BOOK XXIII.

THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CULTIVATED TREES.

CHAP. 1. (1.)—INTRODUCTION.

We have now set forth the various properties, medicinal or otherwise,

as well of the cereals as of the other productions which lie upon[2833]

the surface of the earth, for the purpose either of serving us for

food, or for the gratification of our senses with their flowers or

perfumes. In the trees, however, Pomona has entered the lists with

them, and has imparted certain medicinal properties to the fruits as

they hang. Not content with protecting and nourishing, under the shadow

of the trees, the various plants which we have[2834] already described,

she would even appear to be indignant, as it were, at the thought that

we should derive more succour from those productions which are further

removed from the canopy of heaven, and which have only come into use in

times comparatively recent. For she bids man bear in mind that it was

the fruits of the trees which formed his first nourishment, and that it

was these which first led him to look upwards towards the heavens: and

not only this, but she reminds him, too, that even still it is quite

possible for him to derive his aliment from the trees, without being

indebted to grain for his subsistence.

CHAP. 2.—THE VINE.

But, by Hercules! it is the vine more particularly to which she has

accorded these medicinal properties, as though she were not contented

with her generosity in providing it with such delicious flavours,

and perfumes, and essences, in its omphacium, its œnanthe, and its

massaris, preparations upon which we have already[2835] enlarged.

“It is to me,” she says, “that man is indebted for the greater part

of his enjoyments, it is I that produce for him the flowing wine

and the trickling oil, it is I that ripen the date and other fruits

in numbers so varied; and all this, not insisting, like the earth,

on their purchase at the cost of fatigues and labours. No necessity

do I create for ploughing with the aid of oxen, for beating out upon

the threshing-floor, or for bruising under the millstone, and all in

order that man may earn his food at some indefinite time by this vast

expenditure of toil. As for me, all my gifts are presented to him

ready prepared: for no anxieties or fatigues do they call, but, on the

contrary, they offer themselves spontaneously, and even fall to the

ground, if man should be too indolent to reach them as they hang.”

Vying even with herself, Pomona has done still more for our practical

advantage than for the mere gratification of our pleasures and caprices.

CHAP. 3.—THE LEAVES AND SHOOTS OF THE VINE: SEVEN REMEDIES.

[2836] The leaves and shoots of the vine, employed with polenta, allay

head-ache and reduce inflammations:[2837] the leaves, too, applied by

themselves with cold water, are good for burning pains in the stomach;

and, used with barley-meal, are excellent applications for diseases

of the joints. The shoots, beaten up and applied, have the property

of drying up all kinds of running tumours, and the juice extracted

from them is used as an injection for the cure of dysentery. The

tears of the vine, which would appear to be a sort of gum, will heal

leprous sores, lichens, and itch-scabs, if treated first with nitre:

used with oil, and applied frequently to superfluous hairs, they act

as a depilatory, those more particularly which exude from the vine

when burnt in a green state: this last liquid has the effect, too, of

removing warts. An infusion of the shoots in water, taken in drink, is

good for persons troubled with spitting of blood, and for the fainting

fits which sometimes ensue upon conception.

The bark of the vine and the dried leaves arrest the flowing of blood

from wounds, and make the sores cicatrize more rapidly. The juice

of the white vine,[2838] extracted from it while green, effectually

removes cutaneous[2839] eruptions. The ashes[2840] of the cuttings

of vines, and of the husks of the grapes, applied with vinegar, are

curative of condylomata and diseases of the fundament; as also of

sprains, burns, and swellings of the spleen, applied with rose-oil,

rue, and vinegar. Used with wine, but without oil, they make a

fomentation for erysipelas and parts of the body which are chafed; they

act as a depilatory also.[2841] For affections of the spleen the ashes

of vine-cuttings, moistened with vinegar, are administered in drink,

being taken in doses of two cyathi in warm water; after which the

patient must take due care to lie upon the side in which the spleen is

situate.

The tendrils, too, which the vine throws out as it climbs, beaten up

in water and drunk, have the effect of arresting habitual vomiting.

The ashes of the vine, used with stale axle-grease, are good for

tumours, act as a detergent upon fistulas, and speedily effect a

radical cure; the same, too, with pains and contractions of the sinews,

occasioned by cold. Applied with oil, they are useful for contusions,

and with vinegar and nitre, for fleshy excrescences upon the bones:

in combination with oil, they are good, too, for wounds inflicted by

scorpions and dogs. The ashes of the bark, employed by themselves,

restore the hair to such parts of the body as have suffered from the

action of fire.

CHAP. 4.—OMPHACIUM EXTRACTED FROM THE VINE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.

We have already[2842] mentioned, when speaking of the composition

of unguents, how omphacium is made from the grape, when it is just

beginning to form: we shall now proceed to speak of its medicinal

properties. Omphacium heals ulcerations of the humid parts of the

body, such as the mouth, tonsillary glands, and generative organs,

for example; it is very good, too, for the sight, for rough spots upon

the eyelids, ulcers at the corners of the eyes, films upon the eyes,

running sores on all parts of the body, cicatrizations[2843] slow in

forming, and purulent discharges from the ears. The powerful action of

omphacium is modified by the admixture of honey or raisin wine. It is

very useful, too, for dysentery, spitting of blood, and quinsy.

CHAP. 5.—ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.

Next to omphacium comes œnanthe, a product of the wild vine, described

by us already[2844] when treating of the unguents. The most esteemed

kind is that of Syria, the produce of the white vine[2845] in the

vicinity of the mountains of Antiochia and Laodicea in particular.

Being of a cooling, astringent nature, it is used for sprinkling upon

sores, and is employed as a topical application for diseases of the

stomach. It acts also as a diuretic, and is good for maladies of the

liver, head-ache, dysentery, cœliac affections, and attacks of cholera:

for nausea, it is taken in doses of one obolus in vinegar. It acts as

a desiccative upon running eruptions of the head, and is extremely

efficacious for maladies of the humid parts of the body; hence it

is that it is employed, with honey and saffron, for ulcers of the

mouth, and for diseases of the generative organs and the fundament. It

arrests looseness of the bowels, and heals eruptions of the eyelids and

runnings at the eyes: taken with wine, it cures derangements of the

stomach, and with cold water, spitting of blood.

The ashes of œnanthe are highly esteemed as an ingredient

in eye-salves, and as a detergent for ulcers, whitlows, and

hang-nails;[2846] to obtain these ashes, it is put into an oven, and

left there till the bread is thoroughly baked.

As to massaris,[2847] it is used as a perfume only. The renown attached

to all these preparations is due solely to the innate greediness of

mankind, which has racked its invention to gather the productions of

the earth before they have arrived at maturity.

CHAP. 6.—GRAPES, FRESH GATHERED.

As to grapes when allowed to gain maturity, the black ones have more

marked properties[2848] than the others; and hence it is, that the wine

made from them is not so agreeable. The white grapes, on the other

hand, are sweeter, for, being transparent, the air penetrates them with

greater facility.

Grapes fresh gathered are productive of flatulency, and disturb the

stomach and bowels; hence it is that they are avoided in fevers, in

large quantities more particularly. Indeed, they are very apt to

produce oppression of the head, and to bring on the malady known as

lethargy.[2849] Grapes which have been gathered, and left to hang for

some time, are much less[2850] injurious, the exposure to the air

rendering them beneficial even to the stomach, and refreshing to the

patient, as they are slightly cooling, and tend to remove nausea and

qualmishness.

CHAP. 7.—VARIOUS KINDS OF PRESERVED GRAPES: ELEVEN REMEDIES.

Grapes which have been preserved in wine or in must are trying to the

head. Next to the grapes which have been left to hang in the air, are

those which have been kept in chaff; but as to those which have been

preserved among grape husks, they are injurious[2851] to the head,

the bladder, and the stomach, though at the same time they arrest

looseness of the bowels, and are extremely good for patients troubled

with spitting of blood. When preserved in must, they are worse even

in their effects than when kept among husks; boiled[2852] must, too,

renders them injurious to the stomach. It is the opinion of medical

writers, that grapes kept[2853] in rain-water are the most wholesome of

all, even though they are by no means agreeable eating; for the benefit

of them is particularly experienced in burning pains of the stomach,

biliousness arising from a disordered liver, vomiting of bile, and

attacks of cholera, as also dropsy and burning fevers.

Grapes kept in earthen pots sharpen the taste, the stomach, and the

appetite; it is thought, however, that they are rendered a little

heavy[2854] by the exhalations from the husks with which they are

covered.[2855] If vine-blossoms are given to poultry, mixed with their

food, they will never touch the grapes.[2856]

CHAP. 8.—CUTTINGS OF THE VINE: ONE REMEDY.

Such cuttings of the vine as have borne grapes, have an astringent

effect, when they are preserved in earthen[2857] pots, more

particularly.

CHAP. 9.—GRAPE-STONES: SIX REMEDIES.

Grape-stones, also, have a similar[2858] property; it is through them

that wine is so apt to produce head-ache. Parched and then pounded,

they are beneficial for the stomach; and this powder is sprinkled, like

polenta, in the beverage of patients suffering from dysentery, cœliac

affections, and derangements of the stomach. A decoction of them is

useful, also, as a fomentation for itch-scabs and prurigo.

CHAP. 10.—GRAPE-HUSKS: EIGHT REMEDIES.

Grape-husks, used by themselves, are less injurious to the head and

bladder than grape-stones are: beaten up with salt, they form an

excellent liniment for inflammations of the mamillæ. A decoction

of them, taken in drink, or employed as a fomentation, is good for

inveterate dysentery, and cœliac affections.

CHAP. 11.—THE GRAPES OF THE THERIACA: FOUR REMEDIES.

The grape of the theriaca, of which we have already made mention[2859]

on the appropriate occasion, is eaten by way of antidote to the stings

of serpents. It is recommended, too, to eat the young shoots of this

tree, and to apply them topically. The wine and vinegar made from these

grapes are productive of a similar salutary effect.[2860]

CHAP. 12.—RAISINS, OR ASTAPHIS: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.

Raisins, the name given to which is “astaphis,” would be injurious

to the stomach, abdomen, and intestines, were it not for the stones

within them, which act as a corrective.[2861] When the stones are

removed, raisins, it is thought, are beneficial to the bladder, and

good for cough:[2862] in the last case, the raisin of the white grape

is considered the best. Raisins are good also for the trachea and

the kidneys, and the wine made from them is particularly efficacious

for the sting of the serpent called hæmorrhoïs.[2863] In combination

with meal of cummin or coriander, they are employed topically for

inflammations of the testes. For carbuncles and diseases of the joints,

the stones are removed, and the raisins are pounded with rue; if used

for ulcers, the sores must be first fomented with wine.

Used with the stones, raisins are a cure for epinyctis, honeycomb

ulcers,[2864] and dysentery; and for gangrenes they are applied

topically with radish rind and honey, being first boiled in oil. They

are used with panax,[2865] for gout and loose nails; and they are

sometimes eaten by themselves, in combination with pepper, for the

purpose of cleansing the mouth and clearing the brain.

CHAP. 13.—THE ASTAPHISAGRIA, OTHERWISE CALLED STAPHIS OR TAMINIA:

TWELVE REMEDIES.

The wild astaphis, otherwise called staphis,[2866] is by some persons

erroneously called “uva taminia;”[2867] for it is altogether a distinct

plant from the other. It has a black, upright stem, with leaves

resembling those of the labrusca,[2868] and bears what we may call

a pod,[2869] rather than a grape, green, similar to a chick-pea in

appearance, and enclosing a kernel of triangular form. The fruit of

it ripens with the vintage and turns black, while the berries of the

taminia,[2870] as is well known, are red; this last, too, as we are

aware, grows only in shaded spots, while the wild astaphis, on the

other hand, loves a site that is exposed to the sun.

I would not recommend any one to use the kernels[2871] of the wild

astaphis as a purgative, as it is very doubtful whether they might

not choke the patient; nor would I advise them to be employed for the

purpose of attenuating the phlegm, as they are extremely irritating

to the throat. Beaten up, however, and applied topically, they

kill vermin[2872] in the head and other parts of the body, more

particularly if they are used with sandarach; they are very useful,

too, for itch-scabs and prurigo. A decoction of the kernels is made

with vinegar, for the cure of tooth-ache, diseases of the ears,

cicatrices[2873] that are slow in healing, and running sores.

The blossoms of the plant are beaten up and taken in wine for

stings[2874] inflicted by serpents; but, as to the seed, I would

strongly recommend its rejection, on account of its extremely

pungent properties. Some persons give to this plant the name of

“pituitaria,”[2875] and use it as a common application for stings

inflicted by serpents.

CHAP. 14.—THE LABRUSCA, OR WILD VINE: TWELVE REMEDIES.

The labrusca, too, produces an œnanthe, which has been described at

sufficient length already:[2876] by the Greeks the labrusca is known

as the wild vine.[2877] The leaves of it are thick and of a whitish

colour, the stem is jointed, and the bark full of fissures: it bears

grapes of a scarlet[2878] hue, like the coccus, which are made use of

by females for the purpose of improving the complexion, and removing

spots upon the face. Pounded with the leaves and the juice extracted

from the tree, these grapes are usefully employed for the treatment of

lumbago and sciatica. A decoction of the root[2879] in water, taken

in two cyathi of Coan wine, promotes an alvine evacuation of aqueous

secretions; for which reason it is prescribed for dropsy.

I am inclined to think that this is the plant that is commonly known

as the “uva taminia;”[2880] it is in great request as an amulet, and

is employed, though as a gargle only, in cases of spitting blood; for

which purpose, salt, thyme, and oxymel are added to it, care being

taken not to swallow any of the mixture. It is generally looked upon as

unsafe to employ it as a purgative.

CHAP. 15.—THE SALICASTRUM: TWELVE REMEDIES.

There is another plant,[2881] similar to the labrusca, but found

growing in willow-beds; for which reason it is known by a distinct

name, though the uses to which it is applied are just the same. The

name given to it is “salicastrum;” beaten up with oxymel, it displays

marvellous efficacy in the removal of itch-scab and prurigo in men and

cattle.

CHAP. 16.—THE WHITE VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED AMPELOLEUCE, STAPHYLE,

MELOTHRON, PSILOTRUM, ARCHEZOSTIS, CEDROSTIS, OR MADON: THIRTY-ONE

REMEDIES.

The white vine[2882] is known to the Greeks by the various names of

ampeloleuce, staphyle, melothron, psilotrum, archezostis, cedrostis,

and madon. The twigs of this tree are jointed, thin, and climbing,

with considerable interstices between the knots.[2883] The leaves,

attached to the numerous shoots, and about the size of an ivy leaf,

are jagged at the edges, like that of the vine. The root of it is

large and white, and very like a radish[2884] at first; from it issue

several stems, similar to asparagus in appearance. These stems, eaten

boiled, are both purgative and diuretic. The leaves, too, as well as

the stems, are possessed of caustic[2885] properties; for which reason

they are employed topically with salt, for phagedænic sores, gangrenes,

and putrid ulcers of the legs. The fruit of the tree is in the form

of grapes thinly scattered, the juice of which is red at first, and

afterwards of a saffron colour. This fruit[2886] is well known to

curriers, who are in the habit of using it in preparing leather. It

is employed also in the form of a liniment for itch-scabs and leprous

spots; and a decoction of it with wheat, taken in drink, increases the

milk in women when nursing. The root of this tree, so renowned for

the numerous medicinal purposes to which it is applied, is pounded

and taken in wine, in doses of two drachmæ, for the cure of stings

inflicted by serpents:[2887] it has the effect, also, of removing

spots upon the face, moles and freckles, as well as scars and bruises:

a decoction of it in oil is productive of a similar effect. A decoction

of it is given to drink for epilepsy,[2888] and to persons troubled

with a disordered mind or suffering from vertigo, the dose being one

drachma daily, for a whole year: taken in larger quantities, it is apt

sometimes to disorder[2889] the senses. It is possessed, also, of one

very remarkable property, applied with water in the same manner as

bryonia, of extracting splintered bones, for which reason it is known

to some persons by the name of white bryonia: the other kind, however,

which is black, is found to answer the purpose better, in combination

with honey and frankincense.

The white vine disperses incipient suppurations, ripens them when

they are inveterate, and acts as a detergent: it operates also as an

emmenagogue and diuretic. An electuary is prepared from it for asthma

and pains in the sides, as also for convulsions and ruptures. Taken

in drink for thirty days together, in doses of three oboli, it has

the effect of reducing the spleen; and it is used, in combination

with figs, for the cure of hangnails[2890] on the fingers. Applied

with wine, it brings away the after-birth, and, taken in hydromel, in

doses of one drachma, it carries off phlegm. The juice of the root

should be extracted before the fruit ripens; applied either by itself

or with meal of fitches, it imparts an improved complexion and a

certain degree of suppleness to the skin: it has the effect also of

repelling serpents. The root itself, too, beaten up with a pulpy fig,

will remove wrinkles on the body, if the person using it takes care to

walk a couple of stadia immediately after the application; otherwise

it would leave marks upon the skin, unless, indeed, it were washed off

immediately with cold water. The black vine, too, is better for this

purpose than the white one, as the latter is very apt to be productive

of itching.

CHAP. 17.—THE BLACK VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED BRYONA, CHIRONIA,

GYNÆCANTHE, OR APRONIA: THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES.

For there is also a black vine, properly known as the “bryonia,”[2891]

though by some persons it is called the “chironia,” and by others the

“gynæcanthe,” or “apronia.” It differs only from the one previously

mentioned in its colour, which, as already stated,[2892] is black.

The shoots of this tree, which resemble asparagus in appearance,

are preferred by Diocles for eating to real asparagus,[2893] as a

diuretic and for its property of reducing the spleen. It is found

growing in shrubberies or reed-beds more particularly. The root of

it, which is black outside, and of the colour of box within, is even

more efficacious for the extraction of splintered bones than the plant

last mentioned; in addition to which, it has the property of being

a specific for excoriations of the neck in cattle. It is said, too,

that if a person plants it around a farm, it will be sure to keep

hawks away, and to preserve the poultry-yard[2894] in perfect safety.

Attached to the ankles, it tends to disperse the blood, congested or

otherwise, which may have settled in those parts of the body, whether

in human beings or in beasts of burden.

Thus much with reference to the various species of vines.

CHAP. 18.—MUST: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.

The various kinds of must[2895] have different properties; some of them

being black, some white, and others of intermediate shades of colour.

There is a difference, too, between the kinds of must from which wine

is made, and those from which raisin wine is prepared. The various

degrees of care and attention on the part of the maker, render the

differences that already exist, quite innumerable; we shall therefore

content ourselves with taking a general view only of their medicinal

uses.

Every kind of must is unwholesome to the stomach, but of a soothing

nature to the venous system. Taken off at a draught, immediately

after the bath, must is fatal[2896] in its effects. It acts as an

antidote[2897] to cantharides and stings inflicted by serpents,

those of the hæmorrhois and the salamandra[2898] in particular. It

is productive of head-ache, and is prejudicial to the throat, but it

is good for the kidneys, liver, and inner coat of the bladder, by

reason of its lubricating properties. It is particularly effectual

also in cases of injuries inflicted by the insect known as the

“buprestis.”[2899]

Taken with oil as a vomit, it neutralizes the bad effects of

opium,[2900] milk that has curdled upon the stomach, hemlock,

dorycnium,[2901] and other poisons.[2902] For all these purposes,

however, white must is not so efficacious, while must prepared from

raisins of the sun has a more pleasant flavour, and is productive of a

less degree of oppression to the head.

CHAP. 19.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO WINE.

We have already[2903] described the various kinds of wine, the

numerous differences which exist between them, and most of the

properties which each kind possesses. There is no subject that presents

greater difficulties than this, or, indeed, a more varied field for

discussion, it being extremely difficult to pronounce whether wine is

more generally injurious in its effects, or beneficial. And then, in

addition to this, how very uncertain is it, whether, the moment we have

drunk it, it will be productive of salutary results, or turn out no

better than so much poison! However, it is only with reference to its

medicinal properties, that we are now about to speak of it.

Asclepiades has composed a whole treatise (which has thence received

its name[2904]) on the proper methods of administering wine; and

the number of commentators who have since written on this treatise,

is almost innumerable. For my own part, with all that gravity which

becomes a Roman, and one zealous for the furtherance of liberal

pursuits, I shall enter into a careful examination of this subject,

not, indeed, in the character of a physician, but as a careful

investigator of the effects which wine is likely to produce upon the

health of mankind. To treat, however, of the medicinal properties

of each individual kind, would be a labour without end, and quite

inexhaustible; the more so, as the opinions of medical men are so

entirely at variance upon the subject.

CHAP. 20.—THE SURRENTINE WINES: THREE REMEDIES. THE ALBAN WINES: TWO

REMEDIES. THE FALERNIAN WINES: SIX REMEDIES.

Our ancestors set the highest value upon the wines of Surrentum;[2905]

but at a later period the preference was given to the Alban, or the

Falernian wines. More recently, again, other varieties of wine have

come into fashion, quite in accordance with that most unreasonable

mode of proceeding, according to which, each person, as he finds a

wine most to his taste, extols it as superior to all others. Suppose,

now, that all persons were quite agreed as to the superiority of some

particular kind of wine, how small a proportion of mankind would be

enabled to make use of it! As it is, even the rich never drink it in an

unsophisticated state; the morals of the age being such, that it is the

name only of a vintage that is sold, the wines being adulterated the

very moment they enter the vat. Hence it is, by Hercules!—a thing truly

astounding—that, in reality, a wine is more innoxious in its effects,

in proportion as it enjoys a less extended renown. The three kinds,

however, of which we have made mention, appear to have maintained, with

the least diminution, their ancient repute.

The Falernian wine, if a person should be desirous to know the marked

characteristics of wines according to age, is injurious to the health,

either too new or too old; at fifteen years it begins to be of medium

age. Falernian wine of this age, taken cold, is good for the stomach,

but not when taken warm. For an inveterate cough and for quartan

fevers, it is a good plan to drink it neat, fasting. There is no wine

that quickens the action of the venous system so much as this; it acts

astringently upon the bowels, and is feeding to the body. It has been

thought, however, that this wine is productive of injury to the sight,

and that it is far from beneficial to the nerves[2906] and the bladder.

The Alban wines are more salutary to the nervous system, but the sweet

kinds are not so beneficial to the stomach. The rough wines of Alba

are even better than those of Falernum, but they do not promote the

digestion so well, and have a slight tendency to overload the stomach.

As to the Surrentine wines, they have no such effect upon the stomach,

nor are they at all trying to the head; they have the property also of

arresting defluxions of the stomach and intestines. The Cæcuban wines

are no longer grown.

CHAP. 21.—THE SETINE WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. THE STATAN

WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. THE SIGNIAN WINES; ONE REMEDY.

Among the wines, however, which still exist, those of Setia[2907]

promote the digestion, having more strength than the Surrentine wines,

and more roughness than those of Alba. The wines of Falernum are not

so powerful. Those of Stata are but very little inferior in quality to

the wines already mentioned. It is universally agreed that the wines of

Signia are extremely beneficial in cases of derangement of the bowels.

CHAP. 22.—OTHER WINES: SIXTY-FOUR REMEDIES.

As to the other wines, they may be spoken of in general terms. By the

use of wine, the human vigour, blood, and complexion are improved. It

is wine that makes up for all the difference between the middle or

temperate zone, and those which lie on either side of it, the juice of

the vine conferring as much vigour and robustness upon the inhabitants

of our part of the earth as the rigorousness[2908] of the climate does

upon the people there. Milk, used as a beverage, strengthens, the

bones, liquids extracted from the cereals nourish the sinews, and water

imparts nutriment to the flesh: hence it is that persons who confine

themselves to these several liquids as a beverage, are of a less ruddy

complexion than the wine-drinker, less robust, and less able to endure

fatigue. By the use of wine in moderation the sinews are strengthened,

but taken in excess it proves injurious to them; the same, too, with

the eyes. Wine refreshes the stomach, sharpens the appetite, takes

off the keen edge of sorrows and anxieties, warms the body, acts

beneficially as a diuretic, and invites sleep. In addition to these

properties, it arrests vomiting, and we find that pledgets of wool,

soaked in wine, and applied to abscesses, are extremely beneficial.

According to Asclepiades, the virtues possessed by wine are hardly

equalled by the majestic attributes of the gods themselves.

Old wine bears admixture with a larger quantity of water, and acts more

powerfully as a diuretic, though at the same time it is less effectual

for quenching thirst. Sweet wine, again, is less inebriating, but stays

longer on the stomach, while rough wine is more easy of digestion. The

wine that becomes mellow with the greatest rapidity is the lightest,

and that which becomes sweeter the older it is, is not so injurious to

the nerves. Wines that are rich and black,[2909] are not so beneficial

to the stomach; but, at the same time, they are more feeding to

the body. Thin-bodied rough wines are not so feeding, but are more

wholesome to the stomach, and pass off more speedily by urine, though

they are all the more liable to fly to the head; a remark which will

apply, once for all, to liquids of every kind.

Wine that has been mellowed by the agency of smoke is extremely

unwholesome—a fraudulent method of preparation that has been invented

in the wine-lofts[2910] of the retail dealers. At the present day,

however, this plan is adopted in private families even, when it is

wished to give the appearance of maturity to wines that have become

carious.[2911] Indeed, this term carious has been used very appositely

by the ancients with reference to wines; for we find that in the case

of wood even, smoke exercises a caustic effect upon the carious parts,

and eats them away; and yet we, on the other hand, persuade ourselves

that an adventitious age may be imparted to wines by the bitter twang

derived from smoke![2912]

Those wines which are extremely pale, become more wholesome the older

they are. The more generous[2913] a wine is, the thicker it becomes

with age; while, at the same time, it contracts a bitter flavour,

which is far from exercising a beneficial effect upon the health. To

season another wine, that is not so old, with this, is nothing less

than to make an unwholesome preparation. The more of its own natural

flavour[2914] a wine possesses, the more wholesome it is; and the best

age for a wine is that which naturally belongs to it, a medium age

being the one that is the most generally esteemed.

CHAP. 23.—SIXTY-ONE OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO WINE.

Persons whose wish it is to make flesh, or to keep the bowels relaxed,

will do well to drink while taking their food. Those, on the other

hand, who wish to reduce themselves, or prevent the bowels from being

relaxed, should abstain from drinking while taking their meals, and

drink but a very little only when they have done eating. To drink

wine fasting is a fashion of recent introduction[2915] only, and an

extremely bad one for persons engaged in matters of importance, and

requiring a continued application of the mental faculties. Wine,

no doubt, was taken fasting in ancient times, but then it was as a

preparative for sleep and repose from worldly cares; and it is for this

reason that, in Homer,[2916] we find Helen presenting it to the guests

before the repast. It is upon this fact, too, that the common proverb

is founded, which says that “wisdom is obscured by wine.”[2917] It is

to wine that we men are indebted for being the only animated beings

that drink without being thirsty. When drinking wine, it is a very good

plan to take a draught of water every now and then; and to take one

long draught of it at the last, cold water taken internally having the

effect of instantaneously dispelling inebriation.

It is strongly recommended by Hesiod[2918] to drink undiluted

wine[2919] for twenty days before the rising of the Dog-star, and

as many after. Pure wine, too, acts as an antidote to hemlock,

coriander,[2920] henbane, mistletoe, opium, mercury, as also to stings

inflicted by bees, wasps, hornets, the phalangium, serpents, and

scorpions; all kinds of poison, in fact, which are of a cold nature,

the venom of the hæmorrhois and the prester,[2921] in particular, and

the noxious effects of fungi. Undiluted wine is good, too, in cases of

flatulency, gnawing pains in the thoracic organs, excessive vomitings

at the stomach, fluxes of the bowels and intestines, dysentery,

excessive perspirations after prolonged fits of coughing, and

defluxions of various kinds. In the cardiac[2922] disease, it is a good

plan to apply a sponge soaked in neat wine to the left breast: in all

these cases, however, old white wine is the best. A fomentation of hot

wine applied to the genitals of beasts of burden is found to be very

beneficial; and, introduced into the mouth, with the aid of a horn,

it has the effect of removing all sensations of fatigue.[2923] It is

asserted that in apes, and other quadrupeds with toes, the growth will

be impeded if they are accustomed to drink undiluted wine.[2924]

CHAP. 24.—IN WHAT MALADIES WINE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED; HOW IT SHOULD

BE ADMINISTERED, AND AT WHAT TIMES.

We shall now proceed to speak of wine in relation to its medicinal

uses. The wines of Campania[2925] which have the least body, are the

most wholesome beverage for persons of rank and station; and for the

lower classes[2926] the best kind of wine is that which is the most

pleasant to the person who drinks it, provided he is in robust health.

For persons of all ranks, however, the most serviceable wine is that

the strength of which has been reduced by the strainer;[2927] for we

must bear in mind that wine is nothing else but juice of grapes which

has acquired strength by the process of fermentation. A mixture of

numerous kinds of wine is universally bad, and the most wholesome wine

of all is that to which no ingredient has been added when in a state

of must; indeed, it is still better if the vessels even in which it is

kept have never been pitched.[2928] As to wines which have been treated

with marble, gypsum, or lime,[2929] where is the man, however robust he

may be, that has not stood in dread of them?

Wines which have been prepared with sea-water[2930] are particularly

injurious to the stomach, nerves, and bladder. Those which have been

seasoned with resin are generally looked upon as beneficial to a cold

stomach, but are considered unsuitable where there is a tendency

to vomit: the same, too, with must, boiled grape-juice,[2931] and

raisin wine. New wines seasoned with resin are good for no one, being

productive of vertigo and head-ache: hence it is that the name of

“crapula”[2932] has been given equally to new resined wines, and to the

surfeit and head-ache which they produce.

The wines above mentioned[2933] by name, are good for cough and

catarrh, as also for cœliac affections, dysentery, and the catamenia.

Those wines of this sort which are red[2934] or black,[2935] are

more astringent and more heating than the others. Wines which have

been seasoned with pitch only, are not so injurious; but at the same

time we must bear in mind that pitch is neither more nor less than

resin liquefied[2936] by the action of fire. These pitched wines are

of a heating nature, promote the digestion, and act as a purgative;

they are good, also, for the chest and the bowels, for pains in

the uterus, if there are no signs of fever, for inveterate fluxes,

ulcerations, ruptures, spasms, suppurated abscesses, debility of the

sinews, flatulency, cough, asthma, and sprains, in which last case

they are applied in uncleansed wool. For all these purposes the wine

is preferred which has naturally the flavour of pitch,[2937] and is

thence known as “picatum:” it is generally agreed, however, that the

produce of the vine called “helvennaca,”[2938] if taken in too large a

quantity, is trying to the head.

In reference to the treatment of fever, it is well known that wine

should never be given, unless the patient is an aged person, or the

symptoms are beginning to abate. In cases of acute fever, wine must

never be given, under any circumstance, except when there is an evident

remission of the attack, and more particularly if this takes place

in the night, for then the danger is diminished by one half, there

being the probability of the patient sleeping off the effects of the

wine. It is equally forbidden, also, to females just after delivery

or a miscarriage, and to patients suffering from over-indulgence of

the sexual passions; nor should it be given in cases of head-ache,

of maladies in which the attacks are attended with chills at the

extremities, of fever accompanied with cough, of tremulousness[2939] in

the sinews, of pains in the fauces, or where the disease is found to

concentrate itself in the iliac regions. Wine is strictly forbidden,

too, in cases of induration of the thoracic organs, violent throbbings

of the veins, opisthotony, tetanus, asthma, and hardness of breathing

attended with fever.

Wine is far from beneficial for a patient, when the eyes are fixed

and rigid, and when the eyelids are immoveable, or else relaxed and

heavy; in cases, too, where, with an incessant nictation, the eyes are

more than usually brilliant, or where the eyelids refuse to close—the

same, too, if that symptom should occur in sleep—or where the eyes are

suffused with blood, or congealed matter makes its appearance in the

corners of those organs. The same rule should be observed, also, when

the tongue is heavy and swollen, or when there is an impediment from

time to time in the speech, when the urine is passed with difficulty,

or when a person has been seized with a sudden fright, with spasms,

or recurrent fits of torpor, or experiences seminal discharges during

sleep.

CHAP. 25.—NINETY-ONE OBSERVATIONS WITH REFERENCE TO WINE.

It is a well-ascertained fact, that in the cardiac[2940] disease the

only resource is wine. According to some authorities, however, wine

should only be given when the attacks come on, while others, again, are

of opinion, that it must only be administered between the attacks; it

being the object with the former to arrest the profuse perspirations,

while the latter base their practice on an impression that it may be

given with more safety at a moment when the malady has diminished in

intensity; and this I find is the opinion entertained by most people.

In all cases, wine must only be administered just after taking food,

never after sleep, and under no circumstances after any other kind of

drink, or in other words, only when the patient is thirsty; in no case

whatever should it be given, except at the very last extremity. Wine is

better suited to males than to females, to aged people than to youths,

to youths than to children, and to persons who are used to it than to

those who are not in the habit of taking it; winter, too, is a better

time for using it than summer. As to the quantity to be prescribed, and

the proportion of water to be mixed with it, that depends entirely upon

the strength of the wine; it is generally thought, however, that the

best proportions are one cyathus of wine and two of water. If, however,

there is a derangement of the stomach, and if the food does not pass

downward, the wine must be given in a larger proportion.

CHAP. 26.—ARTIFICIAL WINES.

Among the artificial wines, the preparation of which we have[2941]

described, [there are some which],[2942] I think, are no longer made;

in addition to which, it would be a mere loss of time to enlarge

upon their medicinal effects, having expatiated elsewhere upon the

properties of the various elements of which they are composed. And

then, besides, the conceits of the medical men in relation to these

wines have really passed all bounds; they pretend, for instance, that a

wine extracted from turnips[2943] is good for recruiting the exhausted

strength, after exercises in arms or on horseback; and, not to speak

of other preparations, they attribute a similar effect to wine of

juniper.[2944] Who is there, too, that would think of looking, upon

wormwood wine[2945] as superior in its effects to wormwood itself?

I shall pass in silence the rest of these preparations, and among them

palm wine,[2946] which is injurious to the head, and is beneficial only

as a laxative to the bowels, and as a cure for spitting of blood. We

cannot, however, look upon the liquor which we have spoken of[2947]

under the name of “bion,” as being an artificial wine; for the whole

art of making it consists merely in the employment of grapes before

they have arrived at maturity. This preparation is extremely good for

a deranged stomach or an imperfect digestion, as also for pregnancy,

fainting fits, paralysis, fits of trembling, vertigo, gripings of the

bowels, and sciatica. It is said, too, that in times of pestilence,

and for persons on a long journey, this liquid forms a beverage of

remarkable efficacy.

CHAP. 27.—VINEGAR: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.

Wine, even when it has lost its vinous properties, still retains some

medicinal virtues. Vinegar possesses cooling properties in the very

highest degree, and is no less efficacious as a resolvent; it has the

property, too, of effervescing,[2948] when poured upon the ground. We

have frequently had occasion, and shall again have occasion, to mention

the various medicinal compositions in which it forms an ingredient.

Taken by itself, it dispels nausea and arrests hiccup, and if smelt at,

it will prevent sneezing: retained in the mouth, it prevents a person

from being inconvenienced by the heat[2949] of the bath. It is used

as a beverage also, in combination with water,[2950] and employed as

a gargle, it is found by many to be very wholesome to the stomach,

particularly convalescents and persons suffering from sun-stroke; used

as a fomentation, too, this mixture is extremely beneficial to the

eyes. Vinegar is used remedially when a leech has been swallowed;[2951]

and it has the property of healing leprous sores,[2952] scorbutic

eruptions, running ulcers, wounds inflicted by dogs, scorpions, and

scolopendræ, and the bite of the shrew-mouse. It is good, too, as a

preventive of the itching sensations produced by the venom of all

stinging animals, and as an antidote to the bite of the millepede.

Applied warm in a sponge, in the proportion of three sextarii to

two ounces of sulphur or a bunch of hyssop, vinegar is a remedy for

maladies of the fundament. To arrest the hæmorrhage which ensues upon

the operation[2953] of lithotomy, and, indeed, all other operations

of a similar nature, it is usual to apply vinegar in a sponge, and at

the same time to administer it internally in doses of two cyathi, the

very strongest possible being employed. Vinegar has the effect also of

dissolving coagulated blood; for the cure of lichens, it is used both

internally and externally. Used as an injection, it arrests looseness

of the bowels and fluxes of the intestines; it is similarly employed,

too, for procidence of the rectum and uterus.

Vinegar acts as a cure for inveterate coughs, defluxions of the

throat, hardness of breathing, and looseness of the teeth: but it acts

injuriously upon the bladder and the sinews, when relaxed. Medical men

were for a long time in ignorance how beneficial vinegar is for the

sting of the asp; for it was only recently that a man, while carrying

a bladder[2954] of vinegar, happening to be stung by an asp upon which

he trod, found to his surprise that whenever he put down the bladder he

felt the sting, but that when he took it up again, he seemed as though

he had never been hurt; a circumstance which at once suggested to him

the remedial properties of the vinegar, upon drinking some of which

he experienced a cure. It is with vinegar, too, and nothing else,

that persons rinse the mouth after sucking the poison from a wound.

This liquid, in fact, exercises a predominance not only upon various

articles of food, but upon many other substances as well. Poured upon

rocks in considerable quantities, it has the effect of splitting[2955]

them, when the action of fire alone has been unable to produce any

effect thereon. As a seasoning, too, there is no kind that is more

agreeable than vinegar, or that has a greater tendency to heighten the

flavour of food. When it is employed for this purpose, its extreme

tartness is modified with burnt bread or wine, or else it is heightened

by the addition of pepper, and of laser;[2956] in all cases, too, salt

modifies its strength.

While speaking of vinegar, we must not omit to mention a very

remarkable case in connexion with it: in the latter years of his

life, M. Agrippa was dreadfully afflicted with gout, so much so, in

fact, that he was quite unable to endure the torments to which he

was subjected. Upon this, guided by the ominous advice of one of his

medical attendants, though unknown to Augustus, at the moment of an

extremely severe attack he plunged his legs into hot vinegar, content

to purchase exemption from such cruel torments as he suffered, if even

at the price of all use and sensation in those limbs, * * * * *.[2957]

CHAP. 28. (2.)—SQUILL VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.

Squill vinegar is the more esteemed, the older it is. In addition to

the properties which we have already[2958] mentioned, it is useful

in cases where the food turns sour upon the stomach, a mere taste of

it being sufficient to act as a corrective. It is good, too, when

persons are seized with vomiting, while fasting, having the effect of

indurating the passages of the throat and stomach. It is a corrective,

also, of bad breath, strengthens the teeth and gums, and improves the

complexion.

Used as a gargle, squill vinegar remedies hardness of hearing, and

opens the passages of the ears, while at the same time it tends to

improve the sight. It is very good, too, for epilepsy, melancholy,

vertigo, hysterical suffocations, blows, falls with violence, and

extravasations of blood in consequence, as also for debility of the

sinews, and diseases of the kidneys. In cases of internal ulceration,

however, the use of it must be avoided.

CHAP. 29.—OXYMELI: SEVEN REMEDIES.

The following, as we learn from Dieuches, was the manner in which

oxymeli[2959] was prepared by the ancients. In a cauldron they used

to put ten minæ of honey, five heminæ of old vinegar, a pound and a

quarter of sea-salt, and five sextarii of rain-water; the mixture

was then boiled together till it had simmered some ten times, after

which it was poured off, and put by for keeping. Asclepiades, however,

condemned this preparation, and put an end to the use of it, though

before his time it used to be given in fevers even. Still, however,

it is generally admitted that it was useful for the cure of stings

inflicted by the serpent known as the “seps”[2960] and that it acted

as an antidote to opium[2961] and mistletoe. It was usefully employed

also, warm, as a gargle for quinsy and maladies of the ears, and for

affections of the mouth and throat; for all these purposes, however,

at the present day, oxalme is employed, the best kind of which is made

with salt and fresh vinegar.

CHAP. 30.—SAPA: SEVEN REMEDIES.

Sapa[2962] has a close affinity with wine, being nothing else but

must boiled down to one third: that which is prepared from white must

is the best. It is used medicinally in cases of injuries inflicted

by cantharides, the buprestis,[2963] the pine caterpillars known as

pityocampæ,[2964] salamanders, and all venomous bites and stings. Taken

with onions it has the effect of bringing away the dead fœtus and the

after-birth. According to Fabianus, it acts as a poison, if taken by a

person fasting, immediately after the bath.[2965]

CHAP. 31.—LEES OF WINE: TWELVE REMEDIES.

Next in the natural order come the lees of these several liquids.

The lees of[2966] wine are so extremely powerful as to prove fatal

to persons on descending into the vats.[2967] The proper precaution

for preventing this, is to let down a light first, which so long

as it refuses to burn, is significant of danger. Wine-lees, in

an unrinsed[2968] state, form an ingredient in several medicinal

preparations: with an equal proportion of iris,[2969] a liniment

is prepared from them for purulent eruptions; and, either moist or

dried, they are used for stings inflicted by the phalangium, and for

inflammations[2970] of the testes, mamillæ, or other parts of the

body. A decoction of wine-lees is prepared, too, with barley-meal

and powdered frankincense; after which it is first parched and then

dried. The test of its being properly boiled, is its imparting, when

cold, a burning sensation to the tongue. When left exposed to the air,

wine-lees very rapidly lose their virtues; which, on the other hand,

are greatly heightened by the action of fire.

Wine-lees are very useful, too, boiled with figs, for the cure of

lichens and cutaneous eruptions; they are applied also in a similar

manner to leprous sores and running ulcers. Taken in drink, they act

as an antidote to the poison of fungi, and more particularly if they

are undiluted; boiled and then rinsed, they are used in preparations

for the eyes. They are employed also topically for diseases of the

testes and generative organs, and are taken in wine for strangury. When

wine-lees have lost their strength, they are still useful for cleansing

the body and scouring clothes, in which case they act as a substitute

for gum acacia.[2971]

CHAP. 32.—LEES OF VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.

The lees of vinegar,[2972] as a matter of course, considering the

material from which they are derived, are much more acrid than those

of wine, and more caustic in their effects. This substance prevents

the increase of suppuration, and, employed topically, is good for

the stomach, intestines, and regions of the abdomen. It has the

property also of arresting fluxes of those parts, and the catamenia

when in excess; it disperses inflamed tumours which have not come to

a head, and is a cure for quinsy. Applied with wax, it is curative

of erysipelas. It reduces swellings of the mamillæ when gorged with

milk, and removes malformed nails. Employed with polenta, it is very

efficacious for the cure of stings inflicted by the serpent called

cerastes;[2973] and in combination with melanthium,[2974] it heals

bites inflicted by crocodiles and dogs.

Vinegar lees, too, by being subjected to the action of fire, acquire

additional strength.[2975] Mixed in this state with oil of mastich, and

applied to the hair, they turn[2976] it red in a single night. Applied

with water in linen, as a pessary, they act as a detergent upon the

uterus.

CHAP. 33.—LEES OF SAPA: FOUR REMEDIES.

The lees[2977] of sapa are used for the cure of burns, it being the

best plan to employ with them the down that grows on the reed; a

decoction too, of these lees, is good for the cure of an inveterate

cough. They are boiled also in a saucepan with salt and grease as an

ointment for tumours of the jaws and neck.

CHAP. 34. (3.)—THE LEAVES OF THE OLIVE: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES.

The next rank, after the vine, clearly belongs to the olive. The

leaves of the olive-tree are astringent,[2978] detergent, and binding

in the highest degree. Chewed and applied to sores, they are of a

healing nature; and applied topically with oil, they are good for

head-ache. A decoction of them with honey makes a good liniment for

such parts of the body as have been subjected to cauterization, as

also for inflammations of the gums, whitlows, and foul and putrid

ulcers: combined with honey, they arrest discharges of blood from

the nervous[2979] parts of the a body. The juice of olive leaves is

efficacious for carbuncular ulcers and pustules about the eyes, and for

procidence of the pupil; hence it is much employed in the composition

of eye-salves, having the additional property of healing inveterate

runnings of the eyes, and ulcerations of the eyelids.

This juice is extracted by pouring wine and rain-water upon the leaves,

and then pounding them; after which the pulp is dried and divided

into lozenges. Used with wool, as a pessary, this preparation arrests

menstruation when in excess, and is very useful for the treatment

of purulent sores, condylomata, erysipelas, spreading ulcers, and

epinyctis.

CHAP. 35.—THE BLOSSOM OF THE OLIVE: FOUR REMEDIES.

The blossom,[2980] too, of the olive-tree possesses similar

properties. The young branches are burnt when just beginning to

blossom, and of the ashes a substitute for spodium[2981] is made, upon

which wine is poured, and it is then burnt afresh. To suppurations and

inflamed tumours these ashes are applied, or else the leaves, beaten up

with honey; for the eyes, they are used with polenta. The juice which

exudes[2982] from the wood, when burnt in a green state, heals lichens,

scaly eruptions, and running ulcers.

As to the juice[2983] which exudes naturally from the olive-tree, and

more particularly that of Æthiopia, we cannot be sufficiently surprised

that authors should have been found to recommend it as an application

for tooth-ache, and to tell us at the same time that it is a poison,

and even that we must have recourse to the wild olive for it. The bark

of the roots of the olive, as young and tender a tree as possible

being selected, scraped and taken every now and then in honey, is

good[2984] for patients suffering from spitting of blood and purulent

expectorations. The ashes of the tree itself, mixed with axle-grease,

are useful for the cure of tumours, and heal fistulas by the extraction

of the vicious humours which they contain.

CHAP. 36.—WHITE OLIVES: FOUR REMEDIES. BLACK OLIVES: THREE REMEDIES.

White olives are wholesome for the upper regions of the stomach, but

not so good for the bowels. Eaten by themselves, habitually as a

diet, quite fresh and before they are preserved, they are remarkably

serviceable, having the effect of curing gravel,[2985] and of

strengthening the teeth when worn or loosened by the use of meat.

Black olives, on the other hand, are not so wholesome for the upper

regions of the stomach, but are better for the bowels; they are not

good, however, for the head or for the eyes. Both kinds, pounded and

applied topically, are good for the cure of burns, but the black olive

is sometimes chewed first, and instantly applied to the sore, for the

purpose of preventing blisters from forming. Colymbades[2986] act as a

detergent for foul ulcers, but they are bad for persons suffering from

strangury.

CHAP. 37.—AMURCA OF OLIVES: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.

As to the amurca of olives, we might appear to have said enough on the

subject already,[2987] taking Cato as our guide; it remains, however,

to speak of the medicinal uses of this substance. It is extremely

serviceable as a strengthener of the gums,[2988] and for the cure of

ulcers of the mouth; it has the effect, also, of strengthening loose

teeth in the sockets, and an application of it is good for erysipelas

and spreading ulcers. For chilblains, the amurca of the black olive is

the best, as also as a fomentation for infants; that of the white olive

is used, with wool, as a pessary for affections of the uterus. Of both

kinds, however, the amurca is much more serviceable when boiled; this

being done in a vessel of Cyprian copper, to the consistency of honey.

Thus prepared, it is used, according to the necessities of the case,

with either vinegar, old wine, or honied wine, for the treatment of

maladies of the mouth, teeth, and ears, and for running ulcers,[2989]

diseases of the generative organs, and chaps on various parts of the

body. It is employed topically, for the cure of wounds, in a linen

pledget, and for sprains, in wool: as a medicament, it is of great

utility, more particularly when old, as in such case it effects the

cure of fistula.[2990]

It is used as an injection for ulcerations of the fundament, the

generative organs, and the uterus, and is employed topically for

incipient gout and diseases of the joints. Boiled down again, with

omphacium,[2991] to the consistency of honey, it extracts decayed

teeth; and, in combination with a decoction of lupines and the plant

chamæleon,[2992] it is a marvellous cure for itch in beasts of

burden.[2993] Fomentations of amurca in a raw state[2994] are extremely

good for gout.

CHAP. 38. (4.)—THE LEAVES OF THE WILD OLIVE: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.

The leaves of the wild olive are possessed of similar properties.

The spodium[2995] that is made by burning the young branches is of

remarkable efficacy for arresting fluxes; it allays inflammations of

the eyes also, acts as a detergent upon ulcerous sores, makes the

flesh grow on wounds from which it has been removed, and acts gently

as a caustic upon fleshy excrescences, drying them up and making them

cicatrize. The rest of its properties are similar to those of the

cultivated olive. There is, however, one peculiarity in it; the leaves,

boiled with honey, are given in doses of a spoonful for spitting

of blood.[2996] The oil, too, of the wild olive is more acrid, and

possesses greater energy than that of the cultivated olive; hence it

is that it is usual to rinse the mouth with it for the purpose of

strengthening the teeth.[2997]

The leaves, too, are applied topically, with wine, to whitlows,

carbuncles, and all kinds of gatherings; and, with honey, to sores

which require a detergent. Both a decoction of the leaves and the

natural juices of the wild olive form ingredients in medicaments for

the eyes; and the latter are found useful as an injection for the

ears, in the case of purulent discharges even. From the blossom of the

wild olive a liniment is prepared for condylomata and epinyctis: it

is applied also to the abdomen, with barley-meal, for fluxes, and to

the head, with oil, for head-ache. In cases where the scalp becomes

detached from the cranium, the young branches, boiled and applied

with honey, have a healing effect. These branches, too, when arrived

at maturity, taken with the food, arrest diarrhœa: parched and beaten

up with honey, they act as a detergent upon corroding sores, and bring

carbuncles to a head and dispers them.

CHAP. 39.—OMPHACIUM: THREE REMEDIES.

As to olive oil, we have abundantly treated of its nature and elements

already.[2998] It now remains to speak of the medicinal properties of

the various kinds of oil. The most useful of all is omphacium,[2999]

and next to that, green oil;[3000] in addition to which, we may remark

that oil ought to be as fresh as possible, except in cases where old

oil is absolutely required. For medicinal purposes, too, oil should be

extremely fluid, have an agreeable smell, and be free from[3001] all

taste, just the converse, in fact, of the property which we look for in

food. Omphacium is good for the gums, and if kept from time to time in

the mouth, there is nothing better as a preservative of the whiteness

of the teeth. It checks profuse perspirations.

CHAP. 40.—OIL OF ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.

Oil of œnanthe[3002] has just the same properties as oil of roses.

Like oil in general, it makes the body supple, and imparts to it

strength and vigour; it is injurious to the stomach, promotes the

increase of ulcers, irritates the fauces, and deadens the effect of all

poisons, white-lead and gypsum in particular, if taken in hydromel or

a decoction of dried figs. Taken with water, it is good as an antidote

to the effects of opium, and to injuries inflicted by cantharides,

the buprestis, the salamandra, and the pine caterpillar.[3003] Taken

pure as an emetic, it is highly esteemed as an antidote in all the

before-mentioned cases. It is also a refreshing remedy for extreme

lassitude, and for fits of shivering from cold. Taken warm, in doses

of six cyathi, and more particularly when boiled with rue,[3004] it

relieves gripings of the stomach and expels intestinal worms, Taken

in doses of one hemina with wine and warm water, or else with barley

water,[3005] it acts as a purgative upon the bowels. It is useful,

also, in the composition of plasters for wounds, and it cleanses the

complexion of the face. Injected into the nostrils of oxen, till it

produces eructation, it cures attacks of flatulency.

When old it is of a more warming nature than when new, and acts more

energetically as a sudorific, and as a resolvent for indurations. It

is very efficacious[3006] in cases of lethargy, and more particularly

in the decline of the disease. Mixed with an equal proportion of honey

which has not been smoked,[3007] it contributes in some degree to the

improvement of the sight. It is a remedy, also for head-ache; and, in

combination with water, for the burning attacks in fevers. If old oil

should happen not to be at hand, the new oil is boiled to act as a

substitute for it.

CHAP. 41.—CASTOR OIL: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.

Castor[3008] oil, taken with an equal quantity of warm water, acts

as a purgative[3009] upon the bowels. It is said, too, that as a

purgative this oil acts more particularly upon the regions of the

diaphragm.[3010] It is very useful for diseases of the joints, all

kinds of indurations, affections of the uterus and ears, and for burns:

employed with the ashes of the murex,[3011] it heals itch-scabs and

inflammations of the fundament. It improves the complexion also, and by

its fertilizing tendencies promotes the growth of the hair. The cicus,

or seed from which this oil is made, no animal will touch; and from

these grape-like seeds[3012] wicks are made,[3013] which burn with a

peculiar brilliancy; the light, however, that is produced by the oil

is very dim, in consequence of its extreme thickness. The leaves are

applied topically with vinegar for erysipelas, and fresh-gathered, they

are used by themselves for diseases of the mamillæ and defluxions;

a decoction of them in wine, with polenta and saffron, is good for

inflammations of various kinds. Boiled by themselves, and applied to

the face for three successive days, they improve the complexion.

CHAP. 42.—OIL OF ALMONDS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.

Oil of almonds is of a purgative and emollient nature; it effaces

wrinkles on the skin, improves the complexion, and, in combination with

honey, removes spots on the face. A decoction of it with oil of roses,

honey, and pomegranate rind, is good for the ears, and exterminates the

small worms that breed there; it has the effect also, of dispelling

hardness of hearing, recurrent tinglings and singing in the ears, and

is curative of head-ache and pains in the eyes. Used with wax, it cures

boils, and scorches by exposure to the sun;[3014] in combination with

wine it heals running ulcers and scaly eruptions, and with melilote,

condylomatous swellings. Applied by itself to the head, it invites

sleep.[3015]

CHAP. 43.—OIL OF LAUREL: NINE REMEDIES.

As to oil of laurel,[3016] the fresher and greener it is, the more

valuable are its properties. It is of a heating nature, and is

consequently applied, warm, in a pomegranate rind, for paralysis,

spasms, sciatica, bruises, head-ache, catarrhs of long standing, and

diseases of the ears.

CHAP. 44.—OIL OF MYRTLE: TWENTY REMEDIES.

Oil of myrtle has similar properties.[3017] It is of an astringent and

indurative nature; mixed with the scoria of copper, and wax, it cures

diseases of the gums, tooth-ache, dysentery, ulcerations of the uterus,

affections of the bladder, inveterate or running ulcers, eruptions,

and burns. It exercises a healing effect also, upon excoriations,

scaly eruptions, chaps, condylomata, and sprains, and it neutralizes

offensive odours of the body. This oil is an antidote[3018] to

cantharides, the buprestis, and other dangerous poisons of a corrosive

nature.

CHAP. 45.—OIL OF CHAMÆMYRSINE OR OXYMYRSINE; OIL OF CYPRESS; OIL OF

CITRUS; OIL OF WALNUTS; OIL OF CNIDIUM; OIL OF MASTICH; OIL OF BALANUS;

VARIOUS REMEDIES.

Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine,[3019] possesses similar properties.

Oil of cypress[3020] also, produces the same effects as oil of myrtle,

and the same as to oil of citrus.[3021] Oil of walnuts, which we

have previously mentioned[3022] as being called “caryinon,” is good

for alopecy, and is injected into the ears for the cure of hardness

of hearing. Used as a liniment, it relieves head-ache; but in other

respects it is of an inert nature and disagreeable taste; indeed, if

part only of one of the kernels should happen to be decayed, the whole

making is spoilt. The oil extracted from the grain of Cnidos[3023]

has similar properties to castor[3024] oil. Oil of mastich[3025] is

very useful as an ingredient in the medicinal preparation known as

“acopum;”[3026] indeed it would be fully as efficacious as oil of

roses, were it not found to be somewhat too styptic in its effects. It

is employed in cases of too profuse perspiration, and for the cure of

pimples produced thereby. It is extremely efficacious also for itch

in beasts of burden. Oil of balanus[3027] removes spots on the skin,

boils, freckles, and maladies of the gums.[3028]

CHAP. 46.—THE CYPRUS, AND THE OIL EXTRACTED FROM IT; SIXTEEN REMEDIES.

GLEUCINUM: ONE REMEDY.

We have already enlarged[3029] upon the nature of the cyprus, and the

method of preparing oil of cyprus. This oil is naturally warming, and

relaxes the sinews. The leaves of the tree are used as an application

to the stomach,[3030] and the juice of them is applied in a pessary

for irritations of the uterus. Fresh gathered and chewed, the leaves

are applied to running ulcers of the head, ulcerations of the mouth,

gatherings, and condylomatous sores. A decoction of the leaves is very

useful also for burns and sprains. Beaten up and applied with the juice

of the strutheum,[3031] they turn the hair red. The blossoms, applied

to the head with vinegar, relieve head-ache, and the ashes of them,

burnt in a pot of raw earth, are curative of corrosive sores and putrid

ulcers, either employed by themselves, or in combination with honey.

The odour[3032] exhaled by these blossoms induces sleep.

The oil called “gleucinum”[3033] has certain astringent and refreshing

properties similar to those of oil of œnanthe.

CHAP. 47.—OIL OF BALSAMUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.

The oil of balsamum is by far the most valuable of them all, as already

stated[3034] by us, when treating of the unguents. It is extremely

efficacious for the venom of all kinds of serpents, is very beneficial

to the eyesight, disperses films upon the eyes, assuages hardness

of breathing, and acts emolliently upon all kinds of gatherings and

indurations. It has the effect, also, of preventing the blood from

coagulating, acts as a detergent upon ulcers, and is remarkably

beneficial for diseases of the ears, head-ache, trembling,[3035]

spasms, and ruptures. Taken in milk, it is an antidote to the poison

of aconite, and used as a liniment upon the access of the shivering

fits in fevers, it modifies their violence. Still, however, it should

be used but sparingly, as it is of a very caustic nature, and, if not

employed in moderation, is apt to augment the malady.

CHAP. 48.—MALOBATHRUM: FIVE REMEDIES.

We have already[3036] spoken, also, of the nature of malobathrum,

and the various kinds of it. It acts as a diuretic, and, sprinkled

in wine upon the eyes, it is used very advantageously for defluxions

of those organs. It is applied also to the forehead, for the purpose

of promoting sleep; but it acts with still greater efficacy, if the

nostrils are rubbed with it, or if it is taken in water. The leaves,

placed beneath the tongue, impart a sweetness to the mouth and breath,

and put among clothes, they produce a similar effect.

CHAP. 49.—OIL OF HENBANE: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF LUPINES: ONE REMEDY.

OIL OF NARCISSUS: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF RADISHES: FIVE REMEDIES. OIL OF

SESAME: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF LILIES: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF SELGA:

ONE REMEDY. OIL OF IGUVIUM: ONE REMEDY.

Oil of henbane[3037] is of an emollient nature, but it is bad for

the nerves; taken in drink, it disturbs the brain. Therminum,[3038]

or oil of lupines, is emollient, and very similar to oil of roses in

its effects. As to oil of narcissus, we have already[3039] spoken

of it when describing that flower. Oil of radishes,[3040] cures

phthiriasis[3041] contracted in a long illness, and removes roughness

of the skin upon the face. Oil of sesame is curative of pains in the

ears, spreading ulcers, and the cancer[3042] known as “cacoethes.” Oil

of lilies, which we have previously[3043] mentioned as being called oil

of Phaselis and oil of Syria, is extremely good for the kidneys and for

promoting perspiration, as also as an emollient for the uterus, and as

tending to bring internal tumours to a head. As to oil of Selga, we

have already[3044] spoken of it as being strengthening to the tendons;

which is the case, also, with the herbaceous[3045] oil which the people

of Iguvium[3046] sell, on the Flaminian Way.

CHAP. 50.—ELÆOMELI: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF PITCH: TWO REMEDIES.

Elæomeli, which, as we have already[3047] stated, exudes from the

olive-trees of Syria, has a flavour like that of honey, but not without

a certain nauseous taste. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off the

bilious secretions more particularly, if taken in doses of two cyathi,

in a semisextarius of water. After drinking it, the patient falls into

a torpor, and requires to be aroused every now and then. Persons, when

about to drink for a wager, are in the habit of taking[3048] a cyathus

of it, by way of prelude. Oil of pitch[3049] is employed for the cure

of cough, and of itch in cattle.

CHAP. 51.—THE PALM: NINE REMEDIES.

Next in rank after the vine and the olive comes the palm. Dates

fresh-gathered have an inebriating[3050] effect, and are productive

of head-ache; when dried, they are not so injurious. It would appear,

too, that they are not wholesome to the stomach; they have an

irritating[3051] effect on coughs, but are very nourishing to the

body. The ancients used to give a decoction of them to patients, as a

substitute for hydromel, with the view of recruiting the strength and

allaying thirst, the Thebaïc date being held in preference for the

purpose. Dates are very useful, too, for persons troubled with spitting

of blood, when taken in the food more particularly. The dates called

caryotæ,[3052] in combination with quinces, wax, and saffron, are

applied topically for affections of the stomach, bladder, abdomen, and

intestines: they are good for bruises also. Date-stones,[3053] burnt in

a new earthen vessel, produce an ash which, when rinsed, is employed

as a substitute for spodium,[3054] and is used as an ingredient

in eye-salves, and, with the addition of nard, in washes for the

eye-brows.[3055]

CHAP. 52. (5.)—THE PALM WHICH PRODUCES MYROBALANUM: THREE REMEDIES.

Of the palm which produces myrobalanum,[3056] the most esteemed kind

is that grown in Egypt;[3057] the dates of which, unlike those of

the other kinds, are without stones. Used with astringent wine, they

arrest[3058] diarrhœa and the catamenia, and promote the cicatrization

of wounds.

CHAP. 53.—THE PALM CALLED ELATE: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.

The palm called “elate,”[3059] or “spathe,” furnishes its buds, leaves,

and bark for medicinal purposes. The leaves are applied to the thoracic

regions, stomach, and liver, and to spreading ulcers, but they are

adverse to cicatrization. The bark[3060] of the tree, while tender,

mixed with wax and resin, heals itch-scab in the course of twenty days:

a decoction, also, is made of it for diseases of the testes. Used as

a fumigation, it turns the hair black, and brings away the fœtus. It

is given in drink, also, for diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and

thoracic organs; but it acts injuriously upon the head and nerves. The

decoction of this bark has the effect, also, of arresting fluxes of the

uterus and the bowels: the ashes of it are used with white wine for

griping pains in the stomach, and form a very efficacious remedy for

affections of the uterus.

CHAP. 54. (6.)—REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE BLOSSOMS, LEAVES, FRUIT,

BRANCHES, BARK, JUICES, WOOD, ROOTS, AND ASHES OF VARIOUS KINDS OF

TREES. SIX OBSERVATIONS UPON APPLES. TWENTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON

QUINCES. ONE OBSERVATION UPON STRUTHEA.

We next come to the medicinal properties of the various kinds

of apples. The spring fruits, of this nature are sour and

unwholesome[3061] to the stomach, disturb the bowels, contract the

bladder, and act injuriously upon the nerves; when cooked, however,

they are of a more harmless nature. Quinces are more pleasant eating

when cooked; still however, eaten raw, provided they are ripe, they are

very useful[3062] for spitting of blood, dysentery, cholera, and cœliac

affections; indeed, they are not of the same efficacy when cooked, as

they then lose the astringent properties which belong to their juice.

They are applied also to the breast in the burning attacks of fever,

and, in spite of what has been stated above, they are occasionally

boiled in rain-water for the various purposes before-mentioned. For

pains in the stomach they are applied[3063] like a cerate, either raw

or boiled. The down upon them heals[3064] carbuncles.

Boiled in wine, and applied with wax, they restore the hair, when it

has been lost by alopecy. A conserve of raw quinces in honey relaxes

the bowels: and they add very materially to the sweetness of the

honey, and render it more wholesome to the stomach. Boiled quinces

preserved in honey are beaten up with a decoction of rose-leaves, and

are taken as food by some for the cure of affections of the stomach.

The juice of raw quinces is very good, also, for the spleen, hardness

of breathing, dropsy, affections of the mamillæ, condylomata, and

varicose veins. The blossoms, either fresh or dried, are useful for

inflammations of the eyes, spitting of blood, and irregularities of

the catamenia. By beating them up with sweet wine, a soothing sirop is

prepared, which is very beneficial for cœliac affections and diseases

of the liver: with a decoction of them a fomentation is made for

procidence of the uterus and intestines.

From quinces an oil is also extracted, which we have spoken of under

the name of “melinum:”[3065] in order to make it, the fruit must not

have been grown in a damp soil; hence it is that the quinces which come

from Sicily are so highly esteemed for the purpose; while, on the other

hand, the strutheum,[3066] though of a kindred kind, is not so good.

A circle[3067] is traced round the root of this tree, and the root

itself is then pulled up with the left hand, care being taken by the

person who does so to state at the same moment the object for which it

is so pulled up, and for whom. Worn as an amulet, this root is a cure

for scrofula.

CHAP. 55.—THE SWEET APPLES CALLED MELIMELA: SIX OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

SOUR APPLES: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

The apples known as “melimela,”[3068] and the other sweet apples, relax

the stomach and bowels, but are productive of heat and thirst,[3069]

though they do not act injuriously upon the nervous system. The

orbiculata[3070] arrest diarrhœa and vomiting, and act as a diuretic.

Wild apples resemble the sour apples of spring, and act astringently

upon the bowels: indeed, for this purpose they should always be used

before they are ripe.

CHAP. 56.—CITRONS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

Citrons,[3071] either the pulp of them or the pips, are taken in

wine as an antidote to poisons. A decoction of citrons, or the juice

extracted from them, is used as a gargle to impart sweetness to the

breath.[3072] The pips of this fruit are recommended for pregnant women

to chew when affected with qualmishness. Citrons are good, also, for a

weak stomach, but it is not easy to eat them except with vinegar.[3073]

CHAP. 57.—PUNIC APPLES OR POMEGRANATES: TWENTY-SIX REMEDIES.

It would be a mere loss of time to recapitulate the nine[3074]

different varieties of the pomegranate. The sweet pomegranates, or, in

other words, those known by the name of “apyrena,”[3075] are generally

considered to be injurious to the stomach; they are productive, also,

of flatulency, and are bad for the teeth and gums. The kind which

closely resembles the last in flavour, and which we have spoken of as

the “vinous” pomegranate, has very diminutive pips, and is thought to

be somewhat more wholesome than the others. They have an astringent

effect upon the stomach and bowels, provided they are taken in

moderation, and not to satiety; but even these, or, indeed, any other

kind, should never be given in fevers, as neither the substance nor

the juice of the fruit acts otherwise than injuriously under those

circumstances. They should, also, be equally[3076] abstained from in

cases of vomiting and bilious evacuations.

In this fruit Nature has revealed to us a grape, and, so to say, not

must, but a wine ready made, both grape and wine being enclosed in

a tougher skin.[3077] The rind of the sour pomegranate is employed

for many purposes. It is in very common use with curriers for

tanning[3078] leather, from which circumstance it has received the name

of “malicorium.”[3079] Medical men assure us that the rind is diuretic,

and that, boiled with nut-galls in vinegar, it strengthens loose

teeth in the sockets. It is prescribed also for pregnant women when

suffering from qualmishness, the flavour of it quickening the fœtus. A

pomegranate is cut, and left to soak in rain-water for some three days;

after which the infusion is given cold to persons suffering from cœliac

affections and spitting of blood.

CHAP. 58.—THE COMPOSITION CALLED STOMATICE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.

With the sour pomegranate a medicament is made, which is known as

“stomatice,” and is extremely good for affections of the mouth,

nostrils, and ears, dimness of sight, films upon the eyes,[3080]

diseases of the generative organs, corrosive sores called “nomæ,” and

fleshy excrescences in ulcers; it is useful, also, as an antidote

to the venom of the sea-hare.[3081] The following is the method of

making it: the rind is taken off the fruit, and the pips are pounded,

after which the juice is boiled down to one-third, and then mixed with

saffron, split alum,[3082] myrrh, and Attic honey, the proportions

being half a pound of each.

Some persons have another way of making it: a number of sour

pomegranates are pounded, after which the juice is boiled down in a

new cauldron to the consistency of honey. This composition is used for

various affections of the generative organs and fundament, and, indeed,

all those diseases which are treated with lycium.[3083] It is employed,

also, for the cure of purulent discharges from the ears, incipient

defluxions of the eyes, and red spots upon the hands. Branches of the

pomegranate have the effect of repelling the attacks of serpents.[3084]

Pomegranate rind, boiled in wine and applied, is a cure for chilblains.

A pomegranate, boiled down to one-third in three heminæ of wine, is

a cure for griping pains in the bowels and for tape-worm.[3085] A

pomegranate, put in a new earthen pot tightly covered and burnt in a

furnace, and then pounded and taken in wine, arrests looseness of the

bowels, and dispels griping pains in the stomach.

CHAP. 59.—CYTINUS: EIGHT REMEDIES.

The Greeks have given the name of cytinus[3086] to the first germs

of this tree when it is just beginning to blossom. These germs have

a singular property, which has been remarked by many. If a person,

after taking off everything that is fastened upon the body, his

girdle, for instance, shoes, and even his ring, plucks one of them

with two fingers of the left hand, the thumb, namely, and the fourth

finger, and, after rubbing it gently round his eyes, puts it into

his mouth and swallows[3087] it without letting it touch his teeth,

he will experience, it is said, no malady of the eyes throughout all

the year. These germs, dried and pounded, check the growth of fleshy

excrescences; they are good also for the gums and teeth; and if the

teeth are loose a decoction of the germs will strengthen them.

The young pomegranates[3088] themselves are beaten up and applied

as a liniment to spreading or putrid sores; they are used also for

inflammations of the eyes and intestines, and nearly all the purposes

for which pomegranate-rind is used. They are remedial also for the

stings of scorpions.

CHAP. 60.—BALAUSTIUM: TWELVE REMEDIES.

We cannot sufficiently admire the care and diligence displayed by the

ancients, who, in their enquiries into every subject, have left nothing

untried. Within the cytinus, before the pomegranate itself makes its

appearance, there are diminutive flowers, the name given to which, as

already[3089] stated, is “balaustium.”[3090] These blossoms, even,

have not escaped their enquiries; it having been ascertained by them

that they are an excellent remedy for stings inflicted by the scorpion.

Taken in drink, they arrest the catamenia, and are curative of ulcers

of the mouth, tonsillary glands, and uvula, as also of spitting

of blood, derangement of the stomach and bowels, diseases of the

generative organs, and running sores in all parts of the body.

The ancients also dried these blossoms, to try their efficacy in that

state, and made the discovery that, pulverized, they cure patients

suffering from dysentery when at the very point of death even, and that

they arrest looseness of the bowels. They have not disdained, too, to

make trial of the pips of the pomegranate: parched and then pounded,

these pips are good for the stomach, sprinkled in the food or drink.

To arrest looseness of the bowels, they are taken in rain-water. A

decoction of the juices of the root, in doses of one victoriatus,[3091]

exterminates tape-worm;[3092] and the root itself, boiled down in

water to a thick consistency, is employed for the same purposes as

lycium.[3093]

CHAP. 61.—THE WILD POMEGRANATE.

There is a tree, also, which is called the wild pomegranate,[3094]

on account of its strong resemblance to the cultivated pomegranate.

The roots of it have a red bark, which taken in wine in doses of one

denarius, promotes sleep. The seed of it taken in drink is curative of

dropsy. Gnats are kept at a distance by the smoke of burnt pomegranate

rind.

CHAP. 62. (7.)—PEARS: TWELVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

All kinds of pears, as an aliment, are indigestible,[3095] to persons

in robust health, even; but to invalids they are forbidden as rigidly

as wine. Boiled, however, they are remarkably agreeable and wholesome,

those of Crustumium[3096] in particular. All kinds of pears, too,

boiled with honey, are wholesome to the stomach. Cataplasms of a

resolvent nature are made with pears, and a decoction of them is used

to disperse indurations. They are efficacious, also, in cases of

poisoning[3097] by mushrooms and fungi, as much by reason of their

heaviness, as by the neutralizing effects of their juice.

The wild pear ripens but very slowly. Cut in slices and hung in the air

to dry, it arrests looseness of the bowels, an effect which is equally

produced by a decoction of it taken in drink; in which case the leaves

also are boiled up together with the fruit. The ashes of pear-tree wood

are even more efficacious[3098] as an antidote to the poison of fungi.

A load of apples or pears, however small, is singularly fatiguing[3099]

to beasts of burden; the best plan to counteract this, they say, is to

give the animals some to eat, or at least to shew them the fruit before

starting.

CHAP. 63.—FIGS: ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

The milky juice of the fig-tree possesses kindred properties with

vinegar;[3100] hence it is, that, like rennet, it curdles milk. This

juice is collected before the fruit ripens, and dried in the shade;

being used with yolk of egg as a liniment, or else in drink, with

amylum,[3101] to bring ulcers to a head and break them, and for the

purposes of an emmenagogue. With meal of fenugreek and vinegar, it is

applied topically for gout; it acts also as a depilatory,[3102] heals

eruptions of the eyelids, lichens and itch-scabs, and relaxes the

bowels. The milk of the fig-tree is naturally curative of the stings

of hornets, wasps, and similar insects, and is remarkably useful for

wounds inflicted by scorpions. Mixed with axle-grease it removes

warts. With the leaves and figs still green an application is made for

scrofulous[3103] and other sores of a nature which requires emollients

or resolvents. The leaves, too, used by themselves, are productive of

a similar effect. In addition to this, they are employed for other

purposes, as a friction for lichens, for example, for alopecy, and

other diseases which require caustic applications. The young shoots of

the branches are used as an application to the skin in cases of bites

inflicted by dogs. With honey they are applied to the ulcers known as

honeycomb ulcers;[3104] mixed with the leaves of wild poppies they

extract[3105] splinters of bones; and the leaves beaten up in vinegar

are a cure for bites inflicted by dogs. The young white shoots of the

black[3106] fig are applied topically, with wax, to boils, and bites

inflicted by the shrew-mouse: and the ashes of their leaves are used

for the cure of gangrenes and the reduction of fleshy excrescences.

Ripe figs are diuretic and laxative; they promote the perspiration, and

bring out pimples; hence it is that they are unwholesome in autumn, the

perspirations which they excite being always attended with shivering.

They are injurious also to the stomach, though for a short time only;

and it is generally thought that they spoil the voice. The figs which

are the last to ripen are more wholesome than the first, but those

which are drugged[3107] for the purpose of ripening them are never

wholesome. This fruit invigorates the young, and improves the health of

the aged and retards the formation of wrinkles; it allays thirst, and

is of a cooling nature, for which reason it should never be declined

in those fevers of an astringent tendency which are known as “stegnæ.”

Dried figs are injurious to the stomach,[3108] but are beneficial in

a marvellous degree to the throat and fauces. They are of a warming

nature, are productive of thirst, and relax the bowels, but are

unwholesome in stomachic complaints and fluxes of the bowels. In all

cases they are beneficial for the bladder, hardness of breathing, and

asthma, as also for diseases of the liver, kidneys, and spleen. They

are nourishing and invigorating, for which reason, the athletes in

former times used them as food: Pythagoras, the gymnast, being the

first who introduced among them a flesh diet.[3109] Figs are extremely

useful for patients recovering from a long illness, and for persons

suffering from epilepsy or dropsy. They are applied topically also in

all cases where sores require to be brought to a head, or dispersed;

and they are still more efficacious when mixed with lime or nitre.

Boiled with hyssop they act as a purgative on the pectoral organs,

carry off the phlegm, and cure inveterate coughs: boiled with wine they

heal maladies of the fundament, and tumours of the jaws. A decoction

of them is applied also to boils, inflamed tumours, and imposthumes

of the parotid glands. This decoction, too, is found very useful as a

fomentation for disorders incident to females.

Boiled with fenugreek,[3110] figs are very useful in cases of pleurisy

and peripneumony. A decoction of them with rue is good for griping

pains in the bowels; in combination with verdigris,[3111] they are

used for ulcers of the legs and imposthumes of the parotid glands;

with pomegranates, for hang-nails;[3112] and with wax, for burns and

chilblains. Boiled in wine, with wormwood and barley-meal, they are

employed for dropsy. Eaten with nitre, they relax the bowels; and

beaten up with salt they are applied to stings inflicted by scorpions.

Boiled in wine, and applied topically, they bring carbuncles to a head.

In cases of carcinoma, unattended with ulceration, it is a singularly

good plan to apply to the part the pulpiest fig that can be procured;

the same, too, with phagedænic sores.

As to the ashes of the fig, those of no tree known are of a more

acrid character,[3113] being of a detergent and astringent nature,

and tending to make new flesh and to promote the cicatrization of

wounds. They are also taken in drink, for the purpose of dissolving

coagulated blood, as also for bruises, falls with violence, ruptures,

convulsions * * * * in one cyathus respectively of water and oil. They

are administered also for tetanus and spasms, and are used either in

a potion, or as an injection for cœliac affections and dysentery.

Employed as a liniment with oil, they have a warming effect; and

kneaded into a paste with wax and rose-oil, they heal burns, leaving

the slightest scar only. Applied in oil, as a liniment, they are a cure

for weakness of sight, and are used as a dentifrice in diseases of the

teeth.

It is said, too, that if a patient draws downward a branch of a

fig-tree, and turns up his head and bites off some knot or other of

it, without being seen by any one, and then wears it in a leather

bag suspended by a string from his neck, it is a certain cure for

scrofulous sores and imposthumes of the parotid glands. The bark of

this tree, beaten up with oil, cures ulcerations of the abdomen. Green

figs, applied raw, with the addition of nitre and meal, remove warts

and wens.[3114]

The ashes of the suckers which spring from the roots are used as a

substitute for spodium.[3115] Burnt over a second time and incorporated

with white lead, they are divided into cakes which are used for the

cure of ulcerations of the eyes and eruptions.

CHAP. 64.—THE WILD FIG: FORTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.

The wild fig, again, is even more efficacious in its properties than

the cultivated one. It has not so large a proportion of milky juice as

the other: a slip of it put into milk has the effect of curdling it and

turning it into cheese. This juice, collected and indurated by being

subjected to pressure, imparts a fine flavor[3116] to meat, being

steeped in vinegar for the purpose, and then rubbed upon it. It is used

also as an ingredient in blisters, and taken internally it relaxes the

bowels. Used with amylum,[3117] it opens the passages of the uterus,

and combined with the yolk of an egg it acts as an emmenagogue. Mixed

with meal of fenugreek it is applied topically for gout, and is used

for the dispersion of leprous sores, itch-scabs, lichens, and freckles:

it is an antidote also to the stings of venomous animals, and to the

bites of dogs. Applied to the teeth in wool, or introduced into the

cavity of a carious tooth, this juice cures tooth-ache.[3118] The young

shoots and the leaves, mixed with meal of fitches, act as an antidote

to the poison of marine animals, wine being added to the preparation.

In boiling beef a great saving of fire-wood may be effected, by putting

some of these shoots in the pot.[3119]

The figs in a green state, applied topically, soften and disperse

scrofulous sores and all kinds of gatherings, and the leaves, to a

certain extent, have a similar effect. The softer leaves are applied

with vinegar for the cure of running ulcers, epinyctis, and scaly

eruptions. With the leaves, mixed with honey, honeycomb ulcers[3120]

are treated, and wounds inflicted by dogs; the leaves are applied,

too, fresh, with wine, to phagedænic sores. In combination with

poppy-leaves, they extract splintered bones. Wild figs, in a green

state, employed as a fumigation, dispel flatulency; and an infusion of

them, used as a potion, combats the deleterious effects of bullocks’

blood, white-lead, and coagulated milk, taken internally. Boiled in

water, and employed as a cataplasm, they cure imposthumes of the

parotid glands. The shoots, or the green figs, gathered as young as

possible, are taken in wine for stings inflicted by scorpions. The

milky juice is also poured into the wound, and the leaves are applied

to it: the bite of the shrew-mouse is treated in a similar manner. The

ashes of the young branches are curative of relaxations of the uvula;

and the ashes of the tree itself, mixed with honey, have the effect of

healing chaps. A decoction of the root, boiled in wine, is good for

tooth-ache. The winter wild fig, boiled in vinegar and pounded, is a

cure for impetigo: the branches are first barked for the purpose and

then scraped; these scrapings, which are as fine as sawdust, being

applied topically to the parts affected.

There is also one medicinal property of a marvellous nature attributed

to the wild fig: if a youth who has not arrived at puberty breaks off

a branch, and then with his teeth tears off the bark swelling with the

sap, the pith of this branch, we are assured, attached as an amulet to

the person before sunrise, will prevent the formation of scrofulous

sores. A branch of this tree, attached to the neck of a bull, however

furious, exercises such a marvellous effect upon him as to restrain his

ferocity,[3121] and render him quite immoveable.

CHAP. 65.—THE HERB ERINEON: THREE REMEDIES.

It will be as well to speak here, in consequence of the similarity of

name,[3122] of the herb which is known to the Greeks as the “erineon.”

This plant[3123] is a palm in height, and has mostly five small stems:

in appearance it resembles ocimum, and bears a white flower, with

a small, black, seed. Beaten up with Attic honey, it is a cure for

defluxions of the eyes. In whatever way it is gathered, it yields a

considerable abundance of sweet, milky, juice. With the addition of a

little nitre, this plant is extremely useful for pains in the ears. The

leaves of it have the property of neutralizing poisons.

CHAP. 66.—PLUMS: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

The leaves[3124] of the plum, boiled in wine, are useful for the

tonsillary glands, the gums, and the uvula, the mouth being rinsed

with the decoction every now and then. As for the fruit itself, it is

relaxing[3125] to the bowels; but it is not very wholesome to the

stomach, though its bad effects are little more than momentary.

CHAP. 67.—PEACHES: TWO REMEDIES.

Peaches, again, are more wholesome than plums; and the same is the case

with the juice of the fruit, extracted, and taken in either wine or

vinegar. Indeed, what known fruit is there that is more wholesome as

an aliment than this? There is none, in fact, that has a less powerful

smell,[3126] or a greater abundance of juice, though it has a tendency

to create thirst.[3127] The leaves of it, beaten up and applied

topically, arrest hæmorrhage: the kernels, mixed with oil and vinegar,

are used as a liniment for head-ache.[3128]

CHAP. 68.—WILD PLUMS: TWO REMEDIES.

The fruit of the wild plum, or the bark of the root,[3129] boiled down

to one-third in one hemina of astringent wine, arrests looseness of

the bowels and griping pains in the stomach: the proper dose of the

decoction is one cyathus.

CHAP. 69.—THE LICHEN ON PLUM-TREES: TWO REMEDIES.

Upon the bark of the wild and cultivated plums we find an

excrescence[3130] growing, known to the Greeks by the name of “lichen:”

it is remarkably good for chaps and condylomatous swellings.

CHAP. 70.—MULBERRIES: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES.

In Egypt and in the Isle of Cyprus there are, as already stated,[3131]

mulberry-trees of a peculiar kind, being of a nature that is truly

marvellous; for, if the outer bark is peeled off, they emit a great

abundance of juice; but if a deeper incision is made, they are found to

be quite dry.[3132] This juice is an antidote to the venom of serpents,

is good for dysentery, disperses inflamed tumours and all kinds of

gatherings, heals wounds, and allays both head-ache and ear-ache: it is

taken in drink for affections of the spleen, and is used as a liniment

for the same purpose, as also for fits of shivering. This juice,

however, very soon breeds worms.

Among ourselves, too, the juice which exudes from the mulberry-tree is

employed for an equal number of purposes: taken in wine, it neutralizes

the noxious effects of aconite[3133] and the venom of spiders, relaxes

the bowels, and expels tapeworm and other animals which breed in the

intestines;[3134] the bark of the tree, pounded, has also a similar

effect. The leaves, boiled in rain-water with the bark of the black fig

and the vine, are used for dyeing the hair.

The juice of the fruit has a laxative effect immediately upon the

bowels, though the fruit itself, for the moment, acts beneficially upon

the stomach, being of a refreshing nature, but productive of thirst. If

no other food is taken upon them, mulberries[3135] are of a swelling

tendency. The juice of unripe mulberries acts astringently upon the

bowels. The marvels which are presented by this tree, and of which we

have made some mention[3136] when describing it, would almost appear to

belong to a creature gifted with animation.

CHAP. 71.—THE MEDICAMENT CALLED STOMATICE, ARTERIACE, OR PANCHRESTOS:

FOUR REMEDIES.

From the fruit of the mulberry a medicament is prepared, called

“panchrestos,”[3137] “stomatice,” or “arteriace:” the following is the

method employed. Three sextarii of the juice are reduced, at a slow

heat, to the consistency of honey; two denarii of dried omphacium[3138]

or one of myrrh, with one denarius of saffron, are then added, the

whole being beaten up together and mixed with the decoction. There is

no medicament known that is more soothing than this, for affections

of the mouth, the trachea, the uvula, and the stomach. There is also

another mode of preparing it: two sextarii of mulberry juice and one of

Attic honey are boiled down in the manner above stated.

There are some other marvellous properties, also, which are mentioned

in reference to this tree. When the tree is in bud, and before the

appearance of the leaves, the germs of the fruit must be gathered with

the left hand—the Greeks give them the name of “ricini.”[3139] These

germs, worn as an amulet before they have touched the ground, have the

effect of arresting hæmorrhage, whether proceeding from a wound, from

the mouth, from the nostrils, or from piles; for which purposes they

are, accordingly, put away and kept. Similar virtues are attributed to

a branch just beginning to bear, broken off at full moon, provided also

it has not touched the ground: this branch, it is said, attached to the

arm, is peculiarly efficacious for the suppression of the catamenia

when in excess. The same effect is produced, it is said, when the woman

herself pulls it off, whatever time it may happen to be, care being

taken not to let it touch the ground, and to wear it attached to the

body. The leaves of the mulberry-tree beaten up fresh, or a decoction

of them dried, are applied topically for stings inflicted by serpents:

an infusion of them, taken in drink, is equally efficacious for that

purpose. The juice extracted from the bark of the root, taken in wine

or oxycrate, counteracts the venom of the scorpion.

We must also give some account of the method of preparing this

medicament employed by the ancients: extracting the juice from the

fruit, both ripe and unripe, they mixed it together, and then boiled it

down in a copper vessel to the consistency of honey. Some persons were

in the habit of adding myrrh and cypress, and then left it to harden

in the sun, mixing it with a spatula three times a-day. Such was their

receipt for the stomatice, which was also employed by them to promote

the cicatrization of wounds. There was another method, also, of dealing

with the juice of this fruit: extracting the juice, they used the dried

fruit with various articles of food,[3140] as tending to heighten the

flavour; and they were in the habit of employing it medicinally[3141]

for corroding ulcers, pituitous expectorations, and all cases in which

astringents were required for the viscera. They used it also for the

purpose of cleaning[3142] the teeth. A third mode of employing the

juices of this tree is to boil down the leaves and root, the decoction

being used, with oil,[3143] as a liniment for the cure of burns. The

leaves are also applied by themselves for the same purpose.

An incision made in the root at harvest-time, supplies a juice that is

extremely useful for tooth-ache, gatherings, and suppurations; it acts,

also, as a purgative upon the bowels. Mulberry-leaves, macerated in

urine, remove the hair from hides.

CHAP. 72.—CHERRIES: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

Cherries are relaxing to the bowels and unwholesome[3144] to

the stomach; in a dried state, however, they are astringent and

diuretic.[3145] I find it stated by some authors, that if cherries are

taken early in the morning covered with dew, the kernels being eaten

with them, the bowels will be so strongly acted upon as to effect a

cure for gout in the feet.

CHAP. 73.—MEDLARS: TWO REMEDIES. SORBS: TWO REMEDIES.

Medlars, the setania[3146] excepted, which has pretty nearly the

same properties as the apple, act astringently upon the stomach and

arrest looseness of the bowels. The same is the case, too, with dried

sorbs;[3147] but when eaten fresh, they are beneficial to the stomach,

and are good for fluxes of the bowels.

CHAP. 74. (8.)—PINE-NUTS: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.

Pine-nuts,[3148] with the resin in them, are slightly bruised, and then

boiled down in water to one-half, the proportion of water being one

sextarius to each nut. This decoction, taken in doses of two cyathi, is

used for the cure of spitting of blood. The bark of the tree, boiled

in wine, is given for griping pains in the bowels. The kernels of the

pine-nut allay thirst, and assuage acridities and gnawing pains in the

stomach; they tend also to neutralize vicious humours in that region,

recruit the strength, and are salutary to the kidneys and the bladder.

They would seem, however, to exercise an irritating effect[3149] upon

the fauces, and to increase cough. Taken in water, wine, raisin wine,

or a decoction of dates, they carry off bile. For gnawing pains in the

stomach of extreme violence, they are mixed with cucumber-seed and

juice of purslain; they are employed, too, in a similar manner for

ulcerations of the bladder and kidneys,[3150] having a diuretic effect.

CHAP. 75.—ALMONDS: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES.

A decoction of the root of the bitter almond[3151] clears the

complexion, and gives the face a brighter colour.[3152] Bitter almonds

are provocative of sleep,[3153] and sharpen the appetite; they act,

also, as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue. They are used topically

for head-ache, when there is fever more particularly. Should the

head-ache proceed from inebriation,[3154] they are applied with

vinegar, rose-oil, and one sextarius of water. Used in combination with

amylum[3155] and mint, they arrest hæmorrhage. They are useful, also,

for lethargy and epilepsy, and the head is anointed with them for the

cure of epinyctis. In combination with wine, they heal putrid ulcers of

an inveterate nature, and, with honey, bites inflicted by dogs.[3156]

They are employed, also, for the cure of scaly eruptions of the face,

the parts affected being fomented first.

Taken in water, or, as is often done, in an electuary, with resin

of terebinth,[3157] they remove pains in the liver and kidneys;

used with raisin wine, they are good for calculus and strangury.

Bruised in hydromel, they are useful for cleansing the skin; and

taken in an electuary with the addition of a small proportion of

elelisphacus,[3158] they are good for diseases of the liver, cough,

and colic, a piece about the size of a hazel-nut being taken in honey.

It is said that if five bitter almonds are taken by a person before

sitting down to drink, he will be proof against inebriation;[3159]

and that foxes, if they eat bitter almonds,[3160] will be sure to die

immediately, if they cannot find water to lap.

As to sweet almonds, their remedial properties are not[3161] so

extensive; still, however, they are of a purgative nature, and are

diuretic. Eaten fresh, they are difficult[3162] of digestion.

CHAP. 76.—GREEK NUTS: ONE REMEDY.

Greek nuts,[3163] taken in vinegar with wormwood seed, are said to be

a cure for jaundice. Used alone, they are employed topically for the

treatment of diseases of the fundament, and condylomata in particular,

as also cough and spitting of blood.

CHAP. 77.—WALNUTS: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. THE MITHRIDATIC ANTIDOTE.

Walnuts[3164] have received their name in Greek from being

oppressive[3165] to the head; for, in fact, the emanations[3166] from

the tree itself and the leaves penetrate to the brain. The kernels,

also, have a similar effect when eaten, though not in so marked a

degree. When fresh gathered, they are most agreeable eating; for when

dry, they are more oleaginous, unwholesome to the stomach, difficult

of digestion, productive of head-ache, and bad for cough,[3167] or

for a person when about to take an emetic fasting: they are good in

cases of tenesmus only, as they carry off the pituitous humours of

the body. Eaten beforehand, they deaden the effects of poison, and,

employed with rue and oil, they are a cure for quinsy. They act as a

corrective, also, to onions, and modify their flavour. They are applied

to inflammations of the ears, with a little honey, and with rue they

are used for affections of the mamillæ, and for sprains. With onions,

salt, and honey, they are applied to bites inflicted by dogs or human

beings. Walnut-shells are used for cauterizing[3168] carious teeth; and

with these shells, burnt and then beaten up in oil or wine, the heads

of infants are anointed, they having a tendency to make the hair grow;

hence they are used in a similar manner for alopecy also. These nuts,

eaten in considerable numbers, act as an expellent upon tapeworm.[3169]

Walnuts, when very old, are[3170] curative of gangrenous sores and

carbuncles, of bruises also. Green walnut-shells[3171] are employed

for the cure of lichens and dysentery, and the leaves are beaten up

with vinegar as an application for ear-ache.[3172]

After the defeat of that mighty monarch, Mithridates, Cneius Pompeius

found in his private cabinet a recipe for an antidote in his own

hand-writing; it was to the following effect:[3173]—Take two dried

walnuts, two figs, and twenty leaves of rue; pound them all together,

with the addition of a grain of salt; if a person takes this mixture

fasting, he will be proof against all poisons for that day.[3174]

Walnut kernels, chewed by a man fasting, and applied to the wound,

effect an instantaneous cure, it is said, of bites inflicted by a mad

dog.

CHAP. 78.—HAZEL-NUTS: THREE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. PISTACHIO-NUTS:

EIGHT OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. CHESNUTS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

Hazel-nuts[3175] are productive of head-ache, and flatulency of the

stomach; they contribute, however, to the increase of flesh more than

would be imagined. Parched, they are remedial for catarrhs, and beaten

up and taken with hydromel,[3176] they are good for an inveterate

cough. Some persons add grains of pepper,[3177] and others take them in

raisin wine.

Pistachio-nuts[3178] have the same properties, and are productive of

the same effects, as pine-nuts; in addition to which, they are used as

an antidote to the venom[3179] of serpents, eaten or taken in drink.

Chesnuts[3180] have a powerful effect in arresting fluxes of the

stomach and intestines, are relaxing to the bowels, are beneficial in

cases of spitting of blood, and have a tendency to make flesh.[3181]

CHAP. 79.—CAROBS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. THE CORNEL; ONE REMEDY.

THE FRUIT OF THE ARBUTUS.

Fresh carobs[3182] are unwholesome to the stomach, and relaxing to

the bowels;[3183] in a dried state, however, they are astringent, and

are much more beneficial to the stomach; they are diuretic also. For

pains in the stomach, persons boil three Syrian carobs[3184] with one

sextarius of water, down to one-half, and drink the decoction.

The juices which exude from the branches of the cornel[3185] are

received on a plate of red-hot iron[3186] without it touching the wood;

the rust of which is applied for the cure of incipient lichens. The

arbutus or unedo[3187] bears a fruit that is difficult of digestion,

and injurious to the stomach.

CHAP. 80.—THE LAUREL; SIXTY-NINE OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.

All parts of the laurel, both the leaves, bark, and berries, are

of a warming[3188] nature; and a decoction of them, the leaves

in particular, is very useful for affections of the bladder and

uterus.[3189] The leaves, applied topically, neutralize the poison of

wasps, bees, and hornets, as also that of serpents, the seps,[3190]

dipsas,[3191] and viper, in particular. Boiled in oil, they

promote the catamenia; and the more tender of the leaves beaten up

with polenta, are used for inflammations of the eyes, with rue for

inflammations of the testes, and with rose-oil, or oil of iris,[3192]

for head-ache. Three leaves, chewed and swallowed for three days in

succession, are a cure for cough, and beaten up with honey, for asthma.

The bark of the root is dangerous to pregnant women; the root itself

disperses calculi, and taken in doses of three oboli in aromatic wine,

it acts beneficially on the liver. The leaves, taken in drink, act as

an emetic;[3193] and the berries, pounded and applied as a pessary,

or else taken in drink, promote menstruation. Two of the berries with

the skin removed, taken in wine, are a cure for inveterate cough and

hardness of breathing; if, however, this is accompanied with fever,

they are given in water, or else in an electuary with raisin wine, or

boiled in hydromel. Employed in a similar manner, they are good for

phthisis, and for all defluxions of the chest, as they have the effect

of detaching the phlegm and bringing it off.

For stings inflicted by scorpions, four laurel-berries are taken in

wine. Applied with oil, they are a cure for epinyctis, freckles,

running sores, ulcers of the mouth, and scaly eruptions. The juice of

the berries is curative of porrigo and phthiriasis; and for pains in

the ears, or hardness of hearing, it is injected into those organs with

old wine and oil of roses. All venomous creatures fly at the approach

of persons who have been anointed with this juice: taken in drink, the

juice of the small-leaved[3194] laurel in particular, it is good for

stings inflicted by them. The berries,[3195] used with wine, neutralize

the venom of serpents, scorpions, and spiders; they are applied

also, topically, with oil and vinegar, in diseases of the spleen and

liver, and with honey to gangrenous sores. In cases of lassitude and

shivering fits, it is a very good plan to rub the body with juice of

laurel-berries mixed with nitre. Some persons are of opinion that

delivery is accelerated by taking laurel-root to the amount of one

acetabulum, in water, and that, used fresh, it is better than dried.

It is recommended by some authorities, to take ten of the berries in

drink, for the sting of the scorpion; and in cases of relaxation of the

uvula, to boil a quarter of a pound of the berries, or leaves, in three

sextarii of water, down to one third, the decoction being used warm, as

a gargle. For head-ache, also, it is recommended to bruise an uneven

number of the berries in oil, the mixture being warmed for use.

The leaves of the Delphic laurel[3196] bruised and applied to the

nostrils from time to time, are a preservative[3197] against contagion

in pestilence, and more particularly if they are burnt. The oil of

the[3198] Delphic laurel is employed in the preparation of cerates and

the medicinal composition known as “acopum,”[3199] and is used for fits

of shivering occasioned by cold, for the relaxation of the sinews, and

for the cure of pains in the side and the cold attacks in fevers.[3200]

Warmed in the rind of a pomegranate, it is applied topically for the

cure of ear-ache. A decoction of the leaves boiled down in water to one

third, used as a gargle, braces the uvula, and taken in drink allays

pains in the bowels and intestines. The more tender leaves, bruised in

wine and applied at night, are a cure for pimples and prurigo.

The other varieties of the laurel possess properties which are nearly

analogous. The root of the laurel of Alexandria,[3201] or of Mount

Ida,[3202] accelerates delivery, being administered in doses of three

denarii to three cyathi of sweet wine; it acts also as an emmenagogue,

and brings away the after-birth. Taken in drink in a similar manner,

the wild laurel, known as “daphnoides” and by the other names which

we have mentioned,[3203] is productive of beneficial effects. The

leaves of it, either fresh or dried, taken in doses of three drachmæ,

in hydromel with salt, act as a purgative[3204] upon the bowels. The

wood, chewed, brings off phlegm, and the leaves act as an “emetic;”

they are unwholesome, however, to the stomach. The berries, too, are

sometimes taken, fifteen in number, as a purgative.

CHAP. 81.—MYRTLE; SIXTY OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.

The white[3205] cultivated myrtle is employed for fewer medicinal

purposes than the black one.[3206] The berries[3207] of it are good

for spitting of blood, and taken in wine, they neutralize the poison

of fungi. They impart an agreeable smell[3208] to the breath, even

when eaten the day before; thus, for instance, in Menander we find the

Synaristosæ[3209] eating them. They are taken also for dysentery,[3210]

in doses of one denarius, in wine: and they are employed lukewarm, in

wine, for the cure of obstinate ulcers on the extremities. Mixed with

polenta, they are employed topically in ophthalmia, and for the cardiac

disease[3211] they are applied to the left breast. For stings inflicted

by scorpions, diseases of the bladder, head-ache, and fistulas of the

eye before suppuration, they are similarly employed; and for tumours

and pituitous eruptions, the kernels are first removed and the berries

are then pounded in old wine. The juice of the berries[3212] acts

astringently upon the bowels, and is diuretic: mixed with cerate it

is applied topically to blisters, pituitous eruptions, and wounds

inflicted by the phalangium; it imparts a black tint,[3213] also, to

the hair.

The oil of this myrtle is of a more soothing nature than the juice,

and the wine[3214] which is extracted from it, and which possesses the

property of never inebriating, is even more so. This wine, used when

old, acts astringently upon the stomach and bowels, cures griping pains

in those regions, and dispels nausea.

The dried leaves, powdered and sprinkled upon the body, check

profuse perspirations, in fever even; they are good, too, used as a

fomentation, for cœliac affections, procidence of the uterus, diseases

of the fundament, running ulcers, erysipelas, loss of the hair, scaly

and other eruptions, and burns. This powder is used as an ingredient,

also, in the plasters known as “liparæ;”[3215] and for the same reason

the oil of the leaves is used for a similar purpose, being extremely

efficacious as an application to the humid parts of the body, the mouth

and the uterus, for example.

The leaves themselves, beaten up with wine, neutralize[3216] the bad

effects of fungi; and they are employed, in combination with wax, for

diseases of the joints, and gatherings. A decoction of them, in wine,

is taken for dysentery and dropsy. Dried and reduced to powder, they

are sprinkled upon ulcers and hæmorrhages. They are useful, also,

for the removal of freckles, and for the cure of hang-nails,[3217]

whitlows, condylomata, affections of the testes, and sordid ulcers. In

combination with cerate, they are used for burns.

For purulent discharges from the ears, the ashes of the leaves are

employed, as well as the juice and the decoction: the ashes are also

used in the composition of antidotes. For a similar purpose the

blossoms are stripped from off the young branches, which are burnt in

a furnace, and then pounded in wine. The ashes of the leaves, too,

are used for the cure of burns. To prevent ulcerations from causing

swellings in the inguinal glands, it will suffice for the patient to

carry[3218] a sprig of myrtle about him which has never touched the

ground or any implement of iron.

CHAP. 82.—MYRTIDANUM: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.

We have already described the manner in which myrtidanum[3219] is made.

Applied in a pessary, or as a fomentation or liniment, it is good for

affections of the uterus, being much more efficacious than the bark of

the tree, or the leaves and seed. There is a juice also extracted from

the more tender leaves, which are pounded in a mortar for the purpose,

astringent wine, or, according to one method, rain-water, being poured

upon them a little at a time. This extract is used for the cure of

ulcers of the mouth, the fundament, the uterus, and the abdomen. It

is employed, also, for dyeing the hair black, the suppression of

exudations at the arm-pits,[3220] the removal of freckles, and other

purposes in which astringents are required.

CHAP. 83.—THE WILD MYRTLE, OTHERWISE CALLED OXYMYRSINE, OR

CHAMÆMYRSINE, AND THE RUSCUS: SIX REMEDIES.

The wild myrtle, oxymyrsine,[3221] or chamæmyrsine, differs from the

cultivated myrtle in the redness of its berries and its diminutive

height. The root of it is held in high esteem; a decoction of it,

in wine, is taken for pains in the kidneys and strangury, more

particularly when the urine is thick and fetid. Pounded in wine, it

is employed for the cure of jaundice, and as a purgative for the

uterus. The same method is adopted, also, with the young shoots, which

are sometimes roasted in hot ashes and eaten as a substitute for

asparagus.[3222]

The berries, taken with wine, or oil and vinegar, break calculi[3223]

of the bladder: beaten up with rose-oil and vinegar, they allay

head-ache. Taken in drink, they are curative of jaundice. Castor calls

the wild myrtle with prickly leaves, or oxymyrsine, from which brooms

are made, by the name of “ruscus”[3224]—the medicinal properties of it

are just the same.

Thus much, then, with reference to the medicinal properties of the

cultivated trees; let us now pass on to the wild ones.

SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and

eighteen.

ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—C. Valgius,[3225] Pompeius Lenæus,[3226] Sextius

Niger[3227] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[3228] who wrote in

Greek, Antonius Castor,[3229] M. Varro,[3230] Cornelius Celsus,[3231]

Fabianus.[3232]

FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[3233] Democritus,[3234]

Orpheus,[3235] Pythagoras,[3236] Mago,[3237] Menander[3238] who wrote

the “Biochresta,” Nicander,[3239] Homer, Hesiod,[3240] Musæus,[3241]

Sophocles,[3242] Anaxilaüs.[3243]

MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[3244] Callimachus,[3245]

Phanias[3246] the physician, Timaristus,[3247] Simus,[3248]

Hippocrates,[3249] Chrysippus,[3250] Diocles,[3251] Ophelion,[3252]

Heraclides,[3253] Hicesius,[3254] Dionysius,[3255] Apollodorus[3256]

of Citium, Apollodorus[3257] of Tarentum, Plistonicus,[3258]

Medius,[3259] Dieuches,[3260] Cleophantus,[3261] Philistion,[3262]

Asclepiades,[3263] Crateuas,[3264] Petronius Diodotus,[3265]

Iollas,[3266] Erasistratus,[3267] Diagoras,[3268] Andreas,[3269]

Mnesides,[3270] Epicharmus,[3271] Damion,[3272] Dalion,[3273]

Sosimenes,[3274] Tlepolemus,[3275] Metrodorus,[3276] Solo,[3277]

Lycus,[3278] Olympias[3279] of Thebes, Philinus,[3280] Petrichus,[3281]

Micton,[3282] Glaucias,[3283] Xenocrates.[3284]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] In B. ii. c. 63.

[2] Of course this is only mere declamation; it is not probable that

the animals have any notion at all of _sharpening_ the weapons that

nature has given; in addition to which, this mode of sharpening them

against hard substances would only wear away the enamel, and ultimately

destroy them. The acts of animals in a moment of rage or frenzy have

evidently been mistaken here for the dictates of instinct, or even a

superior intelligence.

[3] See B. xxv. c. 25, and B. xxvii. c. 76.

[4] In B. viii. c. 36. 41, 42. The works of the ancients, Fée remarks,

are full of these puerilities.

[5] This sentiment is not at all akin to the melancholy view which our

author takes of mankind at the beginning of B. vii. and in other parts

of this work. It is not improbable that his censures here are levelled

against some who had endeavoured to impede him in the progress of his

work.

[6] “Arvorum sacerdotes,” the priests of the fields.

[7] Or foster-mother. It has been suggested that the Rogations of

the Roman church may have possibly originated in the Ambarvalia, or

ceremonial presided over by the Arval priesthood.

[8] Made of salt and the meal or flour of spelt. Salt was the emblem of

wisdom, friendship, and other virtues.

[9] This, Fée observes, is not the case with any kind of wheat; with

manioc, which has an acrid principle, the process may be necessary, in

order to make it fit for food.

[10] Or Feast of the Furnace or Oven. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 5-25.

[11] Called the Terminalia. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 641, _et seq._

[12] Tertullian, De Spect. i. 16, calls this goddess by the name of

Sessia.

[13] Cœlius Rhodiginus, Turnebus, and Vossius, conjecture that the name

of this goddess, who might only be named in the field, was Tutelina.

Hardouin thinks that it was Segesta, here mentioned.

[14] Four Roman feet in width, and 120 in length.

[15] Quartarius.

[16] “Faba,” a bean; “Lens,” a lentil; and “Cicer,” a chick-pea.

[17] A “bubus,” from “oxen.” Caius Junius Bubulcus was twice Consul,

and once Master of the Horse.

[18] “Farreum” was a form of marriage, in which certain words were

used, in presence of ten witnesses, and were accompanied by a certain

religious ceremony, in which “panis farreus” was employed; hence this

form of marriage was called “confarreatio.”

[19] Farreum.

[20] De Re Rust. Preface.

[21] See B. xxxiii. c. 13.

[22] St. Augustin, De Civ. Dei., mentions a goddess, Bubona, the

tutelar divinity of oxen. Nothing seems to be known of these games.

[23] See B. xxxiii. c. 13. Macrobius says that it was Janus.

[24] Table vii. s. 2.

[25] On the “Nundinæ,” or ninth-day holiday: similar to our

market-days. According to _our_ mode of reckoning, it was every

_eighth_ day.

[26] From “ador,” the old name for “spelt:” because corn was the chief

reward given to the conqueror, and his temples were graced with a

wreath of corn.

[27] In the first place, it is difficult to see what there is in this

passage to admire, or “wonder at,” if that is the meaning of “admiror;”

and then, besides, it has no connection with the context. The text is

probably in a defective state.

[28] See c. 69 of this Book.

[29] “Vagina.” The meaning of this word here has not been exactly

ascertained. It has been suggested that the first period alludes to the

appearance of the stalk from its sheath of leaves, and the second to

the formation of the ear.

[30] A.U.C. 298.

[31] See B. xxxiv. c. 11. A.U.C. 317.

[32] Nundinis.

[33] On the road to Ostia. It was said to have received its name from

the Horatii and Curiatii.

[34] A.U.C. 345.

[35] A.U.C. 550. He alludes to the introduction of Cybele, from

Pessinus in Galatia, in the Second Punic war.

[36] A.U.C. 604. See B. viii. c. 6.

[37] Manius Curius Dentatus, Consul A.U.C. 464.

[38] A.U.C. 497.

[39] From “sero,” to sow. See the Æneid, B. vi. l. 844, where this

circumstance is alluded to.

[40] “Prata Quintia.” Hardouin says that in his time this spot was

still called _I Prati_: it lay beyond the Tiber, between the vineyard

of the Medici and the castle of Sant Angelo.

[41] He alludes to the twofold meaning of the word “coli,” “to be

tilled,” or “to receive homage from.”

[42] “Ergastulorum.” The “Ergastula” were places of punishment

attached to the country houses of the wealthy, for the chastisement of

refractory slaves, who were usually made to work in chains.

[43] In the First Book, as originally written. This list of writers is

appended in the present Translation to each respective Book.

[44] This is probably written in humble imitation of the splendid

exordium of the Georgics of Virgil.

[45] De Re Rust. Preface.

[46] Fée remarks, that we still recruit our armies mostly from the

agricultural class.

[47] De Re Rust. c. 1.

[48] Quoted by Columella, De Re Rust. B. i. 4. The sad fate of Regulus

is known to all readers of Roman history.

[49] From Columella, B. i. c. 3.

[50] De Re Rust. c. 1.

[51] It is still thought so in France, Fée says, and nothing has tended

more than this notion to the depreciation of the prices of wine.

[52] Hence the usual Latin name, “prata.”

[53] “Si sat bene.” Cicero, De Officiis, B. ii. n. 88, gives this

anecdote somewhat more at length.

[54] De Re Rust. c. 2.

[55] “Alienâ insaniâ frui.” We have a saying to a similar effect:

“Fools build houses, and wise men buy them.”

[56] “Frons domini plus prodest quam occipitium.” See Cato, De Re Rust.

c. 4; also Phædrus, B. iv. Fab. 19.

[57] Cato, c. 3. Varro and Columella give the same advice.

[58] See B. iii. c. 9.

[59] Sylla the Fortunate, the implacable enemy of Marius.

[60] Because, though the last comer, he had obtained the best site in

the locality.

[61] Od. v. 469. If the river has a bed of sand and high banks, it is

really advantageous than otherwise.

[62] In B. xvii. c. 3.

[63] Not to be found in his works which have come down to us.

[64] Prunus spinosa of Linnæus.

[65] See B. xix. c. 30; probably one of the genus Allium sphærocephalum

of Linnæus.

[66] “Herba pratensis.” It is not known with certainty to what plant

he alludes. Fée suggests that it may be the Poa pratensis, or else a

phleum, alopecurus, or dactylis. All the plants here mentioned by Pliny

will thrive in a calcareous soil, and their presence, as Fée remarks,

is of bad augury.

[67] He alludes to the famous maxim in the Georgics, B. ii. l. 412:—

——Laudato ingentia rura, Exiguum colito——

“Praise a large farm, cultivate a small one.”

[68] By introducing slovenly cultivation.

[69] That small part of it known to the Romans. Hardouin says that the

province of Zeugitana is alluded to, mentioned in B. v. c. 3.

[70] And reside on the farm.

[71] Villicus.

[72] De Re Rust. c. 5.

[73] A.U.C. 737.

[74] Probably because it entailed too great an expense. It may have

been deeply mortgaged: otherwise it is not clear why the heir refused

to take it, as he might have sold a part.

[75] He means to say that it is so much labour lost, as it will take

care of itself; but this is hardly in accordance with his numerous

directions given in B. xv. Virgil, Geor. B. ii. 421, _et seq._, speaks

of the olive as requiring no attention when it has once taken root.

[76] See B. xvii. c. 3.

[77] In throwing away money and labour upon land that does not require

it.

[78] Virgil, Georg. I. 268, _et seq._, speaks of the work that might

be done on feast days—making hedges, for instance, irrigating land,

catching birds, washing sheep, and burning weeds.

[79] “Ne familiæ male sit.”

[80] In B. xvii. c. 3.

[81] The Pteris aquilina, or female fern. No such juices drop from it

as here mentioned by Pliny, Fée says.

[82] A superstition quite unworthy of our author; and the same with

respect to that mentioned in the next line.

[83] Sub-soil drainage is now universally employed, with the agency of

draining-tiles, made for the purpose.

[84] The flower of the lupine could not possibly produce any such

effect; and the juice of cicuta, or hemlock, in only a very trifling

degree.

[85] This word answers to the Latin “frumenta,” which indicates all

those kinds of corn from which bread was prepared by the ancients.

[86] See c. 59 of this Book.

[87] Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, similar to the “siligo” mentioned in

the sequel. Winter wheat was greatly cultivated in Apulia.

[88] “Far.” This name is often used in the classics, to signify corn in

general; but in the more restricted sense in which it is here employed,

it is “Triticum dicoccum,” the “Zea” of the Greeks. It consists of two

varieties, the single grained, the Triticum monococcum of Linnæus, and

the double-grained, the Triticum spelta of Linnæus, which is still

called “farra” in Friuli.

[89] Hordeum sativum of Linnæus.

[90] See c. 66 of this Book.

[91] Panicum Italicum of Linnæus.

[92] Panicum miliaceum of Linnæus. This was probably one of the first

grains from which bread was made.

[93] The Sesamum orientale of Linnæus. It is no longer cultivated in

Europe, though formerly it was much used in Greece.

[94] It is very doubtful if this is the same as clary, the Salvia

horminum of Linnæus, as that is one of the Labiatæ, whereas here, most

probably, a leguminous plant is spoken of.

[95] It has been asserted that this is identical with the Sisymbrium

polyceratium of Linnæus, rock-gentle, rock-gallant, or winter-cress.

Fée, however, is strongly of opinion that it can only be looked for in

the Sisymbrium irio of Linnæus.

[96] Ervum lens of Linnæus.

[97] The Cicer arietinum of naturalists, the Garbanzo of the Spaniards.

It abounds in the south of Europe and in India.

[98] A variety of spelt was called by this name; but it was more

generally applied to a kind of flummery, pottage or gruel.

[99] Hence our word “forage.”

[100] Lupinus hirsutus and pilosus of Linnæus.

[101] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 2.

[102] All this, of course, depends upon numerous circumstances.

[103] This is certainly the fact, as Fée says, but it is the same with

all the graminea.

[104] A characteristic of the Panicum miliaceum in particular.

[105] Or porridge; “puls.”

[106] It has been suggested that this was maize, but that is indigenous

to South America. Fée has little doubt that it is the Holcus sorgho of

Linnæus, the “Indian millet,” that is meant.

[107] From the Greek φόβη. The stalk and husk of the sorgho is covered

with a fine down. The reading “cornis” has been adopted.

[108] This is considered by Fée to be very improbable.

[109] In reality these vary, according to the rapidity of the growth.

[110] Strictly speaking, spelt has seven.

[111]This depends upon the time when it is sown, and numerous other

circumstances.

[112] Strictly speaking, he is right; but still there is a swelling in

the stalk, to be perceived at the points where the leaves take their

rise.

[113] This is incorrect; they all of them throw out leaves from the

root.

[114] The same as the “Ervum” probably, the fitch, orobus, or bitter

vetch.

[115] Not so with the pea, as known to us.

[116] This is only true at the end of the season, and when the plant is

dying.

[117] These annuals lose their leaves only that have articulations on

the stem; otherwise they die outright at the fall of the leaf.

[118] If by “tunica” he means the husk of chaff, which surrounds the

grain, the assertion is contrary to the fact, in relation to barley and

the oat.

[119] Only another name, Fée thinks, for the Triticum hibernum, or

winter-wheat. Spelt or zea has been suggested, as also the white barley

of the south of Europe; see c. 20.

[120] Egyptian wheat, or rather what is called mummy-wheat, is bearded

equally to barley.

[121] Siligo.

[122] Before grinding.

[123] Oats and rye excepted.

[124] Here the word “far” means “a meal,” or “flour,” a substitute for

that of “far,” or “spelt.”

[125] Triticum monococcum, according to some. Fée identifies it with

the Triticum spelta of Linnæus.

[126] A variety, probably, of the Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, with

white grains; the white-wheat of the French, from which the ancient

Gauls made their malt; hence the French word “brasser,” to “brew.”

[127] From Theophrastus, De Causis, B. iv.

[128] That of the Ukraine and its vicinity, which is still held in high

esteem.

[129] Panis militaris.

[130] To the modius of wheat.

[131] He alludes to beer, or sweet-wort. See B. xiv. c. 29.

[132] He alludes to yeast. See B. xxii, c. 82.

[133] This assertion, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 4,

is not based on truth. It is possible that he may allude in reality to

some other gramineous plant.

[134] Trimestre.

[135] Bimestre.

[136] Columella (B. ii. c. 6) does _not_ state to this effect; on the

contrary, he speaks of the existence of a three months’ wheat; but he

asserts, and with justice, that wheat sown in the autumn is better than

that sown in March.

[137] If he alludes here to what Theophrastus says, his assertion is

simply that, in Bactria, the grains are as large as an olive-stone.

[138] There is no wild barley in India at the present day.

[139] Porridge, or fermenty.

[140] Oryza sativa of Linnæus.

[141] Like our rice-milk, probably. See B. xxii. c. 26.

[142] They are not carnose or fleshy, but thin, and similar to those of

the reed.

[143] On the contrary, it is tough and fibrous.

[144] The barley was, originally, the prize given to the victor in the

Eleusinian games.

[145] Or “barley-fed.”

[146] The ἀλφίτον of the Greeks.

[147] This, as Fée observes, would tend to give it a very disagreeable

flavour.

[148] “Acetabulum.”

[149] Similar to our pearl barley, probably.

[150] “Anguli.” Dalechamps interprets this as two rows of grain;

but Fée thinks that it signifies angles, and points. The Polygonum

fagopyrum of Linnæus, he says, buck-wheat, or black-wheat, has an

angular grain, but he doubts whether that can possibly be the grain

here alluded to.

[151] There is no barley without a beard; it is clearly a variety of

wheat that is alluded to.

[152] Triticum spelta of Linnæus.

[153] “Semen,” the same as zea, or spelt.

[154] Siligo.

[155] Ἄμυλον.

[156] De Re Rust. c. 87. This “amylum” seems somewhat to resemble our

starch.

[157] The Hordeum distichum of Linnæus.

[158] Hordeum hexastichum of Linnæus. The Hordeum vulgare, or common

barley, has but four rows.

[159] These varieties are not known at the present day, and Fée

questions if they ever existed. There is a black barley found in

Germany, the Hordeum nigrum of Willdenow.

[160] A calcareous soil is the best adapted for barley.

[161] Nova Carthago, or New Carthage.

[162] This fallacious opinion is shared with Galen, De Facult. Anim. B.

vi. c. 11.

[163] Siligo.

[164] Triticum.

[165] The Triticum dicoccum, or spelt.

[166] Probably rye. See the next Chapter.

[167] Semen.

[168] In c. 20, also in c. 29. This grain, which was in reality a

kind of spelt, received its name probably from having been the first

cultivated.

[169] Il. ii. c. 548: “the land that produces zea.”

[170] Not ἀπὸ τοῦ ζῆν, from “living.”

[171] Merely, as Fée says, from the faulty method employed in its

preparation, as starch has, in all cases, the same physical appearance.

[172] In c. 17 of this Book.

[173] In c. 3 of this Book.

[174] “Puls,” like our porridge.

[175] Any food that was originally eaten with “puls,” and afterwards

with bread, was so called, such as meat, vegetables, &c.

[176] “Offam.” This word, which in the later writers signifies a

“cake,” originally meant a hardened lump of porridge.

[177] Pulte fritillâ.

[178] “Siligo.” There are numerous contradictions in Pliny with

reference to this plant, but it is now pretty generally agreed that it

is the Triticum hibernum of Linnæus: the “froment tousselle” of the

French. It was formerly the more general opinion that it was identical

with spelt; but that cannot be the case, as spelt is red, and siligo is

described as white.

[179] “Sine virtute.” It is doubtful what is the meaning of this.

[180] Sine pondere.

[181] In other places he says, most unaccountably, that wheat

“degenerates into siligo.”

[182] As to this practice, see c. 29.

[183] “Quam vocant castratam.”

[184] From this account, it would appear that there were twenty-four

sextarii to the modius; but the account in general is very

contradictory.

[185] Salt water is rarely used for this purpose in modern times. See

this passage discussed in Beckmann on Inventions, _Bohn’s Ed._ vol. i.

p. 164.

[186] “Artopticio.” See c. 27 of this Book.

[187] Without tin, probably; or the tin bread may have been baked

before the fire, similar to the method adopted at the present day with

the American ovens.

[188] “Similago.” Founders still use meal occasionally for making

moulds; it is also employed in making paper.

[189] The mention of “hundreds” here is evidently faulty, unless the

other part of the passage is corrupt. Fée suggests twenty-two and

twenty-seven.

[190] But above we find him stating that “secundarius,” “seconds”

flour, and “cibarius,” or “coarse,” meal, are the same thing. His

contradictions cannot apparently be reconciled.

[191] The whole of this passage, as Brotier remarks, is evidently

corrupt.

[192] Fée has no doubt that this was siligo, or winter-wheat, in a very

high state of cultivation.

[193] Il. v. l. 195.

[194] There are still some varieties both of winter-wheat and spelt

that have the beard.

[195] It is generally thought that this is the oat, the Avena sativa of

Linnæus, while some have suggested rice. Fée thinks that by the name,

some exotic gramineous plant is meant.

[196] Probably a variety of spelt, as Sprengel conjectures, from Galen

and other writers. See c. 16 of this Book.

[197] Fée thinks that it is the grain of the Festuca fluitans of

Linnæus that is here alluded to, and identifies it with the “ulva

palustris” of Virgil, Geor. iii. 174.

[198] The Latin word “degener” cannot here mean “degenerate,” in our

sense of the word, but must merely imply a change of nature in the

plant.

[199] See B. xvii. c. 3.

[200] We know of no such fruitfulness as this in the wheat of Europe.

Fifteen-fold, as Fée remarks, is the utmost amount of produce that can

be anticipated.

[201] Fée mentions instances of 150, 92, and 63 stalks arising from

a single grain; but all these fall far short of the marvels here

mentioned by Pliny.

[202] The Triticum compositum of Linnæus; supposed to have originally

come from Egypt or Barbary.

[203] “Centigranium.” Probably the same as the last.

[204] In c. 10 of this Book.

[205] See c. 10.

[206] Pinguius.

[207] Already mentioned in c. 10.

[208] See B. xix. c. 47; and B. xx. c. 57.

[209] This would rather _grate_ the grain than _pound_ it, as Beckmann

observes. See his Hist. Inv., vol. i. pp. 147 and 164, _Bohn’s Ed._,

where the meaning of this passage has been commented upon. Gesner,

also, in his Lexicon Rusticum, has endeavoured to explain it.

[210] Ruido.

[211] It is surprising to find the Romans, not only kneading their

bread with sea-water, but putting in it pounded bricks, chalk, and sand!

[212] Beard chaff; so called, probably, from the sharpness of the

points, like needles (acus).

[213] See B. xxxiii. c. 3; where he says, that a fire lighted with this

chaff, fuses gold more speedily than one made with maple wood.

[214] The Tartars still employ millet as one of their principal

articles of food. They also extract a kind of wine from it.

[215] Virgil alludes to this, Georg. iii. 463.

[216] Panic is still employed more than any other grain in the south of

France.

[217] Or grape-juice. This must have tended to affect the taste of the

bread.