Chapter VII: Book I: , 68.) Of course it would consist of nothing but animal sweat, (3)

Bursa Pastoris, _Shepherd’s Purse_, is possessed of acrid powers, so that when drunk it breaks internal abscesses, and occasions a flow of the menses; and if injected by the anus it relieves ischiatic disease by occasioning a bloody discharge. It otherwise purges bile upwards and downwards when drunk to the amount of an acetabulum.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Sprengel holds that the Θ. of Dioscorides is the _Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris_. Dioscorides describes another species, which is either the _Iberis umbellata_, or the _Viola latifolia_. Pliny recommends the Thlaspi as a phlegmagogue and cholagogue. (H. N. xxvii, 113.) Dioscorides assigns it the same character, and also holds that it is emmenagogue. Our author copies closely from Galen. Avicenna dwells at considerable length upon the virtues of Thlaspi, calling it emetic and purgative, and also anthelminthic, emmenagogue, and carminative. The _Thlaspi arvense_ held a place in the Dispensatory, with all the characters of the ancient T., down to a late date. See Quincy (Compl. Engl. Dispens. 66.)

Θρίδαξ,

Lactuca, _Lettuce_, is a juicy and cold potherb, yet not extremely so, but of the temperament of spring water. It therefore suits with hot inflammations, and also quenches thirst. When taken in an infusion it stops gonorrhœa and libidinous dreams. The wild lettuce is less cooling and diluent than the other, and is also more juicy.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The cultivated kind is certainly the _Lactuca sativa_: the wild the _L. virosa_. The ancients, as we have stated in another place, were well acquainted with the hypnotic powers of lettuce. See Celsus (ii, 32); Dioscorides (ii, 164); Athen. (Deipnos, ii, 80, ed. Schweig.); Pliny (xix, 38); Galen (De Alim. Facul. ii, 40); Geopon. (xii, 13); Aëtius (i, 168); Symeon Seth (De Alimentis); Macer Floridus (De Herb. vir.); Serapion (De Simpl. ex Plant.) According to Dioscorides, it is also anaphrodisiac, and removes the pollutio nocturni somni. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities commends it in jaundice; and another of them says that it dispels the unpleasant effects produced by intoxication. (De Simpl. 240.) Avicenna’s account of its medicinal virtues is very interesting, but is in the main derived from Dioscorides and Galen. He represents it to be an eminently cold, that is to say, a sedative plant, and recommends it in all complaints of a hot nature, in watchfulness, alienation of mind, and in _coup de soleil_. He also speaks highly of its milk in hot affections of the eyes. (ii, 2, 441.) Rhases likewise gives an excellent description of its powers, but in nearly the same terms as Avicenna. He makes it to be soporific, anaphrodisiac, and alexipharmic. (Cont. l. ult. i, 386.) Dioscorides states that the wild lettuce is a hydragogue purgative, and we may mention that the late Dr. Collin, of Vienna, gave it with great success in dropsies. Avicenna says the wild, in virtue, resembles the black poppy. We need scarcely say that both the _L. sativa_ and _virosa_ have, of late years, been restored to the Materia Medica. Upon reference to the works of Orfila, Paris, Pereira, and other authorities of the day, it will be seen that the ancients had correctly stated the medicinal virtues of both species.

Θύμος,

Thymus, _Thyme_, heats and dries in the third degree. It also incides viscid and thick humours.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have little hesitation in describing it to be the _Thymus vulgaris_. Dioscorides states that thyme is expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, and discutient; and all the authorities, down even to modern times, confirm this character of it. Galen says it is to be placed in the third order of desiccants and calefacients. He recommends it as being diuretic and emmenagogue, and says that it destroys the fœtus in utero, clears out the viscera, and is useful in discharges from the chest and lungs. Oribasius gives it the same character. Aëtius, from personal experience, as he says, writes of its virtues more elaborately than any other ancient author. Thus he gives a prescription for a draught composed of oxymel and finely powdered thyme, which he says proves beneficial in arthritic diseases by purging bile and the acrid humours, both by the belly and by the bladder. He recommends similar compositions in sciatica, pleuritic pains, meteorism of the hypochondria, and tympanitis. He prescribes, in like manner, thyme and oxymel to melancholic persons, to those disordered in mind, and possessed with morbid apprehension; and in gout, when given with undiluted wine. He also recommends it to be given in swellings of the testicles, to the patient fasting, in undiluted wine. The Arabians write fully on this head, but borrow almost all their information from Dioscorides and Galen, and make no reference to Aëtius. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 328), and Serapion (De Simpl. 281.) They all agree in giving it the character of being diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelminthic, and phlegmagogue.

Θύμβρα,

Thymbra, _Savory_; the wild has the same powers as thyme. The garden is in all respects weaker, but is better for food.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The ancients made use of _Savory_ (_Satureia Thymbra_) as a condiment. Aristophanes (Nubes, 420.) Dioscorides recommends it in the same cases as thyme, and all the others write of it in much the same terms. Symeon Seth says it promotes digestion, is emmenagogue, diaphoretic, and carminative. Macer Floridus affirms that it is aphrodisiacal, and produces abortion in pregnant women when applied on a pessary. It long held a place in the Dispensatory with the character of being “warm and discussive.” See Quincy (127.)

Θυμελάια,

Thymelæa, _Spurge-flax_; from it the _Granum Gnidium_ is produced, which has similar powers to it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The confusion about the Thymelæa and Chamelæa of the ancients may be partly removed by the following account of the matter given by Alston. There are three species of Laureola, 1st, the _L. officinalis_, or _L. Mas_, _Dwarf Laurel_, or _Spurge Laurel_, which grows in hedges and woods in England; 2d, the Chamelæa, or _Laureola femina_ namely, the true _Mezereon_, or _Spurge Olive_, which grows plentifully in Germany; 3d, the Thymelæa, _Spurge Flax_, or _Mountain Widow Wail_, which grows in the south of France. We will treat further of the Chamelæa, or Mezerion, in its proper place. Sprengel is decidedly of opinion that the Thymelæa of the ancients is _Daphne Gnidium_, L., or flax-leaved daphne, and one of the latest and best authorities on the Mat. Med. comes to the same conclusion respecting it. Dr. Pereira says, “_Daphne Gnidium_ is the Θυμελάια, or Thymelæa of Dioscorides, whose fruit is the κόκκος κνίδιος, or Gnidium berry, used by Hippocrates. Its properties are similar to those of the _D. Mezereon_.” (Elements of Mat. Med. 807.) For an account of its effects on the animal economy, see Orfila (Toxicol. ii, 3.) We will treat of its medicinal virtues under _Coccus gnidius_.

Ἰδαῖα ρίζα,

Idæa Radix, _Idæan Root_; being sour as to taste and powers, it agrees with hemorrhages and rheumatic affections when drunk or applied externally.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. As may be seen upon referring to Bauhin, Woodville, Sprengel, and Pereira, several of the authorities have been disposed to hold this plant for the _Arbutus Uva Ursi_; but the probability is that it was the Laurus Alexandrina, or _Uvularia amplexifolia_. Dioscorides recommends it in fluxes from the bowels and womb, and in all kinds of hemorrhage. (iv, 44.) Pliny translates the chapter of Dioscorides. (H. N. xxvii, 69.) Our author copies from Galen; and Oribasius, in like manner, borrows his description of the plant from him. As far as we can discover the Idæa Radix is not treated of by the Arabians; and even in the days of Matthiolus it had disappeared from the Mat. Med.

Ἰδρῶς.

Sudor, _Sweat_; it is troublesome to collect by itself; but is mixed with the powder of those who exercise themselves in the palestra, which powder, being only repellent before, thus becomes altogether discutient. It is, therefore, a powerful remedy for inflamed nipples, and for extinguishing the heat in them. It also answers with buboes; but if too dry it must be softened with oil of privet or oil of roses.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. _Sweat_, or the matter of Perspiration. “Sweat,” says Galen, “is one of the fluids formed in the animal body, consisting of the same materials, and having the same mode of formation, as the urine, for both are formed from the liquids drunk, these being heated, and acquiring also some bilious property. But the sweat is more elaborated, as having passed through so many intervening bodies to the skin.” (De Med. Simpl. x.) This is a very ingenious account of the nature of the sweat and urine, which, it is certain, bear a close analogy to one another, and are often vicarious discharges. Thus, in cases of suppression of urine, the perspiration has often an urinous taste and smell. But this is not the place for enlarging further upon this subject. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of sweat is taken from Galen. (l. c.) All the other authorities, in like manner, copy from him. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 466), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 648.)

Ἰξὸς,

Viscum, _Birdlime_, is heating with acrimony. It attracts, therefore, the deep-seated humours powerfully, and is discutient, like the Thapsia, but is much more inefficacious than it.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Viscum, or Birdlime, is got from the _Loranthus Europæus_, or Misseltoe. The Viscum quercinum held a place in the Materia Medica from the earliest times down to a very late date. Dioscorides mentions that birdlime is also got from the apple tree, the pear tree, and other trees, and is found upon the roots of certain shrubs. Pliny describes the ordinary mode of preparing it. (H. N. xvi, 94.) Dioscorides recommends it principally as an agglutinative and attractive application to indolent tumours and sores. When mixed with the caustic ley (quicklime and potass) he says birdlime increases its efficacy. With orpiment and sandarach, and applied in a cataplasm, it draws off diseased nails. (iii, 93.) Galen remarks that, like Thapsia, its calefacient powers do not come into immediate operation. The other authorities, in treating of this substance, follow Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 717), and Ebn Baithar (i, 410.) The Viscum album is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (Athens, 1837, 167.)

Ἰὸν,

Viola, _the Violet_; its leaves have a watery and coldish substance for their prevailing ingredient.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There can be little or no doubt that the purple violet of Dioscorides is the _Viola Odorata_. On the violet, see a most interesting disquisition by Celsius (Hierobotanicon in voce Dudaim); also Sprengel (R. H. H.) Dioscorides calls it refrigerant, and recommends it as an external application in ardor of the stomach, inflammation of the eyes, and prolapsus ani; and mentions, that it had been taken internally in quinsy and epilepsy of children. (iv, 120.) Galen merely recommends it externally in the same cases as Dioscorides. The Arabian authorities extend the use of this article. Thus, Avicenna recommends it in heat of the stomach, both internally and externally; in a syrup for coughs, pleurisies, and other affections of the lungs; in pains of the kidneys as a diuretic, and as a cholagogue. (ii, 2, 715.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 21), and Ebn Baithar (i, 170.) Serapion, on the authority of Aben Mesuai, says further of it that it is laxative in doses of from three to seven drachms. (De Simpl. 141.)

Ἰὸς,

Ærugo, _Verdigris_, has a bitter quality to the taste, being discutient, cathartic, and corrosive, not only of soft but also of hard flesh; but by mixing a little of it with much cerate, one may render the medicine detergent without pungency.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That it was the _Ærugo Æris_, or Verdigris, seems indisputable. The scraped verdigris (ἰὸς ζυστὸς) was the common kind, and the name is still retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (61.) Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen recommend verdigris in complaints of the eyes. Dioscorides describes very minutely the process for preparing verdigris, which is not very unlike that which is now practised in France. He also makes mention of another species, namely, the _Ærugo Scolecia_, with which we are now unacquainted. He gives an interesting account of the cases in which it is applicable. (v, 92.) Galen also writes of it with great precision. He says, when lightly applied it relieves fungated sores; and when diluted with cerates, it cleanses them. (De Simpl. ix.) The other Greek authorities give much the same account of it. The Arabians treat fully of the two kinds, which they call _Ærugo rasilis_ and _subtilis_, but borrow almost all their information from Dioscorides and Galen. Like the Greek authorities, they apply it principally in intractable ulcers and in diseases of the eyelids. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 739), and Serapion (De Simpl. 383); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 44); Ebn Baithar (i, 540.)

Ἱππόκαμπος,

Hippocampus, is a sea animal, the ashes of which when burnt thicken the hair in alopecia, along with liquid pitch.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is, indisputably, our _Syngnathus Hippocampus_. Ælian relates that it has proved useful in cases of hydrophobia. (Hist. Anim. xiv, 20.) Our author borrows from Dioscorides (ii, 3.) The Arabians do not treat of it.

Ἱππολάπαθον,

Hippolapathum, _Horse Burdock_, grows in marshes, being like the Burdock.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This article, which would seem to be the _Rumex Hydrolapathum_, is treated of in the same brief terms by the other authorities. See Dioscorides (i, 141.)

Ἱππομάραθρον,

Hippomarathrum, _Horse Fennel_; that variety which resembles the Cachrys is more desiccant than the common Fennel. It is, therefore, astringent, lithontriptic, and emmenagogue; but that species which has seed like coriander seed, is also like it in other respects, but weaker.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There is little doubt that the former species is the _Cachrys Sicula_. The other is undetermined. Our author copies closely from Dioscorides (iii, 76); and the others follow his example. The modern herbalists, in like manner, borrow from Dioscorides. See Parkinson (884.)

Ἱπποπόταμος,

Hippopotamus, _Sea-horse_; its testicle, when dried and drunk, is a remedy for the bites of reptiles.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This brief notice of the _Hippopotamus amphibius_, or Water-horse, is taken from Dioscorides (ii, 25.) Most of the other authorities have omitted it.

Ἱπποσέλινον,

Hipposelinum, _Horse Parsley_, has properties resembling those of parsley, but weaker.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Smyrnium Olusatrum_, according to Dierbach, Stackhouse, Sprengel, and all the best authorities. Dioscorides represents it to be emmenagogue and diuretic, and as proving beneficial in rigors. (iii, 71.) Galen and the others treat of it briefly like our author. The Arabians treat of it under Selinum (_Apium_.)

Ἱππουρὶς,

Hippouris, _Horse-tail_, has astringent qualities with bitterness, and on that account it is at the same time powerfully desiccant, without pungency. It is agglutinant, therefore, of the largest wounds, and is useful in intestinal hernia, and cures defluxions when drunk with wine.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The first species of Dioscorides corresponds to our author’s, and is marked as the _Equisetum Fluviatile_ by Sprengel, which is called in English the _Horse-tail_. The other is the _E. Limosum_. Apuleius recommends it in dysentery and spitting of blood. Aëtius recommends it in the same complaints. But both, in fact, only borrow from Dioscorides and Galen, especially the latter, who treats of it more fully than Dioscorides. The Arabians give exactly the same account of the Equisetum; indeed they profess to borrow everything from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (137), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 200.)

Ἱπποφαὲς ἤ Ἱπποφαῖος,

Hippophaes, used for scouring clothes. It is a branchy shrub, the root of which contains juices which are extracted like those of Thapsia. One obolus of the juice mixed with the flour of tares, purges phlegm and bile; and the whole plant, when dried, becomes purgative.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without entering into the discussion regarding this plant, we shall merely observe that we are disposed to agree with those who refer it to a species of spurge, namely, _Euphorbia spinosa_. Dioscorides describes it as being cholagogue, hydragogue, and phlegmagogue. (iii, 159.) It does not appear that it is treated of by Galen, nor by the Arabian authorities.

Ἰρίς.

Iris, _Fleur-de-lys_, is calefacient, consists of very subtile particles, and is detergent and digestive. It therefore agrees with coughs, renders expectoration easy, cures tormina, and cleanses foul ulcers. When drunk with honeyed water it evacuates the bowels.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Probably it comprehends the _Iris Germanica_ and _I. Florentina_. It is the first article treated of by Dioscorides, who gives a full account of it, and concludes by saying that the different species of it are useful for many purposes. He recommends them as an external application in cutaneous diseases and ulcers, and as being soporific and alexipharmic; when drunk with wine as proving emmenagogue, and also applied in pessaries, malagmata, and acopa. The others treat of its virtues less copiously, with the exception of Serapion and Avicenna. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities, Aben Mesuai, says it purges yellow bile and black bile, and is deobstruent in obstructions of the liver. He also mentions it as a sternutatory and masticatory. (De Simpl. 189.) Avicenna’s characters of the Iris are in the main derived from Dioscorides, but altogether his description of it is very interesting. He recommends it very particularly in diseases of the rectum and uterus, both when administered internally and in a hip-bath. He also represents it as proving useful in gonorrhœa, and in the pollutio nocturni somni. He concludes by calling it a general alexipharmic (ii, 2, 349.) The root of the Florentine Iris or Flower de Luce, was used in the practice of medicine down to a late date. See Quincy and Boerhaave. It is still kept in the shops, and has the character of being a drastic hydragogue. Gray, Suppl. to Pharmacop. (251.) It retains a place in the Modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Ἰσάτις.

Isatis, _Woad_; the garden species which dyers use, is of a desiccative nature, having also some astringency. By means of these powers it agglutinates even the large wounds of hard bodies, is of use in hemorrhages, discusses œdematous swellings, and opposes the progress of all malignant diseases. The wild is more pungent, and on that account being more desiccant, it the more strongly resists all humid gangrene, but for all other purposes it is worse as being pungent. Owing to its strong powers, it is useful in affections of the spleen.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dr. Martyn says, “The _Woad_ is called Isatis and Glastum, and affords a blue tincture.” (Ad Virg. Ec. iv, 43.) See also Miller, Parkinson, and Gerard. It is the _Isatis Tinctoria_. The second species of Dioscorides, or Sylvestris, is the _Saponaria Vaccaria_, L., but the passage is probably spurious. Our author’s account of the Isatis is abridged from Galen, who has an elaborate article under this head. Aëtius copies still more closely from Galen. Both these authorities direct bread or barleymeal to be mixed with its pounded leaves when they are otherwise too strong. Of the Arabians, Avicenna gives the most accurate account of it under the head of _Nil_ seu Glastum sativum et sylvestre. In its external use he follows Dioscorides and Galen, and joins Rhases in recommending it internally as an emetic for the cough of children, ulcers of the lungs, and pleurisy arising from black bile. He further commends the wild species in affections of the spleen. (ii, 2, 505, 290, 299.) Serapion and Rhases give a confused account of the Isatis, under the head of Indicum. (De Simpl. 47); (Cont. l. ult. 370.) The Woad held a place in our Dispensatory down to a recent date. See Quincy (91.) Woad and indigo were long used together in dyeing, which probably is the reason of these two articles being confounded together by certain of the ancient authorities.

Ἰσόπυρον ἢ φυσίολον,

Isopyrum or Faseolus, (Bog Bean?); its seed is bitter and somewhat sour. It is, therefore, detergent, and exudes the thick and viscid humours at the same time that it contracts bodies, and is astringent. It therefore purges deep-seated humours, and is not against persons affected with vomiting of blood.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From our author’s account of it, it would seem to be the same as the fasil, or kidney-bean; but Dioscorides clearly distinguishes between them. (iv, 119.) Dodonæus had referred it to the _Menyanthes trifoliata_, or bog-bean; but this opinion is rejected by Sprengel. He inclines to the _Corydalis claviculata_, Pers., but is not decided. We rather incline to the opinion of Dodonæus, on the ground that its medicinal character, as given by Galen and our author, applies very well to the _Menyanthes trifoliata_. It is not treated of by Aëtius, nor can we find it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians.

Ἰτέα,

Salix, _the Willow_; the leaves and flower are possessed of desiccant powers without pungency. It has also some astringency; but the bark is drier, and when burnt, the ashes of it are powerfully desiccant, for they remove clavi and myrmecia with vinegar.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Several species of the _Salix_ are described by Theophrastus and other ancient authors. Milligan refers that of Celsus to _S. alba_, _fragilis_, and _purpurea_; but to define the species, which are so numerous in this genus, is futile. But that the _Alba_ was _one_ of the medicinal willows of the ancients, can admit of no doubt. See Parkinson (1430.) Dioscorides says the fruit and leaves, and bark and juice of the willow tree are possessed of an astringent power, and accordingly he recommends them both externally and internally in various complaints for which astringents are indicated, such as hæmoptysis, and as a fomentation in arthritic complaints. He also mentions the ley of it when prepared with vinegar for the removal of callus and corns. (i, 35.) Galen also gives a very elaborate statement of its medicinal virtues; he says it is desiccative without pungency, and has some astringency; and he recommends it strongly in the same cases as Dioscorides and our author; indeed, the latter merely abridges Galen. Aëtius copies from Galen almost word for word. The Arabians treat fully of it; but in the same terms as their Grecian masters. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 2, 250); Avicenna (ii, 2, 319, 677); Serapion (De Simpl. 136); Ebn Baithar (i, 122.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia both the _Salix fragilis_ and _alba_ stand for the ancient ἰτέα.

Ἰχθυοκόλλα,

Ichthyocolla, _Fish-glue_; its powers are emplastic and desiccant. It answers well for the composition of cephalic and agglutinative plasters, and of those which are prepared for leprosy; also for removing wrinkles from the face.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That described by Dioscorides and our author was got from the _Acipenser Huso_. The large fish described by Herodotus, and Eustathius, in his commentary on the work of Dionysius the geographer, under the name of Antacæus, was, most probably, nearly the same as the Huso. See the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (83.) Artedi makes the _Huso_, _Ichthyocolla_ and _Antacæus_ to be varieties of the species of _Acipenser_, which he calls _Acipenser tuberculis carens_. It would appear to be the ὀξυρύγχος of Ælian. (H. A. xvii, 32.) He makes mention of its gluten or isinglass. Our author’s account of its medicinal virtues is mostly copied from Dioscorides. The others supply no additional information. The Arabians treat of it under the general head of gluten, and recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks, quoting Dioscorides, Galen, and Paulus. Serapion and Rhases recommend it in hæmoptysis. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 202); Serapion (c. 138); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 336.)

Κάκανος,

Cacanus; its root is moderately desiccative and not pungent, also emplastic, and hence it relieves roughness of the windpipe in a linctus with wine, and when chewed like tragacanth and liquorice.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is not mentioned by Dioscorides, Pliny, Theophrastus, Aëtius, or any other ancient author but Galen and Paulus; nor has any one of the commentators noticed it. We are unable, therefore, to determine anything for certain respecting it. But as Dioscorides and Pliny ascribe nearly the same medicinal powers to the _Cacalia_ as our author does to the Cacanus, it seems not improbable that they may have been identical. Our author evidently borrows from Galen.

Κάγκαμον,

Cancamum; it is the tear of an Arabian wood, resembling myrrh, fragrant, and hence used in perfumes. It has the power of extenuating fat bodies, and is detergent and deobstruent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides treats of it in the portion of his work devoted to aromatics, calling it the tear of an Arabian wood, having some resemblance to myrrh, which was used in fumigations with myrrh and storax. He calls it emmenagogue; mentions that it is given in asthmatic, epileptic, and splenetic cases; says it is useful as a cleanser in diseases of the eye; but that it is most particularly applicable for fungous gums and toothache. (i, 23.) Galen has omitted it from his Mat. Med. Of the Arabians, Avicenna is the authority who has treated of it most distinctly. He calls it a gum of a bad taste which is brought from the region of the west. (This account of the country which produces it may warrant suspicion that he had confounded it with some other gum, the production of Italy or Spain.) He says of it, that some had confounded it with sandaracha (gum vernix?). In giving its medicinal virtues, he copies closely from Dioscorides (ii, 2, 382.) It is doubtful, from this imperfect description of the Cancamum, what substance it applies to; probably either to _Gum anime_ or to _Gum elemi_. There seems no good ground for referring it, as some have done, to _Lacca_; nor to some nondescript species of the _Amyris Katef_, as Sprengel does. (Ad Dioscor. l. c.)

Καδμία,

Cadmia, _Calamine_; both kinds of it are desiccant, but that which is called Botryitis, consists of the more subtile particles, and the Placitis, of the grosser. When calamine is burnt, it becomes desiccant and detergent, without pungency, and is also useful for sores requiring to be filled up, about the eyes and in the whole body, more particularly those on softer bodies, which are more humid, for those upon harder bodies require stronger means.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Under this head we cannot do better than in the first place copy the account of the ancient cadmia given by the learned and accurate Geoffroy. “The name _Cadmia_ has been applied to several things. Dioscorides understood by καδμέια the recrements which arise from brass while melting in the furnace. Galen applied it to two substances, one which comes from brass (chalcos?), which is the same with the cadmia of Dioscorides; the other a native substance found in the island of Cyprus, which he terms λιθῶδης or stony. Pliny, besides the factitious cadmia of Dioscorides and Galen, mentions another by the name of _Lapis ærosus_, which he says was an ore out of which copper was made, and this perhaps is the same with the _Cadmia lapidosa_ of Galen.” (ii, 2, 6.) The botryital or clustered cadmia was Tutty, or the _Cadmia fornacis_ seu _factitia_. It is the _Zinci Oxydum impurum_. The _Capnitis_ and _Placitis_ were merely varieties of the same, the former being in the shape of a fine powder, collected at the mouths of the furnaces, and the latter consisting of coarser and heavier grains. The minerals from which all these preparations of cadmia were prepared, are the two varieties of calamine, now called by mineralogists “the siliceous oxide of zinc” and “the carbonate of zinc.” See Cleavland’s ‘Mineralogy’ (656, 657.) Dioscorides gives a very distinct description of the cadmia, which he recommends principally in the composition of ophthalmic remedies (v, 84.) Galen’s account of it is to the same effect, and is couched in his peculiar logical language. (De Simpl. ix.) The Arabians give a confused description of cadmia and the other mineral substances used by the Greeks in medical practice. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 163, 164); Serapion (418); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 150.) For an elaborate disquisition on the _cadmia_ of the ancients, we beg to refer to Beckmann’s ‘History of Inventions.’

Κακκαλία,

Caccalia; its powers and use are like the Cacanus.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See under _Cacanus_.

Καλαμαγρώστις,

Calamagrostis, is desiccative; wherefore, its juice and the decoction of the roots of it are mixed up as ingredients with ophthalmic remedies; but its seed is diuretic and stomachic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. This is decidedly the _Calamagrostis Epigeios_ Roth. or Small Reed. Dioscorides says it proves destructive to cattle when eaten by them, especially the variety which grows in Babylon by the wayside. Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1181) figures and describes a species of reed-grass, bearing a considerable resemblance to our _Epigeios_, but of more luxuriant growth; which, he says, Lobel calls _Calamagrostis forte Babylonica_. Neither Galen nor Aëtius treat of it. The Arabians briefly notice it under the head of _Theil_ or Gramen, but merely copy from the Greeks. See Serapion (De Simpl. 119), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 704.)

Καλαμίνθη,

Calamintha, _Calamint_, is of a hot and drying temperament in the third degree, consists of subtile particles, is acrid, and much stronger than mint; for it is a sort of wild mint. It, therefore, attracts readily the deep-seated fluids to itself, and hence evacuates dropsies, and discusses swelling of the whole body, and stops periodical rigors, when strongly rubbed in externally with oil, and when taken internally in a draught. When applied in a clyster it removes pains of the hip-joint, and clears away impurities from the skin.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Apuleius says, “Græci calaminthen Latini mentham vocant, alii nepetam,” (De Herbis.) R. Stephens says, “Calaminthæ Dioscoridi tria sunt genera, quorum primum nihil aliud quam vulgare _Calamenthum_; secundum Latine Nepeta appellatur; tertium est nostra herba Cataria, _l’herbe du chat_.” Sprengel makes the first species of Dioscorides to be the _Melissa Cretica_, L.; the second, the _Thymus Nepeta_, Scop.; and the third, the _Melissa altissima_. Our author’s calamint is evidently the first species. Galen, Dioscorides, Aëtius, and Serapion, like Paulus, describe it as a hot and acrid medicine, which proves useful in diseases of the joints. They all, also, say that it is emmenagogue; and recommend it as a discutient and expectorant medicine. Dioscorides and Aëtius recommend it in elephantiasis, for attenuating and cutting the gross humours which give rise to the disease. All agree in praising calamint in the cure of intermittent fevers. Dioscorides recommends it as a vermifuge when given with salts and honey. Dioscorides, and, after him, Aëtius and other of the authorities, say that calamint-water, when injected into the ear, kills worms in it. Galen and Dioscorides both affirm that when taken internally and applied on a pessary, it procures abortion. All agree that it is also beneficial in asthmatic complaints. Avicenna gives a lengthy and very elaborate account of the three species of calamint; but it can hardly be said that he adds anything of importance to the information which he drew from his Grecian masters. He agrees with them that it is diuretic and emmenagogue, and holds that it is anaphrodisiacal, and removes the pollutio nocturni somni. He also, like them, commends it as a deobstruent in jaundice and other obstructions of the viscera. He praises it as a stomachic. (ii, 2, 154.) None of the other Arabian authorities treat so fully of this article as Avicenna. Rhases, however, is worth consulting. (Contin. l. ult. i, 466.) The calamint, that is to say, the first species of Dioscorides, would appear to be the “mentastrum” of Celsus, who recommends it as a remedy in the bites of venomous animals. (v, 277.) It also occurs in the ‘Flora Hippocratica.’ See Dierbach. The three kinds of calaminth were long retained in the Materia Medica of the moderns. See Tournefort’s Materia Medica (i, 6, 4.) More recently only one kind was used. See Quincy. Of late all the kinds have been nearly discarded from our Dispensatories, but are still to be found in the shops of apothecaries. See Gray’s Supplement to the Pharmacopœia (p. 47.)

Κάλαμος ἀρωματικὸς,

Calamus Aromaticus, _Sweet-cane_, is heating and desiccant in the second order. It also consists of subtile particles, and has some astringency. It is, therefore, diuretic, and is mixed up with stomachic remedies, and those prepared for the liver and womb. The species called phragmitis is detergent, but the leaves of it are green and moderately cooling, and the bark of it, when burnt, is heating and desiccant in the third degree. The root of it, when applied with bulbi, is said to extract darts and thorns.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Having shown above that the acorus of the ancients is the _Acorus Pseudacorus_, we need have little hesitation in stating that we agree with the older authorities, who refer the present article to the _Acorus Calamus_. Dr. Royle, however, holds that it was the _Andropogon Calamus aromaticus_. See Hindoo Med. (34) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 133.) The φραγμίτης of Dioscorides and our author is decidedly the _Arundo Phragmites_, or Common Reed. Our author follows the description of them given by Dioscorides and Galen, and more especially the latter. Galen says of the aromaticus that it is more desiccative than calefacient, and that it has some volatility, like all the aromatics. Aëtius, in like manner, copies mostly from Galen. The Arabians, in treating of these reeds, borrow closely from Dioscorides. Thus Avicenna, among other virtues which he holds that they possess, commends them as being diuretic, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic. (ii, 2, 64.) The calami do not occur as articles of medicine in the Hippocratic collection. The Calamus Alexandrinus of Celsus (v, 24), was no doubt the C. aromaticus. Although a native of India, as Dioscorides states, it is likely that the Romans would get it through Alexandria. It occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, and is now found growing in Laconia.

Κάμπαι,

Erucæ, _Caterpillar_; those upon potherbs, when rubbed in with oil, are said to preserve from the bites of venomous animals.

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COMMENTARY. The metamorphosis of _Caterpillar_ is accurately described by Theophrastus (C. Pl. v.) See also Aristotle (H. A. v, 20), and Pliny (H. N. xi, 32.) Our author’s account of these erucæ is taken word for word from Dioscorides (ii, 64.) Few of the other authorities treat of them.

Κανθαρίδες,

Cantharides; those found among wheat, have pale, transverse zones, and being suffocated by the steam of hot vinegar, are used for many purposes. For, with cerate, they cast off scabious nails, and relieve clavi and scabious affections. They are also corrosive and caustic. Some mix a small quantity of them with diuretic remedies, and give them in this form.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides and Galen direct the species which is found among corn to be used medicinally. As the _Meloe vesicatorius_ is commonly found upon trees, such as the fraxinus, sambuchus, and ligustrum, it is evidently different from the ancient cantharis, and yet their effects upon the human frame would appear to have been very much alike. It appears to be now agreed upon by all competent judges that the medicinal cantharis of the ancients is the _Mylabris Cichorii_ or _M. Füsselini_, which is still used for forming blistering plasters by the profession in Constantinople and by the native practitioners in Hindostan. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind., i, 622), Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med.), and Pereira (1834.) The _Buprestis_, however, which also is included by Dioscorides in his Materia Medica, can have been no other than the _Meloe vesicatorius_. See Book V of this work. It is the tellini fly of the Hindoos. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 417.) The ancients prepared the cantharides for medicinal use in the same manner as the Spanish fly is now prepared, namely, by killing them with the fumes of vinegar. Dioscorides says cantharides are septic, ulcerative, and calefacient, and hence are mixed up with the medicines that cure cancerous diseases, leprosy, and lichen agrius; they are also emmenagogue when applied in a pessary; and some, he adds, relate that cantharides are beneficial in dropsies, by acting as diuretics. Their wings and feet are further said to be antidotal, that is to say, we suppose, to counteract the operation of the body of the insect. (ii, 65, 66.) Galen treats of the cantharis and buprestis in very nearly the same terms as Dioscorides. Instead of using only the wings and feet, as mentioned by Dioscorides, he says that he used the whole insect. (De Simpl. xi.) In moderate doses he held it to be a safe diuretic. (ii, 463, ed. Basil.) Aëtius and Oribasius give nearly the same account of the cantharis as Galen. Cantharides are frequently mentioned in the Hippocratic treatises (De Nat. Mulier. 565, ed. Föes; De Intern. Affect. 552), and in the works of Celsus. (199, ed. Milligan.) Aretæus is the first author, as far as we know, who notices the external use of cantharides as a rubefacient. (De Curat. Morb. Chron. i, 4.) The Arabians, in treating of cantharides, borrow nearly all the information they give from Dioscorides and Galen. See Serapion (c. 441), Avicenna (ii, 2, 201), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 162.) Rhases on his own authority, affirms, that administered in small doses cantharides cleanse the kidneys. We are rather surprised to find that the _Mylabris_ does not occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κάνναβις,

Cannabis, _Hemp_; the fruit is carminative and desiccative, so as to dry up even the semen. The juice of it when green is useful for pains of the ears and obstructions of them.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears evidently to be the _Cannabis sativa_, or Hemp. The species _sylvestris_ of Dioscorides, is the _Althæa Cannabina_. See Sprengel (ad Dioscorid. iii, 155), and Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 307.) Dioscorides recommends the latter in the form of a cataplasm to soothe inflammations and discuss tumours. Our author copies from Galen, who, like him, only describes the _sativa_. The Arabians describe both species with more accuracy than the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 170, 656), Serapion (207.) Avicenna calls them carminative and desiccative; and hence he holds that they dry up the semen. He says a middling dose proves laxative of the bowels.

Κάνωπον,

Canopum, _the Flower of the Elder-tree_, which has been already treated of.

Κάπνιον,

Fumaria, _Fumitory_ (called also Capnos), and is so named because the juice of it provokes a great discharge of tears; and it sharpens the vision. It is also acrid and bitter; hence it occasions a discharge of much bilious urine, and cures obstructions and atony of the liver. It also strengthens the stomach and softens the belly.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. All the commentators seem agreed that it is the _Fumaria officinalis_, except Sibthorp, who prefers the _F. parviflora_, Lam. Our author’s account of it is mostly taken from Dioscorides and Galen. The others give nearly the same description of its medicinal virtues. See particularly Serapion (c. 71), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 275.) They represent it as being a stomachic and hepatic medicine, gently purgative and diuretic. Fumitory is described as a medicinal herb by all our old herbalists, and held a place in the Dispensatory down to a late date. See Quincy (125.) The _F. officinalis_ is still retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κάππαρις,

Caparis, _Caper-tree_; its root deterges, purges, incides, and discusses by its bitterness and acrimony. It also contracts, astringes, and condenses by its sourness. It therefore cures indurated spleens when drunk and when applied externally. It is also emmenagogue, and occasions a discharge of phlegm. It cures ill-conditioned ulcers, and relieves pains of the teeth, dispels tumours and alphos, and kills vermin in the ear. The leaves and fruit of it are possessed of similar powers, but weaker.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Capparis spinosa_, namely, the plant which produces our officinal capers. Dioscorides and Serapion mention that pickled capers act as a gentle laxative, but say that they are bad for the stomach. The Arabians held that they are good whetters of the appetite. Casiri (Bibl. A. H. i, 337.) Galen gives a very elaborate article on the virtues of capers, which, he says, are the best medicine which we possess in scirrhous enlargement of the spleen. He says it clears away the humours by the belly and by urine, and also acts as an emmenagogue. Their taste, he says, is a combination of bitterness, acrimony, and sourness. He concludes by stating that capers produced in very warm climates, such as Arabia, are much more acrid than in his country. (De Simpl. vii.) The Arabians held that capers are aphrodisiacal and alexipharmic. See Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 164), Avicenna (ii, 2, 138), and Serapion (c. 291.)

Κάρδαμος,

Nasturtium, _Cress_; the seed of it is caustic like mustard. When applied externally, therefore, it proves rubefacient, incides also the thick humours when drunk with other things. And the dried herb is possessed of similar powers, but the juicy one is more moderate; it therefore is eaten raw.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It was indisputably a species of cress, probably the _Lepidium sativum_. We have treated of it as an article of food in Book I. Our author’s account of it is mostly derived from Galen. Symeon Seth, with most of the authorities, calls it aphrodisiacal. Macer says, on the contrary, that its powers are equal to those of rue for repressing venereal desires. Dioscorides calls it alexipharmic, and says of it, that in fumigations it drives away venomous reptiles. It occurs in the Flora Hippocratica. See Dierbach. The Arabians treat of it very elaborately. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 472), Avicenna (ii, 2, 502), and Serapion (c. 359.) They agree that it evacuates bile both upwards and downwards, that it is aphrodisiac and alexipharmic. The cress (_Nasturtium_), until very lately, was admitted into our Dispensatory. See Gerard, Parkinson, Culpeper, and Quincy.

Καρδάμωμον,

Cardamomum, _Cardamum_, is also acrid, but weaker than the Cardamus. It has also some bitterness, by which it destroys intestinal worms, and with vinegar clears away scabies.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The officinal cardamom of the present time has now got the scientific name of _Elettaria Cardamomum_, and as far as we can see there is no reason to doubt its being identical with the cardamomum of the ancients. There are, however, several varieties of the cardamom which are not satisfactorily defined, any more than the four species mentioned by Pliny. (H. N. xii, 29.) See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 32), and Pereira (Mat. Med. 694.) Dioscorides recommends it for various purposes, both externally and internally; for epilepsy, coughs, ischiatic disease, nephritis, and as an alexipharmic and lithontriptic medicine. (i, 5.) Galen is more guarded in enumerating its virtues, and all the other Greek authorities follow him. The Arabians rather imitate Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 156), and Serapion (c. 64.) One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities, Isaac eben Amram, describes two species, the greater and the lesser, a distinction still recognized. We need scarcely add that it is well known at the present day, and is used for various purposes both in this country and in the East.

Καρὶς,

Squilla, _a Legless Lobster_, when triturated and drunk with the root of bryony it kills lumbrici.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The squilla belongs to the order of μαλακόστρακα. (See Book I, 91.) The present article we suppose is the _Cancer Squilla_, L. It is treated of very cursorily by the other authorities.

Καρκίνος,

Cancer, _Crab_; of the ashes of burnt crabs, that of river-crabs is equally desiccative with those of the sea urchins and cockles. By the peculiarity of its whole substance it proves wonderfully efficacious when applied to persons bitten by mad dogs, as mentioned in another place. The ashes of the sea-crabs being extremely desiccative, do not indeed agree with them, but rather relieve those who stand in need of desiccative remedies. The river-crab when pulverised and applied, ejects thorns and the points of darts.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The _Cancer Pagurus_, a large edible crab, would appear to be the sea animal treated of under this head. The river-crab, we suppose, is the _Astacus fluviatilis_, or crawfish. Dioscorides recommends the ashes of the river-crab most especially in hydrophobia, and as an application to fissures in the feet and anus, chilblains, and cancers, and also as an antidote to the bites of venomous animals. Galen also gives an interesting account of the use of them in hydrophobia, and Serapion repeats Galen’s account of them. See further, Book V, 3, of this work. Galen speaks with great confidence of their efficacy in this case, indeed he affirms that he had never known them fail when they had got a fair trial. The other authorities supply no additional information of interest under this head. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 147), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 42.) These two agree that the flesh of the river-crab with the milk of asses is beneficial in phthisis.

Κάρον,

Carum, _Caraway_; the seed is desiccant and heating in the third degree; and not only the seed, but also the whole plant is carminative and diuretic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There can be no doubt that it is the _Carum Carui_. It is evidently the careum of Pliny, and derives its name from Caria. (H. N. xxix, 49.) Our author copies closely from Galen. Dioscorides calls it diuretic, stomachic, pleasant to the taste, digestive, &c. The Arabians further give it the character of being a cordial and anthelminthic medicine. (See Serapion (c. 279), Avicenna (ii, 2, 137), and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 178.)

Καρπήσιον,

Carpesium, is aromatic, and consists of subtile particles. It therefore clears away visceral obstructions, proves diuretic, and removes calculi of the kidneys.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Arabians identified this substance with their own _Cubebæ_. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 242), Avicenna (ii, 2, 134), and Serapion (c. 188.) But we will show in another place that this was a mistake on their part. Nothing satisfactory has been ascertained regarding it, and we have no pleasure in dwelling upon the conjectures of the commentators on Dioscorides and of the herbalists.

Καρύον,

Nux Juglans, _Walnut_; the tree has some astringency in the shoots, but more in the bark of the nuts. The juice of them, therefore, when boiled with honey, becomes a stomachic medicine. The rind of it, when burnt, consists of subtile particles, and becomes desiccant without pungency; but the edible part of it being oily, is readily converted into bile. The oil formed from them consists of subtile particles, and discusses swellings and gangrenes. Walnuts which are rancid from age prove detergent of cutaneous affections. But the Pontic, called the slender nut, is colder and austere, but in other respects is like the large.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have treated of this article in the portion of our work devoted to dietetics. See Book I. We shall merely repeat that the two species of nuts described by Paulus and other ancient authorities are evidently the _Nux Juglans_, or walnut, and the _Nux Avellana_, or filbert. This is very evident from Galen’s description of them. (Opera. ed. Basil, ii, 88.) Our author copies closely from him. Dioscorides treats of the nuces still more circumstantially, recommending them both internally and externally as being vermifuge, and curing ill-conditioned ulcers, and many other diseases. The filbert, when triturated with axunge or bear’s grease, he recommends for the cure of baldness. (i, 178, 179.) The Arabians, under this head, do little more than condense the information supplied to them by their Grecian masters. See in particular Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 505), Avicenna (ii, 2, 42, 494), and Serapion (c. 162.) Serapion states that the nux avellana is useful in catarrhs, and as an application in cases of alopecia. Here, however, he professes to borrow from Dioscorides. Avicenna and Rhases recommend the oil of the hazel-nut in herpes esthiomenos, erysipelas, and fistula lachrymalis. They speak favorably of both as a remedy for the bites of venomous animals. They also are agreed that the walnut is expectorant.

Καρυόφυλλον,

Caryophyllum, _Cloves_; they are not the substance which their name might imply, but, as it were, the flowers of a tree which are brought from India; like chaff, black, nearly a finger’s length, aromatic, acrid, bitterish, hot, and desiccative in about the third degree. They serve many useful purposes for condiments and other medicines.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. From our author’s description there cannot be the least hesitation on our part in acknowledging it to be the _Caryophyllus aromaticus_, L. (_i. q._), _Eugenia Caryophyllata_, Thunberg, that is to say, the Clove-tree. We are equally well convinced that no mention of this article is to be found in the works of Dioscorides, Pliny, Theophrastus, Galen, Aëtius, Oribasius, nor, in short, in those of any preceding author. Whence Paulus drew his knowledge of it cannot now be ascertained. The Arabians display a very correct acquaintance with it. Avicenna, in treating of it, refers to no other Greek authority but Paulus. After describing it in much the same terms as our author, he states it to be hot and dry in the third degree, says it renders the breath fragrant, improves the sight, and is useful in pterygium; is stomachic and hepatic, and removes vomiting and nausea. (ii, 2, 311.) Serapion, in treating of the _Gariofilus_, first quotes from a translation of Galen the description of the _Garyophyllon_ given by Paulus, which he affirms is taken line for line from Galen. This is evidently a mistake, founded on some erroneous translation of Galen into Arabic. He then gives its characters from several Arabian authorities to the effect that it is stomachic, hepatic, cordial, aphrodisiacal, and digestive; and says that it is brought from India. (c. 319.) Rhases says cloves are hot and dry, and are both stomachic and cordial. (Ad Mansor. iii, 22.) We have not been able to find the passage in the ‘Continens’ where they are treated of, there being some mistake in the marginal reference of Avicenna. Symeon Seth says of the caryophyllon that it is hot and dry in the second, or, perhaps, in the third degree; is the fruit of a tree, and is stomachic, hepatic, and cordial; removes nausea connected with humidity, but is bad for the bowels. (c. 15.) The caryophyllon also occurs in one of the antidotes of Myrepsus. (c. 22.) Ebn Baithar, however, is the ancient authority who gives the fullest account of cloves, which he represents as being useful in diabetes and strangury, in black bile, diarrhœa, and chronic coughs. He says in particular that they are uterine and aphrodisiac, and hence warm the uterus and promote impregnation. He also holds that they are stomachic, carminative, and hepatic. (ii, 281.)

Κάσσαμον,

Cassamum; some say that it is the fruit of the balsam-tree, of which we have treated under that word.

Κασσία,

Cassia, is heating and desiccative in the third order, consists of sufficiently subtile particles, is acrid, and moderately astringent. It is therefore incisive and discutient, imparts strength to the organs, and is also emmenagogue.

* * * * *