CHAP. 16.—MAGYDARIS.
There is another900 variety of this plant, known as “magydaris,”901 of a more delicate nature, less active in its effects, and destitute of juice. It grows in the countries adjacent to Syria,902 but is not to be found in the regions of Cyrenaica. There grows also upon Mount Parnassus,903 in great abundance, a plant to which some persons give the name of “laserpitium:” by means of all these varieties, adulterations are effected of a production that is held in the highest esteem for its salutary qualities and its general usefulness. The chief proofs of its genuineness consist in its colour, which ought to be slightly red without, and when broken quite white and transparent within; the drops of it, too, should melt very rapidly on the application of spittle. It is extensively employed for medicinal purposes.904