the same as the _Ligusticum Meum_ of Hooker, Angl., Spignel, Meu, or
Bald-money. Our author and most of the other authorities copy closely
from Dioscorides, who describes the roots of the meum as being fragrant,
and heating the tongue. These, he says, being boiled in water or given in
powder without boiling, prove soothing in diseases of constriction about
the kidneys and bladder, relieve dysuria, flatulence of the stomach,
tormina, hysterical affections, and pains of the joints. When pulverized
and administered with honey, they are useful in pectoral defluxions as a
linctus, and in a hip-bath promote the flow of the menses. When applied
as a cataplasm to the region of the pubes in infants, they are said by
him to produce the discharge of the urine. But when taken immoderately,
the meum occasions headache. (i, 3.) In the above extract, by “diseases
of constriction” Dioscorides alludes to a well-known dogma of the
Methodists. It would appear, then, that he was imbued with the principles
of that sect. None of the other Greek authorities treat of it so fully as
Dioscorides. As far as we have discovered, it does not occur in the works
of Hippocrates, nor in those of Celsus. For the Arabians, see Avicenna
(ii, 2, 454); Serapion (De Simpl. 182); Rhases (Collig. l. ult. i, 477);
Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) They do nothing but copy from Dioscorides.
In the works of all our old herbalists and authorities on the English
Dispensatory, down to the days of Quincy and Lewis, the meum retains a
place with all its ancient characters.
Μῖλαξ,
Milax or Smilax, _Bindweed_; both the smooth, and the rough species which
twines round trees, are possessed of acrid and heating powers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The two species here noticed are most probably the _Smilax
aspera_ and _Convolvulus sepium_. Dioscorides commends the former
of these principally as being alexipharmic, and the latter as being
soporific. (iv, 142, 143.) Galen and the other Greek authorities, like
our author, merely give their general characters. The Arabians would seem
to confound it with the other climbing herbs. See Serapion (De Simpl.
41); Avicenna (ii, 2, 724.)
Μίσυ,
Misy, is one of the escharotic and caustic medicines, with a strong
astringency. It is less pungent than chalcitis, owing to the greater
tenuity of its parts. And Galen says that chalcitis and sori, in the
course of time, change to misy, the change beginning at the surface.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It appears strange that this mineral should now be so little
known, seeing it was well known as late as the days of Boerhaave, and
is still used medicinally in the East. Boerhaave says of it, “Misy, a
yellow mineral very much resembling the marcasite or mundick of our
mines, but lighter, and of a less compact nature.... It is a vitriolic
mineral, and is reduced by calcination to a colcothar.” (M. M. 184.) Dr.
Ainslie, treating of the preparations of copper employed in medicine by
the natives of India, says, “Misy is the name of an oxide of copper used
by the natives of India against the toothache, and to stain their teeth
black.” (Mat. Ind. i, 513.) Dr. Royle, treating of the _misy_ and _sory_
of Dioscorides, states that they had been supposed by Rossius to be
sulphurets of copper, “but it is remarkable that _mis_ is a Persian name
for copper, and that _missy_ is a name frequently applied in India to
sulphate of iron.” (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 102.) From these descriptions
of it we find some difficulty in deciding what mineral substance it was;
but see under _Chalcitis_. The following is Dioscorides’s description of
the misy: “Of a golden appearance, hard, shining like gold when broken,
and glancing like stars.” (v, 116.) He says it has the same powers as
_chalcitis_. Galen gives an elaborate description of _misy_ and its
cognate fossils _sory_ and _chalcitis_, but says little more than our
author respecting its medicinal powers. (De Simpl. viii.) The other Greek
authorities supply nothing additional of any great interest under this
head. Serapion describes the three substances we have mentioned under the
general head “de vitreola,” calling the sory _Zeg rubeum_, the chalcitis
_colcothar_, and the misy _Zeg viride_. His account of them is taken
entirely from Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 386.) Avicenna confounds them
and other metallic preparations under the name of “Atramentum sutorium.”
He throws no light on the subject. (ii, 2, 47.) See Rhases (Cont l. ult.
747.) Averrhoes, under the head of _Alceg_, i. e. Vitriolum, gives a
translation of Galen’s description already noticed. (Collig. v, 43.) Misy
occurs in the works both of Hippocrates and Celsus. The latter uses it as
a caustic. (v, 8, 9.)
Μολύβδαινα,
Plumbago, has similar powers to litharge, but removed from the middle
temperament to the colder.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Several varieties of the Molybdæna are described by
Dioscorides, from which it would appear that the ancients applied the
term to more than one metallic substance; the variety resembling litharge
being most probably graphite or plumbago; and the one of a leaden
colour, being the molybdate of lead, or “yellow lead-spar” of Jameson.
It is named Galena by his translators, but whether it, that is to say,
the sulphuret of lead, was also comprehended under it we are unable to
determine. The molybdæna occurs in the works of Hippocrates. Dioscorides
recommends it as being incarnative and epulotic in plasters. Galen and
the other Greek authorities treat of its medicinal powers succinctly
like our author. None of the Arabians appear to have distinguished the
molybdæna properly from litharge.
Μόλυβδος,
Plumbum, _Lead_, is possessed of refrigerant powers, and has also a
considerably humid substance congealed by the cold. If wine, the oil
of unripe grapes, or any of the cooling juices be rubbed with it, it
will make an excellent application for ulcerous inflammations about
the pudenda and anus. A plate of lead worn upon the loins restrains
libidinous dreams; and a piece of lead put upon ganglia discusses them.
Burnt lead being more desiccative, is also somewhat acrid. If washed it
becomes desiccative without pungency, and makes a good application for
ill-conditioned ulcers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We have already treated of this article as a poison. (Book
V, 62.) The ancients distinguished lead into two kinds, the black and
the white. Of these the latter is the same as the cassiteros, that is
to say, tin. The other comprehended several of our native ores of lead.
Both kinds are described in the works of Hippocrates and of Celsus. (v,
26, v, 18, &c.) See also particularly, Pliny (xxxiv, 47) and Isidorus
(Orig. xvi, 21), who have given accurate descriptions of the ancient
varieties of lead. Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion agree in describing
it as a powerfully cooling or refrigerant medicine. Galen’s account
of it is lengthy but interesting. (De Simpl. ix.) Oribasius says that
it forms an excellent application to irritable and malignant sores.
Dioscorides recommends washed lead very much in rheums of the eye. He
gives a very circumstantial description of the process of preparing
washed lead. He further says of it, that it is a good styptic, and an
excellent application to fungated sores, hemorrhoids, condylomata, and
ulcers about the anus. Averrhoes treats of it in nearly the same terms as
our author. (Collig. v, 43.) The Arabians, in general, prescribe it, in
imitation of Galen, as an application to cancer. See Averrhoes (l. c.)
and Avicenna (ii, 2, 12.) The latter joins Dioscorides in praising lead
as an application to the eyes. Serapion gives a very full account of this
article in extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (De Simpl. 419.) See also
Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 556); Ebn Baithar (ii, 128, et pluries.)
Μοράια,
Morus nigra, _the Mulberry-tree_; the fruit, when ripe, loosens the
belly, and is useful in all complaints of the mouth which require a
moderate degree of astringency. The unripe, when dried, becomes a very
styptic medicine. The bark of the root of the tree is also purgative,
with a certain degree of bitterness; hence it kills the broad intestinal
worm. The leaves and tender shoots hold an intermediate place between
purgatives and astringents.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There can be no doubt that it is the _Ficus Morus_, L., or
the _Black Mulberry-tree_. It is the συκάμινος of Theophrastus, which,
however, was sometimes applied by others to the sycamore. See Celsus
(iii, 18.) The mulberry is commended by Pliny as an antidote to poisons,
as it is in like manner by Dioscorides. The latter calls it laxative of
the bowels, but an article readily spoiled, and bad for the stomach.
He also ascribes astringent powers to its juice, which, he says, when
mixed with a little honey is useful in defluxious, spreading ulcers, and
inflamed tonsils. He also praises the leaves when pounded with oil, as a
good cataplasm to burns. He speaks of it also as being used for dyeing
the hair, and the decoction of its leaves as a gargle for toothache. (i,
180.) Galen’s account of it is the same as our author’s, by whom it is
abridged. Aëtius treats of it fully as an article of food, but briefly
as a medicine. He says, when taken upon a clean stomach, it proves an
excellent article of food; but the very reverse when the stomach is
loaded and contains any noxious humours. The Arabians, in treating of it,
follow Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 491); Rhases (Cont. l.
ult. i, 201); Serapion (De Simpl. 132.) The mulberry is described as a
medicine by all our old herbalists, and was retained in the Dispensatory
until after the time of Quincy. (94, 198.)
Μύαγρον,
Myagrum; the seed of it is fatty, and the oily part of it is possessed of
an emplastic power.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is generally held to be the _Camelina sativa_, Crantz., of
which we think there can be no doubt. Both Dioscorides and Pliny mention
it as producing an oil from its seed; and it is well known that the
Camelina, or Gold of Paradise, is still noted as one of the oil plants.
See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 353.) The two authors mentioned above recommend
this oil in ulcers of the mouth. Our author borrows from Galen. As far as
we can discover, it is not treated of by the Arabian authorities, with
the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely quotes the description of it
given by Dioscorides and Galen.
Μύακες,
Musculi, _Muscles_, have the same power, when burnt, as the buccina. But
they have the property, when washed, of removing asperity of the eyebrows
and leucomata when applied with honey. Their flesh is applied with
advantage to persons bitten by dogs.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Called Μύες by Aristotle and Athenæus, Myaces by Pliny, and
Musculi by Celsus, are the _Mytili edules_, L., or Muscles. Celsus ranks
them with those things which open the bowels. (ii, 29.) He prescribes the
soup of muscles as a purgative in fevers. (iii, 6.) Dioscorides merely
recommends them externally as a stimulant and detergent application in
diseases of the eyes, and their flesh for the bites of mad dogs. (ii,
7.) The Arabians treat of them in general terms along with the other
crustacea. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 529.)
Μύαρον,
Myaron (called also Melampycnon); it is a branchy and fatty herb. The oil
extracted from it would seem to smooth the asperities on the body.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This is clearly the same as the μύαγρον described above. See
Jani Cornarii dollabella in P. Æ. vii.
Μυελὸς,
Medulla, _Marrow_; it is possessed of the property of softening indurated
and scirrhous bodies. The best is that of stags, next to it, that of
calves. That of bulls and of buck-goats is more acrid and desiccative.
That from the limbs is more fatty and emollient; but that from the spine
is harder and drier.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. According to Aristotle, the _Marrow_ is a superfluity
concocted from the nutritive blood of the bones. He states that the
spinal marrow is considerably different from that of the other bones.
(De Partibus Animalium, ii, 7.) Pliny, copying from Dioscorides, thus
delivers the general characters of marrows: “Omnes molliunt, explent,
siccant, calefaciunt.” (H. N. xxviii, 39.) Dioscorides, Galen, and
Serapion concur in giving the preference to the marrow of stags.
Dioscorides gives minute directions for preparing it to keep. (ii, 95.)
He says that smearing the body with stag’s marrow drives away venomous
reptiles. (Ibid.) The Arabians recommend a suppository from marrows as
a remedy for scirrhus of the uterus. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 485), Rhases
(Cont. l. ult. i, 460.)
Μύκητες,
Fungi, _Mushrooms_, are of a decidedly cold and humid temperament. Some
of them prove fatal when eaten, more particularly those which have a
putrid quality mixed with their nature.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We have already treated of mushrooms as articles of food (i,
77), and as poisons (v, 54); and shall, therefore, be excused saying
anything more of them in this place. In fact, we cannot see with what
propriety the ancient authorities assigned them a place in the Materia
Medica, since, as far as we can recollect, they never prescribe them
medicinally.
Μυοσώτη,
Is described under Alsine.
Μύξα,
Myxa, _the Sebesten-plum_; the fruit of this tree is smaller than the
bullace-plum, but of similar powers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It would appear indisputably to be the _Sebesten-plum_,
or fruit of the _Cordia Myxa_. Whether or not this tree be also the
_Persea_ of Dioscorides (i, 187), has been much disputed. See Sprengel
(in Dioscor. l. c.) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 628.) We are inclined to
doubt their identity, and of this there can be no question, if the
authority of Pliny be held of any weight in this case, for he evidently
distinguishes between the _persea_ and _myxa_. (H. N. xv, 11, 12.)
Neither Celsus, Galen, Aëtius, nor Oribasius has noticed this article by
name. The sebesten-plum is described by the Arabian authorities without
their making any reference to the Greek authorities, as is their wont.
See Serapion (c. 8); Avicenna (ii, 2, 638); and Rhases (Contin. l. ult.
iii, 42.) The barbarous translation of Avicenna begins thus, under
the head of sebesten: “Sebesten et nominatur mukeita.” For mukeita we
suppose the proper reading would be _myxa_. The Arabians describe the
sebesten-plum as being a mild laxative fruit, which quenches thirst
and soothes the breast. It is praised by Serapion as a laxative and
cooling remedy in coughs; as a refrigerant medicine for ardor urinæ, and
an anthelminthic. The sebestens continued long to hold a place in our
English Dispensatory, and retained the character which the ancients had
given them. See Quincy (130.)
Μυρίκη,
Myrica, _the Tamarisk_, is possessed of incisive and detergent powers,
without being manifestly desiccative; it has also some astringency.
The decoction of it, therefore, when drunk, is useful in diseases of
the spleen; and it likewise cures the toothache. The fruit and bark of
it nearly approach to galls in powers. The ashes of the tree are more
desiccative.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We may briefly say that we agree with the authorities who
refer it to the _Tamarix Gallica_, L. Dioscorides, Galen, Averrhoes,
and Serapion, like our author, recommend it as a powerful astringent
which may be substituted for galls. Dioscorides accordingly enumerates
a variety of cases in which it is applicable, such as in remedies for
affections of the mouth and eyes, spitting of blood, cæliac disease,
fluor albus, jaundice, and the bites of venomous spiders, and to discuss
swellings in the form of a cataplasm. He further recommends its decoction
in wine for reducing the enlarged spleen; as a gargle in toothache;
a hip-bath in fluxes, and as a fit lotion for killing lice and nits:
the lixivial ashes of it, he adds, restrain a discharge from the womb:
some, he says, form goblets out of the trunk of it, which they use as
drinking-cups in diseases of the spleen, draughts taken with them being
found to be serviceable in such cases. (i, 116.) None of the other
authorities give by any means so satisfactory an account of this subject
as Dioscorides. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius evidently follow him. Celsus
ranks the “tamarix” among his articles which repress and soften. (ii,
33.) It occurs in the works of Hippocrates. (See Dierbach.) For the
Arabians, see Serapion (c. 31); Avicenna (ii, 2, 684); Rhases (Cont. l.
ult. i, 700); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Serapion, after quoting the
sections of Dioscorides and Galen on the tamarix, says of it, on the
authority of Mesarugie, that it dries up all ulcers, especially those
from burns. He also relates, on the authority of Alchazi, the case of a
woman who was cured of a leprosy, by means of it. Avicenna and Rhases say
of it, that its fruit is beneficial in chronic coughs. Avicenna says it
cures the bite of the viper. The curious reader will find it interesting
to compare the medicinal characters of the tamariscus as given in our
English Dispensatory by Quincy, with those given it by the ancients, as
stated above. (134.)
Μυριόφυλλον,
Millefolium, _Millefoil_, is desiccative to such a degree as to
agglutinate wounds.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It appears to be the _Myriophyllum spicatum_, Angl., spiked
water millefoil. At least the description of it given by Dioscorides
evidently points to some species of _myriophyllum_. He recommends it as a
cataplasm with vinegar to recent ulcers; and says of it, that it is drunk
with water and salts in cases of falls. (iv, 113.) Galen and the other
Greek authorities, like our author, merely mention it as a vulnerary
herb. We have not found it in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor in
those of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 500.)
Μύρρα ἢ Μύρρις,
Myrrha, _Myrrh_, belongs to the second order of calefacients, and is also
distinguished for tenuity of parts to a certain degree. The root of it is
fragrant and sweet. It is emmenagogue, and promotes expectoration from
the chest and lungs.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The _Myrrhis odorata_, as Sprengel remarks, agrees very
well with Dioscorides’s description of this plant. Dioscorides says of
it, that when drunk with wine it relieves those who have been bitten by
phalangia; that it promotes the menstrual and lochial discharges; taken
in draughts is useful in phthisis; and that some say, that when taken in
a pestilential season it preserves persons free from the disease. (iv,
114.) None of the other Greek authorities supply anything of interest
under this head. We have not been able to find it either in the works of
Hippocrates or of Celsus. We are at some loss to account for its being
also overlooked, as far as we, upon a cursory examination of their works,
can discover, by the Arabian authorities. Was it that those _illiterate
scholars_ could not distinguish it from _myrrh_ and _myrtle_? Our old
English herbalists, in like manner, seem to have known little about it,
and it has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory.
Μυρρίνη,
Myrtus, _the Myrtle_, is composed of opposite ingredients. But the cold
and terrene prevails in it, and hence it is powerfully desiccative. The
myrtis, which is a callous excrescence on the trunk and branches of
it, is strongly desiccative and astringent. The dried leaves are more
desiccative than the green. The fruit and juice are possessed of similar
powers, both when administered externally and internally.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Myrtus communis_. The _myrtis_ or _myrtas_ of
our author is the same as the _myrtidanum_ of Dioscorides, and most
probably was some morbid excrescence upon it. Dioscorides calls the
myrtle astringent, and recommends it in such a variety of cases that it
would occupy too much space to enumerate them all; such, for example,
as hæmoptysis, erosion of the bladder; as a stomachic and diuretic; an
alexipharmic in the case of persons stung by phalangia or scorpions; as
a soothing application in inflammations and extrasavated blood about the
eyes; for furfures, achores, exanthemata, and so forth. (i, 155.) The
excrescence already mentioned possesses, he says, stronger powers than
the fruit or leaves, and is mixed with cerate, pessaries, hip-baths,
and cataplasms requiring astringency. (i, 156.) Galen gives a somewhat
fuller, but not a materially different, account of the myrtle from
our author. He says it is a powerful astringent, both internally and
externally. Aëtius abridges him, as Oribasius does Dioscorides. Celsus
notices the berries and boiled leaves of myrtle frequently as astringent
and cooling articles. The Arabians treat of them very fully. See Avicenna
(ii, 2, 446); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 475); Serapion (De Simpl. 92);
Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 38.) Avicenna recommends the
decoction of its leaves as an astringent in profuse sweats, fetor of the
armpits, in hot apostemes, erysipelas, herpes, &c. He also prescribes it
in ulcers of the hands, and in burns. He says it cures ophthalmy, and
proves stomachic and cordial. All the Arabians give it the character
of being alexipharmic. It is useful, according to Avicenna, in heat of
urine, and immoderate flow of the menses. He says it is useful also in
cases of ununited fractures when poured upon the place; stops the flow
of blood from the nose, and cures furfures and other ulcers of the head.
Abenmesuai, one of Serapion’s authorities, says of the juice of myrtle,
that it is useful in the cure of pains of the breast and lungs, in cough,
and looseness of the bowels; that it is a cordial, and strengthens the
internal viscera. Myrtle-berries were used as astringents in fluxes down
to a late period. See Quincy (94.)
Μῶλυ,
Moly, Allium hirsutum, _Wild Garlic_ (some call it Ruta silvestris,
others Armalan, and the Syrians, Basanan); it belongs to the third order
of calefacients, and is composed of subtile particles. Hence it cuts
thick and viscid humours, is discutient and incarnant.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It was the species of garlic now called _Allium Moly_, Mönch.
Mention is made of this plant by Homer as a charm against incantation.
(Odyss. x, l. 302.) It is probably the same as the μώλυζα of Hippocrates.
(See Dierbach.) Dioscorides merely recommends _moly_ pounded with the
ointment of iris as a pessary to promote the menstrual discharge. (iii,
47.) On the _moly_, see Pliny (H. N. xxv, 8.) Galen and the other Greek
authorities mention it in nearly the same terms as our author. It does
not occur in the works of Celsus, nor have we been able to find it in
those of the Arabian authorities.
Νάσκαφθον,
(Called also Narcaphthon) is an Indian aromatic, and is used in
fumigations for constriction of the uterus.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of this substance is taken, with few
alterations, from Dioscorides. Galen and Serapion also copy from him. In
the Appendix to this section we shall have occasion to notice the opinion
that it was _mace_. All we need say of the Nascaphthon in this place
amounts to this, that it was an Indian aromatic, which the industry, even
of Royle, Ainslie, and Roxborough, has failed to determine.
Νάπυ,
Sinapi, _Mustard_, is heating and desiccative in the fourth degree.
* * * * *