BOOK SEVENTH. (continued 4)

Θηλύπτερον,

Which some call Nymphæa or Filix, Female Fern, is like the fern in all its properties. When drunk with wine it kills the broad and round worms. It also destroys the fœtus in utero. Its leaves, when eaten, soften the belly.

Commentary. There seems every reason to refer it to the Asplenium Filix fœmina, Bernh., or Polypodium, L. Theophrastus recommends it as a vermifuge medicine. (H. P. ix, 20.) Galen, Avicenna, and all the authorities that treat of it, concur in assigning to it this faculty. Dioscorides also sets it down as a medicine calculated to induce sterility and occasion abortion. The powder of it is recommended as an application to ill-conditioned sores. In the days of Quincy it still held an equivocal place in the Dispensatory.

Θλάσπι,

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.

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.

Commentary. Salmasius contends that the ancient Cassia was the same as our cinnamon. See Needham (ad Geopon. vii, 13), and Celsus (Hierobot. in voce Kiddah.) Stackhouse affirms, however, that the ancients were unacquainted with the Laurus Cinnamomum. He refers it to the Laurus gracilis. (Comment. in Theophrast.) Sprengel, in his R. H. H., makes it to be the Laurus Cassia, which has now got the scientific name Cinnamomum Cassia. The close connexion between the cinnamon and cassia has occasioned difficulty in distinguishing them from one another, down even to the present times. They are often sold for one another in the Indian bazaars. The Cassia lignea of the ancients would appear to have been the same thing as the Cassia bark of the moderns. According to Ainslie, the odour of it is very like cinnamon, but fainter. (Mat. Ind. 35.) The Cassia Fistula was merely the bark rolled up into fistulæ, or pipes. The Greeks, as we shall show in another place, were unacquainted with the true Cassia Fistula. Dioscorides describes several varieties of it which cannot now be readily recognized. He calls it heating, diuretic, desiccant, and mildly astringent, and recommends it as an emmenagogue, and for various other medicinal purposes. He concludes by saying it may be used in place of cinnamon, and that it is useful for many purposes. (i, 12.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it briefly, in nearly the same terms as Paulus. All the Arabians treat of it fully. See in particular Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 183), Serapion (c. 301), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 151.) Avicenna describes circumstantially several kinds of cassia, which he says is closely allied to cinnamon in nature and in virtues. He recommends it in diseases of the eyes and uterus, and joins Serapion in holding it to be alexipharmic. The only Arabian authority quoted by Rhases under this head (namely, Misib) calls it stomachic, hepatic, and attenuant. The same authority is quoted by Serapion. Another of Serapion’s authorities says it has strong powers for procuring abortion. The cassia occurs in the works of Hippocrates, and in those of Celsus. The latter ranks it in his list of discutients. (v, 11.) Galen states that, in the absence of cinnamon, a double dose of cassia or of carpesium may be used in place of it. (ii, 434, ed. Basil.) It is described by Theophrastus (H. P. ix, 5), and Pliny (xi, 43).

Καστόριον,

Castorium, Castor, is heating and desiccative, with excessive tenuity of parts, by which, in addition to its other actions, it is rendered a suitable remedy for affections of the nerves proceeding from a collection of humours. It also readily warms parts which are immoderately cooled, both when applied externally and when drunk, without at all injuring any other part, even if they should be in a state of moderate fever, as in cataphora and lethargy. It is likewise emmenagogue, and expels the secundines. In affections of the brain and lungs it is a very efficacious remedy, even when inhaled in respiration.

Commentary. All the ancient authorities describe the Castor as being the testicles of the beaver (Castor Fiber, L.) Matthiolus, we believe, was the first to rectify this error. It is a substance contained in follicles situated between the anus and genital organs. The use of castor in hysteria is mentioned by Herodotus. (iv.) Dioscorides, Galen, Rhases, and Serapion, like our author, recommend it as an emmenagogue; Celsus prescribes castor with pepper in cases of tetanus. (iv. 3.) He also recommends it in lethargy and deafness. (vi.) Pliny also mentions its being used in tetanus and other cases where soporifics are indicated. (H. N. xxxii, 3, 8.) Of all the ancient authorities Avicenna treats of it most fully, recommending it particularly in nervous affections, stupor, and paralysis, also in hiccough when drunk with vinegar, and as a carminative in flatulence of the bowels. The best counter-agents to it are acid citrons, vinegar with wine and asses’ milk. He says of it, that it is alexipharmic, and proves beneficial in the suffocation induced by hellebore. (ii, 2, 122.) Serapion copies literally from Dioscorides and Galen (c. 445.) Rhases recommends it as a calefacient medicine for warming the nerves, promoting menstruation, and dissolving swellings. (Ad Mansor. iii, 30.) The account which he gives of it in his ‘Continens’ is made up of extracts from Dioscorides, Galen, and our author. (l. ult. 188.) Ebn Baithar gives a very lengthy and not uninteresting account of this substance. (i, 263.)

Καυκαλὶς,

Caucalis, Wild Carrot; it is heating, like the carrot, desiccant, diuretic, and is pickled as a preserve.

Commentary. Sibthorp supposed it to be the Tordylium officinale; but perhaps we may venture to refer it rather to the Caucalis maritima, Lam. R. Stephens calls it Persil batard, i. e. Bastard parsley. It is more properly an article of food than a medicine. Our author borrows his account of it from Dioscorides and Galen, and none of the other authorities supply any additional information of interest respecting it. In modern times its application in medicine has been extended. See Matthiolus (in Dioscorid.) and Parkinson (922.)

Κέγχρος,

Milium, Millet, is cooling in the first degree, and desiccant in the second. It also, to a certain degree, consists of subtile particles. When used then for a fomentation in small bags, and in the form of a cataplasm, it is of a desiccant nature.

Commentary. Dierbach inclines to the Holcus Sorghum, a species of millet called Sorgo or Guinea corn. Most of the other authorities refer it to the Panicum Italicum. (See Sprengel, Schneider, and Parkinson.) We have treated of it among the articles of food in Book I. As a medicine, it is principally in the form of a fomentation that it is prescribed by Dioscorides and the other authorities. Galen does not speak very favorably of the cataplasm prepared from it. The Arabians treat of it in much the same terms as the Greeks. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 532), Avicenna (ii, 2, 288), and Serapion (c. 102.) They all speak of it as being a very inferior article of food; and as a medicine, recommend it only in a fomentation. It was retained in our English Dispensatory down to a late date. See Quincy. To this day it is much prized by the native practitioners of Hindostan. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 124.)

Κέδρος,

Cedrus, Cedar (?), or Juniper; the shrub, which resembles juniper, and the tree are calefacient and desiccative in the third degree; but the oil prepared from them, which they call cedræa, touches upon the fourth, being composed of sufficiently subtile particles. It therefore corrodes soft flesh readily, and without pain; and the hard flesh, more particularly of dead bodies, it dries and preserves from putrefaction. It kills lice, nits, ascarides, worms in the ears, and has many other powers.

Commentary. Dioscorides describes two species, the larger being probably the Juniperus Phœnicea, and the smaller the Juniperus communis. The ἄρκευθος was a species of the same genus. Pliny calls the pitch of the tree by the name of Cedria, and the oil by that of Pisselæon. Is the cedria the gum vernix, called sandarax by the Arabians? We will discuss this question in the Appendix to this Book, when we come to treat of the substances introduced into the Materia Medica by the Arabians. Dioscorides says of the fruit of the cedar or juniper, that it is calefacient and bad for the stomach, that it is useful in coughs, as an emmenagogue, and alexipharmic. (i, 105.) Galen says the fruit is edible, but apt to occasion headache and pain of the stomach. (De Simpl. vii.) The Arabians treat fully of it. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 160, 668.) He and the other Arabians borrow nearly all their information from the Greeks. Even Ebn Baithar contains little that is original under this head. (ii, 94.) We observe, by the way, that his translator, Dr. Sontheimer, marks it as the Pinus Cedrus, but this it clearly cannot be.

Κεντάυριον,

Centaurium, Centaury; the root of the great centaury is acrid and heating, with a terrene astringency. It therefore promotes menstruation, kills and expels the fœtus, agglutinates wounds, relieves hæmoptysis, and other affections of the chest. The root of the small centaury is possessed of no powers, but the branches are strongly desiccative, and without pungency. Hence they are applicable in those cases in which the great centaury was mentioned as being useful; and in ischiatic complaints the decoction of it given in an injection evacuates bile and sometimes blood, which affords great relief.

Commentary. The Centaurea Centaurium, L., and the Erythræa Centaurium, Pers., would appear to be the greater and less centaury of the ancients. See Parkinson, Sprengel, and the other commentators on Dioscorides. Pliny describes three sorts, but would seem to have fallen into a mistake as to the meaning of a passage in Theophrastus. See Harduin ad Plinii H. N. xxv, 32, and Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 273.) Dioscorides recommends the greater centaury in the same cases as our author, who abridges him and Galen under this head. He says very particularly of it, that it produces menstruation, and expels the fœtus when applied in the form of a collyrium (tent) to the vagina. (iii, 6.) The Arabians give it the same characters as their Grecian masters. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 158), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 176), and Serapion (c. 202.) Serapion and Mesue likewise recommend the lesser centaury in sciatica, either in a potion to the amount of two drachms, or in a clyster to the amount of three ounces, with oil of sesame. Galen has a whole book on the virtues of the lesser centaury, in which there is a prescription for an extract of it. The ancients had great faith in it for the cure of hydrophobia. According to Galen, (who it may well be supposed had devoted great attention to the study of its virtues), it is possessed of bitterness with some astringency, and is most especially excellent as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and scirrhus of the spleen. He mentions that some gave it in a potion for nervous affections, and that in a clyster it relieves sciatica by occasioning evacuations of bile. He also recommends it strongly in the form of a fomentation to ill-conditioned and obstinate ulcers. The lesser centaury (Erythræa Centaurium, Persoon) still continues to hold a place in our Dispensatory, but, as Dr. Pereira remarks, “is rarely used by medical practitioners; yet it might be used as an indigenous substitute for gentian.” (Materia Medica, 809.) In the days of Quincy it retained all its ancient characters. (Engl. Dispens. 103.) Galen’s tract on it must have been in great repute anciently, since Serapion has given a translation of the whole of it. It is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κέρας ἀιγὸς,

Cornu Capri, Goatshorn, and Κ. ἐλάφου, Cornu Cervi, Hartshorn, cleanse the teeth when burnt, and restrain the progress of foul ulcers. The hart’s horn, when pulverised and then applied, fastens loose teeth; when washed after burning, it relieves dysentery, cæliac affection, spitting of blood, and jaundice, when given to the amount of two spoonfuls. It is also mixed up with ophthalmic remedies. The horn of a bull, when taken in water, restrains hemorrhages.

Commentary. Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion speak of the medicinal properties of horn in nearly the same terms as our author. We need scarcely say that the stag’s or hart’s horn has been much used in modern times for the preparation of ammonia, which is hence called the spirit of hartshorn. Dioscorides recommends hartshorn when burnt until it become white, and cleaned like calamine, in affections of the eyes. It will now be readily understood, that when so treated it is reduced to a phosphate of lime. Avicenna further prescribes it for removing the swelling of dropsy; and, like Dioscorides, he recommends it in jaundice. (ii, 2, 178.) We would remark, in conclusion, that it was the red deer which furnished the medicinal hartshorn of the ancients, but that the moderns have commonly used the horns of the fallow-deer instead. See Hill’s Materia Medica (835.)

Κεράσια,

Cerasia, Cherries; the sweet are more laxative, the austere more stomachic, but the acid agree best with pituitous and foul stomachs, owing to their being incisive. The gum of the tree smoothes asperities of the trachea, and relieves calculous affections when drunk with wine.

Commentary. This unquestionably is the Prunus Cerasus, L. We have given some account of cherries in the portion of our work devoted to ancient dietetics. Galen, in his work on Simples, treats of them with great precision; he remarks that in some the austere quality, in some the sweet, and in others the acid prevails, and that when unripe the sour is predominant. In fact, our author’s account of them is manifestly abridged from Galen. Aëtius and the other authorities, in like manner, copy from Galen. See also Serapion (c. 145.)

Κερατωνία,

Ceratonia, Carob-tree, and the fruit of it (siliquæ) are possessed of desiccant and astringent powers, with a certain share of sweetness.

Commentary. It is unquestionably the Ceratonia Siliqua, L., or Carob-tree. We have given some account of it among the articles of food in Book I. All the other authorities on the Materia Medica give it nearly the same characters as our author. The writer who is fullest on this head is Avicenna, who treats of it under the name of Carob, i. e. Siliqua. (ii, 2, 193.) See also Serapion (c. 135), and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 366.) Our modern herbalists treat of it in nearly the same terms as the ancients. See Parkinson (236.) It is still used on the Continent and in Asia as an inferior article of food, and holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κεφαλαὶ,

Capita, Heads; those of pickled herrings, when burnt, acquire a desiccative power without being very acrid. They therefore relieve fissures about the anus, and chronic cases of indurated uvula. The entire head of the anchovy (smaris), when burnt, is useful in alopecia when applied with bear’s grease. The burnt head of a mouse when applied with honey does the same thing. The dried head of the kite without its feathers, when drunk in water to as great an amount as can be lifted with three fingers, relieves gouty affections. They say that the head of a lizard extracts sharp-pointed things, and removes myrmecia, acrochordon, and clavus.

Commentary. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of Heads is taken from Galen. See also Aëtius and Serapion. Dioscorides treats of the different articles separately, and not under a general head like Galen and his successors. (See ii, 31, 32, &c.) The Arabians merely copy from Dioscorides and Galen, especially the latter. See in particular Serapion (c. 571.)

Κηκὶς,

Galla, Gall; that sort called Omphacitis is a very sour medicine, and hence it proves desiccant, repels defluxions, contracts and astringes relaxed and debilitated parts. It agrees also with all cases of defluxion. It is to be placed in the third rank of desiccants, and the second of refrigerants. The other sort, which is yellow, porous, and large, is desiccant indeed, but less so than the other, inasmuch as it is deficient in astringency. In a decoction it relieves inflammations of the fundament and prolapsus ani when burnt. Extinguished in vinegar they become styptic.

Commentary. Dioscorides describes two species of galls, of which the better kind, called omphacitis, consisted of small, hard, and solid pieces without perforations, and is not to be confounded with the ὄμφακις, or cupula of the acorn, mentioned by Paulus. (iii, 62.) See also Theophrastus (Hist. Plant. iii, 9), Pliny (H. N. xvi, 9), and Serapion (De Simpl. c. 237.) Galls were much used by the ancient physicians in all cases requiring powerful astringents. According to Dr. Hill, the Gallæ omphacitæ of the ancients were the same as the Aleppo galls now in use, and the other kind, sometimes called Onocicæ, the same as the European. Dioscorides describes the gall as the fruit of the oak, an error which is to be found, as Dr. Pereira remarks, in the works of comparatively recent writers. We need scarcely say that the excrescence is now well ascertained to be the production of a hymenopterous insect on the Quercus infectoria. Dioscorides treats largely of the cases in which galls are applicable, concluding with the remark that their use is indicated whenever it is wished to astringe, restrain, or dry. (ii, 146.) Our author’s description of their medicinal properties is mostly taken from Galen. Nearly the same may be said of Aëtius and Oribasius. The Arabians, in treating of them, borrow all the information which they give from the Greeks. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 308), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 234), Serapion (c. 98.)

Κηπέα,

Cepea, resembles the Purslain. The leaves of it in an infusion relieve scabious bladder when drunk; and the root of it, when taken in a draught with rock asparagus, relieves strangury from obstruction.

Commentary. Little is known for certain of this herb; but the most probable conjecture that has been made regarding it is, that it is the Sedum Cepæa, L. Our author’s account of it is taken literally from Dioscorides. Galen does not treat of it, nor have we been able to trace it out in the Materia Medica of the Arabians. Our old herbalists treat of it very hesitatingly under the head of brooklime. See Gerard and Parkinson.

Κηρὸς,

Cera, Wax, being of a moderate temperament, forms the basis of many other medicines. By itself it is slightly detergent, and has some discutient and calefacient powers.

Commentary. This article is so well known that it requires no illustration. Dioscorides describes very circumstantially the process for bleaching wax and making it white. It was done with salt water and natron in a manner quite different from the process now pursued for this purpose. (ii, 105.) The Arabians treat fully of it, but without making any addition of much importance. See in particular Serapion (c. 10) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 462.) Avicenna says that wax, when applied to the wound inflicted by a poisoned arrow, prevents it from being followed by any bad effects. He recommends it as an expectorant in diseases of the chest, both in a liniment and in a potion. One of Serapion’s authorities, Abugerig, in like manner, recommends it in diseases of the chest.

Κήρυκες,

Buccinæ (a species of shell-fish); their shell when burnt is possessed of sufficiently desiccative powers without pungency, they therefore agree with malignant ulcers, and are to be used for putrid ulcers with vinegar, wine, or oxymel. That part of them which is as it were their flesh when alive, if boiled in oil, renders the oil an useful injection for relieving earache.

Commentary. Sprengel makes them to be the Buccina Harpa and Lapillus. They are noticed among the articles of food in the ninety-first section of the First Book. Dioscorides correctly remarks that a species of quicklime is got from their shells. He recommends it as a dentifrice, and as an application to burns. (ii, 5.) Galen very properly inculcates the necessity of getting them finely levigated before applying them to sores. Avicenna treats of the buccina along with other crustacea under one head. His information is almost entirely borrowed from Dioscorides and Galen. (ii, 2, 529.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 224.)

Κίκι,

Ricinus, Palma Christi; its fruit, which is also purgative, has detergent and discutient properties, and so also has its leaf, but weaker. We have already spoken of its oil.

Commentary. There can be no doubt that the κίκι or κρότων was the Ricinus communis, the Castor-oil plant, or Palma Christi. It is mentioned by Herodotus (Euterpe, 94) and in several passages of the Hippocratic treatises. See Œconom. Hippocrat. (218.) It does not occur, however, in the works of Celsus. Dioscorides informs us that it is called croton, from its resemblance to the dog-tick, and it is worthy of observation that both the plant and the dog-tick bear the name of Ricinus in Latin. See Pliny (H. N. xi, 34, and xv, 7.) Dioscorides says that the oil is used for lamps and plasters, and also as a purgative and emetic; but that it is a very loathsome and harsh medicine when administered internally. He further mentions the seeds as being used in cutaneous diseases, and the leaves in diseases of the eyes (iv, 141.) Galen notices it but very briefly as a purgative having detergent and discutient powers. Aëtius and Oribasius appear to have overlooked it. Mesue commends it as a purgative in cases of colic attended with flatulence. He says it produces vomiting and painful dejection of the bowels, but that its operation occasions a discharge of phlegm and bile, which often proves effectual in diseases of the joints. (De Simpl. 28.) He calls it by the names of Albemesuch, Granum regum, and Kerva. Avicenna says of the oil, that it is laxative, and is a good application to scabies and other cutaneous diseases. (ii, 2, 523.) It is deserving of remark that the Grana regia of Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 339), are applicable to the Lathyris, and not to the Cici. Indeed Mesue jumbles together his description of these two substances. (l. c.) We have mentioned already that the Oleum Cicinum or Castor-oil, was used as a purgative by the ancient physicians. Dr. Hill says of it, “the ancients obtained an oil by expression, and also by boiling, from the seeds; they called it Oleum Cicinum; they used it, for burning in their lamps, and in some of their ointments and plasters. Dioscorides commends it internally against worms; and Piso tells us that it is sometimes used in the same manner in the Brazils, with success.”

Κιννάβαρις,

Cinnabaris, Sanguis Draconis, is possessed of moderately acrid powers with some astringency.

Commentary. We must refer to what we have stated in another work, which we have already often quoted, for the general literature of this subject. It will be sufficient in this place to state that the substance here treated of under the name of Cinnabaris is indisputably the Sanguis Draconis, or concrete juice of the Dracœna Draco. This is obvious from Dioscorides’s description of it, who says that it is of a deep colour, and hence some had thought it the blood of the dragon. (v, 109.) See further, Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 38), and the very interesting note of Harduin, in which the origin of the confusion of the dragon’s blood with cinnabar is fully explained. Serapion treats of the Sanguis Draconis as the production of a tree, and quotes a description of it from Dioscorides and Galen. What vegetable substance in their Mat. Med. Serapion refers to, we are at a loss to decide. One of his authorities, Constantinus, calls it the juice of a plant, possessed of styptic powers, and therefore used as an astringent both internally as a suppository, and externally when so applied. (De Simpl. 341.) Avicenna recommends it similarly, but gives no description of it. (ii, 2, 627.) It is to be borne in mind that besides the vegetable cinnabar, the ancients described two other substances under this name, viz., the native mineral cinnabar or sulphuret of quicksilver, and a factitious cinnabar, which was their Sal Atticum. See Hill (Mat. Med. 60), and Geoffroy (215.) The dragon’s blood is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, where it is set down as the product of the Calamus Draco.

Κιννάμωνον,

Cinnamomum, Cinnamon, is composed of extremely subtile parts, yet is not extremely heating, but only in the third degree. But of those in the same rank of calefacients none is so desiccative owing to the tenuity of its parts. The cinnamomis is a sort of weak cinnamon; but some call it pseudo-cinnamomum.

Commentary. Sprengel and Dierbach acknowledge it as the Laurus Cinnamomus. We have stated, however, under Cassia that Stackhouse is of opinion that the ancients were unacquainted with our Laurus Cinnamomus; but we see no good grounds for this opinion. We shall give the words of Sprengel: “Cassia lignea nostratum et cassia cinnamomea eadem esse videntur, unde et cassiam ipsam ex eadem arbore provenire, quæ cinnamomum largiatur, veteres jam statuerunt.” (ad Dioscor. i, 13.) Dioscorides recommends cinnamon in uterine affections, that is to say, for promoting the flow of the menses and for the expulsion of the fœtus. We need scarcely mention that this use of it has been revived of late. He also holds it to be alexipharmic, recommends it in coughs, dropsies, and diseases of the kidneys and bladder; in complaints of the eyes, and in the formation of elegant ointments; in short, he adds, it is a medicine much in use. (i, 13.) Galen and the other Greek authorities give its medicinal characters in more general terms. The Arabians treat of it at great length, and more especially Avicenna, who recommends it in the same cases as Dioscorides, namely, as a diuretic, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic medicine, and also as a stomachic and deobstruent in congestion of the liver. He also holds it to be cordial and expectorant. (ii, 2, 124.) Serapion professes to borrow his account of cinnamon from Dioscorides and Galen; but the extract which he gives from the latter, is not to be found in his works as they now exist. In it cinnamon is commended as being an aromatic medicine, applicable in complaints of the stomach and liver, in affections of the eyes, and as an emmenagogue and diuretic. (De Simpl. 266.) Rhases copies from Dioscorides, Galen, and our author. (Cont. l. ult. i, 213.)

Κιρκέα,

Circea, Enchanter’s Nightshade; its root, which is desiccative and fragrant, when drunk with wine, cleanses the uterus. Its fruit, when taken in gruel, promotes the formation of milk.

Commentary. The commentators are much divided respecting it. Sprengel inclines to the Cynanchus niger. Lobelius took it to be the Solanum Dulcamara. One thing is certain, that it was quite different from any known species of the modern genus Circæa. See Parkinson (351.) Both Galen and our author, in treating of it, borrow from Dioscorides, the former of these professedly. We have not been able to detect it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians.

Κίσσηρις,

Pumex, the Pumice-stone, is detergent, and more particularly of the teeth, not only in power, but also by its asperity. It is also joined to the medicines used for the incarnation of ulcers, and to the abstergent plasters applied to the skin. If burnt, its parts became finer, but it is then pungent; but if washed it lays aside its pungency.

Commentary. There can be no doubt that it was Pumice. Pumice, according to the latest analysis, is found to contain silica, argil, magnesia, soda, oxyd of manganese, and some water. For an account of it, see Pliny (H. N. xxxvi, 42.) He recommends it in diseases of the eyes. It appears evident, however, that he had copied from his contemporary, to whom he is so frequently indebted, we mean Dioscorides, who gives a similar description of pumice, and also recommends it in diseases of the eyes, more especially in opacity of the cornea, and likewise as an ingredient in applications to sores, and as a dentifrice. (v, 124.) Galen, after some preliminary discussion whether pumice be a metal, a stone, or an earth, proceeds to state its medicinal properties, in which he agrees with Dioscorides, most especially commending it as a dentifrice. (De Simpl. ix.) We may just mention in this place that modern authorities do not think so highly of this substance as a dentifrice. See Jameson’s ‘Mineral.’ (i, 333.) The Arabians under this head merely copy from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 417.) Pumice anciently was used for polishing the leather with which books were bound. (Catullus, Epig. i.) Theophrastus (De Lapidibus), states that pumice is formed by the action of fire; and M. Dolomieu suspects that it is a vitrified granite or gneiss. The pumice, for some time past, has ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory. Neither is it to be found in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κιστὸς ἤ Κίσσαρος,

Cistus, Rock-rose; it is an astringent shrub, and of gently cooling powers. Its leaves and shoots are so desiccative as to agglutinate wounds; but the flowers are of a more drying nature, being about the second degree, and hence when drunk they cure dysenteries and all kind of fluxes. Externally they relieve putrid ulcers.

Commentary. Stackhouse marks it simply as the Cistus, L., called by Miller the Rock-rose (Index to Theophrastus.) Woodville calls it the C. Creticus (Medical Botany.) Dioscorides describes two species of it, which probably are the C. salvifolius and C. villosus. Galen particularly commends the former in uterine diseases. He also treats under this name of a much more celebrated species of the cistus, namely, the Ladaniferus, of which we will have to give some account under Λάδανον. Aëtius and Oribasius are the copyists of Galen. The Arabians treat separately of the Cistus and Ladanum, recommending the former as a powerful astringent, both in external ulcers and in those of the intestines and womb. Avicenna speaks favorably of it in deafness and other affections of the ear. (ii, 2, 111.) Serapion would appear to have confounded it with the κισσὸς (ivy); or at least he has given a very confused account of it in his chapter on the Ivy. (De Simpl. 41, 42.) Rhases does not appear to notice it separately from the Landanum (Ladanum) (Cont. l. ult. iii, 67.) The two species of cistus treated of under this head have long ceased to hold a place in our modern Dispensatories.

Κισσὸς,

Hedera, Ivy, is composed of opposite powers, for it is astringent and cooling, and acrid and hot; consisting of a watery and tepid ingredient when green. Its leaves, when boiled with wine, are agglutinative of wounds and relieve burns and splenic affections. Its juice is an errhine, and cures chronic defluxions from the ear. Its tears, being more acrid, kill lice and act as a depilatory.

Commentary. We need have no hesitation in referring it with the best authorities to the Hedera Helix, L. Dioscorides describes three varieties of it, the white, the black, and the helix; but it is easy to see that they are all varieties of the same species. His distinctions, however, occasioned great trouble and confusion both to his Arabian copyists and to the modern herbalists. See Serapion (De Simpl. 41), and Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 680), and Gerard (History of Plants, 857.) Our author’s account of its medicinal properties is taken from Galen. The tears of it, mentioned by Dioscorides and our author, were evidently its resin, now generally known by the name of gum ivy. All the ancient writers recommend it for thinning the hair and killing lice.

Κίτριον,

Citrium, Citron, called also Malum Medicum; its middle part is acid or devoid of qualities; but the part in which the seed is contained belongs to the third rank of cooling and desiccative medicines. The bark is desiccative in the second degree, but not cooling, for it is acrid. Its flesh engenders thick chyme, is phlegmatic and cold. Its seed is discutient and desiccative in the second degree; and the leaves of the tree are possessed of desiccative and discutient powers.

Commentary. Without doubt, as Sprengel states, it is the Malus Medica, L., or Citron. Most of the commentators on Virgil agree that it is his “felix malum” (Georg, ii, 127.) Dr. Paris remarks that it probably deserves the praises bestowed on it by him as an antidote to poisons (Pharmacol. 254); and on this head there is a very interesting dispute between the celebrated Fr. Hoffmann and Moses Charras, the famous French authority on the Pharmacopœia. See Pharm. (ii, 39.) According to Macrobius, it is the θύον of Homer, who mentions it in the following line:

Pliny, however, is not of this opinion (H. N. xiii, 16.) Our author copies closely from Galen. Dioscorides’s account of its medicinal properties is far more precise and interesting. Citrons, he says, when drunk with wine, counteract the operation of deadly poisons, and loosen the belly; the decoction is a gargle for occasioning sweetness of the breath; its juice is much used by women labouring under pica (see Book I, 1, of this work), and their seeds seem to preserve clothes in a chest from being moth-eaten. (i, 166.) The Arabians treat very fully of the medicinal properties of the citron. See Serapion (De Simpl. i, 1), Avicenna (ii, 2, 116), and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 219.) They all agree that its seed is alexipharmic, both when taken in hot water, and when the juice is applied to a poisoned wound. See particularly Avicenna (De Med. Cord. ii.) They also hold that it is an excellent cordial and stomachic; that it stops bilious purgings, fluxes, and vomiting; and that it dispels sorrow. They hold, however, that it is prejudicial to the lungs and nerves. They speak highly of the oil of citrons in paralysis and other affections of the nerves. We need scarcely remark that this preparation has been much celebrated in modern times (see Charras, l. c.), and is still retained in our Pharmacopœia. See Pereira, 1235.

Κιχόριον ἤ πικρὶς,

Cichorium, Succory, is, as it were, a wild endive, being cooling and desiccant in the first degree. It has also some astringency, and hence it agrees with hepatic dysenteries.

Commentary. It is the Cichorium Intybus. We have treated of it among the pot-herbs in the First Book. It occurs in the Flora Hippocratica. Dioscorides recommends both the garden and the wild succory as being astringent, cooling, and stomachic, in various cases, both internally and externally, for binding the bowels in dysentery, as a cataplasm in cardiac affection, and as a remedy for gout and ophthalmy. (ii, 159.) Celsus also ranks the intybus and ambubeia, which are the wild and garden succory, with astringents. (ii, 30.) Galen and the other Greek authorities give it the same general characters. The Arabians treat of the seris and intybus at greater length, and seem to confound the latter, or endive, with the taraxacon (Leontodon taraxacum?). See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 229, 683.) He recommends the latter most particularly as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and other viscera; he speaks favorably of it as a plaster in palpitations of the heart, and as a gargle along with Cassia fistula in inflammations of the throat. All the Arabians recommend both species as antidotes to the bites of venomous animals. See Avicenna (l. c.), Serapion (c. 143), and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 266.) The wild succory (Cichorium Intybus) is still sometimes employed in medicine. Dr. Pereira says, “the medicinal properties of Cichorium Intybus are analogous to those of Taraxacum Densleonis.” (Mat. Med. 698.) It occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κλήματις,

Clematis, Virgin’s-bower, (called also Myrsonöides, Daphnöides, and Polygonöides,) has twigs as long as the thickness of a May-rush, (holoschænus,) and petals like the bay, and is of a desiccant nature; it, therefore, stops diarrhœas, dysenteries, and pains of the teeth, and is useful for the bites of venomous animals. The other species of clematis twines around trees like ivy, being of an acrid and caustic nature. Its fruit, when drunk with water, evacuates bile and phlegm downwards; and its leaves in a cataplasm, remove leprosy.

Commentary. The former species, distinguished by the synonyme of Daphnöides, is the clematis described by Dioscorides (iv, 179), and is the second species of Galen, who expresses himself contemptuously of Pamphilus for confounding the two species together. It is clearly a species of Clematis, either the vitalba or cirrhosa. All agree in recommending it as a safe astringent. The other species described by Dioscorides (iv, 7), and which is the former species of Galen, may be decidedly determined to be either the Vinca major or minor. It, according to Galen, is possessed of acrid and caustic powers. The Arabians would appear not to distinguish properly the clematis from the hedera. See Serapion (c. 41), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 169.) The modern Greek Pharmacopœia contains the C. erecta.

Κλινοπόδιον,

Clinopodium, Field Basil, is possessed of heating and desiccative powers, not caustic however, but of the third degree.

Commentary. It may with considerable confidence be set down as being the Clinopodium vulgare, although doubts have been started on this head. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 23), and Sprengel (Ad Dioscorid.) Our author follows Galen very closely. Dioscorides represents it to be diuretic and emmenagogue (iii, 99.) We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, nor in Hippocrates.

Κνίκος,

Cnicus, Bastard Saffron; its seed is used only for purgings, but if applied externally it belongs to the third order of calefacients.

Commentary. The preponderance of authority is decidedly in favour of its being the Carthamus tinctorius, a plant which held a place in our Dispensatory with its ancient characters down to recent date. (See Quincy, 167.) Dioscorides mentions of it that it is used as a potherb, and as a medicine for opening the bowels. Galen gives it exactly the same character as our author. The Arabians give rather a confused account of it by treating of it along with Atractylis, which they held to be the wild cnicus. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 159.) All the Arabians hold that it is not only laxative, but also powerfully alexipharmic. They call it Kartam or Cartamus. See further Serapion (c. 202), and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 46.)

Κογχύλια,

Conchylia; their powers resemble those of the buccinæ.

Commentary. This name was applied to various Testacea, or Shell-fish. See Harduin (Ad Plinii H. N. ix, 60); Athenæi Deipnos, iii; Aristotle, H. A. v, 14; and Gesner, De Aquat. Oysters are frequently called by this name, as in the following lines of Petronius Arbiter:

Dioscorides does not treat of this article, at least, under this name. The Arabians would appear to have identified them with the Cochleæ. See in particular Serapion (c. 434.)

Κοιλία,

Venter, the Belly of the cormorant, either when boiled, fresh, or dried, is said to be stomachic if eaten; and in like manner, the inner coat of the stomach of hens when dried and taken in a draught. But Galen says, that he found upon trial both these statements false. Dioscorides relates that the stomach of a wood-pigeon, if drunk, gradually makes stones be expelled by urine. The stomach of a weasel, when drunk, is a preservative against all poisonous animals.

Commentary. Properly speaking the Stomach. Our author, as he acknowledges, borrows from Galen and Dioscorides. Serapion repeats the same characters of this article upon the authority of Dioscorides. (c. 469.) We may be allowed to mention that the inner membrane of the crop of a fowl is still a popular remedy for indigestion in the north of Scotland.

Κόκκος κνίδιος,

Granum Gnidium, is the fruit of the Thymelæa and not of the Chamelæa as some have supposed. Being possessed of acrid and caustic powers, when drunk, it purges water downwards.

Commentary. See under Θυμέλαια. All the authorities, from Hipprocrates downwards, describe it as an acrid purgative. Dr. Pereira says, “Daphne Gnidium is the Thymelæa of Dioscorides, whose fruit is the κόκκος κνίδιος, or Gnidian-berry, used by Hippocrates. Its properties are similar to those of D. Mezereum.” (Mat. Med. 807.) Dioscorides gives a full description of the thymelæa, and states, with excellent precision, its operation on the animal economy. He says it purges, bringing away a watery discharge, and kills the fœtus in utero when applied on a pessary. (iv, 170.) Galen and Aëtius and Oribasius state its characters in brief terms, like our author. It would appear, in fact, to have been little used in medicine. The Arabians confound the thymelæa, chamelæa, and chamæleon together, so that there is great difficulty in making out what were their exact views on the Thymelaceæ. Indeed, the genera of this tribe of plants are still with difficulty distinguished from one another. See Lindley’s Vegetable Kingdom, 530.

Κόκκος βαφικὸς,

Granum tinctorium, is desiccative without pungency. It agrees, therefore, with large wounds and wounds of the nerves when triturated with vinegar or oxymel.

Commentary. It is Vermilion or Scarlet grain, being the product of a little hemopterous insect called kermes or Coccus ilicis. See Theophrastus (H. P. iii, 16), and Pliny (H. N. xvi, 12.) It was anciently used in dyeing, but is now superseded by the cochineal. An interesting account of kermes and cochineal is given by Beckmann. (History of Inventions.) Dioscorides and the other authorities, like Paulus, commend it as a vulnerary medicine, especially in wounds of the nerves. The Arabians, in treating of the kermes, merely repeat what Dioscorides and Galen had written on this head. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 321); Avicenna (ii, 2, 718); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 740.)

Κοκκομηλέα,

Prunus, the Plum; its fruit loosens the belly, if fresh, in a greater degree, or if dried, in a smaller. The decoction of it in gargles, cures inflammations about the uvula. The gum of the tree has the powers of an incisive and attenuate substance, so that some relate that when drunk with wine it proves lithontriptic. With vinegar it is said to cure the lichen of children. The fruit of the wild plums is manifestly astringent, and constipates the belly. This plant in Asia is called Prumnum. The dried garden plums, now called damascenes, appear to be similar, as Galen says.

Commentary. Without doubt it is the Prunus insiticia or Bullace tree, a well known species of plum. The Damask-plums are much celebrated by ancient authors. We have treated of plums as an article of food in the First Book. Pliny and Marcellus Empiricus recommend them particularly in diseases of the tonsils and gums; but, indeed, all the ancient authorities prescribe them as astringents in such cases. There is a slight difference of opinion between Dioscorides and Galen regarding the virtues of the plum. Dioscorides says, “the fruit is esculent, but bad for the stomach, and loosens the bowels. But the dried fruit of the Syrian plums, and more especially those which grow about Damascus (damascenes?), are stomachic and astringent of the bowels.” Galen says, “the fruit of the plum tree loosens the bowels, the fresh in a greater degree and the dried in a less. I know not how it is that Dioscorides says that the dried damask-plums bind the bowels, for even these manifestly loosen, but in a less degree than the Spanish; for the damask are more astringent, and the Spanish more sweet, &c.” (De Simpl. vii.) This slight difference created a keen controversy in modern times between Brasavolus, who impugns, and Matthiolus, who defends the strictures of Galen. To us it appears that the only mistake committed by Dioscorides consists in stating his views too succinctly. He, no doubt, never meant to deny that the damask-plums have a certain purgative faculty mixed up with astringency, like plums in general. Galen’s language is more precise, but we do not see that there is much real difference between his views and those of Dioscorides. The Arabians gravely state this mighty controversy between the two ancient sages, but scarcely pretend “tantas componere lites.” See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 565); Avicenna (ii, 2, 532); and Serapion (c. 139.) One of Rhases’s authorities says of plums, that they moisten the stomach and loosen the belly, purging yellow bile. Another of them, named Chuz, says the water of them is emmenagogue, and their gum, mixed with sugar, cures impetigo. Avicenna quotes this opinion with approbation. All agree that they are lithontriptic.

Κόλλα,

Gluten, Glue; that prepared from the similago and pollen is of an emplastic and digestive nature.

Commentary. Gluten or Paste. Dioscorides mentions that the best kind is prepared from the hides of bulls in Rhodes. Galen makes mention of another kind prepared from flour, and used in binding books. (De Simpl. vii.) See further, Pliny (H. N. xiii, 26.) The Arabians, in treating of it, derive most of their information from the Greeks. See Serapion (c. 138); Avicenna (ii, 2, 202); and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 336.) They treat of the ichthyocolla under this head.

Κολοκύνθη,

Cucurbita, the Gourd, is of a humid and cold temperament in the second degree. Hence, when applied entire in a cataplasm, it cools hot inflammations.

Commentary. We have stated the difficulty of determining this article in the chapter of the First Book on the summer fruits. It would appear to be sometimes put for the Cucumis sativus or Cucumber, and sometimes for the Cucurbita or Gourd. About the species, however, there is some doubt. On its medicinal properties, besides the medical authorities, see Geopon. (xii, 19.) Dioscorides recommends it raw, as a cooling application for various swellings and apostemes; also for the siriasis of infancy (See Book I, 13), for inflammations of the eyes, and those of gout in like manner. He also speaks of it as being useful in earache and heat of the stomach. He states that it is laxative of the bowels; and for this purpose directs a raw gourd to be hollowed out, and wine having been poured into it, it is to be exposed for a time to the heat of the sun, when it will become gently laxative. (ii, 161.) Galen, Aëtius, and others give it much the same characters as our author. The Arabians, as usual, borrow freely from the Greeks without making any addition of much consequence. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 175); Serapion (c. 248); and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 1, 344.) One of Serapion’s authorities, called Masarugie, says of the gourd, that when it is surrounded with paste and roasted, the water thus squeezed out of it is beneficial in acute diseases and cough, that it quenches thirst, and when taken with sugar gently opens the bowels. Another of them, Habix, gives nearly the same account of it. Another of them says of its seed, that it is diuretic, and softens the belly. In modern times the seeds of gourd were formerly held as one of the four greater cold seeds. See Charras (Roy. Pharm. 66) and Quincy (p. 197.)