CHAP. 75.—THE THELYPHONON OR SCORPIO: ONE REMEDY.
The thelyphonon799 is a plant known as the “scorpio” to some, from the peculiar form of its roots, the very touch of which kills800 the scorpion: hence it is that it is taken in drink for stings inflicted by those reptiles. If a dead scorpion is rubbed with white hellebore, it will come to life, they say. The thelyphonon is fatal to all quadrupeds, on the application of the root to the genitals. The leaf too, which bears a resemblance to that of cyclaminos, is productive of a similar effect, in the course of the same day. It is a jointed plant, and is found growing in unbrageous localities. Juice of betony or of plantago is a preservative against the venom of the scorpion.