says that its fruit purges bile. (H. P. ix, 10.) Dioscorides commends
it in spasms, scirrhous spleen, dysuria, and incipient dropsy; and as
an emmenagogue; and, by the way, Dr. Hill confirms this account of it.
Galen and all the other authorities treat of it in nearly the same terms.
We have not been able to find it in the works of Hippocrates. For the
Arabians, see particularly Serapion (c. 180); Avicenna (ii, 2, 132);
Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 152.) One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities
recommends the syrup in chronic coughs, dyspepsia, and incipient
dropsies, and the decoction in black jaundice. Avicenna joins both
Dioscorides and Serapion in regard to the virtues which they ascribe to
it. Whether or not this be the “trixago” of Celsus (iv, 6) has never
been satisfactorily determined. The Arabian translators adopt this name.
It has still the reputation of being a pectoral medicine. Lindley (Veg.
Kingd. 661.)
Χαμαίκισσος,
Hedera, _Ground Ivy_; the flower being considerably bitter, removes
obstructions of the liver. It is also given in ischiatic diseases.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We see no good reason for disputing its identity with
_Glechoma hederaceum_, or Ground Ivy, which we believe to have been
introduced into this country by the Romans for the _Chamæcissos_.
Dioscorides gives it nearly the same characters as our author, that is
to say, he recommends it in sciatica and jaundice. (iv, 124.) Galen and
the other Greek authorities treat of it in nearly the same terms as our
author. The Arabians notice it under the same head with the other species
of ivy. See Serapion (De Simpl. 41); Avicenna (ii, 2, 169); Rhases
(Contin. 190.) The ground-ivy maintained a place in the Dispensatory
with a high reputation as a hepatic, splenitic, diuretic, and nephritic
medicine in the days of Quincy. (117.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia
the glechoma hederaceum stands for the χαμαίκισσος. (75.)
* * * * *
Χαμαικέρασος. This occurs in the “Euporiston” generally ascribed to
Dioscorides. It is referred by Sprengel to the _Convallaria majalis_, or
Lily of the valley.
Χαμαιλέυκη,
Chamæleuce, _Ground Poplar_, is calefacient in the third order and
desiccative in the first.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Sprengel maintains that we should read χαμαιπέυκη, and refers
it to _Stachelina Chamæpeuce_ L. In Dioscor. (iv, 125.) Dioscorides
merely recommends it in lumbago. All the other authorities assign it the
same general characters.
Χαμαιλέων,
Chamæleon; the root of the black chamæleon is calefacient and desiccative
in nearly the third order. It is also a detergent application to the
skin, and a discutient and emollient one to indurated tumours. When
applied in a cataplasm it cures phagedænic ulcers. But when taken
internally it is poisonous. The root of the white chamæleon is like that
of the black, but more bitter. When drunk with austere wine to the
amount of an acetabulum, it kills the broad intestinal worms. It is also
useful in dropsical complaints.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. We stated in the Fifth Book, Sections 37, 46, that we were
inclined to refer the black chamæleon to the _Carthamus corymbosus_,
and the white to the _Carlina acaulis_, and we see no good reason for
changing this opinion. Some good authorities, however, prefer the _C.
gummifera_. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 708.) The virtues, however, which
Dr. Lindley ascribes to the _C. acaulis_, agree very well with those
of the ixia, or white chamæleon, as stated by the ancient authorities;
whether, however, it produces the gum resembling mastich, as the white
chamæleon is described by Dioscorides as doing, we are not so sure.
Parkinson says it produces such a gum “sometimes, and in some places.”
(Theatre of Plants, 968.) See also Gerard (1157.) Dioscorides recommends
its root as a vermifuge; in dropsy and dysuria when taken in wine. (iii,
8.) The root of the black chamæleon he recommends with other articles for
the cure of lichen, for toothache, and various other purposes. (9.) Our
author borrows mostly from Galen under this head. Aëtius remarks that
the root of the black species is poisonous, and hence is to be applied
only externally in scabies, lichen, leprosy, and the like. This species
is noticed in the Hippocratic works. (De Ulcer.) The other occurs in the
works of Celsus, who prescribes it as an ingredient in a malagma for
gout. (v, 18, 33.) The Arabians treat elaborately of both species. See
Avicenna (ii, 2, 197, 455); Serapion (c. 274, 275); Rhases (Cont. l. ult.
ii, 208); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Upon the whole their characters of
them agree with those by Dioscorides and Galen.
Χαμάιμηλον ἢ Ἄνθεμις,
Chamæmelum, or Anthemis, _Chamomile_, heats and dries in the first order.
It is also attenuant, discutient, relaxant, and aromatic.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It certainly applies to the _Anthemis nobilis_, but probably
is not restricted to it. It appears to be the ἄνθεμον of Theophrastus.
(H. P. vii, 8, 14.) It is the ἄνθεμις of Dioscorides, who describes
three species, which it has been found very difficult to distinguish and
identify. He says the roots, the flowers, and the stem are calefacient
and attenuant, that both when drunk and in a hip-bath they promote
the evacuation of the menses, fœtus, calculi, and urine; that they
are drunk for tympanitis and ileus; cure jaundice and diseases of the
liver; and that the decoction is used in a fomentation for complaints
about the bladder. He says the chamomiles cure fistula lachrymalis in
a cataplasm, and aphthæ as a masticatory, and that the oil prepared
in a manner described by him, is useful in intermittent fevers when
the body is rubbed with it. (iii, 143.) Aëtius strongly recommends the
whole body to be rubbed with oil of chamomile in such cases to promote
perspiration. According to Galen this is the ἐυάνθεμον of Hippocrates.
(Morb. Mulier., i, 625.) We cannot find it in Celsus. Galen, in the
preliminary dissertation to his ‘Mat. Med.,’ strongly eulogises the oil
of chamomile as being calculated to soothe pain, relieve contracted
parts, soften hardened, and to dispel fevers not accompanied with
visceral inflammation. (iii, 133, ed. Basil.) The Arabians appear to have
been very partial to this plant, of which they treat at great length. See
Avicenna (ii, 2, 118); Serapion (De Simpl. 22); Rhases (Contin. l. ult.
ii, 154, i, 156); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 34.)
In a word, they entirely concur in the characters given to the chamomiles
by Dioscorides and Galen.
Χαμαιπίτυς,
Chamæpitys, _Ground Pine_, heats in the second order, but dries in
the third. It is therefore a cathartic and detergent of the viscera,
especially of the liver. It is diuretic and emmenagogue, agglutinates
large wounds, and cures putrid ulcers. It also discusses scirrhous
swellings, and the decoction of it is useful in ischiatic diseases.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It appears probable that our author’s plant is _Ajuga
chamæpitys_, but here commentators are by no means agreed. It is briefly
mentioned by Nicander (Alex. 65), and by Celsus as a medicine which
opens the pores or mouths of vessels (v, 4), but it does not occur, we
believe, in the Hippocratic treatises. Of the three species described by
Dioscorides, the first is probably this plant, the second is a species
of _teucrium_, and the third _ajuga iva_. His characters of the first
agree in the main with those given to it by our author, who, as well
as Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, evidently copy from him. The other
two species, he says, are possessed of similar powers. All the Arabians
concur in representing it as being diuretic, emmenagogue, a medicine that
expels the fœtus, and a laxative. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 153);
Avicenna (ii, 2,131); Serapion (c. 179); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 32.)
Avicenna in particular recommends it for the cure of sciatica and gout,
and for this virtue it was celebrated as long as it retained a place in
our Dispensatory. See Quincy (116.) It was an ingredient in the famous
Portland powder. It is still to be found in the shops, where it bears the
names of _Iva arthritica_ and _Teucrium chamæpitys_. See Gray (Suppl. to
Pharmacop. 49.)
Χαμάιδρωψ,
Chamædrops; some call this plant Chamædrys, and some Teucrium, being
possessed of similar powers to the Chamædrys.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. According to Dioscorides it is the same as the Χαμάιδρυς.
Χαμαισύκη,
Chamæsyce, _Ground Fig_, has detergent and acrid powers, so that the
twigs and juice of it remove myrmecia and acrochordones. They therefore
clear away thick cicatrices in the eyes with honey, and cure dimness of
vision and incipient suffusions.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. From the place assigned to it by Dioscorides it was evidently
a spurge. It is acknowledged to be the _Euphorbia chamæcyce_. Our
author appears to have borrowed the characters which he gives it from
Dioscorides. (iv, 167.) Galen and the others do the same. It does not
occur in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor have we been able
to find it in those of the Arabians. We are not aware of its having been
used by modern authorities.
Χαμέλαια,
Chamelæa, _Mezereon_, or _Spurge Olive_, is possessed of detergent
powers. It therefore cleanses foul ulcers and eschars with honey.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Notwithstanding the difference of opinion which has prevailed
among the commentators regarding this plant, we see no good grounds
for doubting that it was the _Daphne Mezereon_, which we believe to
have been naturalized in this country by the Romans for its medicinal
uses. Dioscorides says of its leaves that they are like to those of the
olive, but more slender and thick, biting to the taste and scarifying
the trachea. Its leaves, he adds, purge phlegm and bile downwards,
especially if taken in a pill with double the quantity of southernwood
mixed with one part of the chamelæa; let it be taken in water or honey
as a pill; but it is insoluble, for it is evacuated as it was taken; the
powdered leaves mixed up with honey cleanse foul ulcers, and such as are
covered with eschars. (iv, 169.) We do not meet with it in the works of
Hippocrates nor of Celsus. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat
of it in very general terms like our author. Beyond all doubt is this
the _mezereon_ of Serapion, who commences his chapter on it by giving
extracts from the descriptions of the _chamelæa_ given by Dioscorides,
Galen, and our author. He then gives a very lengthy account of it from
Arabian authorities, first from Alcanzi and next from Aben Mesuai,
which we regret that our necessary limits prevent us from giving a
proper abstract of. He says that persons of a gross constitution, and
more especially old men, bear this medicine best, and he recommends us
to administer it with myrobalans, or tamarinds, or prunes. He further
directs it to be given in water that has been boiled. Altogether there is
not a more important chapter in Serapion than the one on Mezereon. (c.
373.) Mesue also gives a very interesting account of the mezereon, which
he illustrates with extracts from Dioscorides and Galen on the chamelæa.
He assigns to it powers to purge yellow and black bile, and says that
its greatest use is in dropsy. It is also, he says, anthelminthic.
He recommends tents smeared with it for fistulæ and sinuous ulcers.
(De Simpl. 22.) Haly Abbas also gives an excellent account of it,
representing it as a medicine which purges phlegm, yellow and black
bile. (Pract. 2, 54, 564.) Rhases describes the two chamæleons and the
chamelæa together under the head of _Laureola_. He quotes “the Book of
Poisons” as stating that in the dose of two drachms it proves fatal.
He gives quotations from Dioscorides, Galen, and our author. (Cont. l.
ult. i, 413.) Avicenna, in like manner, describes the two chamæleons and
the chamelæa under the head of mezereon, but evidently recognised the
distinction between the last and the first two. He commends the mezereon
particularly in dropsy. (ii, 2, 455.) The above sketch, it will be
remarked, clearly proves the identity of the χαμέλαια of the Greeks, and
the Mezereon of the Arabians. We admit, however, that it does not prove
their identity with the _Daphne Mezereon_. To us it appears, however,
that the physiological effects of the mezereon, as described by our best
authorities of the present day, correspond very well with the effects of
the chamelæa or mezereon as described by Dioscorides and Serapion. In
particular compare Pereira (805) with Serapion (l. c.) It is proper to
mention, however, that Sibthorp held the χ. to be _Daphne oleoides_. Both
the _Daphne Mezereon_, and _D. Gnidium_ are retained in the modern Greek
Pharmacopœia. (108.)
Χελιδόνιον,
Chelidonium, _Columbine_ or _Celandine_; the great is calefacient in
the third order, and powerfully detergent. The juice of it contributes
to acuteness of sight. The root when drunk with anise removes icteric
obstructions, and also when taken with wine. When masticated it cures
toothache. The smaller species, which belongs to the fourth order of
calefacients, is more acrid, so as to ulcerate the skin in a cataplasm.
It also removes leprous nails. The juice of it purges by the nose.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. That the first species is the _Chelidonium majus_ L. admits
of no dispute. The other would seem to be the _Ranunculus Ficaria_, or
Fig-wort. Pliny praises it as an application to strumous tumours, and
a remedy for impairment of sight. From the experiments of Orfila, it
appears that the _C. magus_ acts as a very acrid poison. Dioscorides
describes the great celandine very minutely, and recommends it in
jaundice and toothache. (ii, 201.) He gives the same character of the
less as our author. (ii, 212.) Galen and Aëtius treat of them like our
author. Neither of them is to be found in the works of Hippocrates.
Celsus prescribes the juice of the “chelidonia” as an application to
enlarged tonsils. (vi, 14.) Both species are distinctly treated of by
the Arabians. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 295, 727); Serapion (c. 196); Rhases
(Cont. l. ult. i, 200.) They all recommend the juice of the greater
celandine in jaundice, in toothache, and in affections of the eyes. It
long held a place in our Dispensatory, retaining its character for curing
jaundice and removing films from the eyes. See Quincy (117.) Even at the
present day rustic farriers use the acrid juice of the celandine for
removing films from the eyes of cattle. The chelidonium majus occurs in
the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (46.)
Χελιδόνες,
Hirundines, _Swallows_; when burnt their ashes, if rubbed in with honey,
cure inflammatory cynanche. They also contribute to acuteness of sight.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. It is the _Hirundo rustica_. Celsus also recommends the ashes
of swallows in cases of cynanche and diseases of the eyes. (iv, 4.)
Dioscorides speaks of their use in these and in other cases. (ii, 6.)
Galen gives the same account of them as our author. The Arabians repeat
the descriptions given by Dioscorides and Galen. See Serapion (c. 443);
Avicenna (ii, 2, 347); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 741); Ebn Baithar (i,
375.)
Χολὴ,
Fel, _Bile_, or _Gall_, is the hottest of all animal juices, but differs
according to the colour, for the yellow is hotter than the pale, and the
violet-coloured than the yellow; and also according to the difference of
the animals which produce it; forasmuch as that of swine is the weakest
of all, so that it agrees with ulcers in the ears, and does not prove
pungent; but that of sheep is more acrid, and still more that of goats,
to which the galls of bears and oxen are allied. But the gall of bulls
is stronger, and still more so that of the hyæna, next that of the fish
called callionymus, and that of the scorpion which answers in suffusions,
dimness of vision, and leucomata, and likewise that of the sea-tortoise.
The gall of the wild goat is believed to cure nyctolopia. The gall of
all fowls is more acrid and desiccative than the gall of quadrupeds. But
of them the best is the gall of cocks and partridges. Those of hawks and
eagles are in so far more acrid and corrosive, and of a violet colour,
but sometimes black.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of _bile_
is abridged from Galen. Bile is an article which, although now excluded
from the British Pharmacopœias, still holds its place in the Continental.
Scarpa recommends the gall of certain animals for the removal of albugo.
Pliny thus states its virtues as a medicine: “Vis ejus excalfacere,
mordere, scindere, extrahere, discutere. Minorum animalium subtilius
intelligitur, et ideo ad oculorum medicamenta utilius existimatur.”
(H. N. xxviii, 40.) See Dioscorides (ii, 96.) Avicenna calls it a hot,
abstergent medicine. Of quadrupeds, he says, the strongest is that of a
calf, and the weakest that of a sheep. He treats largely of the subject,
but draws liberally from Dioscorides and Galen (ii, 2, 250.) See also
Serapion (De Simpl. 459); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 50); Rhases (Cont. l.
ult. i, 291); Ebn Baithar (ii, 510.) The gall of a bull is retained in
the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Χονδρίλη,
Chondrile, _Gum Succory_, being a _species of Endive_, is bitterish, and
is therefore so far more desiccative than it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Chondrilla juncea_, or _Gum
Succory_. It produces a gum similar to _Lactucarium_, for which it is
still cultivated in Lemnos. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 708.) Dioscorides
describes another species which is supposed to be _Apargia tuberosa_.
Dioscorides describes accurately the gum of the former species which he
compares to mastich, and says of it that when applied on a linen cloth
with myrrha to the size of an olive it is emmenagogue; that along with
natron it cleanses mild leprosy; that the gum is used for glueing the
hairs of the eyelashes; that the fresh root does the same when a needle
is dipped into it and applied to the hairs; that it is beneficial in the
bites of the viper; and that its juice is an astringent of the bowels.
He describes the second species as being also glutinous. (ii, 160.)
Galen and the other Greek authorities treat only of the former species,
and that in very brief terms. Neither of them are described either by
Hippocrates or Celsus. We find difficulty in discovering traces of it
in any of the works of the Arabians, except Ebn Baithar (i, 395.) The
_Chondrilla juncea_ is still not wholly unknown in the shops. See Gray
(Suppl. to Pharmacop. 63.)
Χόνδρος,
Chondrus, is like wheat, but more glutinous than it.
* * * * *
COMMENTARY. In the First Book we have explained its nature. (Vol. I,
123.) It would appear to have been the article now called _Farro_, being
prepared from the spelt wheat, exactly as pearled barley is from barley.
See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 16.)
Χρυσοκόλλα,
Chrysocolla; one kind of it is found in metal mines, and another is
prepared in a mortar of red copper with a pestle of the same, it being
triturated with the urine of a boy not come to puberty during the heat
of the dog days. It therefore is detergent, having discutient and
desiccative powers greater than those of the kind found in metal mines,
so that it consumes flesh without being pungent. It therefore agrees with
ill-conditioned ulcers. By burning it you may render it less pungent.
* * * * *