Chapter XXXI: Book XXIII (7)

[1940] “Concolori amplitudine.” Gronovius, with considerable justice, expresses himself at a loss as to the exact meaning of these words. If Sprengel and Salmasius are right in their conjectures that the Caltha of Pliny and Virgil is the marigold, our Calendula officinalis, the passage cannot mean that the flower of it is of the same size and colour with any variety of the violet mentioned in the preceding Chapter. From the description given of it by Dioscorides, it is more than probable that the Caltha of the ancients is not the marigold, and Hardouin is probably right in his conjecture that Pliny intends to describe a variety of the violet under the name. Fée is at a loss as to its identification.

[1941] Or “royal broom.” Sprengel thinks that this is the Chenopodium scoparia, a plant common in Greece and Italy; and Fée is inclined to coincide with that opinion, though, as he says, there are numerous other plants with odoriferous leaves and pliant shoots, as its name, broom, would seem to imply. Other writers would identify it with a Sideritis, and others, again, with an Achillæa.

[1942] See B. xii. c. 26. Fée is inclined to coincide with Ruellius, and to identify this with the Digitalis purpurea, clown’s spikenard, or our Lady’s gloves. The only strong objection to this is the fact that the root of the digitalis has a very faint but disagreeable smell, and not at all like that of cinnamon. But then, as Fée says, we have no positive proof that the “cinnamomum” of the ancients is identical with our cinnamon. See Vol. iii. p. 138. Sprengel takes the “bacchar” of Virgil to be the Valeriana Celtica, and the “baccharis” of the Greeks to be the Gnaphalium sanguineum, a plant of Egypt and Palestine. The bacchar has been also identified with the Asperula odorata of Linnæus, the Geum urbanum of Linnæus (the root of which has the smell of cloves), the Inula Vaillantii, the Salvia Sclarea, and many other plants.

[1943] “Barbaricam.” Everything that was not indigenous to the territory of Rome, was “barbarum,” or “barbaricum.”

[1944] Cæsalpinus says that this is a rushy plant, called, in Tuscany, Herba luziola; but Fée is quite at a loss for its identification.

[1945] Sillig is most probably right in his surmise that there is an hiatus here.

[1946] In B. xii. c. 27. Asarum Europæum, or foal-foot.

[1947] Probably meaning that it comes from ἀ, “not,” and σαίρω, “to adorn.”

[1948] Or Crocus, the Crocus sativus of Linnæus, from the prepared stigmata of which the saffron of commerce is made. It is still found growing wild on the mountains in the vicinity of Athens, and is extensively cultivated in many parts of Europe.

[1949] “Degenerans ubique.” Judging from what he states below, he may possibly mean, if grown repeatedly on the same soil.

[1950] He may allude either to the city of Phlegra of Macedonia, or to the Phlegræan Plains in Campania, which were remarkable for their fertility. Virgil speaks of the saffron of Mount Tmolus in Cilicia.

[1951] It is very extensively adulterated with the petals of the marigold, as also the Carthamus tinctorius, safflower, or bastard saffron.

[1952] This is the case; for when it is brittle it shows that it has not been adulterated with water, to add to its weight.

[1953] Perhaps the reading here, “Cum sit in medio candidum,” is preferable; “because it is white in the middle.”

[1954] “White throughout.”

[1955] He contradicts himself here; for in c. 79 of this Book, he says that chaplets of saffron are good for dispelling the fumes of wine.

[1956] “Ad theatra replenda.” It was the custom to discharge saffron-water over the theatres with pipes, and sometimes the saffron was mixed with wine for the purpose. It was discharged through pipes of very minute bore, so that it fell upon the spectators in the form of the finest dust. See Lucretius, B. ii. l. 416; Lucan, Phars. ix. l. 808-810; and Seneca, Epist. 92.

[1957] It flowers so rapidly, in fact, that it is difficult to avoid the loss of a part of the harvest.

[1958] The whole of this passage is from Theophrastus, De Odorib.

[1959] This statement, though borrowed from Theophrastus, is not consistent with fact. The root of saffron is not more long-lived than any other bulbs of the Liliaceæ.

[1960] Because, Dalechamps says, all the juices are thereby thrown back into the root, which consequently bears a stronger flower the next year.

[1961] Il. xiv. l. 348.

[1962] see B. xiii. c. 32.

[1963] All these statements as to the odours of various substances, are from Theophrastus, De Causis, B. vi. c. 22.

[1964] He does _not_ say, however, that it is but rarely that a bitter substance is not odoriferous; a sense in which Fée seems to have understood him, as he says, “This assertion is not true in general, and there are numerous exceptions; for instance, quassia wood, which is inodorous and yet intensely bitter.” The essential oil, he remarks, elaborated in the tissue of the corolla, is the ordinary source of the emanations of the flower.

[1965] Fée remarks that cultivation gives to plants a softer and more aqueous consistency, which is consequently injurious to the developement of the essential oil.

[1966] Theophrastus, from whom this is borrowed, might have said with more justice, Fée remarks, that certain roses have more odour when dried than when fresh gathered. Such is the case, he says, with the Provence rose. Fresh roses, however, have a more pronounced smell, the nearer they are to the olfactory organs.

[1967] This is by no means invariably the case: in fact, the smell of most odoriferous plants is most powerful in summer.

[1968] Because the essential oils evaporate more rapidly.

[1969] With Littré, we adopt the reading “ætate,” “mid-age,” and not “æstate,” “midsummer,” for although the assertion would be in general correct, Pliny would contradict the statement just made, that all plants have a more penetrating odour in spring. This reading is supported also by the text of Theophrastus.

[1970] Or saffron.

[1971] This is a just observation, but the instances might be greatly extended, as Fée says.

[1972] See B. xviii. c. 39.

[1973] The white lily and the red lily. See c. 11 of this Book.

[1974] As to the Abrotonum, see B. xiii. c. 2, and c. 34 of this Book.

[1975] See c. 35 of this Book.

[1976] Or in other words, the interior of the petals has a more bitter flavour than that of the exterior surface.

[1977] Pliny makes a mistake here, in copying from Theophrastus. De Causis, B. vi. c. 25. That author is speaking not of the flower, but of the rainbow, under the name of “iris.” Pliny has himself made a similar statement as to the rainbow, in B. xii. c. 52, which he would appear here to have forgotten.

[1978] The Cheiranthus tristis of Linnæus, or sad gilliflower, Fée thinks.

[1979] See B. viii. c. 23. Pliny did not know of the existence of the musk-deer, the Muschus moschiferus of Eastern Asia: and he seems not to have thought of the civet, (if, indeed, it was known to him) the fox, the weasel, and the polecat, the exhalations from which have a peculiar smell. The same, too, with the urine of the panther and other animals of the genus Felis.

[1980] For some superstitious reason, in all probability. Pliny mentions below, the formalities with which this plant ought to be gathered.

[1981] See B. xiii. c. 2. The ancient type of this plant, our iris, sword-lily, or flower-de-luce, was probably the Iris Florentina or Florentine iris of modern botany.

[1982] At the present day, too, it is the root of the plant that is the most important part of it.

[1983] The Iris Florentina, probably, of Linnæus.

[1984] Mentioned by Nicander, Theriaca, l. 43.

[1985] Probably a variety only of the preceding kind.

[1986] The most common varieties in Africa are the Iris alata of Lamarck, I. Mauritanica of Clusius, I. juncea, and I. stylosa of Desfontaines.

[1987] “Raphanus.” C. Bauhin identifies the Rhaphanitis with the Iris biflora, and the Rhizotomus with the Iris angustifolia prunum redolens.

[1988] See c. 38 of this Book.

[1989] No kind of iris, Fée says, fresh or dried, whole or powdered, is productive of this effect.

[1990] Very similar, probably, to that of Illyria.

[1991] All these superstitions are from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 9.

[1992] This, Fée says, is quite consistent with modern experience.

[1993] “Irinum.” See B. xiii. c. 2.

[1994] Probably the Valeriana Celtica of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 27, where it is mentioned as Gallic nard.

[1995] “Cæspes.”

[1996] See B. iii. c. 21.

[1997] Probably the Teucrium polium of Linnæus; the herb poley, or poley-mountain.

[1998] By those who carry it on their person.

[1999] This marvel is related by Dioscorides in reference to the Tripolium, and not the Polium.

[2000] The Teucrium montanum, probably, of Linnæus.

[2001] This name belongs, properly, to the wild or mountain Polium.

[2002] “Principales.” The meaning of this term is explained at the end of this Chapter. Red, yellow, and blue—or else, red, green, and violet, are probably the _primary_ colours of light.

[2003] See B. ix. c. 65, and B. xvi. c. 12. He alludes to the Coccus ilicis of Linnæus.

[2004] See B. xxxvii. c. 40, as to the meaning of the word “Suspectus.” This passage, however, as Sillig remarks, is hopelessly corrupt.

[2005] See B. ix. cc. 60, 63.

[2006] “Doubly-dyed,” or “twice dipped,” in purple. See B. ix. c. 63. Littré remarks here that, according to Doctor Bizio, it was the Murex brandaris that produced the Tyrian purple, and the Murex trunculus the amethystine purple.

[2007] Or “violet-colour.” See B. xxxvii. c. 40.

[2008] For further information on these tints, see B. ix. cc. 64, 65.

[2009] Belonging, probably, Fée thinks, to the Cruciferæ of the genera Hesperis and Cheiranthus.

[2010] “Flammeis” The “flammeum,” or flame-coloured veil of the bride, was of a bright yellow, or rather orange-colour, perhaps.

[2011] The Celosia cristata of Linnæus.

[2012] “Spica.” The moderns have been enabled to equal the velvety appearance of the amaranth in the tints imparted by them to their velvets. The Italians call it the “velvet-flower.”

[2013] The real fact is, that the amaranth, being naturally a dry flower, and having little humidity to lose, keeps better than most others.

[2014] From the Greek ἀ, “not,” and [μαραίνεσθαι], “to fade.”

[2015] Being the Greek for “blue” or “azure.”

[2016] The Centaurea cyanus of Linnæus; our blue-bell.

[2017] Meaning “all gold.” It has been identified with the Gnaphalium stœchas of Linnæus, the _immortelle_ of the French, which forms the ingredient for their funereal chaplets.

[2018] Sprengel says that this is the Geum rivale of Linnæus; but then the Geum is a spring, and not an autumn flower, its blossoms bear no resemblance to those of the eglantine, and its seeds are not yellow.

[2019] Generally supposed to be the Chrysanthemum segetum, or golden daisy.

[2020] “Pastillicantibus quinquagenis quinis barbulis coronatur.” Pliny is unusually verbose here.

[2021] “Golden locks,” or “gold plant;” probably the Chrysocoma linosyris of Linnæus; though the name appears to have been given to numerous plants.

[2022] See B. xvi. c. 69, B. xviii. c. 65, B. xix. c. 2, B. xxiv. c. 40; also c. 42 of the present Book.

[2023] The Nerium oleander of Linnæus. See B. xvi. c. 33, and B. xxiv. cc. 47, 49.

[2024] As to the Zizyphum, or jujube, see B. xv. c. 14. The flower, as Pliny says, is not unlike that of the olive; but Fée remarks, that it may at the present day as justly be called the tree of Provence or of Italy, as in ancient times “the tree of Cappadocia.”

[2025] B. xxv. c. 67.

[2026] See B. v. c. 41.

[2027] See B. xvi. cc. 62 and 63, and B. xxiv. cc. 47 and 49.

[2028] Or Vitis alba, “white vine,” the Bryonia dioica of modern botany. See B. xxiii. c. 16.

[2029] The Spiræa salicifolia of Linnæus, or meadowsweet.

[2030] See B. xx. c. 67, and c. 30 of this Book.

[2031] The Daphne Cnidium of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. 35; also B. xii. c. 43. It is altogether different from the Laurus cassia, or genuine cassia.

[2032] See B. xx. c. 63.

[2033] See B. xx. c. 45.

[2034] “Sertula Camapana.”

[2035] Most probably, Fée thinks, the Trifolium Melilotus officinalis, a clover, or trefoil.

[2036] The Psoranthea bituminosa of Linnæus. It is found on declivities near the sea-coast, in the south of Europe.

[2037] “Pointed trefoil.” Pliny has probably committed an error here, as Dioscorides makes oxyphyllum, minyanthes, and asphaltium to be different names of the same variety. Sprengel, however, identifies this pointed trefoil with the Trifolium Italicum of Linnæus.

[2038] The Anethum fæniculum of Linnæus. See B. viii. c. 41, B. xx. c. 95, and B. xxx. c. 9.

[2039] See B. xx. c. 96.

[2040] The “mouse-killer.” Probably the Aconitum napellus of Linnæus. See B. xxvii. c. 2.

[2041] See B. xvi. c. 62.

[2042] Fée remarks, that there is no such ivy in existence; he agrees with Dalechamps in the opinion that Pliny has confounded κίσσος, “ivy,” with κίστος, the “rock-rose.” See B. xvi. c. 62.

[2043] The Daphne Cnidium and the Daphne Cneorum of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. 35, and B. xv. c. 7.

[2044] In reality, they blossom in April and May, and mostly a second time in autumn as well, the Daphne Cneorum in particular.

[2045] See B. xx. c. 69.

[2046] Under the head “Thymus,” Fée thinks that both the Satureia capitata of Linnæus, headed savory, and the Thymus vulgaris, and Thymus zygis of Linnæus (varieties of thyme), should be included.

[2047] Fée thinks that in the expression “nigricans,” he may allude to the deep red of the stalk of some kinds of thyme, more particularly at the end of summer. It is the Thymus zigis that has a white, downy stem.

[2048] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 2, and De Causis, B. i. c. 5. Fée suggests, that the seed, lying at the bottom of the calyx, may have escaped notice, and that in reality, when the ancients imagined they were sowing the blossoms, they were putting the seed in the earth. That, in fact, seems to agree with the view which Pliny takes of the matter.

[2049] Which lies in the interior of the Peloponnesus.

[2050] See B. xv. c. 1.

[2051] “Lapidei Campi.” See B. iii. c. 5.

[2052] Similar to our practice of depasturing sheep on Dartmoor and other favourite moors and downs.

[2053] Fée takes this to be the Inula viscosa of Desfontaines, and identifies the other kind with the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. See B. xx. cc. 63, 64.

[2054] B. xx. c. 64.

[2055] Supposed to be the same as the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus.

[2056] Sprengel identifies it with the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus. As described by Dioscorides, however, Fée takes it to be the Lilium Martagon, or Turk’s-cap lily. See c. 90 of this Book.

[2057] This is different from the Helenium of the Greeks, the Inula Helenium of Linnæus, mentioned in B. xv. c. 7. Sprengel identifies it with the Teucrium Creticum of Linnæus, the Cretan germander.

[2058] See B. xx. c. 91.

[2059] “Flame.” Sprengel identifies it with the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus, making the flower of Jove to be the Agrostemma flos Jovis.

[2060] Fée remarks, that if this is our Thymus serpyllum, this exception is inexact.

[2061] For two islands of this name, see B. iv. c. 20, and c. 23.

[2062] The female Abrotonum is identified with the Santolina chamæcyparissus of Linnæus: the little-cypress Santoline. The male is the Artemisia abrotonum of Linnæus, our southern-wood.

[2063] Pliny has probably committed an error here in transcribing from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, who, when speaking of the abrotonum, says, “It is transplanted in earthen pots, in the way employed for the gardens of Adonis,” these gardens being moveable parterres, laid out in pots or vases. We cannot agree with Hardouin, who looks upon the Adonium as a variety of the Abrotonum, and censures Salmasius for accusing Pliny of committing an error here.

[2064] The “White flower.” See B. xxii. c. 26.

[2065] See B. xiii. c. 2. The sampsuchum, or amaracus, is generally thought to be the sweet marjoram, or Origanum marjorana of Linnæus. But Fée identifies it with the Origanum majoranoides of Willdenow, our organy, wild or false marjoram.

[2066] The “night-watcher.” According to Sprengel, this is the Cæsalpina pulcherrima of Linnæus. But, as Fée says, that is entirely an Indian plant, and has only been introduced but very recently into Europe. Hardouin identifies it with a plant called “lunaria” by the naturalists of his day, which shines, he says, with the moon at night.

[2067] The Cæsalpina pulcherrima is not to be found in or near Gedrosia (in ancient Persia), but solely on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

[2068] From χῆνες “geese” and μύχος a “corner;” because geese run into a corner on seeing it.

[2069] As to the meaning of this word, see B. xxviii. c. 47.

[2070] See c. 29 of this Book.

[2071] This has been thought to be the Cheiranthus incanus, Cheiranthus annus, and Leucoium vernum of modern botany; but Fée is of opinion that it is next to impossible to identify it. See c. 14 of this Book.

[2072] See c. 33 of this Book.

[2073] See B. xxv. c. 67.

[2074] In c. 11 of this Book. There is no late variety of the lily known at the present day.

[2075] Or “wind flower:” the Anemone coronaria of Linnæus.

[2076] A ranunculus. See c. 94 of this Book.

[2077] Or “vine-blossom.” See c. 95 of this Book.

[2078] Or “black violet,” mentioned by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7. Pliny may probably mean the purple violet, mentioned by him in c. 14 of this Book. “Melanthium” is another reading.

[2079] Not improbably the same as the “holochrysos,” mentioned in c. 24 of this Book.

[2080] “Meadow” anemone.

[2081] “The little sword.” See c. 67 of this Book.

[2082] There have been conflicting opinions as to the identification of the hyacinth of the ancients. Linnæus identifies it with the Delphinium Ajacis: Sprengel and Salmasius with the Gladiolus communis: Sibthorp with the Gladiolus communis triphyllos: Dodonæus and Porta the Lilium bulbiferum: and Martyn and Fée the Lilium Martagon of Linnæus, the Turk’s-cap lily. From what Pliny says in cc. 39 and 97 of this Book, and in B. xxv. c. 80, it is pretty clear that under the name of hyacinth he has confused the characteristics of two different plants. The hyacinth, too, of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 5, is a different plant, Fée remarks, being the Hyacinthus comosus of modern botanists.

[2083] The Greek ΑΙ, “Alas!” which the ancients fancied they saw impressed on the leaves.

[2084] See Ovid’s Met. B. x. l. 162-220.

[2085] See Ovid’s Met. B. xiii. l. 397, _et seq._

[2086] “Unsullied by fire.”

[2087] Or “light” flower: the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus.

[2088] Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, mentions the “cerinthus” next after the flower of Jove: Pliny seems to have taken it for a kind of lily. This flower has not been identified.

[2089] Sprengel takes this to be the Lavandula spica, or Lavender.

[2090] Hardouin identifies this with the Lychnis Chalcedonica, or Cross of Jerusalem, with which opinion Fée seems inclined to coincide. Other commentators incline to the opinion that it is the Jasminum fruticans, a plant in which, beyond its smell, there is nothing at all remarkable. The exotic monocotyledon, known as the “Pothos,” has no connection with the plant here mentioned.

[2091] This, according to some, is the Lychnis Chalcedonica, the next being the Jasminum fruticans.

[2092] As known to us, all the varieties of the iris blossom in spring.

[2093] The purple lily, Fée thinks.

[2094] If this is the correct reading, which is very doubtful, this plant is unknown. M. Jan has suggested that Pliny, in copying from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, has read ὀρσινὸς by mistake for ὀρεινός, “mountainous,” the original meaning being, “Two varieties of saffron, one of them growing on the mountains, the other cultivated;” and this last word being rendered by Pliny “hebes,” translated above as meaning “inodorous.”

[2095] The Acanthus, probably. See B. xxii. c. 34, and B. xxiv. c. 66.

[2096] Forskhal speaks of an acanthus in Arabia, the leaves of which are eaten raw. Fée thinks, that these shoots might be eaten without any inconvenience, but doubts if they would make such a tempting morsel as Pliny describes.

[2097] Or blue-bell.

[2098] Linnæus and other authorities identify this with the Clematis of Dioscorides, the Vinca major and minor of modern botany, our periwinkle. Fée, however, is inclined to identify it with the Chamædaphne, or ground-laurel of B. xv. c. 39, the Ruscus racemosus of Linnæus.

[2099] See c. 38 of this Book.

[2100] This method of cultivation, also mentioned by Theophrastus, is never employed in modern horticulture.

[2101] In c. 10 of this Book.

[2102] See B. xix. c. 50.

[2103] “Honey-leaf.” The Melissa officinalis of Linnæus: our balm-gentle. It is the same as the “apiastrum,” though Pliny has erroneously made them distinct plants.

[2104] “Wax-flower.” The Cerinthe major of Linnæus: the greater honeywort.

[2105] See B. xi. c. 8. On the contrary, Virgil says, Georg. iv. l. 20, that a wild olive-tree should be planted near the hives, to protect them with its shade. Varro says also, De Re Rust. iii. 16, that the bee extracts honey from the olive-tree; but according to Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. ix. c. 64, it is from the leaf, and not the flower of that tree that the honey is extracted.

[2106] See B. xv. c. 31. Fée is inclined to doubt the correctness of the assertion here made by Pliny.

[2107] See B. xiv. c. 5. The remedies for the diseases of bees in modern times are of a very similar nature, but attention is equally paid to the proper ventilation of the hives.

[2108] This plan is still adopted on the river Po, the ancient Padus, as also at Beauce, in the south of France, where the hives are carried from place to place upon carts. In the north of England it is the practice to carry the hives to the moors in autumn.

[2109] This has been doubted by Spielmann, but it is nevertheless the truth; the nature of the sugar secreted by the glands of the nectary, being analogous to that of the plant which furnishes it. The honey gathered from aconite in Switzerland has been known to produce vertigo and even delirium. Dr. Barton also gives a similar account of the effects of the poisonous honey collected from the Kalmia latifolia in Pennsylvania; and Geoffroi Saint Hilaire says that, having eaten in Brazil some honey prepared by a wasp called “lecheguana,” his life was put in very considerable danger thereby. Xenophon also speaks of the effects of the intoxicating or maddening honey upon some of the Ten Thousand in their retreat.

[2110] The rhododendrons and rose laurels, Fée says, which are so numerous in these parts, render the fact here stated extremely probable.

[2111] “Goats’ death.” Fée says that this is the Rhododendron Ponticum of Linnæus. Desfontaines identifies it with the Azalea Pontica of modern botany.

[2112] In reality, there are no visible signs by which to detect that the honey is poisonous.

[2113] B. xxix. c. 31.

[2114] See B. xii. c. 25.

[2115] Μαινόμενον, “maddening.”

[2116] The ægolethron of the preceding Chapter, Fée thinks. If so, the word rhododendron, he says, would apply to two plants, the Nerion oleander or rose laurel (see B. xvi. c. 33), and the Rhododendron Ponticum.

[2117] Fée refuses to credit this: but still such a thing might accidentally happen.

[2118] These asserted remedies would be of no use whatever, Fée says.

[2119] See B. vii. c. 2.

[2120] Fée seems to take it for granted that Pliny is speaking here of honey made by other insects than bees; but such does not appear to be the case.

[2121] Fée remarks here that Pliny is right, and that Columella and Palladius are wrong, who would have the hives to look due north.

[2122] Lapis specularis: a sort of talc, probably. See B. iii. c. 4. B. ix. c. 56. B. xv. c. 1. B. xix. c. 23, and B. xxxvi. c. 45.

[2123] In B. ix. c. 16, he mentions hives made of horn for this purpose. Glass hives are now made for the purpose, but the moisture which adheres to the interior of the glass prevents the operations of the bees from being watched with any degree of nicety.

[2124] “Cognatum hoc.” He probably alludes to the notion entertained by the ancients that bees might be reproduced from the putrefied entrails of an ox, as wasps from those of a horse. See the story of Aristæus in B. iv. of Virgil’s Georgics.

[2125] Or butterflies—“papiliones.”

[2126] “Teredines.”

[2127] Honeycombs and rough wax are placed in the hive, when the bees are in want of aliment; also honey and sugar-sirop.

[2128] “Defrutum:” grape-juice boiled down to one-half.

[2129] Fée is at a loss to know how this could be of any service as an aliment to bees.

[2130] A mere puerility, Fée says.

[2131] But extremely weak, no doubt; for after boiling, the hydromel must be subjected, first to vinous, and then to acetous, fermentation.

[2132] The method here described differs but little from that employed at the present day.

[2133] “Sporta.”

[2134] Or Carthaginian.

[2135] In reality, the wax has properties totally different from those of the honey, and it is not always gathered from the same plants.

[2136] A kind of bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6.

[2137] Neither the nitre nor the salt, Fée says, would be of the slightest utility.

[2138] By causing the aqueous particles that may remain in it, to evaporate.

[2139] Or “likenesses”—“similitudines.” Waxen profiles seem to have been the favourite likenesses with the Romans: See the Asinaria of Plautus, A. iv. sc. i. l. 19, in which one of these portraits is clearly alluded to. Also Ovid, Heroid. xiii. l. 152, and Remed. Amor. l. 723. The “imagines” also, or busts of their ancestors, which were kept in their “atria,” were made of wax.

[2140] To protect the paintings, probably, with which the walls were decorated.

[2141] In B. xi.

[2142] See B. xv. c. 28.

[2143] See B. xxiii. c. 17. According to some authorities, it is supposed to be the Delphinium staphis agria of Linnæus; but Fée and Desfontaines identify it with the Tamus communis of Linnæus, Our Lady’s seal.

[2144] The Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. 83.

[2145] In B. xxii. c. 33, this plant is called “halimon.” Some authors identify it with the Atriplex halymus, and others, again, with the Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus. See also B. xxvi. c. 50.

[2146] Identified by some commentators with the Portulaca sativa or Portulaca oleracea of Linnæus.

[2147] “Pastinaca pratensis.” Fée and Desfontaines are undecided whether this is the Daucus carota of Linnæus, the common carrot, or the Pastinaca sativa, the cultivated parsnip.

[2148] “Lupus salictarius,” the “willow wolf,” literally; the Humulus lupulus of Linnæus. It probably took its Latin name from the tenacity with which it clung to willows and osiers.

[2149] The Arum colocasia of Linnæus.

[2150] The “bean.” Not, however, the Egyptian bean, which is the Nymphæa nelumbo of Linnæus, the Nelumbum speciosum of Willdenow.

[2151] These filaments are mentioned also by Martial, Epig., B. viii. Ep. 33, and B. xiii. Ep. 57. But according to Desfontaines, this description applies to the stalks of the Nymphæa lotos, and not of the Arum colocasia.

[2152] “Thyrsus.”

[2153] Desfontaines has identified this with the Arctium lappa of botanists; but that is a land plant, and this, Pliny says, grows in the rivers, if the reading here is correct, it cannot be the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxv. c. 58.

[2154] This applies, Desfontaines says, to the Nymphæa nelumbo.

[2155] Here he returns, according to Desfontaines, to the Arum colocasia.

[2156] See B. xx. c. 29.

[2157] “Intubum erraticum.”

[2158] The Cyperus Esculentus of Linnæus.

[2159] Theophrastus, B. iv. c. 10, says that it grows in the sandy soil in the vicinity of the river.

[2160] It is similar in appearance to the papyrus, and its tubercles are oblong, or round and fleshy, with an agreeable flavour.

[2161] The Arachis hypogæa of Linnæus, the earth pistachio.

[2162] The root is not large; but the fruit is so close to the earth that Pliny may have confounded it with the real root of the plant.

[2163] Sprengel identifies this with the Lathyrus amphicarpos, and the aracos with the Lathyrus tuberosus, varieties of the chicheling vetch. Columna thinks that this last was the arachidna. Fée says that the data are altogether insufficient to enable us to form an opinion.

[2164] The Chondrylla juncea of Linnæus, according to Fée; but Desfontaines identifies it with the Lactuca perennis.

[2165] Desfontaines identifies it with the Hyoseris lucida. Fée says that the opinion is equally as difficult to combat as to support.

[2166] Fée identifies it with the Caucalis grandiflora of Linnæus, a native of Greece. Desfontaines mentions the Caucalis Orientalis, an Eastern plant.

[2167] For this and the Scandix, see B. xxii. c. 38.

[2168] A chicoraceous plant: the Tragopogon crocifolius of Linnæus.

[2169] See c. 104 of this Book.

[2170] See cc. 35 and 105 of this Book.

[2171] The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus: still cultivated in Egypt.

[2172] Identified by some, but it is doubtful if with any good reason, with the Leontodon taraxacum of Linnæus: our dandelion.

[2173] The reading is doubtful, and it does not appear to have been identified.

[2174] Or “stone-plant:” identified with the Sedum anacampseros of Linnæus: a variety of house-leek.

[2175] On the contrary, it has a purple flower.

[2176] It is this, probably, that has caused it to be identified with the Leontodon taraxacum.

[2177] The Carthamus tinctorius of Linnæus, or bastard saffron. The seed of it is a powerful purgative to man, but has no effect on birds: it is much used for feeding parrots, hence one of its names, “parrot-seed.”

[2178] Identified by Fée with the Atractylis of Dioscorides, the Carthamus mitissimus of Linnæus; the Carduncellus mitissimus of Decandolle.

[2179] From ἄτρακτος, “a distaff.”

[2180] The Centaurea lanata of Decandolle, the Centaurea benedicta of Linnæus.

[2181] The Asparagus aphylla of Linnæus: the leafless asparagus.

[2182] The Spartium scorpius of Linnæus: scorpion-grass, or scorpion-wort.

[2183] See B. xxii. c. 8.

[2184] See B. xxii. c. 11. The “sweet-root;” our liquorice. The Glycyrrhiza echinata of Linnæus bears a prickly fruit; it is of this, Fée thinks, that Pliny speaks here.

[2185] Fée remarks, that though the leaf of the nettle is furnished with numerous stings, or rather prickly hairs, it is quite wrong to look upon them as thorns, which Pliny, in the present instance, (though not in the next Chapter) appears to do. Genuine thorns, he remarks, are abortive branches, which, of course, cannot be said of the fine hairs springing from the nerves of the leaf. See B. xxii. c. 15.

[2186] Supposed to be the Tribulus terrestris of Linnæeus, a species of thistle: the leaves of this plant, however, are not provided, Fée remarks, with thorns at their base, the fruit alone being spinous. See c. 58 of this Book.

[2187] See c. 58 of this Book.

[2188] The Poterium spinosum of botanists. See B. xxii. c. 13.

[2189] See B. xxii. c. 13. Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 5, identifies this plant with the Stœbe just mentioned.

[2190] “Acetabulis.” Fée complains of the use of this term (meaning a “small cup”) in relation to the calyces of the nettle; such not being in reality their form.

[2191] Probably in allusion to the Urtica dioica, which grows to a greater height than the Urtica urens. See B. xxii. c. 15.

[2192] “Canina.” A variety, probably, of the Urtica urens, the nettle, with the exception of the Urtica pilifera, which has the most stinging properties of all those found in Europe, and the leaves of which are the most deeply indented.

[2193] This has not been identified. They are all of them either inodorous, or else possessed of a faint, disagreeable smell.

[2194] This “lanugo,” or down, as he calls it, consists of a fine elongated tube of cellular tissue, seated upon a gland of similar tissue. In this gland a poisonous fluid is secreted, and when any pressure is made upon the gland, the fluid passes upwards in the tube. The nettle of the East, known as the Devil’s Leaf, is of so poisonous a quality as to produce death.

[2195] In some parts of the north of England and of Scotland the young plant of the Urtica dioica is eaten as greens, and is far from a disagreeable dish, strongly resembling spinach. It is also reckoned a very wholesome diet, and is taken habitually in the spring, under the impression that it purifies the blood. This notion, we see from the context, is as old as the time of the Romans.

[2196] Dalechamps speaks of it as the custom in his time to wrap up fish and game in nettles, under the impression that they would keep the longer for it.

[2197] The dead nettle, or blind nettle. See B. xxii. c. 16.

[2198] See B. xxii. c. 17.

[2199] He probably means the thistle, but possibly the artichoke, under this name. See B. xix. cc. 19 and 43, and B. xx. c. 99.

[2200] This is probably the same with the second variety of the “Cnecos,” mentioned above in c. 53, the Centaurea lanata, or benedicta.

[2201] Probably the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus.

[2202] According to Dalechamps, this is the Echinops ritro of modern botany.

[2203] See c. 93 of this Book.

[2204] “Many thorns.” According to Dalechamps, this is the Carduus spinosissimus angustifolius vulgaris of C. Bauhin, the Cirsium spinosissimum of Linnæus.

[2205] Identified by Dalechamps with the Onopordon Illyricum, or Acanthium of modern botany.

[2206] The Acarna gummifera of modern botanists, the flowers of which yield a kind of gum with an agreeable smell. It is quite a different plant from Wall pellitory, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 19, under this name.

[2207] See B. xx. c. 99, and B. xxii. c. 43.

[2208] The black chamæleon is identified by Fée with the Brotera corymbosa of Willdenow: the white variety, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21, with the Acarna gummifera of Willdenow, the Helxine above mentioned. Desfontaines identifies it with the Carlina acaulis.

[2209] See B. xxii. c. 8.

[2210] The Greek for “blood” or “slaughter.”

[2211] “Carduus.”

[2212] “Thorn mastich,” or “resin.”

[2213] This is not the Cactus of modern botany, a plant mentioned in the sequel under the name of “Opuntia,” but probably the Cinara carduncellus. See B. xx. c. 99.

[2214] Theophrastus says, that when peeled they have a somewhat bitter flavour, and are kept pickled in brine.

[2215] This name is now given by naturalists to the calyx of Compositæ, which exists in the rudimentary condition of a membranous coronet, or of downy hairs, like silk.

[2216] “Cortex.”

[2217] The Trapa natans of Linnæus, or water chesnut, a prickly marsh plant of Europe and Asia. Hence our word “caltrop.”

[2218] “Dira res alibi.”

[2219] These two plants have no affinity whatever with the one just mentioned. The first of these so-called varieties is the Tribulus terrestris of Linnæus; and the second is identified by Fée, though with some doubt, with the Fagonia Cretica of Linnæus.

[2220] The Ononis antiquorum of Linnæus, the Cammock, or rest-harrow.

[2221] The Cochlearia coronopus. See B. xxii. c. 22.

[2222] The Anchusa tinctoria, probably, or dyers’ alkanet. See B. xxii. c. 23.

[2223] See B. xxii. c. 26.

[2224] It has not been identified with any degree of certainty: the Centaurea nigra and the Campanula rapunculus have been named.

[2225] See B. xxvii. c. 21: also c. 52 of this Book. The name appears to have been given to both the Leontodon taraxacum and the Lathyras aphaca of modern botany.

[2226] Theophrastus has Picris in the parallel passage, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 9, the Helminthia echioides of Linnæus. If “Crepis” is the correct reading, that plant has not been identified.

[2227] The herbaceous kinds are no doubt those alluded to.

[2228] See B. xix. cc. 31, 36, and 44; and B. xx. c. 48. The ocimum of the Greeks has been identified by some with the Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, our basil. That of the Romans seems to have been a name given to one or more varieties of leguminous plants of the vetch kind.

[2229] The Heliotropium Europæum. See B. xxii. c. 29.

[2230] This plant has not been identified, but Fée is inclined, from what Dioscorides says, B. iv. c. 24, to identify it with either the Lithospermum fruticosum, or else the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus.

[2231] This is not the case, if this plant is identical with the Heliotropium Europæum, that being an annual.

[2232] The Adiantum Capillus Veneris of Linnæus, or the Asplenium trichomanes of Linnæus. “Venus hair, or coriander maiden hair; others name it to be well fern.”—T. Cooper. The leaves of these plants last the whole of their lives.

[2233] The Teuerium polium of Linnæeus, our poley; the leaves of which are remarkably long-lived.

[2234] “Spicatæ.”

[2235] Fée is in doubt whether to identify it with the Plantago cynops of the south of Europe, and the banks of the Rhine.

[2236] “Foxtail.” According to Dalechamps, it is the Saccharum cylindricum, the Lagurus of Linnæus; but Fée expresses his doubts as to their identity.

[2237] Fée inclines to think that it may be the Secale villosum of Linnæus; though the more recent commentators identify it with the Plantago angustifolia. The Saccharum Ravennæ has been suggested.

[2238] Or “quail.”

[2239] In B. xxv. c. 39.

[2240] Hardouin takes this to be our pimpernel, the Sanguisorba officinalis of Linnæeus. Sprengel inclines to the Verbascum lychnitis of Linnæus.

[2241] “Proxuma.”

[2242] See B. xviii. c. 66.

[2243] Supposed by most commentators to be the Parietaria officinalis of Linnæus; Wall pellitory or parietary. Some, however, have suggested the Polygonum maritimum, or the Polygonum divaricatum of Linnæus. Fée expresses doubts as to its identity, but remarks that the modern Greek name of pellitory is “perdikaki.” See c. 104 of this Book, and B. xxii. c. 20.

[2244] “Perdix,” the Greek name.

[2245] Probably the Ornithogalum umbellatum of Linnæus. Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum natans: but that variety is not found in Greece, while the other is.

[2246] “Puls”

[2247] Probably the Melilotus cœrulea of Linnæus, Fée says. Desfontaines mentions the Melilotus Cretica or Italica.

[2248] The Avena fatua or sterilis; the barren oat. See B. xviii. c. 44.

[2249] See B. xxii. c. 26.

[2250] The Gallium aparine of Linnæus. See B. xviii. c. 44.

[2251] The Opuntia. The Cactus Opuntia of Linnæus; the cactus, or Indian fig.

[2252] Perhaps the Convolvulus sepium of Linnæus; though Fée dissents from that opinion. See B. xxii. c. 39.

[2253] See c. 52 of this Book.

[2254] See B. xxii. c. 31.

[2255] From the Greek πικρὸς.

[2256] In B. xviii. c. 65.

[2257] “Little sword:” the Gladiolus communis of Linnæus. See the remarks on the hyacinthus of the ancients in the Notes to c. 38 of this Book.

[2258] Sprengel says that it is the Thesium linophyllum of modern botany; an opinion at which Fée expresses his surprise. See B. xxii. c. 31.

[2259] The Asphodelus ramosus of Linnæus.

[2260] “Little sword.”

[2261] It is no longer employed as an article of food.

[2262] Od. xi. 539, and xxiv. 13.

[2263] It is difficult to say to what “illud” refers, if, indeed, it is the correct reading.

[2264] “Hastula regia.”

[2265] “Caulis acinosi.”

[2266] See B. xxii. c. 32.

[2267] “Arrow.” The Sagittaria sagittifolia of Linnæus; our arrow-head, or adder’s tongue.

[2268] 15th of May.

[2269] The Schœnus mariscus of Linnæus.

[2270] Pliny is guilty of a lapsus memoriæ here, for he has nowhere given any such advice on the subject. Hardouin refers to B. xviii. c. 67, but erroneously, for there he is speaking of hay, not “ulva” or sedge.

[2271] The “sharp rush.” The Juncus acutus of Linnæus; the pointed bulrush.

[2272] The “pointed” rush. The Schœnus mucronatus of Linnæus.

[2273] A variety, Fée says, of the Schœnus nigricans of Linnæus, the black bulrush.

[2274] The “black head.”

[2275] The Scirpus holoschœnus of Linnæus, Fée thinks.

[2276] None of the rushes, Fée remarks, are barren; and when the head is inserted in the ground, it is neither more nor less than a sowing of the seed. Hardouin remarks, however, that by the word “cacumine,” the bulbous root of the rush is meant, and not the point of the stem.

[2277] “Nassæ.” Baskets with a narrow mouth.

[2278] It has descended in our time to the more humble rushlight; and even that is fast “going out.”

[2279] Fée identifies it with the Cyperus longus and Cyperus rotundus of Linnæus, the odoriferous or round souchet.

[2280] In c. 67 of this Book. The bulb, however, of the gladiolus is inodorous; for which reason Fée is inclined to think that Pliny, with all his care, is describing a cyperus, perhaps the Cyperus esculentus.

[2281] It would be curious to know who these barbarians were, who thus _smoked_ cypirus as we do tobacco. Fée queries whether they were Germans or Gauls, people of Asia or of Africa.

[2282] This applies more particularly, Fée thinks, to the Cyperus rotundus of Linnæus.

[2283] The Cyperus longus of Linnæus, Fée thinks.

[2284] Sillig finds a difficulty here which does not seem to exist. It is pretty clear that “cæteris” refers to the other varieties of the cypiros, mentioned in the preceding Chapter.

[2285] It has not been identified.

[2286] Mentioned also by Dioscorides. It has not been identified.

[2287] B. xii. c. 48.

[2288] Dioscorides says that it grows in Babylonia. It is a variety, no doubt, of the Andropogon schœnanthus.

[2289] “Ungues,” “nails;” in allusion to the white part of the finger-nails.

[2290] “Cortex.”

[2291] “Anchusam.”

[2292] In B. xiv. c. 19.

[2293] “In calliblepharum.”

[2294] “Diapasmata.”

[2295] “Pilulæ.” He alludes to the galls produced by an insect of the Cynips kind, and known as “bedeguar.” They are astringent, but no longer employed in medicine.

[2296] The efficacy of bears’-grease for promoting the growth of the hair was believed in, we find, so early as Pliny’s time.

[2297] See c. 11 of this Book. The bulbs of the lily contain a mucilage, and roasted or boiled they are sometimes employed, Fée says, to bring inflammations to a head. Employed internally, he thinks that they would be of no use whatever, and there is nothing in their composition, he says which would induce one to think that they might be employed to advantage in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny.

[2298] Or “Poley.” See c. 21 of this Book.

[2299] “Mel.”

[2300] See c. 12 of this Book.

[2301] The Narcissus pseudo-narcissus of Linnæus, the meadow narcissus, or daffodil. The epithet “herbaceous,” Fée says, applies, not to the flower, but to the leaves, which are larger and greener than in the other kinds.

[2302] “Torpor,” or “lethargy.”

[2303] See c. 14 of this Book.

[2304] An ointment made of wax and oil.

[2305] “Ægilopiis.”

[2306] “Diapasmata.”

[2307] This, as Fée remarks, can hardly apply to the Digitalis purpurea of Linnæus, with which he has identified it, the smell of which is disagreeable rather than otherwise.

[2308] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2309] The Asarum Europæum of Linnæus; our foalfoot. See B. xii. c. 27.

[2310] In c. 16 of this Book.

[2311] In B. xii. c. 26.

[2312] B. xii. c. 26. Either the Valeriana Italica, Fée says, or the Valeriana Dioscoridis of Sibthorpe. The Valeriana phu and the Valeriana officinalis of Linnæus have been suggested by some commentators.

[2313] Or “prurigo.”

[2314] See B. xxxv. cc. 18 and 57.

[2315] “Collyrium.” Saffron is still the base of certain eye-salves.

[2316] Formed, most probably, of all the insoluble substances contained in the oil employed in making the “unguentum crocinum.”

[2317] A small kind of quince. See B. xv. cc. 10 and 14.

[2318] “Orthopnœa.”

[2319] The Iris fœtidissima of Linnæus. It grows near Constantinople, and the smell of it is so like that of roast meat, that it is commonly called, Fée says, the “leg of mutton iris.”

[2320] “Credo.” It does not exactly appear that Pliny puts faith in this superstition, as Fée and Desfontaines seem to think; but he merely hazards a supposition as to what are the intentions of these avaricious herbalists.

[2321] See c. 20 of this Book.

[2322] See c. 21 of this Book. Fée remarks, that in reality it possesses none of the qualities that are attributed to it.

[2323] The “protection against poisons.”

[2324] We have adopted Sillig’s emendation of this passage; the words “aiunt, quod alii” being evidently required by the context.

[2325] “Cytinus” appears to be a preferable reading here to “cyanus,” the “blue-bell.”

[2326] See c. 24 of this Book. Its medicinal properties, Fée says, are next to nothing.

[2327] See c. 26 of this Book. If it is the Chrysocoma linosyris, it has no peculiar medicinal properties, Fée says. All these statements are found in Dioscorides.

[2328] Sec B. xx. c. 45, and c. 41 of this Book. It is a plant of somewhat stimulating properties, and may possibly be useful, Fée thinks, for nervous affections.

[2329] “Scopis.” He may possibly mean small brooms made of the sprigs of the plant.

[2330] See c. 29 of this Book. The melilote is possessed of no peculiar energy, but decoctions of it are sometimes employed as a lotion.

[2331] Sores “resembling a honey-comb.”

[2332] See c. 30 of this Book.

[2333] In c. 30 of this Book.

[2334] See c. 31 of this Book. Thyme yields an essential oil, possessed of stimulating properties. Most of the assertions here made as to its virtues are quite unfounded.

[2335] See c. 33 of this Book. The Pancratium maritimum, if that plant is identical with it, is but little used, but has a marked action, Fée says, upon the human frame.

[2336] In c. 33 of this Book.

[2337] Od. iv. l. 221. This has been supposed by many commentators to have been opium. The origin of the word is νή, “not,” and πένθος, “grief;” and, as Fée says, it would seem to indicate rather a composition than a plant. Saffron, mandragore, nightshade, and even tea and coffee, have been suggested by the active imaginations of various writers. Fée is of opinion that it is impossible to come to any satisfactory conclusion, but inclines to the belief that either the poppy or a preparation from it, is meant. In confirmation of this opinion, it is a singular fact, that, as Dr. Paris remarks (in his Pharmacologia), the Nepenthes of Homer was obtained from Thebes in Egypt, and that tincture of opium, or laudanum, has received the name of “Thebaic tincture.” Gorræus, in his “Definitiones Medicæ,” thinks that the herb alluded to is the Inula Campania, or Elecampane, which was also said to have derived its name of “Helenium” from Helen. Dr. Greenhill, in Smith’s Dictionary of Antiquities, inclines to the opinion that it was opium. See the article “Pharmaceutica.”

[2338] See c. 34 of this Book. Both of the plants mentioned share the medicinal properties of wormwood, being stimulants, tonics, anthelmintics, and febrifuges. It would be dangerous, however, Fée says, to administer them in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny, nor would they be good for strangury, or affections of the chest.

[2339] “Nervis.” Pliny had no knowledge, probably, of the nervous system; but Fée seems to think that such is his meaning here. See B. xi. c. 88.

[2340] See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, and 29.

[2341] See c. 34 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 26.

[2342] See c. 35 of this Book.

[2343] In c. 38 of this Book.

[2344] The Anemone coronaria of Linnæus, Fée thinks.

[2345] Probably the Adonis æstivalis of Linnæus, a ranunculus. These plants are of an acrid, irritating nature, and rank at the present day among the vegetable poisons.

[2346] The “wind-flower,” from the Greek ἄνεμος, “wind.”

[2347] See B. xxv. c. 26.

[2348] In B. xix. c. 53.

[2349] As Fée remarks, it would be very dangerous to use it.

[2350] “Cuique animalium.”

[2351] The Œnanthe pimpinellifolia of Linnæus. If taken internally, Fée says, it would tend to aggravate the disease so treated, in a very high degree.

[2352] See c. 38. Also B. xxvi. c. 55.

[2353] See c. 38 of this Book; also B. xvi. c. 31.

[2354] From the herb “hysge,” used for dyeing a deep red. See B. ix. c. 65, and B. xxi. c. 36. No such colour, Fée says, can be obtained from the petals of either the Lilium Martagon or the Gladiolus communis, with which it has been identified.

[2355] It has no such effect; and the slave-dealers certainly lost their pains in cosmetizing their slaves with it, their object being to make them look younger than they really were, and not older, as Hardouin seems to think.

[2356] See c. 10 of this Book.

[2357] White specks in the pupil of the eye, or whiteness of the cornea.

[2358] See c. 39 of this Book.

[2359] “Ground-laurel.”

[2360] See c. 50, and B. xxiii. c. 83. The medicinal properties of this plant are not developed to any great extent; but it was thought till lately, Fée says, to be an excellent diuretic.

[2361] See c. 49 and B. xxvi. c. 50.

[2362] The Thymus acinos of Linnæus.

[2363] See c. 51 of this Book. It is an alimentary plant, but eaten raw, it is possessed of some acridity.

[2364] The Cyperus esculentus of Linnæus, the esculent souchet.

[2365] The two varieties are identified with the Cressa Cretica and the Teucrium iva of Linnæus. The latter plant is said to be a sudorific.

[2366] See B. xxvi. c. 53.

[2367] The Matricaria parthenium of Linnæus. See c. 52.

[2368] De Re Med. ii. 33. It must not be confounded with the plant of that name mentioned in c. 62 of this Book.

[2369] The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxi. c. 108.

[2370] The Physalis alkekengi of Linnæus; red night-shade, alkekengi, or winter cherry. Fée remarks, that the varieties of this plant in Egypt are very numerous, and that in many places, till very recently, it was employed as an article of food.

[2371] “Vesica.”

[2372] The Solanum villosum of Lamarck.

[2373] From δορὺ, a “spear.”

[2374] “Apertius,” as suggested by Sillig, is a preferable reading to “parcius.”

[2375] From μάνια, “madness.”

[2376] The Physalis somnifera of Linnæus, the somniferous nightshade.

[2377] The Solanum melongena of Linnæus.

[2378] The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 92.

[2379] Theriaca, p. 44.

[2380] See c. 53 of this Book.

[2381] It has not been identified. Dalechamps, without any proof, identifies it with the Tussilago petasites of modern botany.

[2382] See the Introduction to Vol. III.

[2383] See end of B. iii.

[2384] See end of B. ii.

[2385] See end of B. ii.

[2386] A writer on flowers and chaplets, in the time of Tiberius. Nothing whatever beyond this seems to be known of him.

[2387] C. Julius Atticus Vestinus, or, according to some authorities, M. Atticus Vestinus. He was consul A.D. 65; and, though innocent, was put to death by Nero’s order, for alleged participation in the conspiracy of Piso.

[2388] See end of B. xiv.

[2389] See end of B. iii.

[2390] See end of B. iii.

[2391] See end of B. xiv.

[2392] See end of B. vii.

[2393] See end of B. xvi.

[2394] See end of B. xx.

[2395] See end of B. xix.

[2396] See end of B. xii.

[2397] See end of B. xx.

[2398] See end of B. xx. See also B. xxv. c. 5.

[2399] See end of B. iii.

[2400] See end of B. ii.

[2401] See end of B. xx.

[2402] See end of B. ii.

[2403] See end of B. viii.

[2404] See end of B. xix.

[2405] See end of B. viii.

[2406] See end of B. vii.

[2407] An alleged disciple of Orpheus, and probably as fabulous a personage. Many works, now lost, passed under his name.

[2408] One of the most celebrated of the Greek tragic writers; born B.C. 495. Of his 127 tragedies, only seven have come down to us.

[2409] A Pythagorean philosopher, a native of one of the cities called Larissa. Being accused of magical practices, he was banished from the city of Rome by the Emperor Augustus. The explanation of these charges is, that he probably possessed a superior knowledge of natural philosophy. See B. xxv. c. 95. B. xxviii. c. 49. B. xxxii. c. 52, and B. xxxv. c. 50.

[2410] A physician, a native of Athens in the fourth century B.C. He is supposed to have belonged to the sect of the Dogmatici, and was greatly celebrated for his classification of diseases. He wrote on diet and drink, among other subjects.