Chapter XVI: Book XXVI (2)

The apios ischas or raphanos agria,[1213] throws out two or three rush-like branches of a red colour, creeping upon the ground, and bearing leaves like those of rue. The root resembles that of an onion, only that it is larger, for which reason some have called it the “wild radish.” The interior of this root is composed of a mammose substance, containing a white juice: the outer coat is black. It grows in rugged, mountainous spots, and sometimes in pasture lands. It is taken up in spring, and pounded and put into an earthen vessel, that portion of it being removed which floats upon the surface. The part which remains acts purgatively, taken in doses of an obolus and a half in hydromel, both as an emetic and by stool. This juice is administered also, in doses of one acetabulum, for dropsy.

The root of this plant is dried and powdered, and taken in drink: the upper part of it, they say, carries off bile by acting as an emetic, the lower part, by promoting alvine evacuation.

CHAP. 47.—REMEDIES FOR GRIPING PAINS IN THE BOWELS.

Every kind of panaces[1214] is curative of gripings in the bowels; as also betony, except in those cases where they arise from indigestion. Juice of peucedanum[1215] is good for flatulency, acting powerfully as a carminative: the same is the case, also, with root of acoron[1216] and with daucus,[1217] eaten like lettuce as a salad. Ladanum[1218] of Cyprus, taken in drink, is curative of intestinal affections; and a similar effect is produced by powdered gentian, taken in warm water, in quantities about as large as a bean. For the same purpose, plantago[1219] is taken in the morning, in doses of two spoonfuls, with one spoonful of poppy in four cyathi of wine, due care being taken that it is not old wine. It is given, too, at the last moment before going to sleep, and with the addition of nitre or polenta,[1220] if a considerable time has elapsed since the last meal. For colic, an injection of the juice is used, one hemina at a time, even in cases where fever has supervened.

CHAP. 48.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN.

Agaric, taken in doses of three oboli in one cyathus of old wine, is curative of diseases of the spleen. The same, too, with the root of every kind of panaces,[1221] taken in honied wine: teucria,[1222] also, is particularly useful for the same purpose, taken in a dry state, or boiled down in the proportion of one handful to three heminæ of vinegar. Teucria, too, is applied with vinegar to wounds of the spleen, or, if the patient cannot bear the application of vinegar, with figs or water. Polemonia[1223] is taken in wine, and betony, in doses of one drachma, in three cyathi of oxymel: aristolochia, too, is used in the same manner as for injuries inflicted by serpents.[1224] Argemonia,[1225] it is said, taken with the food for seven consecutive days, diminishes the volume of the spleen; and a similar effect is attributed to agaric, taken in doses of two oboli, in oxymel. Root, too, of nymphæa heraclia,[1226] taken in wine, or by itself, diminishes the spleen.

Cissanthemos,[1227] taken twice a day, in doses of one drachma in two cyathi of white wine, for forty consecutive days, gradually carries off the spleen, it is said, by urine. Hyssop, boiled with figs, is very useful for the same purpose: root of lonchitis,[1228] also, boiled before it has shed its seed. A decoction of root of peucedanum[1229] is good for the spleen and kidneys. Acoron,[1230] taken in drink, diminishes the spleen; and the roots of it are very beneficial for the viscera and iliac regions. For similar purposes, seed of clymenus[1231] is taken, for thirty consecutive days, in doses of one denarius, in white wine. Powdered betony is also used, taken in a potion with honey and squill vinegar; root too of lonchitis is taken in water. Teucrium[1232] is used externally for diseases of the spleen; scordium,[1233] also, in combination with wax; and agaric, mixed with powdered, fenugreek.

CHAP. 49.—REMEDIES FOR CALCULI AND DISEASES OF THE BLADDER.

For diseases of the bladder and calculi (affections which, as already observed,[1234] produce the most excruciating torments), polemonia[1235] is highly efficacious, taken in wine; agaric also, and leaves or root of plantago, taken in raisin wine. Betony, too, is very good, as already observed, when speaking[1236] of diseases of the liver. This last plant is used also for hernia, applied topically or taken in drink: it is remarkably efficacious too for strangury. For calculi some persons recommend betony, vervain, and milfoil, in equal proportions in water, as a sovereign remedy. It is universally agreed that dittany is curative of strangury, and that the same is the case with cinquefoil, boiled down to one third in wine: this last plant is very useful, too, taken internally and applied topically, for rupture of the groin.

The upper part of the root of xiphion[1237] has a diuretic effect upon infants; it is administered also in water for rupture of the groin, and is applied topically for diseases of the bladder. Juice of peucedanum[1238] is employed for hernia in infants, and psyllion[1239] is used as an application in cases of umbilical hernia. The two kinds of anagallis[1240] are diuretic, and a similar effect is produced by a decoction of root of acoron,[1241] or the plant itself bruised and taken in drink; this last is good too for all affections of the bladder. Both the stem and root of cotyledon[1242] are used for the cure of calculi; and for all inflammations of the genitals, myrrh is mixed in equal proportions with the stem and seed. The more tender leaves of ebulum,[1243] beaten up and taken with wine, expel calculi of the bladder, and an application of them is curative of diseases of the testes. Erigeron,[1244] with powdered frankincense and sweet wine, is curative of inflammation of the testes; and root of symphytum,[1245] applied topically, reduces rupture of the groin. The white hypocisthis[1246] is curative of corroding ulcers of the genitals. Artemisia[1247] is prescribed also in sweet wine for the cure of calculi and of strangury; and root of nymphæa heraclia,[1248] taken in wine, allays pains in the bladder.

CHAP. 50.—CRETHMOS: ELEVEN REMEDIES. CACHRY.

A similar property belongs also to crethmos,[1249] a plant highly praised by Hippocrates.[1250] This is one of the wild plants that are commonly eaten—at all events, we find Callimachus mentioning it as one of the viands set on table by the peasant Hecale.[1251] It is a species of garden batis,[1252] with a stem a palm in height, and a hot seed, odoriferous like that of libanotis,[1253] and round. When dried, the seed bursts asunder, and discloses in the interior a white kernel, known as “cachry” to some. The leaf is unctuous and of a whitish colour, like that of the olive, only thicker and of a saltish taste. The roots are three or four in number, and about a finger in thickness: the plant grows in rocky localities, upon the sea-shore. It is eaten raw or else boiled with cabbage, and has a pleasant, aromatic flavour; it is preserved also in brine.

This plant is particularly useful for strangury, the leaves, stem, or root being taken in wine. It improves the complexion of the skin also, but if taken in excess is very apt to produce flatulency. Used in the form of a decoction it relaxes the bowels, has a diuretic effect, and carries off the humours from the kidneys. The same is the case also with alcea:[1254] dried and powdered and taken in wine, it removes strangury, and, with the addition of daucus,[1255] is still more efficacious: it is good too for the spleen, and is taken in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents. Mixed with their barley it is remarkably beneficial for beasts of burden, when suffering from pituitous defluxions or strangury.

CHAP. 51.—THE ANTHYLLION; TWO REMEDIES. THE ANTHYLLIS: TWO REMEDIES.

The anthyllion[1256] is a plant very like the lentil. Taken in wine, it is remedial for diseases of the bladder, and arrests hæmorrhage, Another variety of it is the anthyllis, a plant resembling the chamæpitys,[1257] with a purple flower, a powerful smell, and a root like that of endive.

CHAP. 52.—CEPÆA: ONE REMEDY.

The plant known as “cepæa”[1258] is even more efficacious. It resembles purslain in appearance, but has a darker root, that is never used: it grows upon the sands of the sea-shore, and has a bitter taste. Taken in wine with root of asparagus, it is remarkably useful for diseases of the bladder.

CHAP. 53.—HYPERICON, CHAMÆPITYS, OR CORISON: NINE REMEDIES.

Hypericon,[1259] otherwise known as the “chamæpitys”[1260] or “corison,”[1261] is possessed of similar properties. It is a plant[1262] with a stem like that[1263] of a garden vegetable, thin, red, and a cubit in length. The leaf is similar to that of rue, and has an acrid smell: the seed is enclosed in a swarthy pod, and ripens at the same time as barley. This seed is of an astringent nature, arrests diarrhœa, and acts as a diuretic: it is taken also for diseases of the bladder, in wine.

CHAP. 54.—CAROS OR HYPERICON: TEN REMEDIES.

There is another hypericon also, known as “caros”[1264] by some. The leaves of it resemble those of the tamarix,[1265] beneath[1266] which it grows, but are more unctuous[1267] and not so red. It is an odoriferous plant, somewhat more than a palm[1268] in height, of a sweet flavour, and slightly pungent. The seed is of a warming nature, and is consequently productive of eructations; it is not, however, injurious to the stomach. This plant is particularly useful for strangury, provided the bladder be not ulcerated; taken in wine, it is curative of pleurisy also.

CHAP. 55.—THE CALLITHRIX: ONE REMEDY. THE PERPRESSA: ONE REMEDY. THE CHRYSANTHEMUM: ONE REMEDY. THE ANTHEMIS: ONE REMEDY.

Callithrix,[1269] beaten up with cummin seed, and administered in white wine, is useful also for diseases of the bladder. Leaves of vervain, boiled down to one third, or root of vervain, in warm honied wine, expel calculi of the bladder.

Perpressa,[1270] a plant which grows in the vicinity of Arretium and in Illyricum, is boiled down to one third in three heminæ of water, and the decoction taken in drink: the same too with trefoil,[1271] which is administered in wine; and the same with the chrysanthemum.[1272] The anthemis[1273] also is an expellent of calculi. It is a plant with five small leaves running from the root, two long stems, and a flower like a rose. The roots of it are pounded and administered alone, in the same way as raw laver.[1274]

CHAP. 56.—SILAUS: ONE REMEDY.

Silaus[1275] is a plant which grows in running streams with a gravelly bed. It bears some resemblance to parsley, and is a cubit in height. It is cooked in the same manner as the acid vegetables,[1276] and is of great utility for affections of the bladder. In cases where that organ is affected with eruptions,[1277] it is used in combination with root of panaces,[1278] a plant which is otherwise bad for the bladder. The erratic apple,[1279] too, is an expellent of calculi. For this purpose, a pound of the root is boiled down to one half in a congius of wine, and one hemina of the decoction is taken for three consecutive days, the remainder being taken in wine with sium.[1280] Sea-nettle[1281] is employed too for the same purpose, daucus,[1282] and seed of plantago in wine.

CHAP. 57.—THE PLANT OF FULVIUS.

The plant of Fulvius[1283] too—so called from the first discoverer of it, and well known[1284] to herbalists—bruised in wine, acts as a diuretic.

CHAP. 58.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND OF THE FUNDAMENT.

Scordion[1285] reduces swellings of the testes. Henbane is curative of diseases of the generative organs. Strangury is cured by juice of peucedanum,[1286] taken with honey; as also by the seed of that plant. Agaric is also used for the same purpose, taken in doses of three oboli in one cyathus of old wine; root of trefoil, in doses of two drachmæ in wine; and root or seed of daucus,[1287] in doses of one drachma. For the cure of sciatica, the seed and leaves of erythrodanum[1288] are used, pounded; panaces,[1289] taken in drink; polemonia,[1290] employed as a friction; and leaves of aristolochia,[1291] in the form of a decoction. Agaric, taken in doses of three oboli in one cyathus of old wine, is curative of affections of the tendon known as “platys”[1292] and of pains in the shoulders. Cinquefoil is either taken in drink or applied topically for the cure of sciatica; a decoction of scammony is used also, with barley meal; and the seed of either kind of hypericon[1293] is taken in wine.

For diseases of the fundament and for excoriations plantago is remarkably efficacious; for condylomata, cinquefoil; and for procidence of the rectum, root of cyclaminos,[1294] applied in vinegar. The blue anagallis[1295] reduces procidence of the rectum, while, on the contrary, that with a red flower has a tendency to bear it down. Cotyledon[1296] is a marvellous cure for condylomatous affections and piles; and root of acoron,[1297] boiled in wine and beaten up, is a good application for swelling of the testes. According to what Cato[1298] says, those who carry about them Pontic[1299] wormwood, will never experience chafing between the thighs.

(9.) Some persons add pennyroyal to the number of these plants: gathered fasting, they say, and attached to the hinder part of the body, it will be an effectual preservative against all pains in the groin, and will allay them in cases where they already exist.

CHAP. 59.—INGUINALIS OR ARGEMO.

Inguinalis[1300] again, or, as some persons call it, “argemo,” a plant commonly found growing in bushes and thickets, needs only to be held in the hand to be productive of beneficial effects upon the groin.

CHAP. 60.—REMEDIES FOR INFLAMED TUMOURS. CHRYSIPPIOS: ONE REMEDY.

Panaces,[1301] applied with honey, heals inflammatory tumours; an effect which is equally produced by plantago applied with salt, cinquefoil, root of persolata[1302] used in the same way as for scrofula; damasonium[1303] also, and verbascum[1304] pounded with the root, and then sprinkled with wine, and wrapped in a leaf warmed upon ashes, and applied hot. Persons of experience in these matters have asserted that it is of primary importance that the application should be made by a maiden, as also that she must be naked at the time, and fasting. The patient must be fasting too, and the damsel must say, touching him with the back of her hand,[1305] “Apollo forbids that a disease shall increase which a naked virgin restrains.” So saying, she must withdraw her hand, and repeat to the above effect three times, both of them spitting upon the ground each time.

Root, too, of mandragora[1306] is used for this purpose, with water; a decoction of root of scammony with honey; sideritis[1307] beaten up with stale grease; horehound with stale axle-grease; or chrysippios,[1308] a plant which owes its name to its discoverer—with pulpy figs.

CHAP. 61. (10.)—APHRODISIACS AND ANTAPHRODISIACS.

Nymphæa heraclia, used as already stated,[1309] acts most powerfully as an antaphrodisiac; the same too if taken once every forty days in drink. Taken in drink fasting, or eaten with the food, it effectually prevents the recurrence of libidinous dreams. The root too, used in the form of a liniment and applied to the generative organs, not only represses all prurient desires, but arrests the seminal secretions as well; for which reason, it is said to have a tendency to make flesh and to improve the voice.[1310]

The upper part of the root of xiphion,[1311] taken in wine, acts as an aphrodisiac. The same is the case too with the wild crethmos,[1312] or agrios as it is called, and with horminum,[1313] beaten up with polenta.[1314]

CHAP. 62.—THE ORCHIS OR SERAPIAS: FIVE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. SATYRION.

But there are few plants of so marvellous a nature as the orchis[1315] or serapias, a vegetable production with leaves like those of the leek, a stem a palm in height, a purple flower, and a twofold root, formed of tuberosities which resemble the testes in appearance. The larger of these tuberosities, or, as some say, the harder of the two, taken in water, is provocative of lust; while the smaller, or, in other words, the softer one, taken in goat’s milk, acts as an antaphrodisiac. Some persons describe this plant as having a leaf like that of the squill, only smoother and softer, and a prickly stem. The roots heal liberations of the mouth, and are curative of pituitous discharges from the chest; taken in wine they act astringently upon the bowels.

Satyrion is also a powerful stimulant. There are two kinds of it: the first[1316] has leaves like those of the olive, but longer, a stem four fingers in length, a purple flower, and a double root, resembling the human testes in shape. This root swells and increases in volume one year, and resumes its original size the next. The other kind is known as the “satyrios orchis,”[1317] and is supposed to be the female plant. It is distinguished from the former one by the distance between its joints, and its more branchy and shrublike form. The root is employed in philtres: it is mostly found growing near the sea. Beaten up and applied with polenta,[1318] or by itself, it heals tumours and various other affections of the generative organs. The root of the first kind, administered in the milk of a colonic[1319] sheep, causes tentigo; taken in water it produces a contrary effect.

CHAP. 63.—SATYRION: THREE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. SATYRION ERYTHRAÏCON: FOUR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.

The Greeks give the name of “satyrion”[1320] to a plant with red leaves like those of the lily, but smaller, not more than three of them making their appearance above ground. The stem, they say, is smooth and bare and a cubit in length, and the root double; the lower part, which is also the larger, promoting the conception of male issue, the upper or smaller part, that of female.

They distinguish also another kind of satyrion, by the name of “erythraïcon:”[1321] it has seed like that of the vitex,[1322] only larger, smooth, and hard; the root, they say, is covered with a red rind, and is white within and of a sweetish taste: it is mostly found in mountainous districts. The root, we are told, if only held in the hand, acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, and even more so, if it is taken in rough, astringent wine. It is administered in drink, they say, to rams and he-goats when inactive and sluggish; and the people of Sarmatia are in the habit of giving it to their stallions when fatigued with covering, a defect to which they give the name of “prosedamum.” The effects of this plant are neutralized by the use of hydromel or lettuces.[1323]

The Greeks, however, give the general name of “satyrion” to all substances of a stimulating tendency, to the cratægis[1324] for example, the thelygonon,[1325] and the arrenogonon, plants, the seed of which bears a resemblance to the testes.[1326] Persons who carry the pith of branches of tithymalos[1327] about them, are rendered more amorous thereby, it is said. The statements are really incredible, which Theophrastus,[1328] in most cases an author of high authority, makes in relation to this subject; thus, for instance, he says that by the contact only of a certain plant, a man has been enabled, in the sexual congress, to repeat his embraces as many as seventy times even! The name and genus, however, of this plant, he has omitted to mention.

CHAP. 64.—REMEDIES FOR THE GOUT AND DISEASES OF THE FEET.

Sideritis,[1329] attached to the body as an amulet, reduces varicose veins, and effects a painless cure. Gout used to be an extremely rare disease, not in the times of our fathers and grandfathers only, but within my own memory even. Indeed, it may justly be considered a foreign complaint; for if it had been formerly known in Italy, it would surely have found a Latin name. It should, however, by no means be looked upon as an incurable malady; for before now, in many instances, it has quitted the patient all at once, and still more frequently, a cure has been effected by proper treatment.

For the cure of gout, roots of panaces[1330] are used, mixed with raisins; juice of henbane, or the seed, combined with meal; scordion,[1331] taken in vinegar; iberis, as already mentioned;[1332] vervain, beaten up with axle-grease; or root of cyclaminos,[1333] a decoction of which is good also for chilblains.

As cooling applications for gout, root of xiphion[1334] is used; seed of psyllion;[1335] hemlock, with litharge or axle-grease; and, at the first symptoms of red gout, or, in other words, hot gout, the plant aizoüm.[1336] For either kind of gout, erigeron,[1337] with axle-grease, is very useful; leaves of plantago, beaten up with a little salt; or argemonia,[1338] pounded with honey. An application of vervain is also remedial, and it is a good plan to soak the feet in a decoction of that plant in water.

CHAP. 65. LAPPAGO OR MOLLUGO: ONE REMEDY. ASPERUGO: ONE REMEDY.

Lappago[1339] is employed also for this disease; a plant similar to the anagallis,[1340] were it not that it is more branchy, bristling with a greater number of leaves, covered with rugosities, full of a more acrid juice, and possessed of a powerful smell. The kind that resembles anagallis most closely, is known as mollugo.[1341] Asperugo[1342] is a similar plant, only with a more prickly leaf. The juice of the first is taken daily, in doses of one denarius, in two cyathi of wine.

CHAP. 66.—PHYCOS THALASSION OR SEA-WEED: THREE VARIETIES OF IT. LAPPA BOARIA.

But it is the phycos thalassion, or sea-weed,[1343] more particularly, that is so excellent a remedy for the gout. It resembles the lettuce in appearance, and is used as the basis in dyeing tissues with the purple of the murex.[1344] Used before it becomes dry, it is efficacious as a topical application not only for gout, but for all diseases of the joints. There are three kinds of it; one with a broad leaf, another with a longer leaf of a reddish hue, and a third with a crisped leaf, and used in Crete for dyeing cloths.[1345] All these kinds have similar properties; and we find Nicander prescribing them in wine as an antidote to the venom of serpents even. The seed also of the plant which we have spoken of as “psyllion,”[1346] is useful for the cure of gout: it is first steeped in water, and one hemina of the seed is then mixed with two spoonfuls of resin of Colophon, and one spoonful of frankincense. Leaves of mandragora,[1347] too, are highly esteemed for this purpose, beaten up with polenta.

(11.) For swellings of the ankles, slime,[1348] kneaded up with oil, is wonderfully useful, and for swellings of the joints the juice of the smaller centaury; this last being remarkably good also for diseases of the sinews. Centauris,[1349] too, is very useful; and for pains in the sinews of the shoulder-blades, shoulders, vertebræ, and loins, an infusion of betony is taken in drink in the same way as for diseases of the liver.[1350] Cinquefoil is applied topically to the joints, and a similar use is made of the leaves of mandragora, mixed with polenta,[1351] or else the root, beaten up fresh with wild cucumber[1352] or boiled in water. For chaps upon the toes, root of polypodion[1353] is used; and for diseases of the joints, juice of henbane with axle-grease; amomum,[1354] with a decoction of the plant; centunculus,[1355] boiled; or fresh moss steeped in water, and attached to the part till it is quite dry.

The root, too, of lappa boaria,[1356] taken in wine, is productive of similar effects. A decoction of cyclaminos[1357] in water, is curative of chilblains, and all other affections resulting from cold. For chilblains, cotyledon[1358] is also employed with axle-grease, leaves of batrachion,[1359] and juice of epithymum.[1360] Ladanum,[1361] mixed with castoreum,[1361] and vervain applied with wine, extract corns from the feet.

CHAP. 67.—MALADIES WHICH ATTACK THE WHOLE OF THE BODY.

Having now finished the detail of the diseases which are perceptible in individual parts of the body, we shall proceed to speak of those which attack the whole of the body. The following I find mentioned as general remedies: in preference to anything else, an infusion of dodecatheos,[1362] a plant already described, should be taken in drink, and then the roots of the several kinds[1363] of panaces, in maladies of long standing more particularly: seed, too, of panaces should be used for intestinal complaints. For all painful affections of the body we find juice of scordium[1364] recommended, as also that of betony: this last, taken in a potion, is particularly excellent for removing a wan and leaden hue of the skin, and for improving its general appearance.

CHAP. 68.—THE GERANION, MYRRILIS, OR MYRTIS; THREE VARIETIES OF IT: SIX REMEDIES.

The plant geranion has the additional names of “myrrhis”[1365] and “myrtis.” It is similar to hemlock in appearance, but has a smaller leaf and a shorter stem, rounded, and of a pleasant taste and odour. Such, at all events, is the description given of it by our herbalists; but the Greeks speak of it as bearing leaves a little whiter than those of the mallow, thin downy stems, and branches at intervals some two palms in length, with small heads at their extremities, in the midst of the leaves, resembling the bill[1366] of a crane.[1367] There is also another[1368] variety of this plant, with leaves like those of the anemone, but with deeper incisions, and a root rounded like an apple, sweet, and extremely useful and refreshing[1369] for invalids when recovering their strength; this last would almost seem to be the true geranion.

For phthisis this plant is taken, in the proportion of one drachma to three cyathi of wine, twice a day; as also for flatulency. Eaten raw, it is productive of similar effects. The juice of the root is remedial for diseases of the ear; and for opisthotony the seed is taken in drink, in doses of four drachmæ, with pepper and myrrh. Juice of plantago,[1370] taken in drink, is curative of phthisis, and a decoction of it is equally good for the purpose. Plantago taken as a food with oil and salt, immediately after rising in the morning, is extremely refreshing; it is prescribed, too, in cases of atrophy, on alternate days. Betony is given with honey, in the form of an electuary, for phthisis, in pieces the size of a bean; agaric, too, is taken in doses of two oboli in raisin wine, or else daucus[1371] with the greater centaury in wine. For the cure of phagedæna, a name given in common to bulimia[1372] and to a corrosive kind of ulcer, tithymalos[1373] is taken in combination with sesame.

CHAP. 69.—THE ONOTHERAS OR ONEAR: THREE REMEDIES.

Among the various evils by which the whole of the body in common is afflicted, that of wakefulness is the most common. Among the remedies for it we find panaces[1374] mentioned, clymenus,[1375] and aristolochia,[1376] the odour of the plant being inhaled and the head rubbed with it. Aizoüm, or houseleek, is beneficial, wrapped in black cloth and placed beneath the pillow, without the patient being aware of it. The onotheras[1377] too, or onear, taken in wine, has certain exhilarating properties; it has leaves like those of the almond tree, a rose-coloured flower, numerous branches, and a long root, with a vinous smell when dried: an infusion of this root has a soothing effect upon wild beasts even.

For fits of indigestion[1378] attended with nausea, betony is taken in drink: used similarly after the evening meal, it facilitates the digestion. Taken in the proportion of one drachma to three cyathi of oxymel, it dispels crapulence. The same is the case, too, with agaric, taken in warm water after eating. Betony is curative of paralysis, it is said; the same, too, with iberis, as already stated.[1379] This last is good, too, for numbness of the limbs; the same being the case with argemonia,[1380] a plant which disperses those affections which might otherwise necessitate the application of the knife.

CHAP. 70.—REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY.

Epilepsy is cured by the root of the panaces which we have spoken[1381] of as the “heraclion,” taken in drink with sea-calf’s rennet, the proportions being three parts of panaces and one of rennet. For the same purpose an infusion of plantago[1382] is taken, or else betony or agaric, with oxymel, the former in doses of one drachma, the latter in doses of three oboli; leaves of cinquefoil are taken, also, in water. Archezostis[1383] is also curative of epilepsy, but it must be taken constantly for a year; root of bacchar,[1384] too, dried and powdered, and taken in warm water, in the proportion of three cyathi to one cyathus of coriander; centunculus[1385] also, bruised in vinegar, warm water, or honey; vervain, taken in wine; hyssop[1386] berries, three in number, pounded and taken in water, for sixteen days consecutively; peucedanum,[1387] taken in drink with sea-calf’s rennet, in equal proportions; leaves of cinquefoil, bruised in wine and taken for thirty days; powdered betony, in doses of three denarii, with one cyathus of squill vinegar and an ounce of Attic honey; as also scammony, in the proportion of two oboli to four drachmæ of castoreum.

CHAP. 71.—REMEDIES FOR FEVERS.

Agaric, taken in warm water, alleviates cold fevers: sideritis, in combination with oil, is good for tertian fevers; bruised ladanum[1388] also, which is found in corn fields; plantago,[1389] taken in doses of two drachmæ, in hydromel, a couple of hours before the paroxysms come on; juice of the root of plantago made warm or subjected to pressure; or else the root itself beaten up in water made warm with a hot iron. Some medical men prescribe three roots of plantago, in three cyathi of water; and in a similar manner, four roots for quartan fevers. When buglossos[1390] is beginning to wither, if a person takes the pith out of the stem, and says while so doing, that it is for the cure of such and such a person suffering from fever, and then attaches seven leaves to the patient, just before the paroxysms come on, he will experience a cure, they say.

Fevers too, those which are attended with recurrent cold shiverings more particularly, are cured by administering one drachma of betony, or else agaric, in three cyathi of hydromel. Some medical men recommend three leaves of cinquefoil for tertian, four for quartan, and an increased number for other fevers; while others again prescribe in all cases three oboli of cinquefoil, with pepper, in hydromel.

Vervain, administered in water, is curative of fever, in beasts of burden even; but care must be taken, in cases of tertian fever, to cut the plant at the third joint, and of quartan fever at the fourth. The seed of either kind of hypericon[1391] is taken also for quartan fevers and cold shiverings. Powdered betony modifies these fits, and panaces[1392] is of so warming a nature that persons when about to travel amid the snow are recommended to drink an infusion of it, and to rub the body all over with the plant. Aristolochia[1393] also arrests shivering produced by cold.

CHAP. 72.—REMEDIES FOR PHRENITIS, LETHARGY, AND CARBUNCLES.

Phrenitis is cured by sleep induced by the agency of an infusion of peucedanum[1394] in vinegar, poured upon the head, or else by the juice of either kind of anagallis.[1395] On the other hand, when patients are suffering from lethargy, it is with the greatest difficulty that they are aroused; a result which may be effected, they say, by touching the nostrils with juice of peucedanum in vinegar. For the cure of insanity, betony is administered in drink. Panaces[1396] brings carbuncles to a head, and makes them break; and they are equally cured by powdered betony applied in water, or else cabbage leaves mixed with frankincense in warm water, and taken in considerable quantities. For a similar purpose, a red-hot coal is extinguished in the patient’s presence, and the ashes are taken up with the finger and applied to the sore. Bruised plantago[1397] is also used for the cure of carbuncles.

CHAP. 73.—REMEDIES FOR DROPSY. ACTE OR EBULUM. CHAMÆACTE.

For the cure of dropsy, tithymalos characias[1398] is employed; panaces[1399] also; plantago,[1400] used as a diet, dry bread being eaten first, without any drink; betony, taken in doses of two drachmæ in two cyathi of ordinary wine or honied wine; agaric or seed of lonchitis,[1401] in doses of two spoonfuls, in water; psyllion,[1402] taken in wine; juice of either anagallis;[1403] root of cotyledon[1404] in honied wine; root of ebulum,[1405] fresh gathered, with the mould shaken off, but not washed in water, a pinch in two fingers being taken in one hemina of old wine mulled; root of trefoil, taken in doses of two drachmæ in wine; the tithymalos[1406] known as “platyphyllos;” seed of the hypericon,[1407] otherwise known as “caros;” the plant called “acte”—the same thing as ebulum[1408] according to some—the root of it being pounded in three cyathi of wine, if there are no symptoms of fever, or the seed of it being administered in red wine; a good handful of vervain also, boiled down in water to one half. But of all the remedies for this disease, juice of chamæacte[1409] is looked upon as by far the most efficacious.

Morbid or pituitous eruptions are cured by the agency of plantago, or else root of cyclaminos[1410] with honey. Leaves of ebulum,[1411] bruised in old wine and applied topically, are curative of the disease called “boa,” which makes its appearance in the form of red pimples. Juice of strychnos,[1412] applied as a liniment, is curative of prurigo.

CHAP. 74.—REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS.

For the cure of erysipelas, aizoüm[1413] is used, or else pounded leaves of hemlock, or root of mandragora;[1414] this last being cut into round slices like cucumber and suspended over must,[1415] after which it is hung up in the smoke, and then pounded in wine or vinegar. It is a good plan too to use fomentations with myrtle wine: two ounces of mint beaten up in vinegar with one ounce of live sulphur, form a mixture sometimes employed; as also soot mixed with vinegar.

There are several kinds of erysipelas, one in particular which attacks the middle of the body, and is known as “zoster:”[1416] should it entirely surround the body, its effects are fatal. For this disease, plantago[1417] is remedial, mixed with Cimolian[1418] chalk; vervain, used by itself; or root of persolata.[1419] For other kinds of erysipelas of a spreading nature, root of cotyledon[1420] is used, mixed with honied wine; aizoüm also,[1421] or juice of linozostis,[1422] in combination with vinegar.

CHAP. 75. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR SPRAINS.

For the cure of sprains, root of polypodion[1423] is used, in the form, of a liniment: the pain and swelling are modified also by using seed of psyllion;[1424] leaves of plantago[1425] beaten up with a little salt; seed of verbascum,[1426] boiled in wine and pounded; or hemlock with axle-grease. Leaves of ephemeron[1427] are applied topically to tumours and tuberosities, so long as they are capable of being dispersed.

CHAP. 76.—REMEDIES FOR JAUNDICE.

It is upon the eyes in particular that jaundice is productive of so remarkable an effect; the bile penetrating between the membranes, so extremely delicate as they are and so closely united. Hippocrates[1428] tells us that the appearance of jaundice on or after the seventh day in fevers is a fatal symptom; but I am acquainted with some instances in which, the patients survived after having been reduced to this apparently hopeless state. We may remark also, that jaundice sometimes comes on without fever supervening. It is combated by taking the greater centaury,[1429] as already mentioned, in drink; agaric, in doses of three oboli in old wine; or leaves of vervain, in doses of three oboli, taken for four consecutive days in one hemina of mulled wine. But the most speedy cure of all is effected by using juice of cinquefoil, in doses of three cyathi, with salt and honey. Root of cyclaminos[1430] is also taken in drink in doses of three drachmæ, the patient sitting in a warm room free from all cold and draughts, the infusion expelling the bile by its action as a sudorific.

Leaves of tussilago[1431] are also used in water for this purpose; the seed of either kind of linozostis,[1432] sprinkled in the drink, or made into a decoction with chick-pease or wormwood: hyssop berries taken in water; the plant lichen,[1433] all other vegetables being carefully abstained from while it is being used; polythrix,[1434] taken in wine; and struthion,[1435] in honied wine.

CHAP. 77.—REMEDIES FOR BOILS.

There are boils also, known as “furunculi,”[1436] which make their appearance indiscriminately on all parts of the body, and are productive of the greatest inconvenience: sometimes indeed, when the constitution is exhausted, they are fatal in their effects. For their cure, leaves of pycnocomon[1437] are employed, beaten up with polenta,[1438] if the boil has not come to a head. They are dispersed also by an application of leaves of ephedron.[1439]

CHAP. 78.—REMEDIES FOR FISTULA.

Fistulas, too, insidiously attack all parts of the body, owing to unskilfulness on the part of medical men in the use of the knife. The smaller centaury[1440] is used for their cure, with the addition of lotions[1441] and boiled honey: juice of plantago[1442] is also employed, as an injection; cinquefoil, mixed with salt and honey; ladanum,[1443] combined with castoreum;[1444] cotyledon,[1445] applied hot with stag’s marrow; pith of the root of verbascum[1446] reduced to a liquid state in the shape of a lotion, and injected; root of aristolochia;[1447] or juice of tithymalos.[1448]

CHAP. 79.—REMEDIES FOR ABSCESSES AND HARD TUMOURS.

Abscesses and inflammations are cured by an application of leaves of argemonia.[1449] For indurations and gatherings of all descriptions a decoction of vervain or cinquefoil in vinegar is used; leaves or root of verbascum;[1450] a liniment made of wine and hyssop; root of acoron,[1451] a decoction of it being used as a fomentation; or else aizoüm.[1452] Contusions also, hard tumours, and fistulous abscesses are treated with, illecebra.[1453]

All kinds of foreign substances which have pierced the flesh are extracted by using leaves of tussilago,[1454] daueus,[1455] or seed of leontopodium[1456] pounded in water with polenta.[1457] To suppurations, leaves of pycnocomon[1458] are applied, beaten up with polenta, or else the seed of that plant, or orchis.[1459] An application of root of satyrion[1460] is said to be a most efficacious remedy for deep-seated diseases of the bones. Corrosive ulcers and all kinds of gatherings are treated with sea-weed,[1461] used before it has dried. Root, too, of alcima[1462] disperses gatherings.

CHAP. 80.—REMEDIES FOB BURNS.

Burns are cured by the agency of plantago,[1463] or of arction,[1464] so effectually indeed as to leave no scar. The leaves of this last plant are boiled in water, beaten up, and applied to the sore. Boots of cyclaminos[1465] are used, in combination with aizoüm;[1466] the kind of hypericon also, which we have mentioned as being called “corissum.”[1467]

CHAP. 81. REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SINEWS AND JOINTS.

For diseases of the sinews and joints, plantago,[1468] beaten up with salt, is a very useful remedy, or else argemonia,[1469] pounded with honey. Patients affected with spasms or tetanus are rubbed with juice of peucedanum.[1470] For indurations of the sinews, juice of ægilops[1471] is employed, and for pains in those parts of the body erigeron[1472] or epithymum,[1473] used as a liniment, with vinegar. In cases of spasms and opisthotony, it is an excellent plan to rub the part affected with seed of the hypericon known as “caros,”[1474] and to take the seed in drink. Phrynion,[1475] it is said, will effect a cure even when the sinews have been severed, if applied instantaneously, bruised or chewed. For spasmodic affections, fits of trembling, and opisthotony, root of alcima[1476] is administered in hydromel; used in this manner, if has a warming effect when the limbs are benumbed with cold.

CHAP. 82.—REMEDIES FOR HÆMORRHAGE.

The red seed of the plant called “pæonia”[1477] arrests hæmorrhage; the root also is possessed of similar properties. But it is clymenus[1478] that should be employed, when there are discharges of blood at the mouth or nostrils, from the bowels, or from the uterus. In such cases, lysimachia[1479] also is taken in drink, applied topically, or introduced into the nostrils; or else seed of plantago,[1480] or cinquefoil, is taken in drink, or employed in the form of a liniment. Hemlock seed is introduced into the nostrils, for discharges of blood there, or else it is pounded and applied in water; aizoüm.[1481] also, and root of astragalus.[1482] Ischæmon[1483] and achillea[1484] likewise arrest hæmorrhage.

CHAP. 83. (13.)—HIPPURIS, OTHERWISE CALLED EPHEDRON, ANABASIS, OB EQUISÆTUM; THREE KINDS OF IT: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.

Equisætum, a plant called “hippuris” by the Greeks, and which we have mentioned in terms of condemnation, when treating of meadow lands[1485]—it being, in fact, a sort of hair of the earth, similar in appearance to horse-hair[1486]—is used by runners for the purpose of diminishing[1487] the spleen. For this purpose it is boiled down in a new earthen vessel to one third, the vessel being filled to the brim, and the decoction taken in doses of one hemina for three successive days. It is strictly forbidden, however, to eat any food of a greasy nature the day before taking it.

Among the Greeks there are various opinions in relation to this plant. According to some, who give it the same name of “hippuris,” it has leaves like those of the pine tree, and of a swarthy hue; and, if we are to believe them, it is possessed of virtues of such a marvellous nature, that if touched by the patient only, it will arrest hæmorrhage. Some authorities call it “hippuris,” others, again, “ephedron,” and others “anabasis;” and they tell us that it grows near trees, the trunks of which it ascends, and hangs down therefrom in numerous tufts of black, rush-like hair, much like a horse’s tail in appearance. The branches, we are told, are thin and articulated, and the leaves, few in number, small, and thin, the seed round, and similar to coriander in appearance, and the root ligneous: it grows, they say, in plantations more particularly.

This plant is possessed of astringent properties. The juice of it, kept in the nostrils, arrests bleeding therefrom, and it acts astringently upon the bowels. Taken in doses of three cyathi, in sweet wine, it is a cure for dysentery, is an efficient diuretic, and is curative of cough, hardness of breathing, ruptures, and serpiginous affections. For diseases of the intestines and bladder, the leaves are taken in drink; it has the property, also, of reducing ruptures of the groin.

The Greek writers describe another[1488] hippuris, also, with shorter tufts, softer and whiter. This last, they say, is remarkably good for sciatica, and, applied with vinegar, for wounds, it having the property of stanching the blood. Bruised nymphæa[1489] is also applied to wounds. Peucedanum[1490] is taken in drink with cypress seed, for discharges of blood at the mouth or by the lower passages. Sideritis[1491] is possessed of such remarkable virtues, that applied to the wound of a gladiator just inflicted, it will stop the flow of blood; an effect which is equally produced by an application of charred fennel-giant, or of the ashes of that plant. For a similar purpose, also, the fungus that is found growing near the root of fennel-giant is still more efficacious.

CHAP. 84.—STEPHANOMELIS.

For bleeding at the nostrils, seed of hemlock, pounded in water is considered efficacious, as also stephanomelis,[1492] applied with water. Powdered betony, taken with goat’s milk, or bruised plantago,[1493] arrests discharges of blood from the mamillæ. Juice of plantago is administered to patients when vomiting blood. For local discharges of blood, an application of root of persolata[1494] with stale axle-grease is highly spoken of.

CHAP. 85.—REMEDIES FOR RUPTURES AND CONVULSIONS. ERYSITHALES: ONE REMEDY.

For ruptures, convulsions, and falls with violence, the greater centaury[1495] is used; root of gentian pounded or boiled; juice of betony—this last being employed also for ruptures produced by straining the vocal organs or sides—panaces;[1496] scordium;[1497] or aristolochia[1498] taken in drink. For contusions and falls, agaric is taken, in doses of two oboli, in three cyathi of honied wine, or if there are symptoms of fever, hydromel; the verbascum,[1499] also, with a golden flower; root of acoron;[1500] the several varieties of aizoüm,[1501] the juice of the larger kind being particularly efficacious; juice of symphytum,[1502] or a decoction of the root of that plant; daucus,[1503] unboiled; erysithales,[1504] a plant with a yellow flower and a leaf like that of acanthus, taken in wine; chamærops;[1505] irio,[1506] taken in pottage; plantago[1507] taken any way, as also * * * *

CHAP. 86.—REMEDIES FOR PHTHIRIASIS.

Phthiriasis is a disease which proved fatal to the Dictator Sylla,[1508] and which developes itself by the production of insects in the blood, which ultimately consume the body. It is combated by using the juice of Taminian grapes[1509] or of hellebore, the body being rubbed all over with it, in combination with oil. A decoction of Taminian grapes in vinegar, has the effect, also, of ridding the clothes of these vermin.

CHAP. 87. (14.)—REMEDIES FOR ULCERS AND WOUNDS.

Of ulcers there are numerous kinds, which are treated in various ways. The root of all the varieties of panaces[1510] is used as an application for running ulcers, in warm wine.

That which we have spoken of as the “chironion”[1511] is particularly good as a desiccative: bruised with honey, it opens tumours, and is useful for serpiginous ulcers, the cure of which appears more than doubtful; in which case it is amalgamated with flower[1512] of copper tempered with wine, either the seed, flower, or root, being employed for the purpose. Mixed with polenta[1513] it is good for old wounds. The following are also good detergents for wounds: heraclion siderion,[1514] apollinaris,[1515] psyllion,[1516] tragacantha,[1517] and scordotis[1518] mixed with honey. Powdered scordotis, applied by itself, consumes fleshy excrescences on the body. Polemonia[1519] is curative of the malignant ulcer known as “cacoëthes.” The greater centaury,[1520] sprinkled in powder, or applied in the form of a liniment, or the leaves of the smaller[1521] centaury, boiled or pounded, act as a detergent upon inveterate ulcers, and effect a cure. To recent wounds, the follicules of the clymenus[1522] are applied. Gentian is applied to serpiginous ulcers, the root being bruised or else boiled down in water to the consistency of honey; the juice also of the plant is employed. For wounds, a kind of lycium[1523] is prepared from gentian.

Lysimachia[1524] is curative of recent wounds, and plantago[1525] of all kinds of liberations, those on females, infants, and aged persons more particularly. This plant, when softened by the action of fire, is better still: in combination with cerate it acts as a detergent upon ulcers with indurated edges, and arrests the progress of corrosive sores: when applied bruised, it should be covered with its own leaves. Chelidonia[1526] also acts as a desiccative upon suppurations, abscesses, and fistulous ulcers; indeed, it is so remarkably useful for the cure of wounds, as to be employed as a substitute for spodium[1527] even. In cases where the cure is almost hopeless, it is applied with axle-grease. Dittany,[1528] taken internally, causes arrows to fall from the flesh; used as a liniment, it has the effect of extracting other kinds of pointed weapons: the leaves are taken in the proportion of one obolus to one cyathus of water. Nearly equal in its efficacy is pseudo-dictamnon:[1529] they are both of them useful, also, for dispersing suppurations.

Aristolochia[1530] cauterizes putrid sores, and, applied with honey, acts as a detergent upon sordid ulcers. At the same time also, it removes maggots, and extracts hard cores, and all foreign bodies adhering to the flesh, arrows more particularly, and, applied with resin, splintered bones. Used by itself, it fills the cavities made by ulcers with new flesh, and, employed with iris,[1531] in vinegar, it closes recent wounds. Vervain, or cinquefoil with salt and honey, is remedial for ulcers of long standing. Roots of persolata[1532] are applied to recent wounds inflicted with iron, but for old wounds, it is the leaves that are employed: in both cases, in combination with axle-grease, the sore being then covered with the leaves of the plant. Damasonium[1533] is used for wounds the same way as for scrofula,[1534] and leaves of verbascum[1535] are employed with vinegar or wine.

Vervain is useful for all kinds of callosities or putrid sores; root of nymphæa heraclia[1536] is curative of running ulcers; and the same is the case with root of cyclaminos,[1537] either used by itself, or in combination with vinegar or honey. This last root is useful also for the cure of steatomatous tumours, and hyssop for that of running ulcers; an effect equally produced by peucedanum,[1538] a plant which exercises so powerful an influence upon fresh wounds, as to cause exfoliation even of the bones. The two varieties of anagallis[1539] are possessed of similar properties, and act as a check upon the corrosive sores known as “nomæ” and upon defluxions; they are useful also in cases of recent wounds, those of aged people in particular. Fresh leaves of mandragora,[1540] applied with cerate, are curative of apostemes and sordid ulcers: the root too is used, with honey or oil, for wounds.

Hemlock, incorporated with flour of winter wheat[1541] by the agency of wine—as also the plant aizoüm[1542]—is curative of herpetic eruptions, and corrosive or putrid sores. Erigeron[1543] is employed for ulcers which breed maggots. Root of astragalus[1544] is used for the cure of recent wounds or of ulcers of long standing; and upon these last either kind of hypocisthis[1545] acts as a detergent. Seed of leontopodium,[1546] bruised in water and applied with polenta,[1547] extracts pointed weapons from the flesh: a result equally produced by using seed of pycnocomon.[1548] The tithyinalos characias[1549] supplies its juice for the cure of gangrenes, phagedænic sores, and putrid ulcers; or else a decoction is made of the branches with polenta and oil. Boots of orchis[1550] have a similar effect; in addition to which, applied, either dry or fresh gathered, with honey and vinegar, they are curative of the ulcer known as “cacoëthes.” Onothera[1551] also, used by itself, is curative of ulcers when rapidly gaining head.

The people of Scythia employ scythice[1552] for the treatment of wounds. For carcinoma, argemonia,[1553] applied with honey, is extremely efficacious. For sores that have prematurely closed, root of asphodel is boiled, in manner already[1554] stated and then beaten up with polenta,[1555] and applied. For all kinds of wounds apollinaris[1556] is very useful. Root of astragalus,[1557] reduced to powder, is good for running ulcers; the same, too, with callithrix,[1558] boiled in water. For blisters, more particularly when caused by the shoes, vervain is used, as also pounded lysimachia,[1559] or nymphæa[1560] dried and powdered; but when they have assumed the form of inveterate ulcers, polythrix[1561] will be found more serviceable.

CHAP. 88.—POLYCNEMON: ONE REMEDY.

Polycnemon[1562] is a plant which resembles cunila bubula;[1563] it has a seed like that of pennyroyal, a ligneous stem with numerous articulations, and odoriferous umbels, with a pleasant though pungent smell. This plant is chewed and applied to wounds inflicted with iron, the application being removed at the end of four days. Symphyton[1564] causes sores to cicatrize with the greatest rapidity; the same, too, with sideritis,[1565] which is applied in combination with honey. The seed and leaves of verbascum,[1566] boiled in wine and pounded, are used for the extraction of all foreign substances adhering to the body; and a similar use is made of leaves of mandragora[1567] mixed with polenta,[1568] and roots of cyclaminos[1569] with honey. Leaves of trixago,[1570] bruised in oil, are used for ulcers of a serpiginous nature more particularly, as also sea-weed bruised with honey. Betony, with the addition of salt, is employed for the cure of carcinomatous sores and inveterate blisters on the neck.

CHAP. 89.—REMEDIES FOB WARTS, AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF SCARS.

Argemonia[1571] with vinegar, or root of batrachion,[1572] removes warts; this last having the effect also of bringing off malformed nails. The juice or the leaves, applied topically, of either kind of linozostis,[1573] remove warts. All the varieties of tithymalos[1574] are efficacious for the removal of every kind of wart, as also of hangnails[1575] and wens. Ladanum[1576] imparts a fresh colour and seemly appearance to scars.

(15.) The traveller who carries artemisia[1577] attached to his person, or elelisphacus,[1578] will never be sensible of lassitude, it is said.

CHAP. 90.—REMEDIES FOR FEMALE DISEASES.

One great remedy for all female diseases in common, is the black seed of the herbaceous plant pæonia,[1579] taken in hydromel: the root also is an effectual emmenagogue. Seed of panaces,[1580] mixed with wormwood, acts as an emmenagogue and as a sudorific: the same, too, with scordotis,[1581] taken internally or applied topically. Betony, in doses of one drachma to three cyathi of wine, is taken for various affections of the uterus, as also directly after child-birth. Excessive menstruation is arrested by a pessary of achillea,[1582] or else a sitting-bath composed of a decoction of that plant. Seed of henbane in wine is used as a liniment for diseases of the mamillæ, and the root is employed in the form of a plaster for uterine affections; chelidonia,[1583] too, is applied to the mamillæ.