No author, ancient or modern, has treated of its medicinal powers so
elaborately as Dioscorides. He says it has heating, attenuant, and
attractive powers, and when chewed, produces a discharge of phlegm;
when its juice is mixed with hydromel, it forms a suitable gargle
for enlarged tonsils, and for chronic and callous asperities of the
trachea; when applied to the nostrils in a fine powder it acts as a
sternutatory; benefits persons in epileptic fits, and rouses those who
are in hysterical fits; it is useful in lethargic patients when applied
as a cataplasm to the shaved scalp; when mixed up with figs and applied
until it reddens, it is fitting for ischiatic disease, and that of the
spleen, and in general for all chronic pains, by determining to the
surface; it cures alopecia in a cataplasm; clears the countenance, and,
with honey, suet, or cerate, removes the spots of extravasated blood;
with vinegar it is rubbed in upon places affected with leprosy, and
lichen agrius; it is taken in a draught as a powder, when sprinkled like
polenta on the drink, for periodical attacks of fevers; it is mixed with
advantage in epispastic plasters and those for scabies; when applied to
the ear in powder with figs, it relieves deafness and noises in the ears;
its juice with honey is suitable in dimness of vision and roughness of
the eyelids when rubbed in; the juice of its seed, while still green,
is expressed and dried in the sun. (ii, 183.) Celsus recommends it in
a variety of cases both externally and internally; as a rubefacient,
gargle, masticatory, &c. By the way, we have never been able to satisfy
ourselves that the late Dr. Milligan was right in setting down the sinapi
of Celsus as the _Sinapis alba_. (207.) We remark, however, that it is
this species which occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. Galen and his
followers dismiss this article with a very brief notice, like our author.
The Arabians do little more than copy from Dioscorides. See particularly
Avicenna (ii, 2, 674); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 644); Averrhoes (Collig. v,
42); Serapion (c. 373); Ebn Baithar (i, 355.) Mustard was much used by
the ancient physicians in cataplasms as a rubefacient. Ruffus, as quoted
by Rhases (Contin. xxxvii), recommends the seed of mustard as a laxative.
Macer directs, upon the authority of Menemachus, a sinapism to be formed
by pounding in a mortar mustard seed, with a third part of the crumb of
bread, dried figs, honey, and vinegar. He recommends an ointment made of
figs and mustard, for alopecia, i. e. _porrigo decalvans_.
Ναρδόσταχυς,
Spica Nardi, _Spikenard_; the root of it is heating in the first degree,
and desiccative in the second. It is also somewhat astringent, acrid, and
bitterish. It agrees with the liver and stomach both when administered
externally and internally. It is diuretic, and dries up internal
defluxions. The Indian is stronger than the Syrian, and blacker.
COMMENTARY. For this article, Dr. Royle informs us that he obtained,
in India, the hairy spike-like roots of _Nardostachys Jatamansi_.
(Antiq. Hindoo Med. 33.) Dr. Lindley says the Nardostachys Jatamansi,
or true spikenard of the ancients, is valued in India, not only for
a scent, but also as a remedy in hysteria and epilepsy. (Veg. Kingd.
698.) See further, Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 1, 318.) The Syrian kind was
unquestionably some species of valerian, probably the _V. Hardwickii_.
Our author, in the present instance, borrows from Galen, who in the
main draws all his information from Dioscorides. The latter holds the
spikenard to be diuretic, stomachic, hepatic, and carminative. (i, 6.)
The Arabians treat fully of it, copying freely from Dioscorides. See
Avicenna (ii, 2, 640); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 669); Serapion (c. 52.)
Avicenna recommends it strongly in affections of the liver, and in
jaundice; and calls it stomachic and deobstruent. Averrhoes joins him in
giving it these characters. (Collig. v, 42.)
Νάρδος Κελτικὴ,
Nardus Celtica, _Celtic Nard_, is possessed of similar powers to the
above-mentioned, but weaker, except with regard to its action on the
urine; for it is hotter than the former and less astringent.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Valeriana Celtica_, or French Spikenard.
Dioscorides gives an interesting description of it; and, with regard
to its medicinal powers, states of it, that it is more diuretic and
stomachic than the Syrian, and cures inflammations about the liver, and
jaundice and flatulence of the stomach when drunk with the decoction of
wormwood; in like manner, that it relieves the spleen, the bladder, and
kidneys, and is alexipharmic with wine; and finally, that it is mixed
with heating draughts and liniments. (i, 7.) It is the _Nardum Gallicum_
of Celsus, who assigns it a place with other aromatics in one of his
antidotes. (v, 23.) Galen and the other authorities treat of it in the
same general terms as our author. This species of spikenard long held a
place in our Dispensatory. See Quincy (161) and Lewis (Dispensatory, ii,
125.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the _Nardus_ and the _Phu_ are
identified with the _Valeriana_.
Νάρδος ὀρεῖα,
Nardus Montana, _Mountain Nard_ (called also Thylacitis and Pyrites), is
weaker than the aforementioned.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It would seem to be the _Valeriana tuberosa_. Galen and the
other authorities state briefly of it, like our author, that it is weaker
than the other species already described.
Νάρθηξ,
Ferula, _Fennel-giant_; the seed is attenuant and calefacient. The inner
part, while still green, is astringent; and, therefore, agrees with
hæmoptysis and cæliac affections.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. All the authorities, including the older and the more recent,
are agreed that it is a species of _Ferula_; and we are inclined to think
that it was the _communis_, more especially as its medicinal powers
agree well with those assigned to the article in question by Dioscorides.
(Compare the latter, Mat. Med. iii, 81, with Gray’s Supplement to the
Pharmacop. 80.) Dioscorides says, the pith of it, while green, relieves
spitting of blood and cæliac affections, and is given with wine to
persons bitten by vipers, and restrains bleeding from the nose when
introduced as a tent; that the seed relieves tormina, and produces
sweating when rubbed in with oil, but that its stems induce headache, and
are prepared for pickles. (Ibid.) Our author borrows almost word for word
from Galen. We have not been able to discover it in the Materia Medica of
the Arabians, but can scarcely believe that it had been wholly overlooked
by them. Ebn Baithar, in fact, under the head of _Kana_, sets down the
descriptions of the _Narthex_ given by Dioscorides and Galen.
Νάρκη θαλασσίη,
Torpedo; when applied to the head, while still alive, in cases of
headache, it procures relief to the pain, probably by its peculiar
property of producing torpor; and the oil in which the living animal has
been boiled, when rubbed in, allays the most violent pains of the joints.
It is said to remedy prolapsus ani when applied.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Raia Torpedo_, L., or Cramp-fish.
See Artedi (Ichthy.) Frequent mention is made of this fish in the
works of the ancient writers on Natural History. See in particular the
poetical descriptions of Claudian (Idyll.) and Oppian (Halieut, ii.)
Galen repeatedly speculates on the nature of the singular power which it
possesses of stupefying every animal which touches it. He denies that it
has any narcotic effect as a medicine, unless when applied alive. (De
Simpl. vii.) Serapion copies his account of it. His translator renders
it _Piscis stupefaciens_. (c. 437.) See Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 49, 533.)
Averrhoes compares its narcotic powers to magnetism. (Collig. v.) We have
given some account of its application in this way elsewhere. See Book
III, 6.
Νάρκισσος,
Narcissus, _Daffodil_; its root is possessed of desiccative powers so as
to agglutinate large wounds, even to the division of tendons. It is also
somewhat detergent and epispastic.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There seems no reason to doubt that it is the _Narcissus
poeticus_. Dioscorides says of it, that its root, when boiled and
eaten or drunk, proves emetic; that triturated with honey it is a good
application to burns; that in a cataplasm it agglutinates nerves that
have been cut asunder; that it relieves sprains and chronic pains about
the joints, in a cataplasm with honey; that it clears ephelis and alphos,
with nettle-seed and vinegar; that it cleanses foul ulcers, and breaks
apostemes which are difficult to ripen; and that in a cataplasm, with the
flour of darnel and honey, it extracts thorns. (iv, 158.) Galen and the
other Greek authorities give its virtues in brief terms, like our author.
The Arabians, as they are wont, copy freely from Dioscorides and Galen.
See Avicenna (ii, 2, 503); Serapion (c. 188); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i,
489); Ebn Baithar (ii, 552.) Rhases and Avicenna ascribe to it strong
powers as an uterine medicine, stating of it that it produces delivery
of the fœtus either dead or alive; that it promotes the dilatation of
the mouth of the womb, and relieves pains of it. The narcissus occurs in
the lists of medicines used both by Hippocrates and by Celsus. Our old
herbalists, Gerard and Parkinson, repeat the characters of the narcissus
given by the ancient authorities; but it has long ceased to have a place
in our Dispensatory.
Νευρὰς,
Neuras (called also Poterium), is desiccative without pungency, so as
even to agglutinate divided tendons. The roots have the same effects both
when applied externally and when drunk.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There are few articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients
which it is more difficult to determine. Sprengel conjectures that it was
the _Astragalus Poterium_. Dioscorides says its roots exude tears like
gum, and that they are highly beneficial in wounds of the nerves. (iii,
18.) Galen, and all the other Greek authorities that treat of it, give
exactly the same account of it as Dioscorides. We have not been able to
find it in the works of the Arabians. Our old English herbalists give a
figure and description of it, as being a species of tragacantha. See
Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 996) and Gerard (History of Plants, 1328.)
It has long ceased, however, to hold a place in any Dispensatory with
which we are acquainted.
Νήριον ἢ Ροδοδάφνη,
Nerium, _Rosebay_ or _Oleander_, when applied externally is possessed of
discutient powers; but when taken internally it proves fatal.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Nerium Oleander_, L. We have treated of it as a
poison in another place. (T. ii, 242.) That the plant actually possesses
the poisonous properties ascribed to it by the ancients is now very well
ascertained. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 600.) Dioscorides assigns it a
place in his Materia Medica, and says of it that its flower and leaves
are destructive to dogs, asses, mules, and most quadrupeds, but are
preservative of men, when drunk with wine, from the bites of reptiles,
if mixed with rue; but that the weaker animals, such as goats and
sheep, when they drink the decoction of it, die. (iv, 82.) Galen, like
our author, in treating of this article, does little more than abridge
the fuller account of it given by Dioscorides. The Arabians extend the
use of this medicine to several cases in which it was not applied by
the Greeks. Thus, they say of it, that its leaves form an excellent
application to hard apostemes, and are good for prurigo, scabies, and
desquamations, more especially the juice of them; that in the form of a
plaster they are applied with advantage in chronic pains of the back and
knees, and that its flower forms a sternutatory. Rhases (Cont. l. ult.
iii, 31) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 522.) We have given the opinions of the
Arabians respecting it as a poison in the place referred to above. There
is no mention of the oleander, as far as we have been able to discover,
in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. The term _oleander_ is
derived from the Arabians. It is treated of by our recent authorities on
toxicology, but has long been unknown to our Pharmacopœia.
Νυμφάια,
Nymphæa, _the Water-lily_, is possessed of desiccative powers without
pungency. It, therefore, constipates the belly and its seed is
desiccative. But that species which has the white root is stronger, so
that when drunk with dark and austere wine, it cures the female flux. But
that which has a black root is also somewhat detergent, so as to cure
alphos with water, and alopecia, when rubbed in with liquid pitch.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is quite manifest that the plant here described
comprehends the two well-known species of the Water-lily, now named
_Nymphæa alba_ and _Nuphar luteum_. The two species, the one having
a white root and the other a black, are no doubt mere varieties. Our
author abridges his account of this article from Galen, who, in his
turn, borrows freely from Dioscorides. (iii, 138-9.) For the Arabians,
see Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 493); Serapion (De Simpl. c. 144); Avicenna
(ii, 2, 508); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The Arabians administered it in
the same cases as the Greeks, and also recommend the syrup for coughs
and pleurisy, and say of the plant that it induces sleep and cures acute
vertigo, but is debilitating. They compare the nature of the nymphæa to
that of the mandragora. Though the two Water-lilies have long ceased to
hold a place in our Dispensatory, they are still used medicinally by the
oriental nations. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 411.)
Ξάνθιον ἢ φασγάνιον,
Xanthium, _Clutburr_, has fruit of discutient powers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It would seem to be the _Xanthium strumarium_, a plant of
the natural order of _Ambrosieæ_. Our author takes his brief notice of
it from Galen. Dioscorides gives a minute description of it, but merely
mentions its being used for a dye and a cataplasm for swellings. (iv,
136.) It does not occur in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor, as
far as we can discover, in those of the Arabians.
Χηρὶς ἢ ξυρὶς,
Xyris, _Wild Corn-flag_, is possessed of attenuating, discutient, and
attractive powers, and of truly desiccative, especially the seed, so that
it is diuretic, and cures scirrhus of the spleen.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Iris fœtidissima_. It is still used medicinally
in dropsy and scrofula. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 161) and Gray (Suppl.
to the Pharmacop. 25.) Dioscorides recommends it as a vulnerary, and
application to swellings and boils; and further prescribes it internally
in bruises, ruptures, sciatica, and diarrhœa. Its seed, he says, is very
diuretic, and reduces enlarged spleen when drunk in vinegar. (iv, 22.)
Galen notices it in the same brief terms as our author. We have reason to
believe that it is not wholly overlooked by the Arabians, but we cannot
find it, while writing this, in their authorities on the Materia Medica,
not even in the copious list of Ebn Baithar.
Ξίφιον,
Xiphium, _Bulbous Iris_; its root is possessed of attractive, discutient,
and desiccative powers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dioscorides gives such a minute description of it as clearly
identifies it with the _Gladiolus communis_. He recommends it on his own
authority as forming an excellent cataplasm with wine and frankincense
for extracting stings and thorns, for discussing the tumour called
phygethlon, and as an emmenagogue in pessaries; and says it was reported
to be aphrodisiac, and a suitable draught in the intestinal hernia of
children. (iv, 20.) Galen, like our author, merely states its medicinal
virtues in general terms. The Arabians treat of it under the general head
of _Lilium_, along with Iris. See Serapion (c. 189.) His account of it
is made up entirely of extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. It is also
briefly noticed by Ebn Baithar. (i, 423.) His German translator sets it
down as the _Gladiolus Byzantinus_. We have not had time and patience
to hunt out any other notices of it in the writings of the Arabian
authorities on the Materia Medica. Its name in the barbarous translations
of their works is _Kasiflon_.
Ὄη,
Sorbus, _the Service Tree_ (the fruit of which is by some called ὄα, by
others οὖα, Sorba); it is possessed of astringent powers, but less than
the medlar.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Sorbus domestica_. All the ancient authorities
recommend the fruit as an excellent astringent. Dioscorides prescribes
it with this intention both in fruit and in decoction. (i, 173.) Our
author’s account of it is taken pretty closely from Galen. Avicenna
treats of it confusedly under the head of _Cornu vel Sorbas_. (ii, 2,
315.) Serapion treats of the _Sorba_, but does not seem to apply the name
to the article we are treating of. See De Simpl. (c. 109.)
Ὀθόννα,
Othonna; some say that it is the juice of a herb growing in Arabia, where
it borders with Egypt, and others that it is an Egyptian stone. It is
detergent and pungent, clearing away everything that obscures the pupil.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The _Tagetes Erecta_, African or French Marigold, seems
likely enough to be this herb. Regarding the stone of the same name,
nothing is known for certain. Our author borrows from Dioscorides.
Galen does not treat of this article at all in his work on Simples. The
Arabians appear to have been ignorant of it.
Ὀινάνθη,
Œnanthe, _the Wild Vine_; ample experience has shown that the flower of
the wild vine is considerably astringent, and that it acts as a tonic,
particularly in affections of the belly. Dioscorides describes another
having powers quite opposite to this; and hence, he says, that it expels
the secundines, and cures strangury and jaundice.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The former is evidently the flower of a wild species of
the _Vitis Vitifera_, L. It is still used for giving a flavour to
wine. Dioscorides gives an ample account of its medicinal virtues.
Its power, he says, is astringent, and hence it is stomachic and
diuretic, restraining fluxes of the belly and spitting of blood; it acts
beneficially when applied dry, as a cataplasm for loss of appetite and
acidity of the stomach; it forms an embrocation with vinegar and rose-oil
in headache; a cataplasm that restrains inflammation, when applied to
recent wounds; to incipient fistula lachrymalis, and ulcers in the
mouth, and spreading ulcers in the pudenda, when rubbed in with honey,
saffron, rose-oil, and myrrh: it is made an ingredient of pessaries for
restraining bleeding, and for defluxions of the eyes and burning of
the stomach it is applied as a cataplasm with the flour of wheat and
wine: when burnt upon heated coals in a shell it forms an ophthalmic
application, and cures whitlow, pterygia, loose and bloody gums, with
honey. (v, 5.) This account of it is copied literally by Serapion. (De
Simpl. c. 35.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 723) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult.
i, 745.) This would certainly appear to us to be the Œnanthe of Celsus,
who gives it a place among the diuretics. (iii, 21.)
With regard to the herb of the same name, which, as our author remarks,
is described by Dioscorides, various conjectures have been advanced. It
is certain that it cannot be the _Œnanthe crocata_, but may be the _O.
Pimpinelloides_. We have nothing to add to the account of its medicinal
powers given by our author from Dioscorides. In fact, with the exception
of Oribasius, whose description of the articles in the Materia Medica
is professedly taken from Dioscorides, we are not aware that any other
ancient authority has noticed it. We may mention, in conclusion, that
the _Œ. Pimpinelloides_, although it has no place in our Dispensatory,
is still not unknown to the collectors of drugs. See Gray (Suppl. to
the Pharm. 79.) It grows in abundance on a spot in Banchory Ternan, and
we have ascertained that it is not wholly innocuous even to cattle when
eaten by them.
Οἶνος,
Vinum, _Wine_, belongs to the second order of heating and desiccative
medicines. But that which is considerably old belongs to the third, and
the sweet wine to the first.
COMMENTARY. We have treated fully of the ancient _Wines_ in Book I.
For an ample enumeration of their medicinal properties, the reader
is particularly referred to Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 19 et seq.), and to
Dioscorides (v, 1-16.) It being out of place for us to give a long
commentary under this head, we shall merely give a succinct exposition of
it from Aëtius. Wine, he says, is of the second class of calefacients;
but that which is moderately old, is of the third; as in like manner
the new and sweet is of the first. Their dryness is analogous to their
heat. Since we find many varieties in wine, we shall describe them as
briefly as we can. Of all wines, then, those which are at the same time
red and thick are the most suited for the formation of blood, requiring
but little change in order to be converted into blood. Next in order to
these are such as are dark, sweet, and thick at the same time; then
those which in colour are red and black, in consistency thick, and have
some acid quality at the same time. Less than these are the white, thick,
and austere, in regard to nutritive powers. But of all others the least
nutritious are those which are white in colour and thin in consistency,
being in so far like to water. But the sweet are sooner digested and
more readily diffused over the system than the austere, being of a more
heating nature, and they are more laxative of the bowels. But those which
are very thick are more slowly digested and more slowly distributed; but
when the stomach is strong so as to digest them properly, they furnish
more food to the body than any other; and it is clear that they bind
the bowels and are not of a diuretic nature, engendering a thick humour
in some. And some from them have obstructions of the liver, spleen, or
kidneys, and hence those become affected with dropsy or calculus who use
them much, and especially old men. But of all wines, the best, and best
fitted for persons in good health, and to those who are convalescent from
diseases, is that which is red in colour, thin in consistence, and gently
astringent. (i.)
Ὄισυπος,
Œsypum, _Unscoured Wool_, is treated of under wool.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The Œsypum was the sordes collected from wool. It was used
medicinally in the Hippocratic age (De Morb. Mulier. ii), and continued
to hold a place in the Materia Medica down to a late date. See Rutty’s
Mat. Med. (357.) It would appear, from Dioscorides’s description of the
mode of preparing it, that it was the scum collected on the surface of
water by boiling wool in it. (ii, 66.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxix, 2.)
The ancients used it frequently in the practice of medicine. See in
particular Dioscorides (l. c.) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 355.)
Ὄλυνθοι,
Grossi Ficulnei, _Green Figs_, are possessed of acrid and discutient
powers, owing to the juice which is in them. When boiled, therefore, they
discuss hard swellings; but when raw they remove myrmecia and thymi.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. They are the unripe fruit of the fig tree. Dioscorides and
most of the ancient authorities recommend them as a stimulant application
to various tumours. Our author’s account of them is abridged from
Dioscorides, who further recommends them in a cataplasm with salts and
vinegar for achores, furfures, and epinyctis, and as an application to
the bites of mad dogs. (i, 185.) They are the _Grossi Ficulnei_ of the
Arabians, who treat of them under the general head of figs. See Avicenna
(ii, 2, 276.)
Ὁλόστιον,
Holostium, is possessed of desiccative powers with astringency. Hence
they use it for fractures.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. There are few articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients
about which there is so much doubt. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants),
and Sprengel in Dioscor. (iv, 11.) It has been set down as the _Holosteum
umbellatum_, but all upon mere conjecture. Our author here copies from
Galen, who in his turn borrows from Dioscorides. We are not aware of its
being described by any of the Arabian authorities, nor have we found it
in any modern Dispensatory.
Ὀμφάκιον,
Omphacium is _the Juice of the Unripe Grape_, being considerably
astringent and desiccative in the third degree. Hence it applies to
defluxions, and especially those of the stomach.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The juice of unripe grapes is called _Agresto_ in Italy,
where it is still used in affections of the throat. Dioscorides
recommends it in such cases. Pliny says of it, “Prodest dysentericis,
sanguinem excreantibus, anginis.” (H. N. xxiii, 4.) This is a literal
translation from Dioscorides, who recommends it in these cases, and also
for various others in which astringents are indicated, such as aphthæ,
loose gums, fistulæ, old ulcers, spreading sores, and as an application
to asperity and ulceration of the eyelids. (v, 6.) Celsus prescribes the
omphacium in a variety of cases, as a cleansing medicine, (v, 5), as one
that corrodes (v, 6), and as one that determines outwardly. (v, 12.) None
of the other Greek authorities nor the Arabians supply any additional
information of interest after Dioscorides.
Ὀνάγρα,