Chapter XXXIII: Book XXIII (9)

[2893] The shoots of the Tamus communis are still eaten in Tuscany as a substitute for asparagus, to which, however, they are inferior in quality. It is there known by the name of _tamaro_.

[2894] An absurdity, as Fée remarks, not worthy of discussion. The same, too, as to the next assertion.

[2895] Of course there are as many varieties of must, or grape-juice, as there are of wines. Must is of a purgative and emollient nature, but is no longer employed in medicine.

[2896] See c. 30 of this Book. Of course there is little or no truth in this assertion.

[2897] In reality it has no such effect.

[2898] See B. x. c. 86.

[2899] See B. xxii. c. 36, and B. xxx. c. 10.

[2900] In cases of poisoning by opium or hemlock, the use of it, Fée says, would be prejudicial.

[2901] See B. xxi. c. 105.

[2902] “Toxica.”

[2903] In B. xiv. cc. 8, 9, 10. It is impossible, with any degree of accuracy, to discuss the properties of these various wines, as they no longer exist.

[2904] “Cognominatum” appears to be a better reading than “cognominatus,” which Sillig has adopted; as it is much more probable that the work received its name from the subject than that the writer did.

[2905] All these wines are described in B. xiv.

[2906] “Nervis.” As to the meaning of this word, see B. xi. c. 88.

[2907] These wines also are described in B. xiv.

[2908] “Feritas.”

[2909] The colour of our Port.

[2910] “Apothecis.”

[2911] “Cariem trahunt.”

[2912] While the ancients thought that the cariousness or results of old age were removed by the agency of smoke.

[2913] See B. xiv. c. 6.

[2914] “Saliva.”

[2915] In the time of the Emperor Tiberius. See B. xiv. c. 28.

[2916] Odyssey, B. iv. l. 219, _et seq._

[2917] “Sapientiam vino obumbrari.”

[2918] Works and Days, l. 594.

[2919] “Merum.”

[2920] It is surprising, as Fée says, to find coriander enumerated among the poisons. Mistletoe, too, and mercury are neither of them poisons. As to hemlock, see B. xiv. c. 7.

[2921] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 722, 791.

[2922] See B. xi. c. 71.

[2923] This method is still employed with race-horses. See B. xiv. c. 28.

[2924] It is still a very prevalent notion that the growth of dogs is stunted by giving them raw spirits.

[2925] The wines of Surrentum and Stata were Campanian wines.

[2926] “Volgo.”

[2927] “Sacco.” A strainer of linen cloth. See B. xiv. c. 28, and B. xix. c. 19. While it diminished the strength, however, it was considered to injure the flavour.

[2928] In that case, Fée says, they would differ but little from the wines of the present day. See B. xiv. c. 25.

[2929] See B. xiv. c. 24.

[2930] See B. xiv. cc. 9, 10.

[2931] “Sapa.”

[2932] See B. xiv. c. 25.

[2933] Surrentine, Alban, Falernian, &c.

[2934] The colour of Tent and Burgundy.

[2935] The colour of Port.

[2936] See B. xiv. c. 25.

[2937] See B. xiv. cc. 3, 4.

[2938] See B. xiv. c. 4: Vol. III. p. 227.

[2939] “Tremore nervorum;” perhaps “nervousness.”

[2940] See B. xi. c. 71. There is little doubt that generous wine promotes the rapid circulation of the blood.

[2941] In B. xiv. cc. 18, 19, 20.

[2942] In accordance with the suggestion of Sillig, we insert “sunt quæ,” otherwise the passage is defective.

[2943] This would be a vigorous liquor, Fée thinks, and a good tonic; similar, in fact, to the modern antiscorbutic wines.

[2944] Fée queries whether this was made from the fermented berries, or from an infusion of them in wine. In the former case it would bear some slight resemblance to our gin.

[2945] “Apsinthites.” See B. xiv. c. 19.

[2946] See B. xiii. c. 9.

[2947] In B. xiv. c. 10.

[2948] The vinegar of the present day does not appear to have any such property.

[2949] Celsus says the same thing, B. i. c. 3.

[2950] “Posca,” or vinegar and water, sometimes mixed with eggs, was the common drink of the lower classes at Rome, and of the soldiers when on service.

[2951] There is little doubt that it would be advantageous to employ vinegar in such a case; the animal would be compelled to withdraw its hold, and vomiting would be facilitated. Strong salt and water, Fée thinks, would be still more efficacious.

[2952] It would be of no use whatever, Fée thinks, in any of these cases.

[2953] An operation which, though known to the Greeks and Romans, appears to have been completely lost sight of in the middle ages.

[2954] Or leather bag, “utrem.”

[2955] See B. xxx. c. 21. From Livy and Plutarch we learn that Hannibal employed this method of splitting the rocks when making his way across the Alps. Fée, at considerable length, disputes the credibility of this account, and thinks it only a wonderful story invented by the Romans to account for their defeat by Hannibal.

[2956] See B. xix. c. 5.

[2957] Sillig has little doubt that this passage is incomplete, and that the end of it should be to the effect, “the result of which was, that he was effectually cured.” A very similar story is related of Servius Clodius, a Roman knight, in B. xxv. c. 7.

[2958] In B. xx. c. 39. It is still employed in medicine; but the statements here made, as Fée says, do not merit a serious discussion.

[2959] See B. xiv. c. 21. The modern oxymel, as Fée remarks, consists of honey dissolved in white vinegar, and bears no resemblance to the monstrous composition here described, and which no stomach, he says, could possibly support.

[2960] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776.

[2961] Fée thinks that there may be some foundation for this statement, as vinegar acts efficaciously as a remedy to the effects of narcotic poisons. Mistletoe, as already stated, is not a poison.

[2962] Grape-juice boiled down to one-third. See B. xiv. c. 11.

[2963] See c. 18 of this Book. The account here given of the medicinal properties of sapa is altogether unfounded.

[2964] A worm that grows in the pine-tree, the Phalæna bombyx pityocampa of Linnæus.

[2965] A mere absurdity, of course. See c. 18 of this Book.

[2966] The lees of wine are charged with sub-tartarate of potash, a quantity of colouring matter more or less, and a small proportion of wine. They are no longer used in medicine. Under the term “fæx vini,” Pliny includes the pulp or husks of grapes after the must has been expressed.

[2967] In consequence of the carbonic gas disengaged before the fermentation is finished, asphyxia being the result.

[2968] By the use of this term he evidently means grape husks.

[2969] Or flower-de-luce. See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.

[2970] Wine-lees would only have the effect of increasing the inflammation.

[2971] See B. xxiv. c. 67.

[2972] Their properties are similar to those of wine-lees, but they are no longer used in medicine. The statements here made by our author, Fée remarks, are entirely fabulous.

[2973] Or horned serpent. See B. xi. c. 45.

[2974] See B. xx. c. 71.

[2975] This, as Fée observes, is probably the case.

[2976] It must be remembered that red hair was greatly admired by the Romans.

[2977] The thicker parts of boiled grape-juice. These lees have no affinity with those of wine or vinegar.

[2978] They are rich in tannin and gallic acid, and Fée states that they have been proposed as a substitute for quinine. The statements here made by Pliny, he says, in reference to their properties, are hypothetical.

[2979] “Nervosis.”

[2980] No medicinal use is now made of it, but its properties would be very similar to those of the leaves.

[2981] Impure metallic oxide. See B. xix. c. 4, and B. xxxiv. c. 52. The ashes of the branches would be an impure sub-carbonate of potass, which would act, Fée says, as a powerful irritant.

[2982] A sort of pyroligneous acid, which would have the noxious effect of throwing inward the eruptions.

[2983] This juice or tear (lacrima) Fée thinks to be the same with the Enhæmon, mentioned in B. xii. c. 38; the properties of which are quite inactive, though Dioscorides, B. i. c. 139, speaks of it as a poison.

[2984] Probably in consequence of the tannin and gallic acid, which it contains in great abundance.

[2985] Fée says that all these statements as to the medicinal properties of olives are false.

[2986] Or preserved olives. See B. xv. c. 4.

[2987] B. xv. c. 8.

[2988] Fée thinks that it would exercise quite a contrary effect. Marc of olives is no longer used in medicine.

[2989] It would produce no good effect in the treatment of ulcers.

[2990] Fée remarks that it would have no such effect.

[2991] See B. xii. c. 60.

[2992] See B. xxii. c. 21.

[2993] Fée thinks that it might prove useful in this case.

[2994] Unboiled.

[2995] See c. 35. There is no analogy, Fée says, between marc of olives and the leaves of the wild olive.

[2996] This is hardly a peculiarity, for he has said already that the cultivated olive is employed with honey to arrest the flow of blood.

[2997] The tannin which it contains in great abundance may possibly have this effect.

[2998] In B. xv. c. 2.

[2999] See B. xii. c. 60.

[3000] See B. xii. c. 60. An inferior kind of omphacium.

[3001] “Non mordeat.” Probably in the sense of “have no pungency.”

[3002] Or “Œnanthinum.” See B. xii. c. 61, and B. xv. c. 7.

[3003] See c. 30 of this Book.

[3004] Fée remarks, that a modern physician would dread to administer such a dose, rue being a very dangerous plant in its effects. He also remarks that it is doubtful whether Pliny is speaking throughout this Chapter of olive oil or of oil of œnanthe; and such is the fact, though most probably the latter is intended to be spoken of.

[3005] “Ptisanæ succo.”

[3006] Fée thinks that it can have no such efficacy, whether it be olive oil or oil of œnanthe that is the subject of discussion.

[3007] “Acapni.” See B. xi. c. 15.

[3008] “Oleum cicinum.” See B. xv. c. 7.

[3009] It is still used in medicine for the same purpose.

[3010] “Præcordia;” either the diaphragm, or the parts above it, such as the heart and chest.

[3011] See B. ix. c. 52.

[3012] See B. xv. c. 7.

[3013] Fée is at a loss to know how these wicks could have been made: most probably, however, the seeds were beaten up into a pulp for the purpose. The oil is still used for lamps in some countries, though, as Pliny says, in consequence of its extreme thickness, the light it gives is not good.

[3014] “A sole ustis.” Not _coup de soleil_, or “sun-stroke,” as Littré renders it. Oil of almonds is still a favourite ingredient in cosmetics.

[3015] There is no truth, Fée says, in this assertion.

[3016] Fixed oil of laurel contains a certain proportion of volatile oil, to which it is indebted for the excellence of its smell. It is still used as a liniment for rheumatic pains and other affections.

[3017] As prepared by the ancients, it has no analogous properties with oil of laurel. Myrtle oil is no longer used in medicine.

[3018] Such is not the case.

[3019] The wild myrtle, or little holly. See B. xv. c. 7. The oil would be inodorous, and not possessed, as Pliny says, of properties similar to those of oil of myrtle.

[3020] See B. xv. c. 7. Fée thinks that it may have possibly been prepared from a decoction of leaves of cypress.

[3021] See B. xiii. cc. 1. 29, and B. xv. c. 7.

[3022] See B. xv. c. 7. Oil of walnuts is used but little in medicine at the present day, but it is employed for numerous other purposes.

[3023] “Granum Cnidium.” See B. xv. c. 7.

[3024] It would only resemble castor oil in its drastic properties; the latter is a fixed natural oil, the former an artificial one.

[3025] See B. xv. c. 7. An oil is still extracted in Italy from the fruit of the Pistacia lentiscus; but it is no longer used in medicine.

[3026] From the Greek ἄκοπος, “relieving weariness.”

[3027] Or “ben.” See B. xii c. 46, and B. xv. c. 7. Oil of ben is still made, but it has no such effects as those mentioned by our author.

[3028] Pliny appears to have made the same error here in compiling from the Greek, as he has done in Chapters 4 and 13, in mistaking the Greek word signifying “scars,” for that meaning “gums.”

[3029] In B. xii. c. 51, and B. xv. c. 7.

[3030] The cyprus, or henna, is but little known in Europe: but it is employed for many purposes in the East. The leaves, which have a powerful smell, are used for the purpose of dyeing and staining various parts of the body.

[3031] Pliny has most probably committed an error here in mentioning the “strutheum,” or sparrow-quince; for the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, B. i. c. 124, speaks of the “struthion,” the Gypsophila struthium of Linnæus, or possibly, as Littré thinks, the Saponaria officinalis. See B. xix. c. 18.

[3032] This, Fée thinks, may probably be the case.

[3033] See B. xv. c. 7.

[3034] In B. xii. c. 54. Balm of Mecca, Fée says, possesses properties little different from the turpentines extracted from the Coniferæ.

[3035] “Tremulis.”

[3036] In B. xii. c. 59. Whatever malobathrum may have been, this was an artificial oil, no doubt.

[3037] “Hyoscyaminum.” A fixed oil with narcotic properties, and most probably, highly dangerous in its effects.

[3038] From the Greek θέρμος, a lupine.

[3039] In B. xxi. c. 75.

[3040] A fixed oil, charged with a small proportion of essential oil.

[3041] Fée is of opinion that applied to the body it would exterminate vermin.

[3042] Malignant cancer.

[3043] In B. xxi. c. 11.

[3044] In B. xv. c. 7.

[3045] Similar, probably, to the narcotic oil, or _baume tranquille_ of the French.

[3046] See B. xv. c. 7.

[3047] In B. xv. c. 7.

[3048] Probably because its oleaginous properties would tend to prevent imbibition and absorption, while its narcotic qualities would in some degree neutralize the strength of the wine. Almonds have a somewhat similar effect.

[3049] “Pissinum.” See B. xv. c. 7.

[3050] This is not the fact.

[3051] On the contrary, they are used at the present day as a pectoral; and many so-called pectoral sirops are prepared from them.

[3052] See B. vi. c. 37, and B. xiii. c. 9.

[3053] They have no properties, when burnt, to distinguish them from the ashes of other vegetables.

[3054] Impure metallic oxide.

[3055] “Calliblephara.”

[3056] See B. xii. cc. 46, 47.

[3057] Fée is of opinion that this is not the “myrobalanum” of B. xii. c. 46, the behen or ben nut, but the phœnicobalanus of c. 47 in that Book; and, indeed, there can be little doubt that Pliny has committed an error here in substituting one for the other.

[3058] “Ciet,” “promote,” is the reading adopted by Sillig, but “sistit” is supported by the parallel passage in Dioscorides.

[3059] See B. xii. c. 62, and the Note, in reference to the mistake which Pliny appears to have committed in reference to this term.

[3060] In reality, it is quite inert.

[3061] In consequence of the malic and tartaric acid which they contain.

[3062] Quinces are of an astringent nature; and an astringent sirop, Fée says, is still prepared from them.

[3063] They are no longer used for this purpose.

[3064] Fée observes that it has no such effect.

[3065] B. xiii. c. 2.

[3066] Or “sparrow-quince.” See B. xv. c. 10.

[3067] He states this so gravely, that he would almost appear to believe it.

[3068] “Honey apples.” See B. xv. c. 15, where this apple is also called the “musteum.”

[3069] A purgative sirop of apples, causing thirst, was made by the ancients, the receipt for which was attributed to King Sapor.

[3070] Or “round” apples. See B. xv. c. 15.

[3071] See B. xii. c. 7.

[3072] See B. xi. c. 15, and B. xii. c. 7.

[3073] As Fée says, this observation is quite unaccountable. He queries whether a sweet fruit may not possibly be meant, the sweet lime, for instance, the flavour of which is very sickly, and would require to be heightened by the assistance of an acid.

[3074] See B. xiii. c. 34; where, however, he has only distinguished them according to their flavour, sweet, vinous, &c.

[3075] “Without pips.” See B. xiii. c. 34.

[3076] This and the previous precaution given, Fée considers to be mere puerilities.

[3077] Than that of the ordinary grape, probably.

[3078] See B. xiii. c. 34.

[3079] The “leather apple,” apparently. It is more probable, as Hardouin says, that it was so called from the toughness of the rind.

[3080] “Pterygiis.”

[3081] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

[3082] “Alumen scissum.” See B. xxxi. c. 39, and B. xxxv. c. 52.

[3083] See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77.

[3084] An absurd notion, without any apparent foundation.

[3085] All vegetable productions rich in tannin are thought to possess the property of acting as a vermifuge.

[3086] The calyx of the blossom of the pomegranate. Its properties are remarkably astringent.

[3087] This would be nearly an impossibility, as the calyx is hard and coriaceous, and of considerable size. Nothing, however, is allowed to stand in the way of superstition.

[3088] “Ipsa corpuscula.” The _exact_ meaning of this expression is somewhat doubtful: Hardouin takes it to be the lower part of the cytinus.

[3089] In B. xiii. c. 34.

[3090] The corolla of the flower. Dioscorides, B. i. c. 152, makes the “balaustium” to be the blossom of the wild pomegranate, and the “cytinus” to be that of the cultivated fruit. Theophrastus, however, and Galen, give the same account of the cytinus as Pliny. Holland has this quaint marginal Note on the passage: “Here is Pliny out of the way;” not improbably in reference to the statement of Dioscorides.

[3091] Or Quinarius. See Introduction to Vol. III.

[3092] These statements, Fée says, are quite unfounded.

[3093] See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77.

[3094] Fée thinks that there is no doubt that this was really the pomegranate, left to grow wild. Dalechamps and Fée suggest that, misled by the resemblance of the Greek names, Pliny has here attributed to the wild pomegranate the properties attributed to the red poppy, or corn poppy. Hardouin, however, is not of that opinion, and thinks that the mention of the _roots_ of the plant proves that Pliny has not committed any error here; as in B. xx. c. 77, he has attributed the narcotic effects of the poppy to the head only.

[3095] This depends considerably, as Fée says, upon the kind of pear.

[3096] See B. xv. c. 16.

[3097] There is no truth whatever in this statement.

[3098] They are equally inefficacious for the purpose,

[3099] See B. xxiv. c. 1. An absurdity, upon which Fée has uselessly expended a dozen lines of indignation.

[3100] In reality it has no affinity with vinegar or any other acid, and the fact that it curdles milk is no proof whatever that such is the case.

[3101] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[3102] Being of a caustic nature, it might have this effect, Fée thinks. It is, however, no longer employed in medicine. He is also of opinion that the juice of the fig-tree might be useful in making cheese.

[3103] Here, also, the caustic nature of their juices might render them useful.

[3104] “Ceria:” now known in surgery as “favus.”

[3105] This and the next statement are equally untrue.

[3106] See B. xv. c. 19.

[3107] “Medicatæ.” See B. xvi. c. 51.

[3108] They produce heart-burn and flatulency.

[3109] “Ad carnes eos transtulit.” Dalechamps takes this to mean “showed them that the flesh was increased by eating figs.” This Pythagoras was probably the Samian pugilist who gained a victory in Ol. 48.

[3110] This herb is rich in mucilage, and of a soothing nature.

[3111] “Æris flore.”

[3112] “Pterygiis.”

[3113] This is the case, as they are remarkably rich in alkaline salts. The assertion, however, as to their properties, is, as Fée says, hypothetical.

[3114] “Thymos.”

[3115] Metallic ashes, or dross. See B. xxxiv. c. 52.

[3116] “Suavitatem.” Fée is justly at a loss to understand how this could be. It is doubtful whether Pliny does not mean that by the use of this substance meat was _kept fresh_.

[3117] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[3118] Fée thinks that, owing to its acridity, it may possibly have this effect.

[3119] There is probably no foundation for this statement.

[3120] Favus.

[3121] Plutarch, Sympos. ii. 7, tells the same absurd story.

[3122] To “erineon,” the Greek for wild fig.

[3123] Supposed to be the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, the rampion; though Fée expresses some doubts. Guilandin has suggested the Hieracium Sabaudum of Linnæus, an opinion which Fée thinks not altogether destitute of probability.

[3124] The leaves of this tree contain a large proportion of tannin, to which they owe their astringent properties.

[3125] Prunes, the produce of the plum-tree, called the plum of Saint Julien, are still used as a purgative.

[3126] A most singular assertion, as Fée says, and one that universal experience proves to be unfounded.

[3127] On the contrary, it quenches thirst.

[3128] Fée thinks that, owing to the hydro-cyanic acid which the kernels contain, there may possibly be some foundation for this statement of their curative effects.

[3129] Both the root and the fruit are of an astringent nature. From this fruit an extract is prepared, Fée says, rich in tannin, and called in France Acacia nostras, from its resemblance to the juice of the Egyptian Acacia.

[3130] “Limus.” Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Evernia prunastri of modern botany. It has been suggested, however, that Pliny has committed an error here, and that in copying from the Greek source he has mistaken the author’s mention of the cure of lichens by the gum of the plum-tree, for an account of a lichen which grows on the tree. Such, in fact, is the statement of Dioscorides in B. i. c. 174, though he does not mention chaps and condylomata.

[3131] In B. xiii. cc, 14, 15, where he calls it a fig-tree. He alludes to the sycamore.

[3132] See B. xvi. c. 72.

[3133] This statement is entirely unfounded.

[3134] Considering that the leaves and bark are rich in tannin and gallic acid, it might be worth while to ascertain if there is any truth in this assertion.

[3135] But Horace says, Sat. B. ii. s. 4, l. 22, that mulberries are remarkably wholesome as a dessert.

[3136] In B. xvi. c. 41.

[3137] “All-healing,” “mouth-medicine,” and “medicine for the trachea.”

[3138] See B. xii. c. 60. A rob, or sirop of mulberries is prepared for much the same purposes at the present day, but without the omphacium, myrrh, or saffron. An “arteriace” is also mentioned in B. xx. c. 79.

[3139] Hermolaüs Barbarus is possibly right in suggesting “cytini,” which name has been previously mentioned in connection with the calyx of the pomegranate.

[3140] From the account given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 181, this appears to he the meaning of the passage, which is very elliptically expressed, if, indeed, it is not imperfect.

[3141] In a powdered state, probably, as mentioned by Dioscorides.

[3142] The use of the word “conluebant” would almost make it appear that he is speaking of a liquid.

[3143] The juice (if, indeed, Pliny intends to specify it as an ingredient) will not, as Fée remarks, combine with oil. Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 180, that the _leaves_ are bruised and applied with oil to burns.

[3144] Black cherries, Fée says, bigaroons, and others, with a firm flesh, are the most unwholesome. See B. xv. c. 30.

[3145] This property. Fée says, is attributed by some, in modern times, not to the flesh, or pericarpus of the cherry, but to the stalks of the fruit.

[3146] See B. xv. c. 22.

[3147] See B. xv. c. 23.

[3148] They are no longer used in medicine, Fée says, but the buds of the pine and fir, the properties of which are analogous, are still used, though not in cases of hæmoptysis.

[3149] In a rancid state particularly, they would have this effect.

[3150] Fée thinks that the mixture might be useful in these cases.

[3151] See B. xv. c. 24.

[3152] “Hilariorem.” At the present day it is not a decoction of the root, but the fixed oil of the kernels, that is used as a cosmetic; for which purpose it is used with oil of sweet almonds and wax.

[3153] Their narcotic effect is owing to the prussic, or hydro-cyanic, acid which they contain.

[3154] Almonds were a favourite food with the monks in the middle ages; not improbably because they tended to dispel the fumes of wine. Almond milk, similar to our custard, was a standing dish at their “charities” and anniversaries.

[3155] See B. xviii. c. 17.

[3156] They would be of no use whatever in these cases.

[3157] Otherwise turpentine.

[3158] See B. xxii. c. 71.

[3159] See Note [3154] above. Plutarch tells us that Drusus, the brother of Tiberius, one of the greatest drinkers of his time, used almonds for this purpose. Fée will not believe that they have any such preventive effect.

[3160] Almonds will kill small animals, birds, for instance.

[3161] They are much more used in modern medicine than bitter almonds.

[3162] There is some ground, Fée says, for this assertion.

[3163] See B. xv. c. 24, where Pliny expresses himself at a loss as to their identification.

[3164] See B. xv. c. 24.

[3165] Κάρυα, from κάρος, “heaviness,” or κάρη, the “head.” See Vol. III. p. 316.

[3166] A mere prejudice, no doubt.

[3167] The rancidity of the oil which they contain, renders them irritating to the throat and stomach.

[3168] Fée remarks, that it is difficult to see how this could be done.

[3169] This statement, as Fée remarks, is quite unfounded.

[3170] This assertion is also entirely imaginary.

[3171] “Cortex juglandium.” Fée says that by this term is meant, not the green outer shell, husk, or pericarpus of the walnut, but the bark of the tree.

[3172] This asserted use of them has not been verified by modern experience.

[3173] The various receipts for the preparation of this Mithridate or antidote differ very widely; and, indeed, the probability is, as Dr. Heberden says, that Mithridates was as much a stranger to his own antidote, as modern physicians have since been to the medicines daily advertised under their names. Mithridates is said to have so fortified himself against all noxious drugs and poisons, that none would produce any effect when he attempted to destroy himself—a mere fable, no doubt.

[3174] This, we are told by Galen, was regularly done by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, De Antid. B. i. c. i.

[3175] See B. xv. c. 24.

[3176] An emulsion of them fresh, with honey, might be useful, Fée thinks, in such a case.

[3177] Either of these additions would certainly neutralize the good effects of the emulsion. The addition of raisin wine, however, is recommended by Dioscorides.

[3178] See B. xiii. c. 10.

[3179] They are of no efficacy whatever for such a purpose.

[3180] See B. xv. c. 25. They are no longer used in medicine, and, as Fée says, it is extremely doubtful if they possess any of the properties here attributed to them.

[3181] They are still looked upon as very nourishing, as, indeed, is the case with all the feculent fruits.

[3182] See B. xv. c. 26.

[3183] They are productive of colic and diarrhœa.

[3184] See B. xiii. c. 16.

[3185] See B. xv. c. 31.

[3186] The juice of the sap would, to all appearance, produce an acetate or oxide of iron.

[3187] See B. xv. c. 28.

[3188] All parts of the laurel, the berries in particular, are impregnated with an essential oil with a powerful odour and of an exciting nature. Upon this volatile principle, and nothing else, the whole of its medicinal properties are based.

[3189] This assertion, Fée says, is no better than fabulous.

[3190] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776.

[3191] See the Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 719.

[3192] “Irino.” See B. xiii. c. 2.

[3193] This assertion, Fée says, is untrue.

[3194] See B. xv. c. 39.

[3195] All these statements as to the properties of the berries, Fée says, are hypothetical and more than doubtful.

[3196] The Laurus nobilis of modern botany.

[3197] A statement, Fée says, that is altogether illusory.

[3198] Of the berries, Fée thinks.

[3199] See c. 45 of this Book; also B. xxvii. c. 13.

[3200] Fée thinks that this oil, in conjunction with adipose substances, might be useful for the treatment of rheumatic affections.

[3201] The Ruscus hypophyllum of Linnæus. It is quite inodorous, Fée says, and has no analogous properties whatever with the next-mentioned plant.

[3202] See B. xv. c. 39.

[3203] In B. xv. c. 39.

[3204] The peasantry of France, Fée says, still use as a purgative the berries of the Daphne mezereum, and of the Daphne laureola; and in Aragon and Catalonia, the leaves of the Thymelea are used for a similar purpose. The employment of them, however, is not unattended with danger.

[3205] A variety with white berries, but which variety it appears impossible to say.

[3206] See B. xv. c. 37.

[3207] The leaves and berries are bitter, and rich in volatile oil.

[3208] This is consistent with fact.

[3209] A work of some kind, (perhaps a play, if the comic writer, Menander, is the person alluded to) the title of which means “the Women Dining together.” Hardouin, with justice, ridicules the notion of Ortelius that this is the name of some place or town.

[3210] The astringency communicated by the tannin which they contain would probably make them useful for dysentery; if at the same time, as Fée says, they are not too exciting, by reason of their essential oil.

[3211] See B. xi. c. 71.

[3212] “Succus seminis.” Sillig has “succus feminis,” apparently a misprint—the only one that has been met with thus far in his elaborate edition.

[3213] It might change the colour of the hair, but for a short time only.

[3214] See B. xv. c. 37.

[3215] Cerates, or adipose or oleaginous plasters.

[3216] In reality they have no such effect.

[3217] “Pterygia.”

[3218] Fée says here—“Pliny terminates, by a credulity quite unworthy of him, a Chapter, full of false or exaggerated assertions, relative to the properties of the myrtle.”

[3219] Or “myrtle-wine.” See B. xiv. c. 19; also B. xv. c. 35.

[3220] “Alarum perfusiones.”

[3221] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37: the Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus, or little holly of the French, belonging to the Asparagea, and not the myrtles.

[3222] Being of the same family, of course there is a great resemblance.

[3223] In reality they have no such lithotriptic nature, Fée says.

[3224] A kindred plant with the one already mentioned by our author: it is still used for making brooms in some parts of Europe.

[3225] See end of B. xx.

[3226] See end of B. xiv.

[3227] See end of B. xii.

[3228] See end of B. xx.

[3229] See end of B. xx.

[3230] See end of B. ii.

[3231] See end of B. vii.

[3232] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii; for Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.

[3233] See end of B. iii.

[3234] See end of B. ii.

[3235] See end of B. xx.

[3236] See end of B. ii.

[3237] See end of B. viii.

[3238] See end of B. xix.

[3239] See end of B. viii.

[3240] See end of B. vii.

[3241] See end of B. xxi.

[3242] See end of B. xxi.

[3243] See end of B. xxi.

[3244] See end of B. xxi.

[3245] See end of B. iv.

[3246] See end of B. xxi.

[3247] See end of B. xxi.

[3248] See end of B. xxi.

[3249] See end of B. vii.

[3250] See end of B. xx.

[3251] See end of B. xx.

[3252] See end of B. xx.

[3253] See end of B. xii.

[3254] See end of B. xv.

[3255] See end of B. xii.

[3256] See end of B. xx.

[3257] See end of B. xx.

[3258] See end of B. xx.

[3259] See end of B. xx.

[3260] See end of B. xx.

[3261] See end of B. xx.

[3262] See end of B. xx.

[3263] See end of B. vii.

[3264] See end of B. xx.

[3265] See end of B. xx.

[3266] See end of B. xii.

[3267] See end of B. xi.

[3268] See end of B. xii.

[3269] See end of B. xx.

[3270] See end of B. xii.

[3271] See end of B. xx.

[3272] See end of B. xx.

[3273] See end of B. vi.

[3274] See end of B. xx.

[3275] See end of B. xx.

[3276] See end of B. xx.

[3277] See end of B. xx.

[3278] See end of B. xii.

[3279] See end of B. xx.

[3280] See end of B. xx.

[3281] See end of B. xix.

[3282] See end of B. xx.

[3283] See end of B. xx.

[3284] See end of B. xx.

END OF VOL. IV.

J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER, WOKING, SURREY.

Transcriber’s Notes:—

The spelling, hyphenation, punctuation and accentuation are as the original, except for apparent typographical errors which have been silently corrected.

The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly.

Footnote [2369] in the original incorrectly reads:— The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxiii. c. 108. This has been changed to:— The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxi. c. 108.