.
See Royle (Antiq. of Hind. Med. 32), and ‘Linn. Transact.’ (xvii, 83);
also Pereira (Materia Medica, 1152.) Dioscorides recommends the former
of these as an astringent for the cure of various complaints, such as
obscurities of the cornea, psoriasis, and pruritus of the eyelids,
purulent ears and tonsils, ulcers of the gums, chapped lips, fissure
of the anus; in cæliac and dysenteric affections, both in draughts and
clysters; in hæmoptysis and coughs; in female fluxes, hydrophobia, and
so forth. The Indian, he states, cures inflammation of the spleen and
jaundice, prevents menstruation, purges water, and is a counter-agent to
deadly poisons. (i, 132.) Galen’s account of it being nearly the same as
our author’s, we need not expound at any length. He holds that the Indian
species is far stronger than the other. (De Simpl. ix.) Oribasius and
Aëtius in like manner follow Galen. Celsus recommends lycium strongly
in ulceration of the throat. (iv, 4, 3.) As far as we have been able to
discover, it does not occur in the works of Hippocrates. The Arabians
treat fully of this article. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 429); Avicenna
(ii, 2, 390); Serapion (c. 7); Averrhoes (v, 42.) We do not find that
they supply any new views regarding its medicinal virtues. In the modern
Greek Pharmacopœia the extract of catechu is set down as being the
_Lycium Indicum_. We agree, however, with the authorities quoted above
regarding it.
Λυσιμάχιον,
Lysimachium, _Moneywort_; its prevailing power is astringency; hence it
agglutinates wounds, and is styptic, both itself and its juice. It also
relieves dysentery when drunk and injected.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The L. of Dioscorides and our author is most probably the
Yellow Loose-strife of our English herbalists, namely, _Lysimachia
vulgaris_, L. Our author abridges Dioscorides, who recommends it as an
astringent in various cases, such as hæmoptysis, dysentery, fluor albus,
hemorrhage from the nose, and as a vulnerary and styptic herb. (iv, 3.)
Galen and Aëtius treat of it in nearly the same words as our author.
We have not been able to find it in the works of the Arabians, except
Ebn Baithar, and yet we do not assert that it may not be treated of
under some name which we have not been able to interpret. Ebn Baithar
merely quotes Dioscorides and Galen. The lysimachia, although not now
included in our Dispensatories, still holds a place in the shops of
the apothecaries, with the character of being astringent. See Gray’s
Supplement, &c. (48.)
Λυχνὶς,
Lychnis, _Campion_; the seed of that species which is used for garlands
is hot and desiccative, according to the second order complete.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This plant is the _Lychnis coronaria_ of Dioscorides, and
still retains this name. Dioscorides recommends it in the case of persons
stung by scorpions. The wild lychnis of Dioscorides may be either the
_Lychnis dioica_ or _Agrostemma githago_; it is said by Dioscorides to
be a cholagogue, and a remedy in the case of persons stung by scorpions.
(iii, 104-5.) Galen and the other authorities merely state the characters
of the _Lychnis coronaria_ in general terms. We have not found this
article in any of the Arabians, not even in Ebn Baithar.
Λωτὸς,
Lotus, _Bird’s-foot Trefoil_ (?); the cultivated species is by some
called trifolium. It is possessed of detergent and moderately desiccative
powers, and is of a proper temperament as to heat. The seed of the wild
lotus belongs to the second order of calefacients, and is also somewhat
detergent. The seed of the Egyptian lotus is also made into bread.
The _Lote_, or _Nettle-tree_, consists of subtile particles, and is
moderately desiccative and astringent. Hence it is applicable for the
female fluor, and for fluxes of the bowels, both when drunk with wine or
water, or when used in an injection. It also strengthens the hairs that
are falling out.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We need not enter further into the literary history of this
interesting subject, which we have given at some length in the Appendix,
already so often referred to, than to mention that the Lotus, called also
Trifolium, is referable to the _Melilotus officinalis_, and probably
some of its congeners, and the Lotus Arbor to the _Zizyphus Lotus_, with
perhaps some other trees of the same tribe. Dr. Lindley says of it, “The
Lote-bush, which gave its name to the ancient Lotophagi, is to this day
collected for food by the Arabs of Barbary, who call it sadar, and its
berries nabk.” (Veg. Kingd. 582.) The wild lotus of Dioscorides and the
other authorities has never been satisfactorily determined. Perhaps it
was the species of _melilotus_ named _cærulea_. The Egyptian lotus, there
can be no doubt, was the _Nymphæa Lotus_, L. Dioscorides gives a striking
description of this last, which, he says, the inhabitants of Egypt
use for making bread; and it is deserving of remark that the rhizomes
of the nymphæa are still roasted and eaten by the Negroes of Senegal.
See further under _Nymphæa_ in this section. Our author’s characters
of the other loti are copied from Dioscorides or Galen, who agree, in
the main, under this head. See, in like manner, Aëtius and Oribasius.
The Arabians treat at great length of the different loti, and more
especially of the L. Arbor, with which they must have been familiarly
acquainted. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 298, 513); Serapion (c. 120); Rhases
(Cont. l. ult. i, 487); Ebn Baithar (ii, 539.) They all recommend it as a
powerful astringent in looseness of the bowels, bloody flux, menorrhagia,
ulcers of the bowels, and in asthma and affections of the chest. One of
Serapion’s authorities calls it stomachic and a whetter of the appetite.
The lotus occurs in the Hippocratic treatises; indeed, from the fable of
the Lotophagi, contained in the Odyssey of Homer, there can be no doubt
that the lotus had been known and used as an article of food long before
the time of Hippocrates.
Μάκερ,
Macer is a bark brought from India, being desiccative in the third order,
and intermediate as to heating and cooling properties. It consists of
subtile particles, and is astringent; hence it agrees with cæliac and
dysenteric complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Under this head we cannot do better than quote the words
of an excellent living authority: “_Macer_, a bark from the Barbaric
region, has been thought to be _Wrightia antidysenterica_, supposing
this to be the _macre_ described by Crist. d’Acosta. (Clus. Exot. 266.)
Though _macer_ is always described as a bark, I had given me as such the
highly aromatic leaves of _Rhododendron lepidotum_ under the name of
_talisfur_. _Mafur_ and _mafurbooz_ are in Persian works assigned as the
Greek names of _talisafar_, under which name the _macer_ of Dioscorides
is alluded to by Avicenna.” (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 91, by Dr. Royle).
Though the _macer_ of the Greeks, then, was different from mace, there
can be no doubt that the Arabians confounded the two substances together.
Thus Avicenna, in his chapter on mace, quotes the words of Paulus on
the macer. (ii, 2, 448.) Serapion in like manner, under mace, which he
correctly describes as the rind or membrane of the nutmeg, gives the
characters of macer from Dioscorides. (De Simpl. 2.)
Μαλάβαθρον,
Malabathrum; the leaf of it has powers like the spikenard.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dr. Ainslie, treating of the Cassia Lignea, or Cassia bark,
says, “the narrow-pointed leaves of the _Laurus Cassia_, as well as the
oblong, ovate, shining leaves of the Cinnamon-tree, are sold in the
Indian bazaars under the names of _lawangapatery_ and _tejpat_, from
a notion that they are the leaves of the _Laurus Cassia_. In commerce
these leaves are called _Folia Indica_, or _Malabathra_, a name which
more especially applies to the leaves of the Laurus Cassia.” (Med. Ind.
§ 35.) Geoffroy, Sprengel, and Royle also agree in holding the Cassia,
or Cinnamon-leaf, to be the _Folium Indicum_. Dr. Sontheimer, then, in
his translation of Ibn Baithar, makes it to be a peculiar species of
_Laurus_, calling it _Laurus Malabathrum_, and Dr. Pereira does the
same. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, the query is put whether the
Cassia-buds be the product of _Laurus Cassia_, or _L. Malabathrum_.
Isidorus says of it, “_Folium_ dictum quod sine ulla radice innatans
in Indiæ littoribus colligitur.” (Orig. xviii, 9.) It is always simply
called _Folium_ by Apicius. Horace applies the word to an ointment.
“Malabathro Syrio capillos,” (Od. ii, 7); on which passage his
commentator, Porphyrion, remarks, “Malabathrum unguenti speciem esse
scimus.” This is the Unguentum Malabathrinum of Dioscorides. (i, 76.)
The ancients, as Dr. Hill remarks, have said much of the virtues of
Malabathrum. They call it stomachic, sudorific, and cephalic. Dioscorides
ascribes to it all the virtues of the Indian spikenard; but he says it
possesses them in a superior degree. He also mentions it as a scent. (i,
11.) Galen and the other Greek authorities, like our author, dismiss
it with a brief notice, comparing it to spikenard. The Arabians treat
of it at greater length, but do little more, after all, than copy the
characters of it given by Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 253);
Serapion (c. 53.) It occurs only once in the works of Celsus (v, 23), as
an ingredient, in one of his antidotes; and does not occur at all, we
believe, in the Hippocratic Collection.
Μαλάχη,
Malva, _Mallows_; the wild is moderately discutient and emollient; but
the garden, as being more moistening, is also weaker. Its fruit, however,
is as much stronger as it is drier.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There seems no reason to doubt that it applies to _Malva
sylvestris_, but probably comprehended other species. Dioscorides
describes minutely the cases to which it is applicable, namely, as a
cataplasm in incipient fistula lachrymalis, with oil for achores and
furfures, and also so prepared for burns and erysipelas; its decoction as
a hip-bath in diseases of the uterus; and as a suitable enema in pains of
the bowels, womb, and anus; its broth he praises in cases of poisoning,
as producing evacuation of the stomach, and says it is beneficial to
persons stung by phalangia, and attracts milk to the breasts; its fruit,
when the reed of the wild lotus is mixed with it, allays pains about the
bladder. (ii, 144.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it as
a medicine in more general terms, representing it to be gently discutient
and demulcent. It occurs in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus; the
latter praises it as a pot-herb, and recommends it as a gentle laxative.
(vii, 27.) The Arabians treat of it fully; but have little to add to
the excellent description of its medicinal powers given by Dioscorides,
whom they all copy. One of Serapion’s authorities briefly commends
it as a demulcent in affections of the chest and bladder, and as a
cataplasm in hot apostemes. (c. 149.) Avicenna’s account of it is highly
interesting, but too lengthy for our purpose. He recommends it internally
in complaints of the lungs and liver, and externally as an emollient
application in a variety of cases. (ii, 2, 194.)
Μαμιρὰς,
Mamiras, is a sort of radicle of a herb, having, as it were, thick knots,
which are believed to attenuate cicatrices and leucomata, being of a
decidedly detergent power.
COMMENTARY. This article is not mentioned by Dioscorides, Pliny, Galen,
Oribasius, nor, we believe, by any of the Arabian writers, with the
exception of Avicenna, who calls it abstergent and cleansing, and
recommends it for clearing away albugo of the eye, and for cleaning the
nails; he adds of it that it is useful in jaundice and pungent pain of
the belly. (ii, 2, 479.) It further occurs in one of the antidotes of
Nicholas Myrepsus (c. 138), where, his commentator says, the description
of it given by Paulus applies very well to the root known officinally by
the name of _Doronicum_.
Μανδραγόρας,
Mandragora, _Mandrake_, belongs to the third order of cold medicines. But
its apples have a certain share of heat and humidity, and hence they are
possessed of a soporific power. The bark of the root of it being stronger
is not only cooling, but also desiccant; but the inner part of it is weak.
* * * * *