BOOK SEVENTH. (continued 5)

Κολοκινθίς,

Cucurbita sylvestris, Colocynth, is possessed of a strong purgative power. If the juice of it, while in a green state, be rubbed into the part, it relieves ischiatic disease.

Commentary. There can be no doubt that it is the Cucumis Colocynthis, Coloquintida, or Bitter Gourd. It was used in medicine from the earliest times, being the κολοκύνθη ἀγρία of Hippocrates (De Mulieb. 621, ed. Föes), as Galen has explained. It does not occur, however, in the works of Celsus. Dioscorides gives an excellent account of it, recommending it as a powerful phlegmagogue and cholagogue, both when given by the mouth and in clysters; and as a gargle in toothache. He says it kills the fœtus in utero when applied on a pessary. (iv, 175.) Our author’s account of it is copied from Galen. The Arabians treat of it more fully. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 127); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 222); Serapion (c. 272); Mesue (De Simpl. 4); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 421); and Ebn Baithar (i, 331.) Avicenna is very precise in giving directions for the preparation of the medicine. His statement of its medicinal properties is so long that we cannot find room for it. He says it evacuates phlegm, bile, and perhaps blood from the intestines; that it is useful in dropsy, and that it is alexipharmic, in proof of which he refers to the report of a case of a person who had been stung by scorpions, and was immediately cured by it. But of all the authorities, Mesue is, perhaps, the one who treats of it most elaborately: he recommends it as purging phlegm and yellow bile, in cephalæa, hemicrania, epilepsy, apoplexy, vertigo, defluxion in the eyes, cold gout, and other affections of the joints; asthma, chronic cough, dyspnœa, &c. But, he adds, it is more especially useful in pituitous and flatulent colic, and in dropsy. For this purpose it may be administered by the mouth, in clysters and in suppositories. Applied per vaginam it kills the fœtus. He directs its bad effects to be corrected by means of mastich, tragacanth, &c. He forbids it to be administered either in great heat or cold. Averrhoes ranks it with the strongest phlegmagogues, and recommends that its activity should be abated by almonds, tragacanth, fistics, &c. Ebn Baithar treats of it at very great length. Serapion says that, being a drastic purgative, it ought not to be given during the heat of summer, or cold of winter; for that, at these seasons, Hippocrates had forbid to administer purgatives. Pliny recommends it in injections for diseases of the intestines, kidneys, and loins. He says that an embrocation of it with oil cures pains of the spine and hip-joint, and is useful in jaundice when followed by oxymel. (H. N. xx, 7, 8.) Marcellus, the Empiric, says of it that it purges phlegm, yellow and black bile, when given with oxymel. (c. 30.) Ruffus Ephesius says of colocynth, that it purges phlegm and pure bile: in a word, he adds, it is useful in asthma, pleurisy, chronic headache, vertigo, and dimness of vision. (De Med. Purg.)

Κόμαρος,

Arbutus, the Arbute Tree, is of a sour quality, both the tree and its fruit, which is called memycœlon. It is hurtful to the stomach, and occasions headache.

Commentary. Apuleius says “Comaron Græci, Romani fragum vocant.” It is the Arbutus Unedo or Wild Strawberry Tree, which must not be confounded with the Fragaria vesca, L., Angl., Wood Strawberry. It seems difficult to account for its holding a place in the ancient Materia Medica, since all the authorities, like Paulus, speak unfavorably of its medicinal powers. See Dioscorides and Galen.

Κόμμι,

Gummi, Gum, is of a desiccative and emplastic nature, and manifestly cures asperities (hoarseness?).

Commentary. For an account of the ancient gums see Pliny (H. N. xiii, 20.) He says the best kind is got from the Egyptian thorn or Acacia; this must have been either the Acacia vera, L., or Acacia Senegal. Galen delivers the medicinal character of gum in the same terms as our author, and the other Greek authorities do the same. Dioscorides recommends the gum of the acacia (gum-arabic?) as possessing emplastic powers, and for blunting acrid medicines when mixed with them. He adds that, when mixed with the white of an egg, it prevents blisters from rising on burnt parts. (i, 133.) The Arabians concur in recommending gum-arabic as being beneficial in hot coughs, in ulcers of the lungs, and for clearing the voice; they also held it to be stomachic and theriacal. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 310); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 345); and Serapion (c. 229.)

Κονία,

Lixivium, Lye; the washings, as it were, of ashes are so named. The most detergent and desiccative of all are those made from the ashes of figs and of the spurges, so that they are possessed of almost septic powers. If a little quicklime be added to the ashes it renders the lye caustic, which is then called protostactos, being mixed up principally with medicines administered by injection. But the strongest of all is that prepared from quicklime alone.

Commentary. We have given some account of the Lixivial Ashes or Lyes of the ancients in the 9th section of Book VI. They were all of them preparations of potass mixed up with various impurities. The term was applied not only to the solution, but also to the dried cineres of the same. Even quicklime is sometimes called by this name: κονία ἢ ἄσβεστος. (Scholiastes in Theocrit. Idyll. i.) The Cinis lixivius of the fig-tree is the one most frequently mentioned of them. See Pliny (H. N. xv, 18); Geopon. (v, 33); Dioscorides (i, 186); Serapion (183); and Avicenna (ii, 2, 188.) Avicenna recommends the lye of the mezerion in quinsy and affections of the eye. See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 214.) The protostactos was a composition of potass and lime. (See Book VI, s. 9.) On the alkalies or Cineres lixivii of the ancients, see further, Dutens (Découvertes attrib. aux Modern. 187.)

Κόνυζα,

Conyza, Fleabane; both species of it are desiccant and calefacient in the third degree. Hence, even the oil in which it is boiled stops periodical rigors; and the flowers have similar powers. The decoction of them promotes menstruation, and expels the fœtus. That which grows in moist situations is more fetid and has weaker powers.

Commentary. There is considerable difficulty in determining exactly the conyzæ of the ancients. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, i, 44), and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iii, 126.) The preponderance of authority seems to lead to the conclusion that they all were species of Inula, namely, the greater I. viscosa, Act., the lesser Inula saxatilis, and the third, I. oculus Christi. The conyzæ were employed in medicine at a very early period, being frequently mentioned in the Hippocratic treatises. See Dierbach, who, however, has decided differently from us as to the plants to which the conyzæ are referable. He marks the fetid conyza as being Ambrosia maritima, and the fragrant as Inula bifrons. The greater conyza of Dioscorides would appear to be the cunilago of Pliny (H. N., xx, 63), where see the note of Harduin. Our author follows Dioscorides and Galen, who agree in the main as to the medicinal properties of these plants. All the authorities concur in opinion that the greater conyza is emmenagogue, and procures abortion in pessaries. Ebn Baithar seems to treat of it rather confusedly under the head of Thuback. (ii, 150.) Few, if any, of the other Arabians have noticed it; and it is not contained in the Greek Pharmacopœia.

Κόπρος,

Stercus, Dung; all kinds of it are of a heating, desiccative, and discutient nature, but they differ from one another according to the temperament and diet of the animal which voids it. The dung, then, of dogs fed on bones, when dried, cures dysenteric affections if taken in a draught with divided milk (lac scissum), and old ulcers, if mixed with suitable medicines. In cynanche and inflammations about the tonsils, it is rubbed into the parts mixed with honey. These complaints are greatly relieved by the dung of children who have not been permitted to take too much food. The dung of wolves and the whiter sort which is found upon certain shrubs, is an admirable remedy for colics, and that, not only in a draught, but also when appended as an amulet. It may be fastened either with the wool of a sheep recently killed by a wolf, or the skin of a stag. Goat’s dung, being more acrid and discutient, discusses scirrhous tumours when applied externally, more especially upon hard flesh. When burnt it is more detergent and attenuate. The dung of oxen has some attractive powers, and, therefore, cures the stings of wasps and bees. And if the whole body of persons affected with dropsy be rubbed with cow’s dung in the sun they will be much relieved thereby. Sheep’s dung with vinegar cures myrmecia, acrochordon, furunculus, and clavus. That of wild pigeons, being much more acrid than the other kinds, proves rubefacient when applied with the seed of cardamus. That of domestic fowls, when drunk with oxymel, vinegar, or wine and honey, causes the suffocative mushrooms to be vomited, and proves a preservative from them. Some have given it to drink also in colics. They say also that the dung of storks, when drunk, is useful in orthopnœa. That of mice, being more detergent than all others, agrees with alopecia, and when applied to the anus of children provokes evacuation. The dung of starlings, when they feed on rice, becomes detergent so as to clear away freckles. That of land crocodiles removes alphos, as that of the crocodiles of the Nile is believed to attenuate leucoma (white films on the eyes).

Commentary. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of Dung is abridged from Galen. As we have no wish to see this article restored to the Materia Medica, we shall not enlarge upon the subject. Those who wish to improve their knowledge of the medicinal articles mentioned under this head by our author, may find them treated of usque ad nauseam by Dioscorides, Galen, Serapion, and Avicenna. Many of them were retained in the Dispensatory down to a comparatively recent date. For example, the white dung of dogs, usually called Album Græcum, was long used in the cure of quinsies. See Quincy (140, 206.)

Κοράλλιον,

Corallium, Coral, is a sort of petrified arboret, not growing on dry land, but among the mud of the sea, being of a red colour, and like stone. Its powers are decidedly desiccant and moderately astringent. It answers, therefore, with cases of hæmoptysis and dysentery.

Commentary. The Coral of the ancients is the Isis nobilis, Pall.; the name Isis being borrowed from Pliny. (H. N. xiii, 52.) Pliny mentions, in another place, that corals, burnt and pulverised, and drunk in water, are useful in some pains of the bowels and bladder, and in calculus. He adds that they are also soporific. Corals were much used as amulets or phylacteries. (H. N. xxxii, 5.) See also Solinus (ii), and Geopon. (xv, 1.) Celsus ranks the corallium with those substances which burn: “Veratrum, album et nigrum, corallium, cantharides, pyrethrum, adurunt.” (v, 208.) This article does not occur in the Hippocratic treatises, nor in Galen’s work ‘On the Faculties of Simples.’ The latter, however, prescribes it for spitting of blood in another place. (De Comp. Med. sec. loc. vii.) Dioscorides and Serapion, likewise, recommend it as an astringent in hæmoptysis and in dysentery. It appears from the Royal Pharmacopœia of Moses Charras, that it was used for the cure of these complaints in his time. He prefers the red coral, and directs us to give it in the form of an impalpable powder. The red coral held a place in our English Dispensatory until a recent date. See Quincy (101.) It was much used in infantile convulsions. It is still admitted to be a good antacid. See Gray (Pharmacol. 146.) According to Dr. Ainslie, the Tamool practitioners prescribe it, when calcined, in cases of diabetes and bleeding piles. The Arabians place it among their astringents and cordials. (Mat. Ind. 52.) The sea-coralline is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, under the title of Helminthochortos, which, however, as is there stated, comprehends several species of the Ceramium helminthochortum, mixed up with ulvæ, confervæ, but especially red corallines. (77.) On the use of it by the Arabians, see the commentators on Mesue. (De Electariis, 89.) The Electarium de Gemmis, in which it occurs as an ingredient, is said to be most efficacious in cold affections of the brain, heart, stomach, liver, and womb; an excellent exhilarant and cordial; and restorative in palpitation of the heart, and in syncope.

Κόρεις,

Cimices, Bugs; these animals are of an acrid nature. Some write that when drunk with vinegar they eject leeches.

Commentary. Dioscorides recommends Bugs in quartan intermittents, uterine suffocation, and as an antidote to the bite of the asp. (ii, 36.) Galen properly recommends garlic as a substitute for them in the case of leeches which have been swallowed. Pliny, apparently deriving his information from Dioscorides, ascribes to bugs alexipharmic properties of the most general nature; and more especially commends them as being a remedy against the bite of asps. (H. N. xxix, 17.) The Arabians copy all that the Greeks had recorded respecting the medicinal virtues of bugs, without making any addition. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 270.)

Κορὶς,

Coris, the herb; some call it Hypericum (St. John’s Wort). It is acrid and fragrant; but the fruit of it, in a draught, promotes the urinary and menstrual discharges. It is also a remedy for the bites of venomous spiders; and in cases of opisthotonos it is rubbed in with oil.

Commentary. It is Hypericum Coris. This name is taken from Pliny, who recommends it in strangury and pleurisy. (xxvi, 54.) Our author’s statement of its medicinal powers is abridged from Dioscorides. (iii, 164.) Galen does not treat of it by name, but ascribes nearly similar powers to hypericum. We cannot find it described in the works of the Arabians.

Κορριαννὸν ἢ κόριον,

Coriandrum, Coriander, is composed of opposite powers. For it consists of a terrene part formed of subtile particles, which is bitter, and of a watery juice, which is tepid (mild?). It has also a small degree of astringency, so as to accord with inflammations and cases of erysipelas, which are not of too hot a nature; and it also discusses the softer tumours with some of the other subtile remedies. The seed, when drunk in small quantity with sweet wine, expels worms; but when taken in larger doses it disturbs the understanding.

Commentary. It certainly is the Coriandrum sativum. Dioscorides says that its action is refrigerant, but Galen insists that it is calefacient. Symeon Seth, Mesue, as quoted by Serapion, and most of the ancient authorities adopt the opinion of Dioscorides. Our modern views would seem to correspond better with those of Galen; coriander-seed being now generally looked upon as an aromatic stimulant, and as being carminative and stomachic. Galen’s remarks under this head are highly interesting. The coriander was used in the age of Hippocrates. (359, etc. ed. Föes.) Celsus, like Dioscorides, holds it to be refrigerant. (84, ed. Milligan.) He also calls it diuretic. (Ibid.) The Arabians say that when the juice is taken to the extent of four ounces, it proves destructive of life. Avicenna (ii, 2, 143); Serapion (c. 44); and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 229.) They also hold that it is possessed of soporific powers. They prescribe it for the cure of epilepsy, in which case they say it checks the aura which ascends from the stomach to the brain. The Coriandrum sativum holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (58.) It is also still retained in our Materia Medica. See Pereira (1073.)

Κόρυδος ἢ Κορύδαλλος,

Alauda, the Lark; this bird when boiled with plain broth is of use in colic affections. But one must eat it perseveringly and frequently with the broth.

Commentary. No one can doubt, from the ancient descriptions of it, that it was the Alauda cristata. Galen remarks, that it is correctly described by Aristophanes, in his ‘Birds;’ and that it is noticed by Theocritus. (Idyll. vii.) It is also mentioned by Aristotle and Ælian in their works on Natural History. Pliny calls it Galerita. Galen says there is a herb of the same name. Like our author, he praises it when given in broth, for the cure of colic. Both, however, copy from Dioscorides. (ii, 59.) It is not noticed in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus. It would appear that it is the hanabroch of Serapion, who, in describing it, merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (436.) It is also briefly noticed by Ebn Baithar in nearly the same terms as Serapion. (ii, 329.)

Κορωνόπους,

Coronopus, Buck’s-horn Plantain; the root of it is believed to be useful in colic affections when eaten.

Commentary. It is the Plantago Coronopus, called in English Buckshorn Plantain. See Parkinson, Gerard, and Quincy. Dioscorides says it is used as a potherb, and that it is given as a medicine in colic. (ii, 157.) None of the others supply any additional information regarding it worth quoting.

Κόστος,

Costos, is possessed of a small degree of a bitter, but a greater degree of an acrid and hot quality. Wherefore, when a part requires to be heated, or a deep-seated humour attracted to the surface, one has recourse to the costus. It is therefore diuretic, emmenagogue, and anthelminthic. It has also some flatulent powers, so that it excites to venery when drunk with wine and honey. It suits with ischiatic and paralytic affections, and with periodical rigors when rubbed in with oil.

Commentary. We should occupy more space than we can afford to devote to it if we were to enter into a disquisition on the general literature of this article. Those who feel curious to know our opinions on this subject, are referred to the Appendix to Dunbar’s Lexicon, already frequently quoted by us. Much interesting information respecting the costus has been supplied by very recent writers. See Royle (Ant. of Hindoo Medicine, 88), Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 152), and Pereira (Mat. Med. 699.) Dr. Lindley says of it, “Dr. Falconer has ascertained that the costus of the ancients is the root of his Auklandia Costus, a plant inhabiting the moist open slopes surrounding the vale of Cashmere. In Cashmere the plant is not held in repute as a medicine, but is chiefly employed for protecting bales of shawls from the attacks of moths.” (Vegetable Kingdom, 708.) We may add, that although the zeduary be not the same as the costus, as has been supposed, there can be no doubt that it was often used in place of the costus. (See M. Charras’ Pharm.) More recently, we have reason to think, our costmary, Balsamita vulgaris, was used as a succedaneum for the ancient costus. Compare Parkinson (80) with Hill (M. M. 624.) The three kinds of costus described by Dioscorides, namely, the Arabian, the Indian, and the Syrian, would appear to have been only varieties of the same substance. He says it is possessed of calefacient, diuretic, and emmenagogue powers, and is useful in uterine affections, in pessaries, fomentations, and fumigations. He recommends it as being alexipharmic, expectorant, aphrodisiacal, vermifuge, a good application externally in paralytic cases; and, in short, he gives it nearly the same characters as our author, who evidently copies from him and Galen. Aëtius and Oribasius do the same. The Arabian authorities on the Mat. Med. in like manner, do little more than quote what Dioscorides, Galen, and our author have written on the subject. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 236); Avicenna (ii, 2, 161); Serapion (c. 318.) Avicenna and Rhases agree that it dries up humid ulcers when sprinkled over them. One of Rhases’s authorities states that the oil of costus is useful in relaxation and coldness of the nerves, and in sciatica; and that a fumigation made with it by means of an instrument for the purpose (per embotum), kills the fœtus, and promotes menstruation. All join in giving it the character of being alexipharmic. The costus, as far as we have been able to discover, does not occur in the works of Hippocrates. Celsus mentions it along with other aromatics (iv, 14, et alibi). It is often noticed as a precious ointment and aromatic by the classic authors. See Pliny (H. N. xii, 24); Columella (xii, 20); Propertius (iv, 6, 5); Lucan (ix, 917); Horace (Carm. iii, 1, 44); Ovid (Met. x, 308.)

Κοτυληδὼν,

Cotyledon, Navel-wort, is cooling, repellent, detergent, and discutient. It is believed that when the leaves of it are eaten along with the root, they prove lithontriptic and diuretic.

Commentary. Dioscorides describes two species, which are the Cotyledon umbilicus, and the C. serrata. Our author’s description applies to the former of these, and is abridged from Galen. Galen further recommends it strongly as an application to inflammatory erysipelas and erysipelatous inflammation, the nice distinction between which he has stated under coriander, and in his work Therap. ad Glauc. (ii.) See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 138.)

Κοχλίαι,

Cochleæ, Snails, when burnt are of a moderately desiccative nature, and somewhat heating. They are useful in dysenteries when mortification has not yet taken place, if to four parts of them, one part of white pepper, and two parts of galls be added. Unburnt, they are triturated and applied whole to the belly in dropsical complaints, and to the joints in arthritic, with advantage, being allowed to remain until they drop off spontaneously; and upon the whole they dry strongly deep-seated humours.

Commentary. The κ. χἔρσᾶιος is the Helix Pomatia, Escargot, or Vinegar Snail. The snail was esteemed a delicacy by the Roman gourmands. See Varro (de R. R. iii, 14) and Pliny (H. N. ix, 25.) The use of it, however, was forbidden by the Mosaic law. In one of the Hippocratic treatises, the cochleæ are recommended for procidentia ani. (De fistul.) Pliny, in like manner, recommends them in dysentery. (H. N. vii, 30.) Dioscorides and Galen give nearly the same account of their medicinal properties as our author. The latter says that they are difficult to digest, but very nutritious when digested. Celsus, on the other hand, ranks them among the weak articles of food. Horace seems to say that they whet the appetite.

Κρανέα,

Cornus, the Cornel; the fruit of the tree being sour, proves strongly astringent of the belly when eaten. The leaves and shoots, by their sourness, are strongly desiccative, so as to agglutinate the largest wounds of hard bodies.

Commentary. It is the Cornus Mas. Dioscorides recommends it as an application to lichen. (ii, 72.) Our author abridges Galen’s account of it. The Arabians speak favorably of it in the same cases as the Greeks, and also recommend it for cholera, diabetes, and vomiting. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 315), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 357.)

Κράμβη,

Brassica, Cabbage; that sort which is esculent has desiccative powers both when eaten and when applied externally, but it is not sensibly acrid. It therefore agglutinates wounds and ill-conditioned ulcers, and cures tumours which are difficult to discuss. It is also somewhat detergent, by which property it cures leprosy. Its seed when drunk kills worms, and especially the seed of the Egyptian cabbage does this. The ashes of its stalks when burnt are possessed of caustic powers, and with grease are applicable in chronic pains of the sides. The wild is stronger than the garden cabbage in all respects; hence it cannot be taken internally without inconvenience. The sea-cabbage being saltish and bitterish loosens the belly.

Commentary. The Brassica sativa of the ancients no doubt comprehended several species of cabbage. Dioscorides dwells largely on its medicinal properties, but in nearly the same terms as our author. He calls it laxative and alexipharmic, and recommends it as an application to erysipelas, epinyctis, and leprosy; with salts, he says, it breaks anthrax, and when boiled and mixed with milk, it is a good application to spreading gangrene. The Brassica sylvestris (which Sprengel inclines to set down as being the Brassica incana, Zenor.), he says, is agglutinative of wounds, and discutient of swellings and inflammations. Its cyme, he says, is not unpleasant to the taste. To the sea-cabbage (Convolvulus soldanella) he assigns the same characters as our author. (ii, 146, 147, 148.) Galen gives nearly the same account of the three species of brassica. In the Hippocratic treatises, the decoction of cabbage is recommended as an injection to the womb. (De Mulieb. ii.) According to Celsus, the brassica when half raw is laxative, but when twice boiled, astringent. (ii, 29, 30.) The Arabians treat of the different kinds of brassica at great length; as usual, drawing largely from the stores of the Greeks. One of the Arabian authorities quoted by Rhases, says its seed, if applied per vaginam post coitum, will prevent impregnation, and that the decoction of it expels the tape-worm. Another of the same authorities recommends a decoction of it as an application to the joints in gout, and to blistered surfaces after burning, more especially when its ashes are mixed up with the white of an egg. (Contin. l. ult. i, 198.) See in like manner, Serapion (c. 32) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 139.) As we have stated in our commentary on the 95th section of the First Book, all the ancient authorities held that the cabbage counteracts the intoxicating powers of wine. The brassicæ held a place in our Dispensatory, and retained their ancient character down to a comparatively recent date. See Parkinson, Culpeper, and still more recently Quincy. (116.) They are still much prized as medicines by the Arabians and Persians. See Ainslie (M. Ind.)

Κραταιόγονον,

Cratæogonon; the fruit of this herb is acrid to the taste and cold like millet.

Commentary. Dioscorides assigns it wonderful powers in promoting procreation, and hence its name. He calls it intensely acrid. Galen and the other Greek authorities, treat of it very succinctly like Paulus. We have not been able to find any traces of it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians. What plant it was seems a puzzle. Both Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 858) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.) incline to the Polygonum Persicaria, but the medicinal virtues of it, as given by our older herbalists, do by no means agree with the characters of the cratæogonon as given by the ancients.

Κρῆθμον,

Crethmum, Samphire, is somewhat saltish with a little bitterness, and therefore its powers are detergent and desiccative.

Commentary. It is the Crithmum maritimum, Samphire, or Sea-fennel. Dioscorides recommends its fruit, root, and leaves, when boiled in wine, for dysuria and jaundice. He further mentions it as a potherb and pickle. (ii, 156.) Galen and the other Greek authorities state its characters briefly like our author. Pliny, like Dioscorides, mentions it as a potherb and pickle, but says nothing of it as a medicine. (H. N. xxvi.) We do not find it noticed by Celsus nor by the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 280.)

Κριθὴ,

Hordeum, Barley, is of the first order of cooling and desiccative medicines, and is also somewhat detergent. It is more desiccative than the flour of beans, and less flatulent. The polenta of barley is more desiccative than barley itself. Its ptisan is not only more diluent, but is also more detergent.

Commentary. It is the Hordeum vulgare, comprehending no doubt several species. We have treated of it among the Cerealia in the First Book (Vol. I, p. 123.) The ἄλφιτον, or polenta, was a sort of malt. See Pliny (H. N. xviii, 14.) We have treated of it in the same place; and also of the mode of preparing ptisan. It was a favorite remedy with Hippocrates (de victu acut. et alibi.) Dioscorides calls it suitable to the acrimony, roughness, and ulceration of the windpipe, and says it attracts milk when taken boiled with the seed of fennel, and is diuretic, detergent, flatulent, bad for the stomach, and digestive of swellings. He further recommends the flour of barley for discussing boils and inflammations, when boiled with figs and honeyed water. See further (ii, 108.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, treat of it in nearly the same terms as our author. The Arabians give nearly the same statement of its virtues as a medicine. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 530.) He recommends barley-water very much as a drink in fevers, being, as he says, diluent and cooling; in hot fevers it is to be given pure, and in cold, with parsley and fennel. Ebn Baithar treats of it at great length, (ii, 97.)

Κρίμνον,

Crimnon, Bran; the thick part of the flour of wheat and of spelt is so named, being more nutritious than polenta, but more indigestible.

Commentary. It is, properly speaking, groats or coarse meal; it was also applied to spelt and other species of grain coarsely ground. See Dioscorides, from whom our author’s account of it is principally taken. Both Dioscorides and Galen recommend the coarse meal of spelt which has been toasted for binding the belly. From the coarse meal of wheat, pap or porridge, they add, is prepared.

Κρίνον,

Lilium, the Lily; its flower is of a mixed temperament, being composed of a subtile part, a terrene, and a certain water substance of a moderate temperament. Hence the oil composed from it being of a discutient and emollient nature agrees well with inflammations of the uterus. The root of it and its leaves are desiccative, detergent, and moderately discutient, and hence are useful for burns. The juice of it is serviceable for wounded nerves, with oxymel.

Commentary. Without doubt it is the Lilium candidum. Dioscorides praises the seed of the lily, given in wine, as an antidote to poisonous serpents; and, by the way, the same character is given of it by Walafridus Strabo in the ninth century, and by Macer Floridus in the tenth. Dioscorides further recommends it as an application to burns, ulcers, erysipelas, and so forth. He further describes a species of lilium with purple flowers, which grows in Syria and Pisidia of Pamphylia, and was famous for the composition of unguents. This might be the Lilium Martagon. Galen writes elaborately on this article, but in the main agrees with Dioscorides as to the medicinal virtues of the lily, of which he mentions only the former species. He recommends it principally in external applications to wounds, ulcers, and diseases of the skin, such as scabies, leprosy, and achores, and also very particularly to diseases of the uterus. Aëtius and Oribasius briefly give it the same characters. Celsus mentions a decoction of the leaves of the lily boiled in old wine and oil, as an application to burns. (v, 17, 18.) For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 436); Serapion (c. 189); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 422); Ebn Baithar (ii, 68.) They commend it as a general alexipharmic, both when applied to the bites of venomous animals, and as an antidote to hyoscyamus, coriander, and mushrooms. They all agree that it is one of the best applications to burning with hot water. Avicenna says the oil of lilies given internally, is useful in ileos. Ebn Baithar treats of the lily at very great length.

Κροκοδείλιον,

Crocodilium; the seed and juice of it are possessed of desiccative, heating, and discutient powers, and are, therefore, diuretic and emmenagogue; the root is of great use as an expectorant, and occasions a discharge of blood by the nose.

Commentary. Dioscorides describes it immediately after the black chamæleon to which he compares it. We therefore are inclined to join the modern commentators and herbalists, who hold it to have been the Carlina vulgaris, rather than those who refer it to the Eryngium maritimum. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 971, 988) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. iii, 10.) Galen calls its seed aromatic and acrid, and says it is diuretic and emmenagogue. The juice of the seed and stalk being possessed, he says, of similar powers, is useful in nephritic diseases. The root is expectorant, and produces a discharge of blood from the nostrils. (De Simpl. vii.) We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, except in Ebn Baithar. (ii, 253.) His German translator holds it to be the Eryngium maritimum.

Κρόκος,

Crocus, Saffron, is of the second order of heating and of the first of desiccative medicines. It is also astringent and digestive.

Commentary. Without doubt it is the Crocus sativus. Dioscorides gives an interesting account of the different varieties of it which were used in his time. Suffice it to say, that the best decidedly was the Cicilian, from Mount Corycus, which is often alluded to by classical authors. See Pliny (xxi, 6); Celsus (v, 22); Statius (Silv. v, 3, 41); Galen (De Antid. i.) With regard to its action on the animal economy, he mentions that Thessalus held that it is merely fragrant, while some, on the other hand, maintained that it is a deadly poison in doses of dr. iij, but that in truth it is diuretic and sub-astringent, and therefore applicable to erysipelas and defluxions of the eyes, as a cure for surfeit, and for producing a discharge of urine (i, 25.) See, in like manner, Pliny (l. c.) It occurs in the Hippocratic treatises, and in the works of Celsus, who calls it purgative, emollient, and discutient. (196.) By the way, we may mention that by purgative, Celsus evidently means cleansing in external applications, as is evident from the substances with which it is enumerated, namely, verdigris, orpiment, &c. His editor, Dr. Milligan, therefore evidently mistakes the meaning of his author. (l. c.) Galen and his followers call it heating in the second degree, and drying in the first, with some astringency. The Arabians adopt the views of the Greeks as to its virtues, but prescribe it in a great many more cases than their predecessors. See Serapion (c. 173); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 241); Avicenna (ii, 2, 126.) Thus they held that it is both aphrodisiacal and cordial, and recommend it accordingly. They also used it in cases of difficult labour, and as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and spleen. One of Rhases’s authorities says that in doses of three drachms it proves fatal. Another of them says of it, that it improves the breathing and appetite. Symeon Seth says that it is stomachic and improves the colour. He, Serapion, and other of the ancient authorities, affirm that in large doses it occasions involuntary laughter, immoderate mirth, and the other effects which result from intoxicating liquors. From late experiments, it would appear that its powers had been overrated. See Pereira (Mat. Med. 696.) It was much used by the ancients as a perfume. See Beckmann’s ‘Hist. of Inventions,’ Joh. Bodæus a Stapel (Ad Theophrast. H. P. vi, 6), and Hertodt’s ‘Crocologia,’ as quoted by him. Its medical use, he adds, has always continued among the Orientals.

Κρόμμυον,

Cepa, Onion, is of the fourth order of heating medicines, its substance consisting of thick matter, and hence when applied to hemorrhoids it opens them. It is also sufficiently detergent, and removes alphos with vinegar; and in alopecia it occasions a more rapid growth of hair than alcyonium. Its juice is useful in suffusion and dimness of vision from thick humours.

Commentary. It is the Allium Cepa, or onion. Galen, Dioscorides, and Serapion recommend it as an application in cases of alopecia or Porrigo decalvans. Dioscorides says that some applied it as a suppository to promote the discharge of blind piles, and he mentions its being introduced into the nose to promote the discharge from it. As a cataplasm with salt, rue, and honey, he recommends it for the bites of rabid dogs. He says it concocts and breaks hard tumours. Upon the whole, Galen, Aëtius, Oribasius, and our author, do little more under this head than abridge the more ample account of it given by Dioscorides. Celsus calls it an aperient of the bowels (ii, 29) and a diuretic (ii, 31.) He recommends it to be chewed in paralysis of the tongue. (iv, 2.) The Arabians treat of it at great length. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 119); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 18); Serapion (c. 354.) They speak favorably of it as a rubefacient, and all ascribe great powers to it as an alexipharmical medicine.

Κύαμος,

Faba, the Bean, is not far removed from a middle temperament as to cooling and drying. Its flesh is also somewhat detergent. It agrees, therefore, with expectorations from the chest and lungs. Its outer skin having also some astringency renders the whole bean, when boiled in oxycrate, a suitable remedy for cæliac and dysenteric affections. In a cataplasm it cures inflammations and swellings, and dispels the milk in the breasts.

Commentary. We have stated in the First Book the difficulty of determining exactly the nature of the ancient faba. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1054) and Dickson (Husbandry of the Ancients.) Dioscorides describes two species, the Egyptian and the Greek, of which the former, there can be little doubt, is the Nelumbium speciosum. See Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. ii, 128), and Lindley (Veget. King. 414.) The other, as we formerly stated, was probably a variety of our small bean. The characters of both are fully stated by Dioscorides, from whom Galen and our author borrow largely under this head. They treat, however, only of the Greek bean. Dioscorides says the Egyptian is astringent and stomachic; that the flour of it made into a poultice, answers in dysenteric and colic affections, and in earache. The Arabians give a very full account of the two species of bean, both as articles of food and as medicines. See in particular, Avicenna (ii, 2, 241); Serapion (c. 97); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 279.) Avicenna and Rhases agree in commending beans for spitting of blood, and other affections of the chest.

Κύανος,

Cyanus, is possessed of acrid, purgative, and discutient powers, greater than those of the cinnabar. It has also some astringency.

Commentary. Matthiolus determines it to be the Lapis Lazuli, and Sprengel agrees with him that it was a mineral containing copper and some impurities, and nearly allied to the L. Laz. Serapion describes the ἀρμένιον by the name of Lapis Lazuli, and, in fact, the ἀρμένιον and κύανος seem to have been nearly the same thing. He recommends it as a purgative which evacuates black bile. Rhases, in his chapter on the Lapis Lazuli, gives the observations of Dioscorides and Galen on the ἀρμένιον, and in his chapter on the Lapis Armenus, he compares it to the Lapis Lazuli (Cont. l. ult. i, 393, 404.) The following is Sprengel’s account of the armenium and cyanus: “Armenium est cuprum carbonicum terreum, lapidi Lazuli simile. Id in australibus petris arenosis, has ipsas penetrans mineram æris arenosam format. Ea vocatur κύανος.” (Ad Dioscor. v, 105.) From what has been stated, any person acquainted with mineralogy can have no difficulty in deciding that the cyanus and armenium were varieties of the mineral called “blue copper” by Jameson, that is to say, the “blue carbonate of copper” of Cleaveland (566.) For further information regarding it, we would refer to Matthiolus and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.), Beckmann (Hist. of Invent.), and our article under this head in the Appendix to Dunbar’s Greek Lexicon. Our author copies his account of it from Galen. Dioscorides recommends it only as an external application, possessed of repressing, moderately septic, escharotic, and ulcerative powers. (v, 106.) The Arabians, who, however, evidently do not distinguish properly this mineral from the lapis lazuli, recommend it as an emmenagogue and purgative. When boiled with lentils, Avicenna says, it acts as an emetic in the case of a person who has swallowed any poison. He also prescribes it in asthma and pain of the kidneys. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 56); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 692); Serapion (c. 389.) The later Greek writers on medicine, like the Arabians, confound this substance with the lapis lazuli. See Theophanes Nonnus (c. 125, 143); Myrepsus (i, 30.) The former of these prescribes it as a specific in the plague. In modern times also the cyanus or blue copper has been confounded with the lapis lazuli. See Lewis (M. M. ii, 50.)

Κύκλάμινος,

Cyclaminus, Sow-bread, is possessed of various powers; for it cleanses, incides, opens the mouths of vessels, and discusses; the juice of it, therefore, when applied to hemorrhoids opens them, and it discusses hardness along with other things. Along with honey it agrees with suffusions and purges by the nose. When rubbed into the epigastrium, it loosens the belly and kills the fœtus. The whole root, though weaker than the juice, is also strong, so that when drunk with honeyed water to the amount of three drachms, it purges the internal parts. To the skin it also proves detergent. The root of the other species of sow-bread (called Cissanthemon) is of no medicinal use, but its fruit is drastic, so that when drunk it acts like the former.

Commentary. Dioscorides treats at considerable length of the medicinal virtues of the former species, which was the Cyclamen Europæum, recommending it as being phlegmagogue, hydragogue, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic; as an errhine in diseases of the head, and a suppository per vaginam. His other species, which he describes as having leaves like the ivy, and which some of the commentators set down as being the Lonicera Periclymenum, and others as the Solanum Dulcamara he recommends in splenic affections, in orthopnœa, and retention of the lochial discharge. (ii, 193, 194.) Pliny recommends also the second species as a remedy for coughs (H. N. xxv, 68.) Harduin agrees with Dodonæus in holding it to be the Dulcamara. The scholiast on Theocritus recommends the cyclaminus as an application to chilblains. (Ad Idyll, v.) Galen writes of it in such terms as shows that he looked upon it as a very important article. He says it promotes menstruation, both when taken internally and when applied per vaginam; and that it cures jaundice, not only by purging the viscus, but by evacuating the whole body with sweats; he also recommends it as an external application in hardness of the spleen. The other species he praises in asthma. The other Greek authorities supply nothing of much interest under this head. The Arabians treat of it largely, but somewhat confusedly. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 6, 61, 271); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 281); Mesue (De Simpl. 26); Serapion (c. 259.) Avicenna directs it to be given to the extent of three drachms with wine or mulse in cases of jaundice, and the patient is to be then covered up with many clothes, when he will sweat out the bile from his body. He says it purges the body, not only when given by the mouth, but in a suppository, and when rubbed into the skin. Rhases (l. c.) describes it under the names of Falamios, or Panis porcinus, whence the English name Sow-bread. His extracts from Dioscorides, Galen, Oribasius, and Bimasay comprise all the information on the subject possessed by his Grecian masters and his countrymen. Mesue gives a very elaborate article on the Sow-bread, which, like Avicenna, he praises as a general purger of bile, when taken by the mouth, in a suppository, and as a liniment rubbed into the belly; he also praises it as an emmenagogue, both when taken by the mouth and when applied as a pessary, and as a tried remedy in jaundice and induration of the spleen. Even as late as the days of Quincy, the cyclaminus held a place in the Dispensatory, and retained all its ancient characters. (i, 4, 293.) Orfila ranks it with the acrid poisons (iii, 3.) See further (ii, 242.)

Κύμινον,

Cuminum, Cumin, belongs to the third order of heating medicines, and is diuretic and carminative.

Commentary. The C. of our author is no doubt the Cyminum sativum of Dioscorides, i. e. Cuminum Cyminum L. The two varieties of the wild cumin of Dioscorides have never been satisfactorily determined. See Parkinson, Matthiolus, and Sprengel. Dioscorides represents it as being calefacient, astringent, desiccative, and relieving tormina and flatulence, and describes a variety of cases in which he calls it applicable. (iii, 61.) Galen says it is diuretic and carminative, being calefacient in the third degree. Aëtius and Oribasius give it much the same character. Celsus assigns to it diuretic powers. (iv, 9.) The Arabians treat of it at so great length, that we can scarcely do justice to their views on this head. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 212); Serapion (c. 287); Avicenna (ii, 2, 136); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 394.) Avicenna says the immoderate use of it renders the face pale. This property of cumin is alluded to by the poets as well as the medical authors. See Horace (Epist. i, 19, 18); Persius (Sat. v.) This character of it is confirmed by modern authority. See Matthiolus (Ad Dioscor. l. c.); Bodæus a Stapel (in Theophrast.) Cumin now barely holds a very undistinguished place in our Mat. Med. (See Pereira, 1057.)

Κυνόσβατος,

Rubus caninus, Hip-tree or Dog-rose; the fruit is no bad astringent; the leaves are moderately astringent; but we must guard against the woolly part of the fruit, as it is injurious to the trachea.

Commentary. Dioscorides’s description is not so precise as to enable us to pronounce decidedly what it was; but we incline with several of the best authorities to refer it to the Rosa canina, or Hip-tree. Galen, our author, and the other Greek authorities, follow Dioscorides.

Κυπάρισσος,

Cupressus, Cypress; the spherical fruit and shoots of it are possessed of desiccative powers, having no sensible heat, so that they agglutinate large wounds in hard bodies. In moist gangrene it consumes deep-seated humours without trouble, and is useful in intestinal hernia.

Commentary. It appears unquestionably to be the Cupressus sempervirens. See Stackhouse (Tab. Syst. in Theophrast.) Its fruit, being of a globular shape, was called σφάιρια by the Greeks and Pilulæ by the Latins. Pliny (H. N. xvii, 14.) Pliny recommends this as a cure for the stings of serpents, and in cases of hæmoptysis. (H. N. xxiv, 10.) Dioscorides and Serapion recommend it in these and various other cases. The cypress-nut is powerfully astringent and balsamic: hence it proves an excellent remedy in diarrhœas and dysenteries, and, as such, it is celebrated by many authors ancient and modern. Dioscorides in particular recommends it for stopping bleeding, for agglutinating wounds, and as an application to erysipelas and anthrax. Galen writes fully of it, but borrows largely from Dioscorides. Serapion does little more than give the notices of it by Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 55.) Avicenna recommends the cypress, and more especially the nut, in various cases requiring astringents, and among others as an application to polypus of the nose; he also speaks favorably of it in cases of hæmoptysis and dysuria. Like the others, he says it is a good application in ruptures. (ii, 2, 146.) See further Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 216.) The cypress is found in the ‘Flora Hippocratica,’ and in that of Celsus. The cypress-nuts are commended as astringents by all our older herbalists, and held a place in our Dispensatory as late as the time of Quincy. (93.)

Κύπερος,

Cyperus, is heating and desiccative, without pungency. Hence it promotes the cicatrization of the more humid ulcers in a wonderful manner, and relieves those in the mouth. It has also some incisive quality, and is lithontriptic, diuretic, and emmenagogue.

Commentary. It is undoubtedly the Cyperus rotundus. Our author’s account of its medicinal uses is taken from Galen, and is confirmed by Serapion, Avicenna, and Rhases. All of them, however, are indebted to Dioscorides, who gives it the character of being calefacient, anastomotic, and diuretic, recommends it in uterine complaints as an emmenagogue, in ulcers of the mouth, and as an ingredient in emollient plasters. (i, 4.) A modern author, Dr. Hill, gives it nearly the same character as the ancients; he calls it stomachic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, and diuretic. It likewise occurs in the Materia Medica of Tournefort, who also calls it deobstruent and emmenagogue. Quincy gives a confused account of it under the name of Cyprus (Engl. Dispens. i, l, 69); see also Lewis. Dioscorides describes also an Indian species having a root resembling ginger. Both Matthiolus and Sprengel are inclined to refer to the Curcuma. We shall have occasion to notice it afterwards, when describing the substances introduced into the Mat. Med. by the Arabians.

Κύπρος,

Ligustrum, Privet; its leaves and tops are possessed of mixed powers, being discutient and astringent, and desiccative without pain or pungency. Hence the decoction of it, when poured on a part, is useful for burns, and agrees with inflammations of a hot nature. When chewed it also relieves aphthæ, and is mixed up with splenic remedies.

Commentary. We must decline entering upon the general literature of this subject, which has created a good deal of discussion. Suffice it to say, that we have now no hesitation in deciding it to be the Lawsonia inermis, namely, the plant from which the henna of Egypt is obtained. See Lindley’s Veg. King. (575.) It is used by females for staining their hands and feet of an orange colour. Dioscorides mentions that an infusion of its leaves in the juice of saponaria, or soapwort, was used for painting the hairs yellow. He says of the ointment prepared from it (unguentum cyprinum), that it is calefacient, emollient, and fragrant. (i, 124.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give it the same characters as our author. The Arabians describe it under the name of alcanna, which seems to be henna with an Arabic prefix. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 110), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 50.) Both copy freely from Dioscorides and Galen. They say its virtues in female complaints are similar to those of the Sanguis Draconis. All praise it as a vulnerary herb, and a good application in cases of burning. They further commend it in pleurisy and quinsy as a plaster. Ebn Baithar treats of it at very great length. (i, 338.) It would appear that the privet is still used as a medicine and dye by the native physicians of Hindostan. See a very interesting account of it in Ainslie’s Mat. Indica (ii, 190.)

Κύτισος,

Cytisus; its leaves are of a gently discutient and tepid nature, like those of melons.

Commentary. After maturely weighing the opinions which have been held respecting this classical herb, we have no hesitation in agreeing with those who refer it to the Tree-medick (Medicago arborea L.) Dioscorides says its leaves are cooling and discutient when applied externally, and diuretic when taken in decoction. (iv, iii.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it very succinctly, like our author. Avicenna briefly recommends it as a diuretic medicine, and one which is applicable in diseases of the spleen. (ii, 2, 24.)

Κώνειον,

Cicuta, Hemlock; that it is possessed of extremely cold powers is obvious.

Commentary. It appears unquestionably to be the Conium maculatum. Stoerck and Bergius, contrary to the opinions of the ancient physicians, affirm that it is aphrodisiacal. This, however, seems doubtful. We have treated of its effects as a poison in the Fifth Book. As a medicine it does not appear to have been much used latterly, although Dioscorides says that its inspissated juice is of great use in the healing art, being mixed with wine in anodyne collyria, and used as a cataplasm for the cure of erysipelas and herpes. He also speaks of its being applied as a cataplasm to the testicles for the removal of the pollutio nocturni somni, and with the view of inducing impotence; and to the breasts, in order to dispel milk and render them atrophied. (iv, 79.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, like our author, merely state of it, in their works in the Mat. Med., that it is possessed of intensely refrigerant powers. It would appear that Galen was in the practice of administering it internally. (T. ii, 451, ed. Basil.) Of the Arabians, Avicenna gives the fullest exposition of its remedial powers, but he copies closely from Dioscorides, recommending it as a cold and narcotic application in the same cases as Dioscorides. He says it stops bleeding, congeals the blood, and induces torpor. (ii, 2, 662.) See also Serapion (c. 347.) It is, most probably, the cicuta of Celsus, who places it in his list of emollients. (v, 15.) It occurs also in the Hippocratic Collection, where both its leaves and seeds are recommended in fomentations. (De Steril.; de Fistulis, &c.)

Κῶνος,

Strobilus, the Wild Pine; the bark and leaves have powers like the pine, but more acrid and drastic. As to the fruit, which is called strobilus, the green has some bitterness and acrimony, with humidity, and hence it is applicable for promoting expectoration from the chest. The esculent kind, when soaked in water, so as to lay aside its acrimony, becomes of a good temperament, being free from pungency and emplastic, and hence it smooths asperities.

Commentary. It here signifies the Pinus sylvestris, or Wild-pine; but it is commonly put for the Nux Pinea, or the cones of the Pinus Pinea, called in the shops Pignoli pines, and the seeds pine-nuts. Athenæus says that Theophrastus called the tree πέυκη and the fruit κῶνος. Diphilus, as quoted by the same, calls the pine-nuts nutritious, and says that they lubricate the trachea, and promote expectoration. (Deip. ii.) Galen, Serapion, and the other authorities also commend them in similar cases. Dioscorides treats of this subject in the 86th, 87th, and 88th chapters in the First Book, but not under the same head as our author. He recommends the different articles in nearly the same cases as Paulus and the other authorities. The fruit of the wild pine he commends as a demulcent in affections of the bladder and kidneys, and as a sedative in pains of the stomach. Celsus prescribes “nuclei ex pinu silvestri duodecim,” among his remedies for ulcerated kidneys. (iv, 10.) Avicenna treats of the subject under different heads, like Dioscorides, whom he closely follows. (ii, 2, 280, 301, 555, 693.) He recommends these articles in diseases of the chest and kidneys. He calls the fruit aphrodisiacal. See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 20); Serapion (c. 63); Averrhoes (Coll. v, 42.) All speak favorably of these medicines in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

Λαγώπους,

Lagopus, is possessed of desiccative powers and dries up fluxes of the belly.

Commentary. This plant, the description of which is passed over by Dioscorides as being well known, may be set down among the articles of the ancient Materia Medica, which are least known to us. We may just mention regarding it, that some take it for Trifolium arvense, and others for Lagurus ovatus. Dioscorides calls it an astringent of the bowels, and mentions that it was used as an amulet in buboes. (iv, 17.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius briefly notice it as a desiccative medicine. We have not been able to find this article in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, but are aware that it may be concealed under some of their odd corruptions of the Greek terms. It seems probable that this is the lagopyrus of Hippocrates. (De Ulcer.)

Λάδανον,

Ladanum; it is formed from the Cistus called Ladanus; the goats feeding upon it bring away upon their beard and thighs the fatter and more juicy part of the herb. Ladanum, when collected, is an excellent medicine, hot in about the second degree, and consisting of subtile particles. It is moderately emollient, discutient, and digestive; it therefore agrees with uterine affections in particular. It has also some astringency, and hence it strengthens hairs which are falling out.

Commentary. Dierbach and Sprengel agree with the elder commentators in calling it the Cistus Creticus. See also Royal Pharm. (i, c. 20.) Dr. Lindley says of the ladanum, that it is a resinous balsamic substance obtained from Cistus Creticus, and other species of the genus; he adds, that it has been esteemed as a stimulant and emmenagogue, and recommended in chronic catarrh. (Veg. King. 350.) Dioscorides mentions that it was procured either from the beards of goats which had browsed upon it, or by scraping the tree with thongs. Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen deliver its medicinal characters in much the same terms as our author. Dioscorides recommends it not only in uterine diseases, but also as a diuretic. He also speaks favorably of it as an ingredient in anodyne and expectorant plasters. (i, 128.) See Galen (ii, 160 ed. Basil.) The Arabians treat fully of it, but borrow almost every word they say respecting it from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 422); Serapion (c. 43); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 361); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The labdanum was retained in the Dispensatory as late as the time of Quincy, who has given an accurate account of it. (70.) It is also very correctly described by Tournefort, both in his voyage to the Levant and in his Mat. Med. (363.) Its use, however, is now obsolete. See Pereira (1263.) In Pemberton’s edition of the Dispensatory, there is given a formula for the composition of a “stomach plaster,” one of the ingredients of which is labdanum. (359.) We would vote for its being restored to the Pharmacopœia.

Λαθυρὶς,

Lathyris, is a species of spurge, and some say that its juice purges in a similar manner. Its seed in particular has purgative powers.

Commentary. There can be no doubt, from our author’s brief notice of it, that it is the Euphorbia Lathyris, L. Dioscorides says of it that it evacuates phlegm, bile, and water. He mentions that its leaves were boiled along with a fowl or pot-herbs to loosen the bowels. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in brief terms, like our author. The Arabians treat of it at greater length, recommending it strongly in diseases of the joints, gout, and sciatica. They also mention its being a remedy for dropsy. They say it acts as an emetic. They direct its seeds to be boiled in the broth of an old cock, and taken. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 473); Serapion (c. 354.) It is not met with in the works either of Hippocrates or of Celsus. It does not occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, but is briefly noticed in Dr. Pereira’s Materia Medica (777.)

Λαμψάνη,

Lampsana, Nipplewort, when eaten supplies bad juices to the body. In a cataplasm it is detergent and discutient.

Commentary. It appears pretty certain that it is the Charlock, that is to say, either the Raphanus Raphanistrum or Sinapi Arvense. Both are known by the English name of Charlock. It is rather a potherb than a medicine.

Λάπαθον,

Lapathum, Dock, is possessed of moderately discutient powers; but the oxylapathum is also somewhat repellent. The seed, particularly of the oxylapathum, being astringent, cures diarrhœas and dysenteries. The leaves, in so far, have opposite qualities to the seed; for they, when eaten, loosen the belly, whereas it, when drunk, proves astringent.

Commentary. Of the Rumices, the Oxylapathum, or Rumex acutus, was the species most used in medicine, and is the only one particularized by our author, with the exception of the hippolopathum already described. Of the four other species described by Dioscorides, the ὀξαλὶς is pretty generally acknowledged as the Rumex acetosa. The others cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy. See Sprengel, Sibthorp, Matthiolus, Parkinson, Gerard, and Rutty. Dioscorides gives the first of his species much the same characters as our author, recommending it most especially as a discutient application to leprosies and scrofulous tumours. He also speaks favorably of it as applied on a pessary in the fluor albus. The roots, he adds, boiled in wine, cure jaundice, and act as lithontriptics, emmenagogues, and alexipharmics. He further speaks of the dock as being appended in the form of an amulet for scrofulous swellings. (ii, 140, 141.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat cursorily of the lapatha, like our author. They occur in the works of Hippocrates and of Celsus; the latter ranks the lapathum among the articles of food which contain bad juices (ii, 21), are bad for the stomach (ii, 25), and are laxative of the bowels (ii, 29.) Pliny’s account of the lapatha is mostly taken from Dioscorides. (H. N. xx, 85.) The term rumex, now generally applied to the genus dock, is taken from Pliny (xix, 60.) The dock is recommended by Africanus in jaundice, dropsy, and for the cure of leprosy, lichen, and alphos. (Geopon. xii, 38.) Macer, in the tenth century, describes it under the name of paratella, and, like the more ancient authorities, commends it externally for the cure of cutaneous diseases, and internally as an astringent. The Arabians, in like manner, prescribe it in these cases, and in general copy from Dioscorides in treating of the different species of dock. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 53); Serapion (c. 3); Ebn Baithar (i, 324.) The last of these treats fully of the rumices, but does not seem to describe any species not noticed by the Greeks.

Λειμώνιον,

Limonium, Sea Lavender; its fruit being austere, is given to the amount of an acetabulum, with wine, in cæliac and dysenteric affections, in hæmoptysis, and for the uterine discharge.

Commentary. Our author’s account of the limonium is borrowed from Dioscorides, who describes the plant as having leaves like beet, but more slender and longer, a slender straight stem, like that of the lily, filled with red fruit of an astringent taste. Like our author, he recommends it in cases requiring astringents. As far as we can judge, the characters here given it by Dioscorides apply very well to the plant called sea lavender or red behen, namely, the Statice Limonium, L. Compare Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1234) and Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmac.) with Dioscorides (iv, 16.) There seems no necessity, therefore, for following Gesner in transferring it to the Polygonum Bistorta. The other authorities, both Greek and Arabian, follow Dioscorides closely in treating of the limonium. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 423); Avicenna (ii, 2, 433); Ebn Baithar (ii, 452.) The German editor of the last of these, we are glad to find, agrees with us in referring this article to the Statice Limonium.

Λειχὴν,

Lichen; that upon rocks, which is like moss, being possessed of detergent and, at the same time, moderately refrigerant and desiccative powers, cures lichen, and is anti-inflammatory; and, as Dioscorides says, also stops hemorrhages. The lichens of horses, when triturated with vinegar, are said to cure epilepsy and the bite of every venomous animal.

Commentary. Our author’s account of the vegetable is abridged from Dioscorides, who, as stated by him, recommends it for stopping hemorrhages, and also for dispelling phlegmons and curing lichens: he adds, that it cures jaundice and removes defluxions of the mouth when rubbed in with honey. (iv, 53.) To which of the Lichenales of modern botanists it is applicable is somewhat doubtful: whether to the Sticta pulmonacea, as Matthiolus held; to the Peltidea aphthosa; or to the Peltigera canina. Compare Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. l. c.) with Lindley (Veg. King. 48), and Parkinson (1315.) This is also evidently identical with the second species of lichen described by Pliny. (H. N. xxvi, 10.) His former species is the Marchantia conica, L. (Ibid.) See Harduin (apud l. c.)

The λέιχηνες ἱππῶν are the well-known callosities forming at the knees of horses, called spavins in English. See further, Harduin ad Plin. H. N. xxviii, 49. They are thus described by Cælius Aurelianus: “Sunt autem squamulæ anteriorum crurum sub armorum partibus in ipsis animalibus (equis) nata; has Græci lichenas vocant, sive chelidonas, nos vero impetigines vel hirundines.” (Tard. Pass. i, 4.) The Empirics gave them for the cure of epilepsy. (Ibid.) See Avicenna (ii, 233) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 271.)

Λεοντοπέταλον,

Leontopetalum, Lion’s-leaf; its root is heating and desiccative in the third degree, and is possessed of discutient powers.

Commentary. Although Dioscorides has described this plant with more than his wonted accuracy, there is still some uncertainty regarding it, some holding it to be the Leontice Leontopetalon, and others the Corydalis bulbosa. The latter would appear to agree better in character with the description of Dioscorides than the other. See Lindley (Veg. King. 436.) The other authorities treat of it in very general terms, like our author, except Oribasius, who gives a pretty minute description of it, like Dioscorides. It is noticed by Ebn Baithar (ii, 186), who, however, does not supply much additional information. Dr. Sontheimer sets it down for the Leontice Leontopetalon.

Λεπίδιον,

Lepidium, Pepperwort (by some called Iberis), belongs to the fourth order of calefacients, being like the cress in powers, but less desiccative.

Commentary. Our author’s account of this plant (which is Lepidium latifolium, Pepperwort) is mostly taken from Galen. Dioscorides says it is made into a pickle with milk, and that the power of its leaves is acrid and ulcerative, and hence it is used in a cataplasm for sciatica. He says further of it, that it is also applicable in diseases of the spleen, removes leprosy, and that its root would seem to soothe pains of the teeth when appended to the neck as an amulet. (ii, 205.) It is to be remarked that Dioscorides always speaks of the virtues of amulets in ambiguous terms. It is described by the Arabians under the name of Sitarig or Scitaragi. See Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 655) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 657.) Avicenna’s description of it is somewhat confused, and cannot be easily reconciled with that of Dioscorides, but with regard to its medicinal virtues, they are quite agreed. Bimasuy, one of Rhases’s authorities, says of it, that its seed is like the seed of nasturtium, but not so heating. Beckmann mentions that the Lepidium latifolium was at one time used as a kitchen vegetable, and was called, in England, poor man’s pepper. (Hist. of Invent.)

Λεπὶς,

Squama, Flake; all kinds are strongly desiccative and astringent, and pungent in no inconsiderable degree. But the squama æris (Flakes of copper) is more desiccative, consists of more subtile particles, and has also some verdigris, more especially that from Cyprian nails, which is hence called clavaris. The squama ferri is possessed of more astringency, and still more that which is formed from the edge of sharp instruments, called stomoma, hence it is better for ill-conditioned ulcers. But the squama æris cleanses and melts down flesh more.

Commentary. The squama æris was a black per-oxyd of copper. The squama ferri, a black oxyd of iron. The stomoma was the chalybs or steel. See Dioscorides (v, 89), with the Commentaries of Matthiolus and Sprengel, and also the Appendix to Dunbar’s Lexicon. Geoffroy says of the squama æris, that it is little different from the æs astum being only the particles of burnt copper that fly off when hammered. Dioscorides calls it astringent and epulotic: when drunk with honeyed water, he says, it is phlegmagogue; some give it in flour as a pill; it is mixed, he adds, with ophthalmic remedies, drying defluxions, and removing asperities of the eyelids. The stomoma, he says, is inferior to the squama æris as a purgative. (v, 89, 90.) Our author’s account of these substances is borrowed from Galen. Aëtius also copies from Galen. Oribasius gives a fuller description of them, differing very little from that of Dioscorides. The Arabians treat of all these substances, as usual, borrowing freely from Dioscorides, and not adding much of their own. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 231); Serapion (c. 404); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. vi, 48); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43.) They prescribe the squama æris internally as a purge, and say of it that when the palate is smeared with it vomiting is excited. These substances occur in the Hippocratic treatises and in the works of Celsus. They have not been used medicinally in this country for some time past. The Hindoos use the preparations of copper both internally and externally, according to Dr. Royle. (Hindoo Med. 90.)

Λευκάκανθον,

Leucacanthon, White Acanthus (called also Polygonaton and Ischias); its root is of a cutting nature and desiccative in the third degree, and it is heating in the first.

Commentary. We can only determine for certain that it belonged to the Carduineæ, but can scarcely venture to fix the genus, so loose is the description which the ancient authors have given of it, and so various the conjectures of modern commentators and herbalists respecting it. Upon the whole, the preponderance of the authorities is in favour of the Cirsium tuberosum. Dioscorides says of it, that its root is intensely bitter, and that the decoction of it with wine relieves chronic pleurisy and sciatica, ruptures and sprains, and further, that it relieves toothache. (iii, 19.) Galen recommends it in cæliac and stomach affections and hemoptysis; as a cataplasm to swellings, and a cure to toothache when used as a gargle. Aëtius gives the same character of it. The Arabians ascribe the same virtues to it, and also hold it to he alexipharmic. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 80, 671) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 118.) The use of it in medicine is as old as the Hippocratic age. See Dierbach’s Materia Medica Hippocr.

Λευκὰς,

Leucas, is heating and desiccative in the third degree, but its prevailing property is acrimony.

Commentary. It appears certainly to be a species of Lamium, either the album or the maculatum. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 672) and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor.) Dioscorides commends it as an application to venomous animals, especially those of the sea. (iii, 103.) The other authorities treat of it in general terms, like our author, who copies almost word for word from Galen.

Λευκοΐον,

Viola alba, Stock Gillyflower; the whole plant is detergent and attenuating, especially its flowers, and those in particular which are drier, so that it promotes menstruation, kills and ejects the fœtus; and if their powers are blunted by a mixture with water, they will answer with inflammations, particularly those of the uterus. The roots being possessed of similar powers, are composed of more gross matter, and are more terrene. But with vinegar they relieve indurated phlegmons.

Commentary. That the plant here described was stock, i. e. Cheiranthus Cheiri, is unquestionable. Dioscorides evidently included also another plant of the same order under this head, which, as stated by Sprengel, may probably be a variety of the Matthiola incana. He gives nearly the same account of its medicinal virtues as our author. Dioscorides says it kills the fœtus in utero when applied on a pessary; and Galen and Aëtius ascribe the same powers to it when taken in a draught. By the Arabians it is obscurely treated of, their authorities in general seeming to confound it with the violet. See Rhases (Ad Mansor. iii, 21); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 37, 226); Ebn Baithar (i, 403.) The last of these does little more than copy from Galen and Dioscorides. It is not contained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. It is the Viola lutea of our herbalist Gerard, and held a place in our Dispensatory as late as Quincy.

Λέυκη,

Populus alba, the White Poplar; the tree being composed of a watery, tepid, and terrene substance, has detergent properties.

Commentary. There can be no doubt of its being the Populus alba, L. Dioscorides says of it, that its bark, when taken in a draught, cures sciatica and strangury; that it is said to prevent conception; and that it is a remedy for earache and other complaints. (i, 109.) Our author copies from Galen. The Arabians, under this head, are servile copyists from the Greeks. See Serapion (c. 30); Avicenna (ii, 2, 333); and Ebn Baithar (i, 340.)

Λιβανωτὶς,

Rosmarinus, Rosemary; there are three varieties of it, one of which is sterile, and the other two bear fruit. They are possessed of detergent, incisive, discutient, and emollient powers. The juice of them, with honey, cures dimness of sight occasioned by thick humours. A decoction of that variety, which is used for garlands, proves serviceable in jaundice.

Commentary. Dioscorides, like our author, describes three species, of which the first bears a fruit called cachrys, a term previously used by Theophrastus and Nicander, and from which the plant has now got the scientific appellation of Cachrys Libanotis. The root of this plant is still kept by our apothecaries, although it has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory. See Gray’s Suppl. to the Pharmacop. (80.) The second species is probably the Ferula nodiflora. The third cannot be satisfactorily determined. Our old English herbalists give the libanotis the name of “herb frankincense.” (See Parkinson and Gerard.) These libanotides, however, must be distinguished from “the libanotis, called rosmarinus by the Romans,” which was the well-known Rosmarinus officinalis, and of which the flower, known by the name of anthos, was in frequent use as a medicine in the age of Sydenham, and still retains a place in our Dispensatory. We have been obliged to enter with more length than usual into the general literature of this subject, to prevent the mistake of confounding the cachrys with the rosmarinus, which might be readily done, if the distinction now adverted to had not been clearly pointed out. Dioscorides recommends the libanotides for various medicinal purposes, as being emmenagogue, diuretic, and discutient. Our author’s character of them is mostly taken from Galen. The Arabians treat obscurely and confusedly of this subject. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 67); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 71); Serapion (c. 327.) Rhases says of the rosemary, that it is calefacient and attenuant, and hence proves carminative, diuretic, and emmenagogue. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the Rosmarinus officinalis stands as the representative of the λιβανωτὶς. (Athens, 1837.)

Λιβανωτὸς,

Thus, Frankincense is heating in the second order, and desiccative in the first. It has also a slight sub-astringency. The bark of it is perceptibly astringent. It is, therefore, desiccative in the second degree complete. Consisting of thicker matter than the frankincense, and being less acrid, it cures hæmoptysis, dysentery, cæliac and stomachic affections, both externally and when taken internally. The green shoot of it is heating and desiccative in the third degree. It is also somewhat detergent, by which property it cleanses and fills ulcers in the eyes.

Commentary. It is still by no means satisfactorily determined what tree it is which produces the frankincense; but the best authorities are now inclined to think that it is the Boswellia turifera. See Pereira (Mat. Med., 1185); Ainslie (Mat. Ind. 78); and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 459.) Dioscorides says the best kind of incense is “the male,” by which the ancients meant the purest kind of it, or that consisting of the larger grains. See Gray (Pharmacop. 200.) The Indian is of an inferior quality. He calls it heating, astringent, and cleansing; and recommends it in hemorrhages, recent wounds, burns, chilblains, and other diseases of a like nature. He gives minute directions for the use of it in fumigations. The bark of the frankincense tree he recommends in fluxes and hemorrhages, and in ulcers of the eyes. The manna of frankincense will be explained by us under that head. (Mat. Med. i, 81-3.) Oribasius gives a perfectly similar account of the frankincense; indeed, he avowedly copies from Dioscorides. (Med. Collect. xi.) Our author’s account is mostly taken from Galen. On the Thus see further Pliny (H. N. xii, 30) and Rhases (Contin. xxxvii, § 716.) Most of the ancient authorities affirm that it acts beneficially in mental disease, that it sharpens perception, and improves the memory. They also recommend it in fumigations for removing the pestilential constitution of the atmosphere, as we have stated in the Second Book. Symeon Seth, mostly borrowing from Galen and our author, says, under the head of frankincense, that it is of a drying nature, with a certain astringent quality; that it binds the bowels; in fumigations helps coughs and defluxions; is emmenagogue both when drunk and applied per vaginam; that in fumigations it is possessed of powers for averting the pestilence; and hence in a pestilential season that houses should be diligently fumigated with it, in order to correct the pernicious quality of the air. The Arabians used it very freely as an ingredient in their applications to ulcers, including those of the eyes. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 525) and Serapion (c. 278.) Averrhoes, like preceding authorities, recommends the bark in fluxes, hæmoptysis, and ulceration of the intestines. (Collig. v. 42.) The frankincense occurs frequently in the treatises contained in the Hippocratic collection, and in the works of Celsus. The latter used all the kinds mentioned by the Greeks, such as, “thus masculum,” “fuligo thuris,” and “cortex thuris.” These he uses for the same purposes as the Greeks, that is to say, for suppressing bleeding, concocting pus, cleansing sores, and so forth.

Λιγνὺς,

Fuligo, the Soot arising from certain kinds of substances when they are burnt, such as frankincense, myrrh, turpentine, storax, liquid pitch, and cedar, is desiccative, terrene, and attenuate: but there are varieties of it agreeably to the material that is burnt. It is used for ophthalmic remedies and those for adorning the eyebrows. That which is most used is the soot from frankincense, as being the mildest; and again, that from the pine, wild pine and pitch tree, as being the strongest. It is applied, therefore, for baldness of the eyebrows, and for watery and ulcerated canthi of the eyelids, and weeping eyes.

Commentary. Little need be said under this head. Pliny recommends it along with vinegar as an application to erysipelas. Galen recommends it in the same cases as our author. He defines the soot to be the remains of the fire which consumed the materiel. Serapion’s account of it is entirely taken from Galen. Dioscorides (i, 84) and Oribasius (Med. Collect. xi) describe more minutely than any of the others the process for preparing the Fuligo Thuris. It was used principally in ulcers of the eyes. The soot of storax and myrrh, as Serapion says, is prepared agreeably to the same process as that of frankincense.

Λιγυστικὸν,

Ligusticum, Lovage; the root and seed of it are heating to such a degree as to promote menstruation. It is also very carminative.

Commentary. We have always thought that the Ligusticum Levisticum had been introduced into this country by the Romans, in order to supply them with an article frequently used by them at home, as a condiment. See the works of Apicius (pluries.) Dioscorides describes it minutely, and recommends it in a great variety of complaints, as an emmenagogue and diuretic, to promote digestion and dispel flatulence. He also mentions that it was often used as a condiment in place of pepper. (iii, 51.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it very succinctly. The Arabians ascribe to it anthelminthic and alexipharmic powers. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 377); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 17.) It is not met with in the works of Celsus, nor, as far as we can discover, in those of Hippocrates. Lovage held a place in the Materia Medica with all its ancient characters down to a late date. See the works of Parkinson, Gerard, Culpeper, Rutty, and Quincy. It holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (97.)

Λιθάργυρος,

Spuma Argenti, Litharge, is of the middle order among metallic substances; we therefore often use it as the vehicle for other remedial powers. It is moderately desiccative, detergent, and astringent; hence it is used for excoriations of the thighs from friction.

Commentary. The ancient Litharge was nowise different from the modern, being a secondary product in the cupellation of argentiferous lead. It was, therefore, a protoxide of lead. The varieties of it known to the ancients, and their modes of preparing it, are circumstantially described by Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 35), Dioscorides (v, 72), and Oribasius (Med. Collect. xiii.) It was used by the Hippocratists in the practice of medicine. (De Morb. Mulier. ii.) It is the “Spuma Argenti” of Celsus, who notices it in various parts of his works as a cooling and cleansing medicine. (v, 290.) Dioscorides merely says of it, that washed litharge seems to suit ophthalmic remedies, unseemly cicatrices, wrinkled faces, and maculæ. (v, 102.) Our author condenses what Galen says under this head. The Arabian authorities treat of it fully, but supply little or no additional information respecting it. See Serapion (De Simpl. 410); Avicenna (ii, 2, 460); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 428.) They recommend it generally as an astringent in fetor of the armpits, to restrain copious perspiration, to dispel extravasated blood, and remove unseemly cicatrices, and especially the marks of variolæ and morbilli. It does not appear that any of the physicians administered it internally; but Avicenna mentions that he had known women give it in fluxes and ulceration of the intestines. Ebn Baithar is very full on this head (ii, 513.) One of his Arabian authorities, Ibn Ben Amram, recommends it in diarrhœa, as a clyster to stop the discharge; and mixed up with vinegar and rose-oil, it is said to be useful in congenital hernia and other complaints about the scrotum.

Λίθοι,

Lapides, Stones; all kinds are desiccative like earth; but the Hæmatites, or Blood-stone, is astringent and desiccative in a considerable degree, so that it agrees with trachoma of the eyelids, and if they are free from inflammation it is to be used with water; but if inflamed, with an egg. It is drunk also with advantage for spitting of blood; and it restrains the fungous flesh of ulcers. The Schistos or Scissilis has similar properties, but is weaker: and after it the Galactites, or Milk-stone. The Melititis, or Honey-stone, has also a certain degree of heat. The Moroxus (called also Leucographis), being so much softer than the others, and possessing no active quality, is much more mild, and occasions less pain; it is, therefore, used as an application to the soft parts of the body with cerate for the cicatrization of ulcers. The greenish Jasper, being possessed of stronger powers, attenuates cicatrices and pterygia. The Green Jasper is useful in stomach complaints, when appended as an amulet, and when worn in a ring. That called the Judaic-stone breaks renal calculi, and hence the moderns have called it Tecolithos. The Pyrites acts as a powerful discutient of tumours and coagula; and when it is not at hand, the Molaris may be used instead. The Phrygian, in addition to being powerfully desiccative, has also some astringency and pungency; hence it is repellent and discutient, and is therefore mixed up with ophthalmic remedies. The Ageratus, being possessed of astringent and discutient powers, is of use in inflammations of the uvula. The flower of the Asian-stone is composed of so subtile parts that it corrodes flabby flesh without pungency. The Gagate-stone, being considerably desiccative, agrees principally with chronic cases of emphysema. The Magnet (called also the Heraclean-stone) has similar powers to the Hæmatites. The Arabian-stone is like ivory, desiccative and detergent. Some give those affected with stomach complaints a draught composed of burnt Alabaster. The Smeris, Emery, having detergent powers, cleanses the teeth. The stones found in Sponges break down renal calculi; and those formed on the Argæan mountain of Cappadocia are possessed of similar powers, and in like manner the stone called Ophites, which is appended as an amulet with advantage to those bitten by the viper. The Ostracites and Geodes are said to be considerably desiccative so as to cure inflammatory swellings. The Retrimentum Naxiæ cotis, filings of the Naxian Whetstone, is said to be refrigerant, so as to repress the breasts of virgins, and the testicles of children. The filings of the Cos oleraria, being detergent, suit with alopecia. It is said that the Hieracites and Indian-stone, when appended as amulets, stop the discharge of blood from hemorrhoids, and that the Sapphire, when drunk, relieves persons bitten by the scorpion, and the Aphroselinum, epileptics. The Armenian-stone purges the belly downwards, but is prejudicial to the stomach.

Commentary. The following account of the stones used by the ancients in the practice of medicine is derived from a careful study of the ancient writers on this subject, especially Theophrastus, Pliny, Orpheus, and Psellus. We have also availed ourselves freely of the labours of the modern commentators who have written on these ancient authors, namely, De Laet, De Boet, Marbodeus, Hill, and others. For a fuller description of some of the articles, we would beg to refer to our Appendix to Dunbar’s English and Greek Lexicon.

The Hæmatites or Blood-stone was so called from its colour, or because it was used as a styptic for stopping hemorrhages, as stated by Galen. It consists principally of the oxide of iron. Professor Cleaveland says it contains from 60 to 80 per cent. of iron of excellent quality. It was used for the cure of ophthalmy. See Dioscorides (v, 143); Galen (De Simpl. ix); Serapion (De Simpl. 421.) They also recommend it in menorrhagia. Alexander praises it in hæmoptysis. Averrhoes recommends it in diseases of the eyelids and eyes. (Collig. iv, 43.) Dr. Hill says it is accounted astringent and desiccative. He adds, “it is given from 10 to 25 grains in hemorrhages and in distemperatures of the eyes.” Besides this, the ancients were acquainted with another Blood-stone which they call Heliotrope.

The Schistos is only a variety of the hæmatites, having a fibrous appearance and ochre colour. Pliny says it is used in diseases of the eyes.

The Lapis Melitites of Pliny is supposed by Dr. Kidd to have been borax, or the borate of soda. Pliny recommends it mixed with wax for ulcers of the throat. (H. N. xxxvi, 33.) See Isidorus (Orig. xvi, 4.) It seems likely that it was the same as the tincar of the Arabians, although on this point we do not venture to pronounce a decided opinion. One of Serapion’s authorities speaks highly of it in caries of the teeth, and says it kills the worms in them. Is this the original of the popular belief, that toothache is connected with worms in the teeth? (De Simpl. 423.)

The Galactites most probably consisted principally of chalk. Matthiolus and Sprengel mention that it is found in Saxony. Dr. Hill remarks that it is, properly speaking, a species of indurated clay, and not a stone. Dr. Jameson conjectures that it may have been Fuller’s earth. Dioscorides recommends it as a liniment in defluxions of the eyes. (v, 149.)

The Morochthus, according to Sprengel, is called Speckstein and Seifenstein in German. It consists of talc, argil, and silica, with a small proportion of iron and manganese. Dr. Hill says it is an indurated clay, and is now known by the name of French chalk. Dioscorides recommends it in hæmoptysis, cæliac affections, and pains of the bladder; and for the cure of fluor albus on pessaries. (v, 151.) Avicenna speaks favorably of it also in fistula lachrymalis. (ii, 2, 431.)

The Achates, or Agate, is well described by Orpheus, and recommended as a remedy for fever and various other complaints. It does not seem to be noticed by the medical authorities.

The ancients were acquainted with several varieties of Jasper. See Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 37.) They contained talc and various other ingredients. Dioscorides recommends it solely as a phylactery or amulet to expedite delivery. (v, 159.) Galen and Avicenna speak of its being useful as an amulet in affections of the stomach and bowels. The latter calls it Lapis aneseb. (ii, 2, 408.) Even in modern times the Jasper has been celebrated as an amulet. See Andreas Laurentius (De Mirab. Strum. Sanat. 69), and Hill (Mat. Med. 276.)

The Judaic-stone appears to be the Tecolithos of Pliny. It is now ascertained that it is formed from the quills of the Echinus Marinus, impregnated with calcareous earth, silica, and perhaps some magnesia. Most of the ancient authorities commend it as a lithontriptic. V. Harduin in Plin. H. N. xxxvii, 68. Dioscorides recommends it not only as a lithontriptic medicine, but a remedy for dysuria in general. (v, 154.) Galen and Serapion also affirm that they had experienced good effects from it when given in calculus of the kidneys or bladder. See in particular Serapion (c. 390.) Rhases, however, affirms that he had tried the lapis vesicæ, by which he probably means this article, but had not found it to be lithontriptic. (Cont. l. ult. 414.) Dr. Hill says it is, undoubtedly, diuretic, but it is not so certain that it is lithontriptic.

The Pyrites, when burnt, forms an oxide of copper with sulphur. From our author’s account, it is evident that the Molaris nearly resembled it, and the same may be understood from Pliny. It will, of course, be understood that it is the copper pyrites, and not the iron. This is very obvious from the description of it given by Dioscorides. He calls it heating, detergent, and a cleanser of obscurities of the eyes, and recommends it for repressing fungated ulcers. When burnt, he adds, some call it diphryges. It is described under the name of marchasita by Serapion (c. 395), Phases (Cont. l. ult. i, 449), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 464.) They all recommend it with vinegar in leprosy and other obstinate diseases of the skin.

The Phrygian-stone was a pumice with alum and some other ingredients. Dioscorides says it has astringent, cleansing, and moderately escharotic powers, and proves a remedy for burns. (v, 140.) Galen professes to have had great experience of it in diseases of the eyes. (Ed. Basil. t. ii, 122, 208.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 405.)

The Ageratus does not occur we believe in Dioscorides or Pliny. Galen calls it a stone which the curriers of leather use. He says it is astringent and acrid, and recommends it particularly in inflamed uvula. Avicenna copies from him. (ii, 2, 409.)

The Anthrax or Carbuncle of the ancients comprehended the ruby and a multitude of other gems of the same colour. It was scarcely used in medicine.

De Boet says that the Asian-stone is light and spongy, and contains alum, nitre, and salt. Dioscorides calls it slightly septic and discutient, and recommends it as an application to old, and more especially fungated, ulcers, and those of a malignant nature. The flower of it, by which was meant an efflorescence on the surface of it, he says does good in phthisis. He further says of it, that a hip-bath prepared with it is highly beneficial in the cure of gout. (v, 141.) Galen and the other authorities treat of it in more general terms. (De Simpl. ix.) See also Serapion, who merely copies from Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 393.)

The Amethyst of our times is the same gem that the ancients knew by this name. Except that it was suspended from the neck as an amulet to prevent drunkenness, we are not aware that it was used in medicine. See Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 40); Marbodeus (De Lapid. 4.)

The Gagate is a fossil, bituminous substance, containing carbon and ethereal oil. It is jet. The Thracian-stone was similar to it; indeed, we suppose, a variety of it. The Gagate was used by the ancients as a test of epilepsy, and a restorative from hysterical fits. Galen gives an interesting account of his experience in the medicinal use of gagate and Thracian-stone, the result of which is, that he found gagate rather to weaken than increase the powers of the bitumen which he had picked up upon the shores of the Dead Sea; but that as a desiccant, it operated beneficially in the cure of sores, and that not only of recent, but also of sinuous ulcers. (De Simpl. ix.) He mentions that he could not discover the river Gagas in Lycia, from which, according to Dioscorides, this stone derives its name. (Ibid.) There is an interesting description of the Thracian-stone in a passage of Nicander quoted by Galen, under this head, Theriac. (45.) The Arabians who treat of it merely copy from the Greeks. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 399, 400), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 107.) Mesue gives a formula for an oil of gagate. (De Oleis, i.)

Aristotle suggests that perhaps the Magnet is animated. (De Anima.) To comprehend his reasons for maintaining this singular opinion, it would be necessary to understand his theory of motion, as fully exposed in his ‘Auscultationes Naturales.’ Lucretius, with considerable ingenuity, attempts to explain the manner in which the magnet attracts iron. (vi, 1000.) Plato (in Timæo) and Hippocrates (De Sterilibus) also allude to its attractive property. Galen recommends it in dropsies. Dioscorides, Galen, and the other Greek authorities treat of it in a very cursory manner, merely stating of it that it has the same virtues as the hæmatite. The Arabians, more especially Serapion, give a much fuller description of it, which at all events identifies the Magnetis or Heraclean-stone of the ancients with our loadstone, that is to say, the magnetic oxide of iron. It was used by the Arabians as an application to poisoned wounds. See Serapion (De Simpl. 394); Avicenna (ii, 2, 463.) It was used in the practice of medicine from the earliest date. See Hippocrates (De Sterilibus.) Ebn Baithar recommends it in pains of the head and feet, if taken hold of, and in cramps. He copies Aëtius. (ii, 25.)

The Arabian-stone is a species of white marble. It is recommended by Dioscorides for hemorrhoids and as a dentifrice. (v, 145.)

The Alabastrites is a thick concrete gypsum. See Kidd’s ‘Mineral.’ (i, 63.) Galen says of it, that when burned it is adapted for medicinal use, and that it is sometimes administered in a draught to persons affected with stomach complaints. Dioscorides speaks of its being applied externally in such cases along with wax; calls it discutient, and says it represses the gums. (v, 152.) It would appear that this article is the Lapis eburneus of Rhases, who calls it an astringent and dentifrice. (Cont. l. ult. i, 395.)

Geoffroy says that the Smiris is the Emery of the shops. It is held by the mineralogists to be a variety of Corundam. See Cleaveland’s ‘Mineral.’ (278.) A specimen of it, from the Isle of Naxos (which may be supposed a good representation of the ancient Smiris), was found by Tennant to consist principally of alumine, with small proportions of silex and oxide of iron. Dioscorides recommends it in looseness of the gums, and as a dentifrice; he ranks it with septic and caustic substances. (v, 165.)

The Stones in Sponges consist principally of the muriate of lime. They were much commended as lithontriptics. See Dioscorides, Pliny, Galen, and Avicenna.

The Ophites is a pellucid stone, so called from its serpentine streaks. It was that variety of serpentine called verde antico. See Jameson’s ‘Mineralogy.’ According to Dioscorides, it was useful as an amulet in the case of persons stung by snakes, and was also reported to be useful in lethargy and headache. (v, 161.) Galen holds it to be lithontriptic. (De Simpl. viii.) The Arabians copy from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 406.)

The Ostracites appears to have been petrified oysters. Dioscorides recommends it in menorrhagia, in inflamed breasts, and spreading sores. (v, 164.) Galen also recommends it for clearing the cornea. (De Simpl. viii.) See in like manner Avicenna (ii, 2, 393.)

The Geodes contains iron, argil, and silica. It is nearly allied to the Eagle-stone, and hence it is often called the Bastard Eagle-stone. See Hill’s ‘Theophrastus.’ Dioscorides recommends it as an ophthalmic remedy, and as a liniment for inflammations of the mammæ and testicles. (v, 168.) Avicenna says the vapour of vinegar in which it is dissolved checks the flow of blood and cures hot aspostemes. (ii, 2, 398.)