recent writer on the Materia Medica. Dr. Lewis, treating of zinc, says,
“Moderately pure white flowers sublimed from it in the brass or other
furnaces, wherein zinc, or its ores are melted with other metals, were
formerly kept in the shops and distinguished by the names of pompholix
and nihil album.” (Mat. Med. ii, 485.) A still later authority on the
Pharmacopœia describes it thus: “_Pompholix Nihil album._ Collected
in the smelting furnaces wherein zinc ores or brass are melted; used
in ointments for tutty.” Gray (Suppl. &c. 234.) It is also distinctly
described by Geoffroy (Treatise on Fossil, &c. Subst. 185), and by
Quincy (201.) The latter writes as if he had been familiar with this
article; but it appears singular that the former says that in his time
(that is to say, about 150 years ago) it was unknown in the shops. For
the ancient authorities on it, see in particular Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 33),
and Dioscorides (v, 85.) The latter calls it styptic, cooling, and to
a certain extent escharotic. Galen recommends it in carcinomatous and
all ill-conditioned ulcers, for those about the parts of generation and
anus, and for ocular collyria. (De Simpl. ix.) The Arabians treat of it
under the head of Tutia. See in particular Serapion (c. 422); Avicenna
(ii, 2, 695); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Ebn Baithar (i, 217.) Hardly
one of them does anything more than copy the description of it given by
Dioscorides and Galen, only comprehending under one name what the Greeks
had delivered regarding pompholyx and spodium separately.
Πορφύραι,
Purpuræ, when burnt are possessed of the same powers as shells. The part
which serves as a cover to them when boiled in oil, strengthens hairs
that are falling out. When drunk with vinegar, they cure swelling of the
spleen. As a fumigation, they rouse in cases of uterine suffocation, and
expel the secundines.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The shell-fishes which supply the purple dye. It is got
from various fishes, but more especially the _Helix ianthina_, _Murex
brandaris_ and _trunculus_. For an account of them, see particularly
Aristot. (Hist. Animal. v, 14), and Pliny (H. N. ix, 60.) Our author
borrows from Dioscorides (iii, 4), and Galen (De Simpl. xi.) We have not
been able to detect this article in the works of the Arabian authorities.
Ποταμογείτων,
Potamogiton, _Pondweed_, is cooling and astringent, like Polygonum, being
possessed of similar powers to it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Potamogiton natans_, L. Dioscorides says of
it, that it is cooling and astringent, and is applicable in cases of
pruritus, and in spreading and inveterate ulcers. (iv, 99.) In some of
the editions of his works, another species is described and recommended
in dysentery, colic, and the red fluor of females. It cannot be so
decidedly determined. Galen and the other authorities treat of it in
general terms, like our author. Such of the Arabians as treat of it
borrow from Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 352.)
Ποτέρριον,
Poterrhium, (called by some Phrœnium); its roots when cut into slices
agglutinate divided tendons and wounds; and the decoction of it when
drunk relieves affections of the nerves.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Matthiolus confesses his ignorance of it. Sprengel is
inclined to think that it is the _Astragalus Poterium_, Pall. But
Dr. Lindley holds it to be _Astragalus Creticus_. (Veg. King. 548.)
Dioscorides says it has stalks like those of tragacanth, and accordingly
Linnæus holds this plant to be a species of tragacanth. He recommends
it in exactly the same cases as our author. Galen describes it by the
name of _Neuras_. We have not been able to detect it in the works of the
Arabians.
Πράσιον,
Marrabium, _Horehound_, is calefacient in the second degree; but more
desiccative. It removes obstructions about the liver and spleen, and
those of the chest and lungs. It also promotes menstruation. In a
cataplasm it is detergent and discutient, and otherwise it is detergent
and incisive.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. The _Marrubium vulgare_. Dioscorides has an elaborate section
on the virtues of this article, which he recommends particularly in
phthisical, asthmatic, and catarrhal complaints, as being an excellent
expectorant, for promoting the menstrual and lochial discharges, as an
alexipharmic, &c. He adds, however, that it is unsuitable in affections
of the kidneys and bladder. (iii, 109.) Galen writes thus of it:
“Horehound, as it is bitter in taste, so, by general admission, it has
the virtue corresponding to that taste, being a deobstruent of the
liver and spleen, clearing away matters about the chest and lungs, and
promoting menstruation.” He also mentions its use in a cataplasm and in
other cases, as stated by Dioscorides. Aëtius and Oribasius state its
virtues in nearly the same terms. It is the “Marrubium” of Celsus, who
prescribes the juice of it in phthisis (iii, 22), in paralysis (iii,
27), in ulcers of the throat (iv, 4), and for other purposes. For the
Arabians, see in particular Serapion (c. 198); Avicenna (ii, 2, 553);
Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Avicenna recommends it as deobstruent,
emmenagogue, and an application to the eyes. Serapion also praises it as
a deobstruent, and recommends it particularly in ulcers of the lungs,
asthma, and such like complaints. It would seem to deserve the characters
which the ancient authorities give it from Hippocrates down to Macer
Floridus and Serapion. See Rutty (Mat. Med. 309.) Even yet it holds a
place in the Dispensatory.
Πράσον,
Porrum, _Leek_, consists of unwholesome juice and is acrid; but
Dioscorides says, that it induces disagreeable dreams, agrees well with
the bowels, is diuretic and attenuant. It is also detergent, for it
proves expectorant when boiled in ptisan. The seed of it is mixed with
nephritic remedies. But the leaves have some astringency, and therefore
the juice of it proves styptic.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Allium Porrum_, L. Diphilus, as
quoted by Athenæus says, “it is attenuant, nutritious, and flatulent.”
(Deipnos, ix, 3.) Dioscorides recommends it in the cases enumerated by
our author, and also in several others. (ii, 178.) Galen does not treat
of it at all in his work on Simples. The Arabians attach more importance
to it, recommending it as being emmenagogue, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and
so forth. They say of it that it hurts the eyes, the gums, and the teeth.
See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 540); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 562);
Serapion (c. 361); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 339.)
Πρίνος,
Ilex, _the Holm Oak_, has powers resembling those of the oak, but it is
much stronger.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Quercus Ilex_, or _Evergreen Oak_. All the
authorities speak of it as being a powerful astringent. The _Kermes_, or
Scarlet Grain is produced upon the ilex by a certain class of insects. It
is described by Theophrastus and Pliny, as stated under that head.
Πρόπολις,
Propolis, _Virgin-wax_, or _Bee-glue_, is calefacient in the second
degree and moderately detergent. It is also possessed of attenuant and
deobstruent powers.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Scribonius Largus calls it, “Propolis quam quidam sacram
ceram vocant.” Dioscorides and Galen give nearly the same account of
_Bee-glue_ as our author. It is the glutinous substance with which the
working bees block up the holes in their hive. They gather it from
poplars and other resinous plants. It occurs frequently in the works of
the ancient writers on Pharmacy.
Πταρμικὴ,
Ptarmica, _Sneezewort_; the leaves are sternutatory; but the whole part,
when green, removes hypopion and other kinds of ecchymosis, for it is hot
and desiccative. The green belong to the second order, and the dried to
the third.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dioscorides’s description of it agrees well with the
_Achillea Ptarmica_, except that (as is remarked by Sprengel) its
favorite locality is meadows, and not mountainous and rocky situations
as indicated by Dioscorides. All the Greek authorities, from Dioscorides
downwards, give it exactly the same characters as our author. We have not
been able to discover any traces of it in the works of the Arabians. Its
leaves are still kept in the shops of apothecaries, and are held to be
sternutatory. Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 80.)
Πτελάια,
Ulmus, _the Elm_, is possessed of desiccative and detergent powers, so
as to agglutinate wounds; but the bark of it still more, if, when in
a fresh state, it be wrapped like a bandage about the wounds. It also
cures leprosy with vinegar, and the roots of it are possessed of the same
powers, so that fractures which will not unite are to be bathed with the
decoction of it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Most probably the _Ulmus campestris_. Our author’s statement
of its medicinal virtues is closely copied from Dioscorides (i, 112.)
Galen and most of the authorities represent it to be an agglutinative
medicine. Pliny, like the others, recommends it as an application to
leprosy. No mention of it occurs in the works of Celsus. The Arabians
treat of it fully, but in the main follow Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii,
2, 71, 96, 212); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 250.) They recommend it in all
cases requiring astringents and abstergents.
Πτερὶς,
Filix, _Fern_, is desiccative in its powers, and bitter. Hence it
destroys the fœtus, and kills the broad intestinal worm when taken to
the amount of four drachms in honeyed water. Because it is moderately
astringent, it dries up ulcers without pungency.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Apuleius says, “Græci pterin, Latini filicem nominant.” (De
Herbis.) We need not hesitate to refer it to the _Aspidium Filix Mas_,
which has been long celebrated as a vermifuge medicine. See Book IV,
67, of this work, and Rutty (Mat. Med. 201.) Dioscorides recommends it
merely as an anthelminthic medicine, and as one which is calculated to
promote convalescence in diseases of the spleen. For the former purpose
he directs it to be given with scammony or white hellebore, along with a
diet consisting principally of garlic. (iv, 183.) Galen acutely remarks,
that there is no wonder that it should be anthelminthic, seeing it is
possessed of a bitter taste with some astringency. None of the other
Greek or Arabian authorities supply any additional information respecting
it. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 620); Serapion (De Simpl. 56.) The
“filicula” of Celsus (ii, 12) would appear to us to have been rather the
Polypodium than the Filix Mas. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia it is
marked as being the _Aspidium Filix Mas_.
Πυκνόκομον,
Pycnocomon, is possessed of discutient, attractive, and acrid powers.
The leaves of it, therefore, discuss phyma and furunculus. The fruit, in
addition to these properties, also extracts sharp-pointed weapons. Its
root purges yellow bile.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Although Dioscorides has given a pretty minute description
of it, there are few articles in the ancient Mat. Med. about which there
is so much uncertainty. See the Index Latinus to Parkinson’s ‘Theatre
of Plants,’ and Sprengel (in Dioscor. iv, 173.) The latter decides that
it is neither the _Leonurus Marrubiastrum_ nor the _Succisa pratensis_
as had been supposed. Whether it may be the _Cephalaria Pycnocomon_ we
are unable to determine, as we have no acquaintance with this plant. Our
author borrows his medicinal characters of it from Dioscorides (l. c.)
Galen does the same. The Arabians have not noticed it, as far as we can
discover.
Πύρεθρον,
Pyrethrum, _Pellitory_; the root has caustic powers, and allays the pain
of teeth affected with cold; and before the occurrence of periodical
rigors it is rubbed in with oil, and relieves those who are affected with
torpor and paralysis.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It seems to be the _Anthemis Pyrethrum_, although Sprengel
is not quite satisfied. It was much used in stimulant embrocations.
Dioscorides, Galen, Macer, and Serapion, and, in a word, all the
authorities, recommend it strongly as a phlegmagogue for toothache.
Dioscorides says further of it, that when rubbed in with oil, it is
sudorific, being serviceable in chronic rigors, for parts which have lost
their natural heat and are paralysed. (iii, 37.) Celsus also mentions
it in a list of stimulants, to be applied externally for toothache (vi,
9), and ranks it among his caustics. (v, 8.) The Arabians treat of it at
considerable length, but borrow much from Dioscorides. See in particular
Avicenna (ii, 2, 547); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 553); Averrhoes (Collig.
v, 42.) They all in particular recommend it as a sialogogue in cases
of toothache. We need scarcely remark that the pellitory (now called
_Anacyclos Pyrethrum_) still holds its place in the Dispensatory as
a sialogogue and masticatory. We see no good reason, therefore, for
questioning its identity with the pyrethrum of the ancients, more
especially as it still retains a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Πυρὸς,
Triticum, _Wheat_, is heating in the first degree, but is intermediate
between dry and humid substances. It is also somewhat glutinous and
emplastic.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Triticum æstivum_. We have treated
largely of it among the dietetical articles in the First Book, and have
also treated of the farina, leaven, and pollen of wheat separately. We
need not, then, enlarge further upon this article at present.
Πιτύα,
Coagulum, _Rennet_; all sorts of it are possessed of acrid, attenuating,
discutient, and decidedly desiccant powers. But that of hares is
represented as curing epilepsy if drunk with vinegar, and as curing the
female discharge, and proving a solvent of coagulated milk in the bowels,
and of blood in like manner. Some say that it restrains spitting of blood
from the chest. The rennet of a horse is described as proving serviceable
in cæliac and dysenteric affections. That of the seal is said to have the
properties of castor.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of _Rennet_
is taken from Dioscorides and Galen. Indeed he has copied from the latter
almost word for word. The Arabians treat of the rennets very fully and
with much judgment. See in particular Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 221);
Avicenna (ii, 2, 115); Serapion (De Simpl. 444); Ebn Baithar (ii, 604.)
They follow Dioscorides very closely, among other things recommending
rennet to be applied on a pessary for promoting the menstrual discharge,
and for the hysterical convulsion. All rennets, they say, are
alexipharmic, and especially those of the kid, of the antelope, and of
the camel. As stated by us in the Fifth Book, the ancients administered
rennet in cases of poisoning with curdled milk. It appears remarkable
that an article unquestionably capable of being applied to so many
medicinal purposes as rennet, should have been entirely excluded from our
modern Dispensatories.
Ῥακὸς,
Panniculus, _Rags_; when those from wool are burnt they have similar
powers to burnt wool. Linen, when burning, sends forth a subtile smoke,
so as to prove deobstruent in catarrhs, and agree with risings of the
womb. When burnt, its powers are nearly the same as those of wool.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. These things are so well known as not to require further
illustration.
Ῥάμνος,
Rhamnus, _Buckthorn_, is desiccative in the second degree, but cooling in
the first. Hence it cures herpes and erysipelas when not very hot. Its
tender leaves are to be used.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. This appears to be the first species of Dioscorides, which
we may decide to be the _Lycium Europæum_. The second is the _Lycium
Afrum_. The third is not well ascertained, but probably is a species of
_paliurus_. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1006), and Sprengel (Ad
Dioscor. i, 119.) Dioscorides recommends the leaves of all the three
kinds for herpes and erysipelas, and also mentions that the twigs of
them were placed in doors and windows to avert sorcery. (i, 119.) Galen
and the other Greek authorities treat of this article in nearly the same
terms as our author. Pliny recommends it as a cooling and refrigerant
application. (H. N. xxiv, 76.) The Arabians borrow their account of it
entirely from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (De
Simpl. 236); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 591); Avicenna (ii, 2, 345); Ebn
Baithar (ii, 223.)
Ῥάφανος,
Rhaphanus, _Radish_, is heating in the third degree, and desiccative in
the second. The wild is more powerful. The seeds of both are stronger,
and therefore they discuss hypopion and other lividities.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Dioscorides, like our author, describes two species, of
which the former is certainly the _Rhaphanus sativus_, and the other
probably the _R. maritimus_. Dioscorides gives so long a catalogue of
the medicinal properties of the former or common radish, that we can
scarcely venture upon an exposition of it. He says of it, that its seed
is emetic, diuretic, and a cleanser of the spleen, when drunk with
vinegar; that it is beneficial in cynanche, and alexipharmic both when
taken internally and applied externally. Florentinus (Geopon. xii, 22)
and Pliny (H. N. xx, 13) praise the radish as an antidote to poisonous
substances and venomous animals. It was much used by the ancients as an
emetic, and for this purpose it was taken before a meal as described by
Celsus. (i, 3.) See also Dioscorides (l. c.) and Pliny (l. c.) Hence
it is frequently prescribed by Nicander, as a remedy in the case of
poisoning, as in that by henbane, and in that by mushrooms. It is also
recommended in these and similar cases by Scribonius Largus (Compos.
198.) The radish we are confident is the “radicula” of Celsus, who
prescribes it for various purposes, as being laxative, diuretic, and, as
we formerly stated, emetic. (See Vol. II, 31, &c.) The Arabians attach
much importance to this article, but do not supply much information
regarding it but what they acknowledge to be derived from the Greeks. See
Serapion (c. 307); Avicenna (ii, 2, 574); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 571);
Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 246.) They agree in stating
of it, that taken before other food it renders vomiting easy; and after
food that it loosens the bowels. All recommend it in cases of poisoning.
They also prescribe it as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and
in jaundice. The radishes, the garden and the wild, retain their ancient
characters in the works of our old herbalists, and even in the time of
Quincy they still held a place in our Dispensatory, although, as he says,
“little used in medicine.” (i, 5, 409.)
Ῥῆον,
Rheum (called by some Rhâ), is composed of a terrene, cold, and subtile
substance, and of a vaporous, hot, and slightly acrid one. Hence it
relieves sprains and ruptures, and orthopnœa, and also lividities, by its
discutient powers; and by its astringency, spitting of blood, cæliac and
dysenteric affections. By both it cures hepatic complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Our author manifestly copies from Galen; and whoever will
carefully compare his account of it with Dioscorides’s chapter on Rhâ,
cannot fail to come to the conclusion that both apply to the same
substance, namely, the _Rheum Rhaponticum_. We therefore shall confine
our attention in this place to it, reserving to the Appendix what we
have got to say on the knowledge possessed by the ancients of the
purgative rhubarb. Dioscorides says of it, that its prevailing power
is astringency, with a certain degree of heat; and he recommends it to
be taken in a draught for flatulence of the stomach, atony, all kinds
of pain, spasms, diseases of the spleen, liver, and kidneys, tormina,
affections of the chest and bladder, distension of the hypochondria,
diseases of the uterus, sciatica, hæmoptysis, asthma, hiccough,
dysentery, cæliac affections, intermittents, and the bites of venomous
animals; also for lividity and leprosy when rubbed in with vinegar,
and for discussing all chronic inflammations in a fomentation. (iii,
2.) Galen’s account of it, as already stated, is exactly the same as
our author’s. Oribasius evidently takes his description of it from
Dioscorides; and Aëtius, like our author, as clearly abridges Galen.
There is no mention of the _Rhâ_ in the works either of Hippocrates or of
Celsus. Pliny’s description of it (he calls it _Rhacoma_) is manifestly
imitated from Dioscorides. (H. N. xxvii, 105.) As already stated, we
shall reserve our exposition of the views of the Arabians to the Appendix.
Ῥητίναι,
Resinæ, _Resins_, are all calefacient and desiccative; but the turpentine
holds the first place, being discutient, emollient, and attenuating, and
also detergent, whereby it cures itch; and that of larch is like to it.
The resin of the pitch-tree, and still more that of the wild pine, are
more acrid, but neither more discutient nor attractive. Those of the pine
and fir hold an intermediate place.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. On the formation of _Resins_ see in particular Theophrastus
(H. P. ix, 2) and Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 22.) Pliny thus sums up his account
of them: “Summæ species duæ; sicca et liquida. Sicca e pinu et picca;
liquida e terebintho, larice, lentisco, cupresso.” The Resina sicca pini
is the _Pix arida_ of the Old London Pharmacopœia, or the _Pix Abietina_
of the New. The Resina liquida laricis is now generally called by the
name of _Venice Turpentine_. The Resina lentisci is well known by the
name of _Mastich_. The _Colophonian rosin_, which is often mentioned in
this work, is the same as the black fiddler’s rosin. The Cypress rosin
does not appear to be much known now. Pliny correctly observes that all
these resins act on the bowels and the urine. The mode of burning or
roasting resin is described by Dioscorides. (i, 93.) He gives a very
interesting account of the _resinæ_ in general, which he represents to
be emollient, calefacient, dissolvent, cleansing, suited for coughs and
consumptions, in electuaries by themselves or with honey, clearing away
matters from the chest; and as being diuretic, digestive, laxative of
the bowels; adapted for the operation on trichiasis (see Book VI, 8),
and for leprosy, with verdigris, copperas, and natron; for purulent ears
with honey and oil, and for itching of the pudendum. They are mixed,
he adds, with plasters, liniments, and acopa, and relieve pleuritic
pains either when rubbed in or applied by themselves. (i, 91.) All the
other authorities prescribe the resins freely, but none give so full a
description of them as Dioscorides. See, however, Celsus (pluries), who
appears to have been particularly fond of them. He recommends turpentine
rosin with butter and honey in phthisis (iii, 22), in dyspnœa (iv, 4,
2), and in various other cases. Our author’s account of them would seem
to be principally taken from Galen. The Arabians, as usual, copy from
the Greeks, and supply little additional of their own. See Avicenna (ii,
2, 242); Serapion (De Simpl. 325); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases
(Cont. l. ult. i, 580, &c.); Ebn Baithar (pluries.) All the resinæ here
described occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (160, 161.)
Ῥόδα,
Rosæ, _Roses_, are naturally composed of a watery substance, which is
heating, astringent, and bitter. The flowers are still more astringent,
and hence are desiccative.
* * * * *