Zythus, Ale, is of a compound nature; for it is acrid, as being formed by a putrefaction (“fermentation?”), and cold, as being possessed of an acid quality. It therefore produces bad chyle.
Commentary. The plan of our present work prohibits us from entering into an exposition of the general literature of this subject, but we think this the less necessary as in another work, to which we have often referred in this part of our Commentary, we have given an elaborate disquisition on the ancient Ales, into which we have condensed all the information which we could procure respecting them. We would also beg leave to refer to Gruner’s learned annotations on Zozimus Panopolita (De Zythorum Compositione); to Ludovicus Nonnius (De re Cibaria, iv, 15); Eustathius (Comment. in Iliad. xiii, 640); and Athenæus (Deipnos. x, 67, ed. Schweigh.) Our proper business now is to state the opinions of the medical authorities with regard to their medicinal powers. Dioscorides mentions two kinds of ale or beer, in his Mat. Med., both of them prepared from barley, but does not state wherein the difference between them consisted. The Zythus, he says, is diuretic, apt to affect the kidneys and nerves; peculiarly calculated to prove prejudicial to the membranes of the brain; is flatulent; engenders depraved humours, and occasions elephantiasis. Of the Courmi, he also says, that it occasions headache, forms bad humours, and is hurtful to the nerves; he adds, that drinks of this nature are also formed from wheat, in Spain and Britain (ii, 109, 110.) See further, Pliny (H. N. xxii, 82.) Aëtius, Oribasius, and our author, copy almost verbatim from Galen. Rhases treats of the Zythus, by the name of foca, first quoting the chapter of Dioscorides on the Zythus, and then adding, upon the authority of an Arabian writer, Bimasuy (Mesue the elder?), that ale prepared from barley, cloves, and rue, is prejudicial to the head; but that prepared from fine bread (similago?) mint, and parsley, forms good chyle, and is good for the stomach (Cont. l. ult. i, 306.) Avicenna’s account of Zythus, which he also describes by the name of foca, is entirely made up of extracts from Dioscorides and Rhases. (ii, 2, 272.) Serapion, as far as we can discover, does not treat of this article. A liquor is treated of pretty copiously by Symeon Seth, under the head of Fucas, which, as his editors remark, is probably a corruption of Posca. In his account of it, he introduces a short sentence from Dioscorides’s chapter on Zythus, to the effect that “ivory steeped in it becomes as ductile as wax.” It was not, strictly speaking, an ale or beer, being merely a mixture of vinegar and water, rendered more agreeable to the palate by some aromatics. See Harduin ad Plinii (H. N. xix, 29.) Respecting this beverage Seth states, as his own opinion, that it is wholesome, especially when used by persons of a hot temperature of stomach; that it quenches thirst; whets the appetite; increases the alvine and frequently the renal discharge.
Ζύμη,
Fermentum, Leaven; it also is composed of opposite ingredients; for it is possessed of a cold acidity and putrefactive (“fermentative?”) heat, and moreover of salts and flour. It is, therefore, heating and discutient in no ordinary degree.
Commentary. On the ancient modes of preparing Fermentum or Leaven, see ‘Geopon.’ (ii, 31); and Pliny (H. N. xviii, 26.) The kind in most common use was prepared from millet and must, or the fresh juice of the grape. Our author’s description of its medicinal powers is taken from Galen. Aëtius treats of it in nearly the same words. Dioscorides praises the leaven of wheat as being heating and epispastic, and suiting with complaints of the heels, phymata, and furunculi. (ii, 107.) Serapion under this head gives two extracts from Dioscorides and Galen, followed by one from Abenmesuai (the elder Mesue?), who recommends it in the fevers of children for quenching thirst. (De Simpl. 29.) Rhases gives a formula for a draught to be prepared from leaven, which he in like manner praises as being wonderfully efficacious in the fevers of children. (Cont. l. ult. i, 306.)
Ζωμὸς,
Jusculum, Broth, loosens the belly if drunk by itself or with wine, when made from fresh fish; but particularly that which is simply prepared from hakes, scorpion-fishes, rainbows, perches, and other tender fishes which dwell among rocks, with water, oil, dill, and salts. In like manner, also, the broth of the Crustacea, especially of the Tellinæ (limpets), the Chamæ (cockles), and Conchylæ (oysters). The broth of an old cock, boiled with salt to a great degree, is laxative; but that of a hen, on the other hand, is astringent.
Commentary. The account here given of the broth of fishes is taken from Dioscorides (ii, 35.) Galen directs the broth of fish to be prepared in the following manner: first pour in plenty of water, then add of oil q. s. with a little dill and leek; then, when the fish are half boiled, sprinkle a little salt. (De Alim. Facult. iii); (Meth. Med. ix.) Apicius in the tenth chapter of his work, gives fourteen different receipts for preparing soups from fishes. Most of them contain wine, honey, vinegar, and oil, with pepper, lovage, cumin, rue, &c., among the ingredients which enter into their composition. On the fishes mentioned under this head, see Book I (90.) The Arabians generally condense the substance of Dioscorides’s two chapters on Garum and Jus into one, under the title of Muria. See Serapion (184), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 486.) Serapion’s Arabian authorities recommend it as a gentle purgative and phlegmagogue in sciatica, both when given by the mouth and in clysters. One of them says of it, that it makes the pustules of smallpox come out, when the eruption is slow in taking place.
Ἡδύσμον,
Mentha, Mint, is hot, consists of subtile particles; its powers are acrid in the third order, with some half-concocted fluids; it therefore provokes to venery. It has, likewise, some bitterness, by which means it kills intestinal worms; and by its sourness its restrains recent discharges of blood.
Commentary. We need have no hesitation in referring it with all the best commentators to the Mentha sativa, L. Dioscorides says it has calefacient, astringent, and desiccative powers; and hence, he adds, it stops the discharge of blood when drunk with vinegar, and kills the round worms. (iii, 36.) According to him, it stimulates the male to venery, but prevents conception in the female when applied on a pessary before coition. He further says of it, that it stops hiccup, vomiting, and cholera, when taken in a draught along with the juice of an acid pomegranate. He also recommends it, in the form of an external application, for headache, complaints of the breast, and other cases. Galen pronounces mint to be one of the most attenuate articles in the Mat. Med. He agrees with Dioscorides that it is useful in hæmoptysis; and that it is anthelminthic and aphrodisiac. The author of the Hippocratic treatise ‘De Diætâ,’ while, like Dioscorides, he gives mint the credit of promoting the urinary discharge and stopping vomiting, says, that taken in great quantity it weakens the semen and stops erections. Aristotle likewise holds the opinion that mint is anaphrodisiac. (Bibl. ii, 20.) Aëtius, seemingly with the desire of reconciling these great authorities, maintains that mint indeed generates much semen, but of a feeble nature. (Tetr. iv, 4, 26.) Ludovicus Nonnius, by the way, also attempts to account for the difference among the professional authorities on this point. (De re Cib. i, 15.) See also Rutty, (Mat. Med. 323), and Parkinson (35.) The Arabians in treating of it follow Dioscorides and Galen closely, and add little or nothing of their own. They all agree with Dioscorides, that it is aphrodisiac and stops vomiting. See in particular Serapion (290), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 188.) We need scarcely mention that this species of Mentha is now rejected from our Mat. Med., but that three other species of it are still retained.
Ἡδύσαρον ἢ Πελέκινος,
Hedysarum, French Honeysuckle, is bitter and subastringent. It is therefore stomachic, when taken in a liquid form, and clears away visceral obstructions.
Commentary. There has been great difference of opinion among the commentators and herbalists respecting this herb; but we are inclined to decide, with considerable confidence, that it was the Hatchet Vetch, or Coronilla securidaca. Dioscorides says of it that it is stomachic and alexipharmic, and that, in a pessary, it prevents conception. Our author abridges Galen, and Aëtius does the same; and so likewise Oribasius. We have been unable to find it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely copies from Dioscorides (i, 80.)
Ἡλιοτρόπιον,
Heliotropium, Sunflower; the large one (called also Scorpiurus) is possessed of calefacient, desiccant, and detergent powers. Its decoction when drunk brings away phlegm and bile. Its fruit in a cataplasm dries myrmecia and such like cutaneous complaints. The small Sunflower also removes these complaints and kills worms if drunk with the fruit along with natron, hyssop, and cardamom.
Commentary. Dioscorides calls the great Sunflower (Heliotropium Europæum) phlegmagogue and cholagogue, and says it is useful in the bites of scorpions, both internally and externally. He adds, that it was used as an amulet to produce sterility. He also recommends it in intermittent fevers, and as a cataplasm and fomentation to various tumours, sprains, &c. He adds, that it is emmenagogue, and procures abortion when powdered and applied on a pessary. (iv, 190.) None of the other Greek authorities, as far as we have been able to discover, have treated of either of the heliotropes; and if the Arabians describe them, we have not been able to discover under what name it is. The lesser heliotrope is probably the Croton tinctorius.
Ἤλεκτρον,
Electrum, Amber; they say that it is the tears of the poplar, which are discharged into the river Po, and get concreted into a golden-coloured substance. This, being pulverized and drunk, stops defluxions of the stomach and bowels and discharges of blood.
Commentary. It is well known that the ancient authors in general represent amber as an exudation from the poplar tree, commonly found on the banks of the Po. Some of them, however, such as Lucian (De Electro), held that it is a bituminous substance. See also Theophrastus (De Lapidibus, with the annotations of Hill.) Serapion says of it, that it is formed in the sea as mushrooms are formed on land; and when the sea is troubled it casts forth large stones, and with them are cast out crusts of amber. He also gives an account, which is not very intelligible in the Latin translation, of its being swallowed up by a fish, from which, when killed, amber was procured. What is of a citrine colour, he says, is good; but what is white, like an ostrich’s egg, is bad. Upon the authority of Aben Mesuai (Mesue the elder?), he calls it a hot and dry medicine, and says it strengthens the brain, all the senses, and the heart, and is useful to old persons and men of a cold temperament. (De Simpl. 196.) Avicenna’s account of it is mostly made up from Serapion. Amber, he says, in my opinion, is an emanation from a fountain in the sea. He also repeats the account from Serapion, of its being procured from the belly of a fish which has swallowed it and dies. He must allude to the ambergris which is procured from the sperm-whale. He determines it to be hot in the second and dry in the first degree. He recommends it in exactly the same cases as Serapion. He makes mention of a species used for dyeing the hair black. (ii, 2, 62, and 364.) Rhases merely gives its medicinal character, which is the same as that quoted above from Serapion. (Cont. l. ult. 44.) But no ancient writer has given so full and correct an account of amber as Symeon Seth. He says it abounds in various places, and that there are fountains of it as of pitch, bitumen, and the like; that the best kind is of a grayish colour (grisea ambra?) and fat, which is sold in a certain city of India, called Silachetum. The ambergris or ambra-grisea, is found in a city of Arabia Felix, called Syachria. The worst kind, he says, is black, and is collected from fishes that have swallowed amber at its fountains. It has, he adds, calefacient and incisive powers, and therefore some add it to stomachic remedies. It strengthens the head and heart; and when smelled to in drinking accelerates intoxication, and still more so if added to the wine. (De Alimentis, xiii.) Psellus says, it cures dysury when appended as an amulet, removes fever, stops defluxions of the stomach, and sharpens the sight. (De Lapidibus.) Having been led along in the present instance by the ancient authorities who have given the most correct description of amber, we omitted to mention at the commencement, that Dioscorides describes the electrum under the head of populus, as being said to be the tears of poplars which have dropped into the Po, and become coagulated. He adds, it is of a fragrant smell when rubbed, and of a golden colour; and when triturated and drunk, it stops defluxions of the stomach and belly. (i, 110.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 11), who supposes amber an exudation from pines, and gives otherwise a very authentic and interesting account of its origin. He makes mention of amber being used as an amulet in diseases of children, a practice which, like other superstitions of the like kind, has been transmitted to modern times. We need scarcely remark that the ancient opinions regarding the origin of amber, are now looked upon as being not far removed from the truth. Amber, although now in a fossil state, is supposed to have been an exudation from some tree of the genus Pinus. See Pereira (Mat. Med. 223); and the Appendix to this section.
Ἡμεροκαλλὶς,
Hemerocallis, Lily of the Valley; its root has powers like those of the lily, and, like it, is useful for burns.
Commentary. This is undoubtedly a plant of the lily tribe; probably the Lilium bulbiferum. Dioscorides, besides recommending it in burns, like our author, says of it that when drunk and applied in a pessary of wool it produces discharges of water and blood; and that its leaves form an excellent application to the inflammations of the breasts after parturition, and to those of the eyes. Our author follows Galen. Serapion treats of it under the head of Lilium. (189.)
Ἡμιονίτις,
Hemionitis, Moon Fern, is possessed at the same time of astringency and bitterness. It therefore relieves affections of the spleen when taken with vinegar.
Commentary. Galen calls it also by the names of Scolopendrium and Asplenium. (ii, 292, ed. Basil.) Dioscorides describes it so as to leave no doubt of its being a cryptogamous plant. It is a species of the Scolopendrium. The other authorities praise it in enlarged spleen.
Ἧπαρ,
Hepar, the Liver; if that of a mad dog be roasted and eaten, it is said to relieve those who have been bitten by him. The sanies of a boiled goat’s liver relieves nyctalopia when injected into the eye. They also direct the vapour of it when boiling to be received into the eyes, and also to be eaten. They say that it rests epileptics if eaten, and that the liver of the buck-goat does the same. The liver of a lizard when put into carious teeth relieves the pain. That of the wolf is added to the hepatic medicine prepared from eupatorium. The liver of an ass when roasted is of use to epileptics when eaten fasting. That of a bear when dried in its fresh state and triturated with wine is drunk for the bites of reptiles. The liver of the cormorant, when dried and taken in a draught, makes calculi be discharged.
Commentary. We have treated of the livers of animals in the dietetical part of the First Book. See also in particular Galen and Serapion. Our author copies from the former, who in his turn follows closely in the footsteps of Dioscorides.
Ἠριγέρων,
Senecio, Groundsel, has mixed powers, being refrigerant and moderately discutient.
Commentary. Dioscorides recommends it (Senecio vulgaris) in inflammatory complaints, and also says of it that when drunk with must it relieves the pains of the stomach proceeding from bile. Galen and the other authorities, like Paulus, treat of it in general terms as an antiphlogistic application. Apuleius recommends it in sciatica (75, 5.) In modern times it had the character of being emetic, but the ancient authorities do not say that it has this property.
Ἠρύγγιον,
Eryngium, Eryngo, is calefacient in no imperceptible degree, and has no little heat and subtility of parts.
Commentary. That it is a species of Eryngium or sea holly seems indisputable. It may either be the maritimum, the planum, or the campestre, all of which are brought into view and figured by our careful herbalist Parkinson. (Theatre of Plants, 986.) Dioscorides’s description of its localities would seem to agree best with the campestre; he calls it calefacient, and says it is diuretic and emmenagogue, removing tormina and flatulences, and proving serviceable in hepatic diseases, and as an alexipharmic. He adds, that it is related of it that it discusses hard tumours, both when appended as an amulet and in a cataplasm; and that the root of it cures opisthotonos and epilepsy when drunk with hydromel. (iii, 21.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in general terms like Paulus. The secacul of the Arabians has been taken for this article, but erroneously, as Matthiolus has well remarked. (Ad Dioscor. iii, 21.) But Serapion treats of it under the name of Iringi, as being a white variety of the Aster Atticus. He merely translates the words of Dioscorides and Galen. (De Simpl. 96.) We cannot find any mention of it in the works of the other Arabians, except Ebn Baithar, who also does little more than copy from Dioscorides and Galen. The eryngo long retained its place in our Dispensatory, indeed it can scarcely be said to be yet formally expelled from it. Pereira briefly notices the Eryngium campestre. It is the Eryngium maritimum, however, which is described in the Edinburgh Mat. Med. Quincy, by the way, in imitation of Serapion, confounds the Eryngo with the Aster Atticus. (Complete Engl. Disp. 113.) Boerhaave gave the candied root and decoction of eryngo as an attenuant and deobstruent in obstructions of the viscera, and for coughs; and Tournefort makes mention of the same as being in common use in his days. (Mat. Med. 98. Engl. edition.)
Θάλάσσιον ὕδωρ,
Aqua Marina, Sea Water, is acrid, moderately calefacient, and desiccant; it is bad for the stomach when taken in a draught, disorders the bowels, and proves phlegmagogue. If poured hot on a part it attracts and discusses.
Commentary. The ancient authorities who have written most learnedly on this important, although common-place article of the Mat. Med., are Dioscorides, Avicenna, and Rhases. Sea water, says Dioscorides, is heating, acrid, and bad for the stomach, for it disorders the belly, bringing away phlegm and bile. When poured hot on a part it attracts and discusses, suiting with affections of the nerves and chilblains before they become ulcerated. It is proper for mixing with raw barley-meal, and is suitable for plasters and discutient malagmata. For evacuating the bowels it is injected in a tepid state, and for tormina in a hot. It is a suitable fomentation in cases of scabies, pruritus, lichen, enlarged tonsils, and turgid mammæ. In hot fomentations it dispels lividities, and is useful in the bites of venomous animals, such at least as induce tremblings and rigors, but especially of scorpions, phalangia, and asps, and if, in such cases, one go into a hot bath, it proves useful; and in chronic cachexiæ of the body and nerves the bath of it is useful. Its hot vapours soothe dropsies, headaches, and dullness of hearing. It is given as a purge either alone or with oxycrate, wine, or honey; and after the purging takes place the broth of a hen or of fishes is exhibited to dilute its acrimony and pungency. (v, 19.) Avicenna borrows largely from Dioscorides, but supplies some additional remarks of his own by no means devoid of interest and importance. He recommends sea water for chilblains, for killing lice, and discussing extravasated blood. He also, copying from Dioscorides, praises it in pruritus, scabies, and impetigo. Epileptics, he says, are benefited by tepid salt water, but injured by hot. The vapour of salt water, he adds, is beneficial in vertigo and dropsies. (ii, 2, 58.) From Rhases’s very lengthened dissertation on this subject we can only find room for a few extracts. Upon the authority of Johannitius (Serapion?), he states that the use of salt water to one unaccustomed to it proves laxative and pinches the belly, but to one accustomed to it, it proves astringent. Another of his authorities, Judæus, says salt water proves beneficial in pain of the head and chest, in dropsy, and a watery stomach. He also states of salt water, that although at first it proves laxative, the continued use of it brings on constipation, because, he says, its salt dries, astringes, and strengthens the belly. (Cont. l. ult. i, 70.)
Θαλίκτρον,
Thalictrum, Meadow Rue, has desiccant powers, without pungency. It therefore heals chronic ulcers.
Commentary. Sprengel confidently pronounces it to be the Thalictrum minus, L., that is to say, the lesser meadow rue of our herbalists. See Parkinson (265.) Dioscorides and Galen state its medicinal properties in the same terms as our author. It is the Thalitruum of Pliny, who likewise praises it as an application to ulcers. (H. N. xxvii, 112.) We have not been able to find it described by any of the Arabian authorities on the Mat. Med. except Ebn Baithar, and it has had no place in our English Dispensatory for many ages past.
Θαψία,
Thapsia, Deadly Carrot, is acrid and strongly calefacient, with some humidity. It therefore attracts strongly the deep-seated fluids, and dispels them when attracted.
Commentary. The authorities are divided between the Thapsia Garganica and the Thapsia Asclepium. Old Gerard gives it the name of deadly carrot, but Parkinson that of scorching fennel. Theophrastus mentions that it purges upwards and downwards. (P. ix, 10, 24.) Pliny describes it as a very acrid poison. (H. N. xxiii, 43.) See Dioscorides (iv, 154.) Serapion states that it is a violent emetic and cathartic, and operates powerfully as an external application. The thapsia has long ceased to be employed in medicine; even old Culpeper calls it “a venomous foreign root, and therefore no more of it.”
Θεῖον,
Sulphur; it likewise is possessed of attractive powers, is hot, and consists of subtile particles, so as to be an antidote against many poisonous animals, more especially the sea-turtle and dragon, either sprinkled dry or mixed with saliva, or with the urine of a child, or oil, or honey. It is also a wonderful remedy for scabious complaints.
Commentary. Sulphur was extensively used in medicine from the earliest times. Pliny gives a very full and interesting account of it. (H. N. xxxv, 50.) The sulphur vivum, of which mention is so often made in this work, was evidently native sulphur, that is to say, the prismatic sulphur of Jameson. The sulphur ignem expertum was clearly the factitious sulphur or brimstone, namely, that which is procured from pyrites by sublimation. We need scarcely mention that sulphur was extensively used as an application in cutaneous diseases, and more especially scabies. It was also given internally in catarrhs and other complaints of the chest. See Dioscorides and Pliny. The words of the latter are well worth quoting in the present instance. “Natura ejus calfacit, concoquit, sed et discutit collectiones corporum: ob hoc talibus emplastris malagmatisque miscetur. Renibus quoque et lumbis in dolore cum adipe mire prodest impositum. Aufert et lichenas a facie cum terebinthi resina et lepras. Harpacticon vocatur a celeritate avellendi, avelli enim subinde debet. Prodest et suspiriosis linctum. Purulenta quoque extussientibus, et contra scorpionum ictus. Vitiligines vivum nitro mixtum atque ex aceto tritum et illitum tollit, item lendes in palpebris, aceto sandarachato admixto.” We have not found the acetum sandarachatum mentioned by any other writer; from its name, it was no doubt composed of vinegar and arsenic, that is to say, realgar. Serapion, in treating of sulphur, confines himself entirely to Greek authorities (407); and so in like manner Avicenna (ii, 2, 612), and Rhases (Cont. ult. 694.)
Θέρμος,
Lupinus, Lupine; that which is edible is possessed of emplastic powers; but the bitter is detergent, discutient, and desiccative, without pungency. It kills worms, both when applied externally and when taken in infusion, and it cleanses the bowels when drunk with rue and pepper. It also cleanses the skin, and discusses tumours when applied with oxymel. The wild is more bitter and stronger than the cultivated in all respects.
Commentary. Two varieties of the lupine, the sativus and sylvestris, were used in medicine from the days of Dioscorides down to our Quincy. Though the former of these, which was the one principally used, be well known, there is some doubt as to the species; whether it was the pilosus, or the hirsutus, or, what is more probable, whether it comprehended both. Dioscorides and Galen agree in enumerating a long list of cases to which the lupine is applicable, but as our author’s account embraces the sum of what they have written on it, we need not enter here into an exposition of their opinions. Suffice it to say, that as an emmenagogue and deobstruent it was much relied upon internally, and applied in a great variety of external complaints in fomentations. The same virtues are ascribed to it by the Arabians, who, however, supply no additional observations of any importance. Avicenna’s account of its medicinal powers is particularly full. (ii, 2, 440.) Rhases derives almost all his information from the Greeks. (Cont. l. ult. i, 435.) Serapion copies altogether from Dioscorides and Galen (De Simpl. 74.)
Θηλύπτερον,
Which some call Nymphæa or Filix, Female Fern, is like the fern in all its properties. When drunk with wine it kills the broad and round worms. It also destroys the fœtus in utero. Its leaves, when eaten, soften the belly.
Commentary. There seems every reason to refer it to the Asplenium Filix fœmina, Bernh., or Polypodium, L. Theophrastus recommends it as a vermifuge medicine. (H. P. ix, 20.) Galen, Avicenna, and all the authorities that treat of it, concur in assigning to it this faculty. Dioscorides also sets it down as a medicine calculated to induce sterility and occasion abortion. The powder of it is recommended as an application to ill-conditioned sores. In the days of Quincy it still held an equivocal place in the Dispensatory.
Θλάσπι,
Bursa Pastoris, Shepherd’s Purse, is possessed of acrid powers, so that when drunk it breaks internal abscesses, and occasions a flow of the menses; and if injected by the anus it relieves ischiatic disease by occasioning a bloody discharge. It otherwise purges bile upwards and downwards when drunk to the amount of an acetabulum.
Commentary. Sprengel holds that the Θ. of Dioscorides is the Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris. Dioscorides describes another species, which is either the Iberis umbellata, or the Viola latifolia. Pliny recommends the Thlaspi as a phlegmagogue and cholagogue. (H. N. xxvii, 113.) Dioscorides assigns it the same character, and also holds that it is emmenagogue. Our author copies closely from Galen. Avicenna dwells at considerable length upon the virtues of Thlaspi, calling it emetic and purgative, and also anthelminthic, emmenagogue, and carminative. The Thlaspi arvense held a place in the Dispensatory, with all the characters of the ancient T., down to a late date. See Quincy (Compl. Engl. Dispens. 66.)
Θρίδαξ,
Lactuca, Lettuce, is a juicy and cold potherb, yet not extremely so, but of the temperament of spring water. It therefore suits with hot inflammations, and also quenches thirst. When taken in an infusion it stops gonorrhœa and libidinous dreams. The wild lettuce is less cooling and diluent than the other, and is also more juicy.
Commentary. The cultivated kind is certainly the Lactuca sativa: the wild the L. virosa. The ancients, as we have stated in another place, were well acquainted with the hypnotic powers of lettuce. See Celsus (ii, 32); Dioscorides (ii, 164); Athen. (Deipnos, ii, 80, ed. Schweig.); Pliny (xix, 38); Galen (De Alim. Facul. ii, 40); Geopon. (xii, 13); Aëtius (i, 168); Symeon Seth (De Alimentis); Macer Floridus (De Herb. vir.); Serapion (De Simpl. ex Plant.) According to Dioscorides, it is also anaphrodisiac, and removes the pollutio nocturni somni. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities commends it in jaundice; and another of them says that it dispels the unpleasant effects produced by intoxication. (De Simpl. 240.) Avicenna’s account of its medicinal virtues is very interesting, but is in the main derived from Dioscorides and Galen. He represents it to be an eminently cold, that is to say, a sedative plant, and recommends it in all complaints of a hot nature, in watchfulness, alienation of mind, and in coup de soleil. He also speaks highly of its milk in hot affections of the eyes. (ii, 2, 441.) Rhases likewise gives an excellent description of its powers, but in nearly the same terms as Avicenna. He makes it to be soporific, anaphrodisiac, and alexipharmic. (Cont. l. ult. i, 386.) Dioscorides states that the wild lettuce is a hydragogue purgative, and we may mention that the late Dr. Collin, of Vienna, gave it with great success in dropsies. Avicenna says the wild, in virtue, resembles the black poppy. We need scarcely say that both the L. sativa and virosa have, of late years, been restored to the Materia Medica. Upon reference to the works of Orfila, Paris, Pereira, and other authorities of the day, it will be seen that the ancients had correctly stated the medicinal virtues of both species.
Θύμος,
Thymus, Thyme, heats and dries in the third degree. It also incides viscid and thick humours.
Commentary. We have little hesitation in describing it to be the Thymus vulgaris. Dioscorides states that thyme is expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, and discutient; and all the authorities, down even to modern times, confirm this character of it. Galen says it is to be placed in the third order of desiccants and calefacients. He recommends it as being diuretic and emmenagogue, and says that it destroys the fœtus in utero, clears out the viscera, and is useful in discharges from the chest and lungs. Oribasius gives it the same character. Aëtius, from personal experience, as he says, writes of its virtues more elaborately than any other ancient author. Thus he gives a prescription for a draught composed of oxymel and finely powdered thyme, which he says proves beneficial in arthritic diseases by purging bile and the acrid humours, both by the belly and by the bladder. He recommends similar compositions in sciatica, pleuritic pains, meteorism of the hypochondria, and tympanitis. He prescribes, in like manner, thyme and oxymel to melancholic persons, to those disordered in mind, and possessed with morbid apprehension; and in gout, when given with undiluted wine. He also recommends it to be given in swellings of the testicles, to the patient fasting, in undiluted wine. The Arabians write fully on this head, but borrow almost all their information from Dioscorides and Galen, and make no reference to Aëtius. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 328), and Serapion (De Simpl. 281.) They all agree in giving it the character of being diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelminthic, and phlegmagogue.
Θύμβρα,
Thymbra, Savory; the wild has the same powers as thyme. The garden is in all respects weaker, but is better for food.
Commentary. The ancients made use of Savory (Satureia Thymbra) as a condiment. Aristophanes (Nubes, 420.) Dioscorides recommends it in the same cases as thyme, and all the others write of it in much the same terms. Symeon Seth says it promotes digestion, is emmenagogue, diaphoretic, and carminative. Macer Floridus affirms that it is aphrodisiacal, and produces abortion in pregnant women when applied on a pessary. It long held a place in the Dispensatory with the character of being “warm and discussive.” See Quincy (127.)
Θυμελάια,
Thymelæa, Spurge-flax; from it the Granum Gnidium is produced, which has similar powers to it.
Commentary. The confusion about the Thymelæa and Chamelæa of the ancients may be partly removed by the following account of the matter given by Alston. There are three species of Laureola, 1st, the L. officinalis, or L. Mas, Dwarf Laurel, or Spurge Laurel, which grows in hedges and woods in England; 2d, the Chamelæa, or Laureola femina namely, the true Mezereon, or Spurge Olive, which grows plentifully in Germany; 3d, the Thymelæa, Spurge Flax, or Mountain Widow Wail, which grows in the south of France. We will treat further of the Chamelæa, or Mezerion, in its proper place. Sprengel is decidedly of opinion that the Thymelæa of the ancients is Daphne Gnidium, L., or flax-leaved daphne, and one of the latest and best authorities on the Mat. Med. comes to the same conclusion respecting it. Dr. Pereira says, “Daphne Gnidium is the Θυμελάια, or Thymelæa of Dioscorides, whose fruit is the κόκκος κνίδιος, or Gnidium berry, used by Hippocrates. Its properties are similar to those of the D. Mezereon.” (Elements of Mat. Med. 807.) For an account of its effects on the animal economy, see Orfila (Toxicol. ii, 3.) We will treat of its medicinal virtues under Coccus gnidius.
Ἰδαῖα ρίζα,
Idæa Radix, Idæan Root; being sour as to taste and powers, it agrees with hemorrhages and rheumatic affections when drunk or applied externally.
Commentary. As may be seen upon referring to Bauhin, Woodville, Sprengel, and Pereira, several of the authorities have been disposed to hold this plant for the Arbutus Uva Ursi; but the probability is that it was the Laurus Alexandrina, or Uvularia amplexifolia. Dioscorides recommends it in fluxes from the bowels and womb, and in all kinds of hemorrhage. (iv, 44.) Pliny translates the chapter of Dioscorides. (H. N. xxvii, 69.) Our author copies from Galen; and Oribasius, in like manner, borrows his description of the plant from him. As far as we can discover the Idæa Radix is not treated of by the Arabians; and even in the days of Matthiolus it had disappeared from the Mat. Med.
Ἰδρῶς.
Sudor, Sweat; it is troublesome to collect by itself; but is mixed with the powder of those who exercise themselves in the palestra, which powder, being only repellent before, thus becomes altogether discutient. It is, therefore, a powerful remedy for inflamed nipples, and for extinguishing the heat in them. It also answers with buboes; but if too dry it must be softened with oil of privet or oil of roses.
Commentary. Sweat, or the matter of Perspiration. “Sweat,” says Galen, “is one of the fluids formed in the animal body, consisting of the same materials, and having the same mode of formation, as the urine, for both are formed from the liquids drunk, these being heated, and acquiring also some bilious property. But the sweat is more elaborated, as having passed through so many intervening bodies to the skin.” (De Med. Simpl. x.) This is a very ingenious account of the nature of the sweat and urine, which, it is certain, bear a close analogy to one another, and are often vicarious discharges. Thus, in cases of suppression of urine, the perspiration has often an urinous taste and smell. But this is not the place for enlarging further upon this subject. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of sweat is taken from Galen. (l. c.) All the other authorities, in like manner, copy from him. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 466), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 648.)
Ἰξὸς,
Viscum, Birdlime, is heating with acrimony. It attracts, therefore, the deep-seated humours powerfully, and is discutient, like the Thapsia, but is much more inefficacious than it.
Commentary. The Viscum, or Birdlime, is got from the Loranthus Europæus, or Misseltoe. The Viscum quercinum held a place in the Materia Medica from the earliest times down to a very late date. Dioscorides mentions that birdlime is also got from the apple tree, the pear tree, and other trees, and is found upon the roots of certain shrubs. Pliny describes the ordinary mode of preparing it. (H. N. xvi, 94.) Dioscorides recommends it principally as an agglutinative and attractive application to indolent tumours and sores. When mixed with the caustic ley (quicklime and potass) he says birdlime increases its efficacy. With orpiment and sandarach, and applied in a cataplasm, it draws off diseased nails. (iii, 93.) Galen remarks that, like Thapsia, its calefacient powers do not come into immediate operation. The other authorities, in treating of this substance, follow Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 717), and Ebn Baithar (i, 410.) The Viscum album is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. (Athens, 1837, 167.)
Ἰὸν,
Viola, the Violet; its leaves have a watery and coldish substance for their prevailing ingredient.
Commentary. There can be little or no doubt that the purple violet of Dioscorides is the Viola Odorata. On the violet, see a most interesting disquisition by Celsius (Hierobotanicon in voce Dudaim); also Sprengel (R. H. H.) Dioscorides calls it refrigerant, and recommends it as an external application in ardor of the stomach, inflammation of the eyes, and prolapsus ani; and mentions, that it had been taken internally in quinsy and epilepsy of children. (iv, 120.) Galen merely recommends it externally in the same cases as Dioscorides. The Arabian authorities extend the use of this article. Thus, Avicenna recommends it in heat of the stomach, both internally and externally; in a syrup for coughs, pleurisies, and other affections of the lungs; in pains of the kidneys as a diuretic, and as a cholagogue. (ii, 2, 715.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 21), and Ebn Baithar (i, 170.) Serapion, on the authority of Aben Mesuai, says further of it that it is laxative in doses of from three to seven drachms. (De Simpl. 141.)
Ἰὸς,
Ærugo, Verdigris, has a bitter quality to the taste, being discutient, cathartic, and corrosive, not only of soft but also of hard flesh; but by mixing a little of it with much cerate, one may render the medicine detergent without pungency.
Commentary. That it was the Ærugo Æris, or Verdigris, seems indisputable. The scraped verdigris (ἰὸς ζυστὸς) was the common kind, and the name is still retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (61.) Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen recommend verdigris in complaints of the eyes. Dioscorides describes very minutely the process for preparing verdigris, which is not very unlike that which is now practised in France. He also makes mention of another species, namely, the Ærugo Scolecia, with which we are now unacquainted. He gives an interesting account of the cases in which it is applicable. (v, 92.) Galen also writes of it with great precision. He says, when lightly applied it relieves fungated sores; and when diluted with cerates, it cleanses them. (De Simpl. ix.) The other Greek authorities give much the same account of it. The Arabians treat fully of the two kinds, which they call Ærugo rasilis and subtilis, but borrow almost all their information from Dioscorides and Galen. Like the Greek authorities, they apply it principally in intractable ulcers and in diseases of the eyelids. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 739), and Serapion (De Simpl. 383); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 44); Ebn Baithar (i, 540.)
Ἱππόκαμπος,
Hippocampus, is a sea animal, the ashes of which when burnt thicken the hair in alopecia, along with liquid pitch.
Commentary. It is, indisputably, our Syngnathus Hippocampus. Ælian relates that it has proved useful in cases of hydrophobia. (Hist. Anim. xiv, 20.) Our author borrows from Dioscorides (ii, 3.) The Arabians do not treat of it.
Ἱππολάπαθον,
Hippolapathum, Horse Burdock, grows in marshes, being like the Burdock.
Commentary. This article, which would seem to be the Rumex Hydrolapathum, is treated of in the same brief terms by the other authorities. See Dioscorides (i, 141.)
Ἱππομάραθρον,
Hippomarathrum, Horse Fennel; that variety which resembles the Cachrys is more desiccant than the common Fennel. It is, therefore, astringent, lithontriptic, and emmenagogue; but that species which has seed like coriander seed, is also like it in other respects, but weaker.
Commentary. There is little doubt that the former species is the Cachrys Sicula. The other is undetermined. Our author copies closely from Dioscorides (iii, 76); and the others follow his example. The modern herbalists, in like manner, borrow from Dioscorides. See Parkinson (884.)
Ἱπποπόταμος,
Hippopotamus, Sea-horse; its testicle, when dried and drunk, is a remedy for the bites of reptiles.
Commentary. This brief notice of the Hippopotamus amphibius, or Water-horse, is taken from Dioscorides (ii, 25.) Most of the other authorities have omitted it.
Ἱπποσέλινον,
Hipposelinum, Horse Parsley, has properties resembling those of parsley, but weaker.
Commentary. It is the Smyrnium Olusatrum, according to Dierbach, Stackhouse, Sprengel, and all the best authorities. Dioscorides represents it to be emmenagogue and diuretic, and as proving beneficial in rigors. (iii, 71.) Galen and the others treat of it briefly like our author. The Arabians treat of it under Selinum (Apium.)
Ἱππουρὶς,
Hippouris, Horse-tail, has astringent qualities with bitterness, and on that account it is at the same time powerfully desiccant, without pungency. It is agglutinant, therefore, of the largest wounds, and is useful in intestinal hernia, and cures defluxions when drunk with wine.
Commentary. The first species of Dioscorides corresponds to our author’s, and is marked as the Equisetum Fluviatile by Sprengel, which is called in English the Horse-tail. The other is the E. Limosum. Apuleius recommends it in dysentery and spitting of blood. Aëtius recommends it in the same complaints. But both, in fact, only borrow from Dioscorides and Galen, especially the latter, who treats of it more fully than Dioscorides. The Arabians give exactly the same account of the Equisetum; indeed they profess to borrow everything from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (137), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 200.)
Ἱπποφαὲς ἤ Ἱπποφαῖος,
Hippophaes, used for scouring clothes. It is a branchy shrub, the root of which contains juices which are extracted like those of Thapsia. One obolus of the juice mixed with the flour of tares, purges phlegm and bile; and the whole plant, when dried, becomes purgative.
Commentary. Without entering into the discussion regarding this plant, we shall merely observe that we are disposed to agree with those who refer it to a species of spurge, namely, Euphorbia spinosa. Dioscorides describes it as being cholagogue, hydragogue, and phlegmagogue. (iii, 159.) It does not appear that it is treated of by Galen, nor by the Arabian authorities.
Ἰρίς.
Iris, Fleur-de-lys, is calefacient, consists of very subtile particles, and is detergent and digestive. It therefore agrees with coughs, renders expectoration easy, cures tormina, and cleanses foul ulcers. When drunk with honeyed water it evacuates the bowels.
Commentary. Probably it comprehends the Iris Germanica and I. Florentina. It is the first article treated of by Dioscorides, who gives a full account of it, and concludes by saying that the different species of it are useful for many purposes. He recommends them as an external application in cutaneous diseases and ulcers, and as being soporific and alexipharmic; when drunk with wine as proving emmenagogue, and also applied in pessaries, malagmata, and acopa. The others treat of its virtues less copiously, with the exception of Serapion and Avicenna. One of Serapion’s Arabian authorities, Aben Mesuai, says it purges yellow bile and black bile, and is deobstruent in obstructions of the liver. He also mentions it as a sternutatory and masticatory. (De Simpl. 189.) Avicenna’s characters of the Iris are in the main derived from Dioscorides, but altogether his description of it is very interesting. He recommends it very particularly in diseases of the rectum and uterus, both when administered internally and in a hip-bath. He also represents it as proving useful in gonorrhœa, and in the pollutio nocturni somni. He concludes by calling it a general alexipharmic (ii, 2, 349.) The root of the Florentine Iris or Flower de Luce, was used in the practice of medicine down to a late date. See Quincy and Boerhaave. It is still kept in the shops, and has the character of being a drastic hydragogue. Gray, Suppl. to Pharmacop. (251.) It retains a place in the Modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Ἰσάτις.
Isatis, Woad; the garden species which dyers use, is of a desiccative nature, having also some astringency. By means of these powers it agglutinates even the large wounds of hard bodies, is of use in hemorrhages, discusses œdematous swellings, and opposes the progress of all malignant diseases. The wild is more pungent, and on that account being more desiccant, it the more strongly resists all humid gangrene, but for all other purposes it is worse as being pungent. Owing to its strong powers, it is useful in affections of the spleen.
Commentary. Dr. Martyn says, “The Woad is called Isatis and Glastum, and affords a blue tincture.” (Ad Virg. Ec. iv, 43.) See also Miller, Parkinson, and Gerard. It is the Isatis Tinctoria. The second species of Dioscorides, or Sylvestris, is the Saponaria Vaccaria, L., but the passage is probably spurious. Our author’s account of the Isatis is abridged from Galen, who has an elaborate article under this head. Aëtius copies still more closely from Galen. Both these authorities direct bread or barleymeal to be mixed with its pounded leaves when they are otherwise too strong. Of the Arabians, Avicenna gives the most accurate account of it under the head of Nil seu Glastum sativum et sylvestre. In its external use he follows Dioscorides and Galen, and joins Rhases in recommending it internally as an emetic for the cough of children, ulcers of the lungs, and pleurisy arising from black bile. He further commends the wild species in affections of the spleen. (ii, 2, 505, 290, 299.) Serapion and Rhases give a confused account of the Isatis, under the head of Indicum. (De Simpl. 47); (Cont. l. ult. 370.) The Woad held a place in our Dispensatory down to a recent date. See Quincy (91.) Woad and indigo were long used together in dyeing, which probably is the reason of these two articles being confounded together by certain of the ancient authorities.
Ἰσόπυρον ἢ φυσίολον,
Isopyrum or Faseolus, (Bog Bean?); its seed is bitter and somewhat sour. It is, therefore, detergent, and exudes the thick and viscid humours at the same time that it contracts bodies, and is astringent. It therefore purges deep-seated humours, and is not against persons affected with vomiting of blood.
Commentary. From our author’s account of it, it would seem to be the same as the fasil, or kidney-bean; but Dioscorides clearly distinguishes between them. (iv, 119.) Dodonæus had referred it to the Menyanthes trifoliata, or bog-bean; but this opinion is rejected by Sprengel. He inclines to the Corydalis claviculata, Pers., but is not decided. We rather incline to the opinion of Dodonæus, on the ground that its medicinal character, as given by Galen and our author, applies very well to the Menyanthes trifoliata. It is not treated of by Aëtius, nor can we find it in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians.
Ἰτέα,
Salix, the Willow; the leaves and flower are possessed of desiccant powers without pungency. It has also some astringency; but the bark is drier, and when burnt, the ashes of it are powerfully desiccant, for they remove clavi and myrmecia with vinegar.
Commentary. Several species of the Salix are described by Theophrastus and other ancient authors. Milligan refers that of Celsus to S. alba, fragilis, and purpurea; but to define the species, which are so numerous in this genus, is futile. But that the Alba was one of the medicinal willows of the ancients, can admit of no doubt. See Parkinson (1430.) Dioscorides says the fruit and leaves, and bark and juice of the willow tree are possessed of an astringent power, and accordingly he recommends them both externally and internally in various complaints for which astringents are indicated, such as hæmoptysis, and as a fomentation in arthritic complaints. He also mentions the ley of it when prepared with vinegar for the removal of callus and corns. (i, 35.) Galen also gives a very elaborate statement of its medicinal virtues; he says it is desiccative without pungency, and has some astringency; and he recommends it strongly in the same cases as Dioscorides and our author; indeed, the latter merely abridges Galen. Aëtius copies from Galen almost word for word. The Arabians treat fully of it; but in the same terms as their Grecian masters. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 2, 250); Avicenna (ii, 2, 319, 677); Serapion (De Simpl. 136); Ebn Baithar (i, 122.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia both the Salix fragilis and alba stand for the ancient ἰτέα.
Ἰχθυοκόλλα,
Ichthyocolla, Fish-glue; its powers are emplastic and desiccant. It answers well for the composition of cephalic and agglutinative plasters, and of those which are prepared for leprosy; also for removing wrinkles from the face.
Commentary. That described by Dioscorides and our author was got from the Acipenser Huso. The large fish described by Herodotus, and Eustathius, in his commentary on the work of Dionysius the geographer, under the name of Antacæus, was, most probably, nearly the same as the Huso. See the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (83.) Artedi makes the Huso, Ichthyocolla and Antacæus to be varieties of the species of Acipenser, which he calls Acipenser tuberculis carens. It would appear to be the ὀξυρύγχος of Ælian. (H. A. xvii, 32.) He makes mention of its gluten or isinglass. Our author’s account of its medicinal virtues is mostly copied from Dioscorides. The others supply no additional information. The Arabians treat of it under the general head of gluten, and recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks, quoting Dioscorides, Galen, and Paulus. Serapion and Rhases recommend it in hæmoptysis. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 202); Serapion (c. 138); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 336.)
Κάκανος,
Cacanus; its root is moderately desiccative and not pungent, also emplastic, and hence it relieves roughness of the windpipe in a linctus with wine, and when chewed like tragacanth and liquorice.
Commentary. It is not mentioned by Dioscorides, Pliny, Theophrastus, Aëtius, or any other ancient author but Galen and Paulus; nor has any one of the commentators noticed it. We are unable, therefore, to determine anything for certain respecting it. But as Dioscorides and Pliny ascribe nearly the same medicinal powers to the Cacalia as our author does to the Cacanus, it seems not improbable that they may have been identical. Our author evidently borrows from Galen.
Κάγκαμον,
Cancamum; it is the tear of an Arabian wood, resembling myrrh, fragrant, and hence used in perfumes. It has the power of extenuating fat bodies, and is detergent and deobstruent.
Commentary. Dioscorides treats of it in the portion of his work devoted to aromatics, calling it the tear of an Arabian wood, having some resemblance to myrrh, which was used in fumigations with myrrh and storax. He calls it emmenagogue; mentions that it is given in asthmatic, epileptic, and splenetic cases; says it is useful as a cleanser in diseases of the eye; but that it is most particularly applicable for fungous gums and toothache. (i, 23.) Galen has omitted it from his Mat. Med. Of the Arabians, Avicenna is the authority who has treated of it most distinctly. He calls it a gum of a bad taste which is brought from the region of the west. (This account of the country which produces it may warrant suspicion that he had confounded it with some other gum, the production of Italy or Spain.) He says of it, that some had confounded it with sandaracha (gum vernix?). In giving its medicinal virtues, he copies closely from Dioscorides (ii, 2, 382.) It is doubtful, from this imperfect description of the Cancamum, what substance it applies to; probably either to Gum anime or to Gum elemi. There seems no good ground for referring it, as some have done, to Lacca; nor to some nondescript species of the Amyris Katef, as Sprengel does. (Ad Dioscor. l. c.)
Καδμία,
Cadmia, Calamine; both kinds of it are desiccant, but that which is called Botryitis, consists of the more subtile particles, and the Placitis, of the grosser. When calamine is burnt, it becomes desiccant and detergent, without pungency, and is also useful for sores requiring to be filled up, about the eyes and in the whole body, more particularly those on softer bodies, which are more humid, for those upon harder bodies require stronger means.
Commentary. Under this head we cannot do better than in the first place copy the account of the ancient cadmia given by the learned and accurate Geoffroy. “The name Cadmia has been applied to several things. Dioscorides understood by καδμέια the recrements which arise from brass while melting in the furnace. Galen applied it to two substances, one which comes from brass (chalcos?), which is the same with the cadmia of Dioscorides; the other a native substance found in the island of Cyprus, which he terms λιθῶδης or stony. Pliny, besides the factitious cadmia of Dioscorides and Galen, mentions another by the name of Lapis ærosus, which he says was an ore out of which copper was made, and this perhaps is the same with the Cadmia lapidosa of Galen.” (ii, 2, 6.) The botryital or clustered cadmia was Tutty, or the Cadmia fornacis seu factitia. It is the Zinci Oxydum impurum. The Capnitis and Placitis were merely varieties of the same, the former being in the shape of a fine powder, collected at the mouths of the furnaces, and the latter consisting of coarser and heavier grains. The minerals from which all these preparations of cadmia were prepared, are the two varieties of calamine, now called by mineralogists “the siliceous oxide of zinc” and “the carbonate of zinc.” See Cleavland’s ‘Mineralogy’ (656, 657.) Dioscorides gives a very distinct description of the cadmia, which he recommends principally in the composition of ophthalmic remedies (v, 84.) Galen’s account of it is to the same effect, and is couched in his peculiar logical language. (De Simpl. ix.) The Arabians give a confused description of cadmia and the other mineral substances used by the Greeks in medical practice. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 163, 164); Serapion (418); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 150.) For an elaborate disquisition on the cadmia of the ancients, we beg to refer to Beckmann’s ‘History of Inventions.’
Κακκαλία,
Caccalia; its powers and use are like the Cacanus.
Commentary. See under Cacanus.
Καλαμαγρώστις,
Calamagrostis, is desiccative; wherefore, its juice and the decoction of the roots of it are mixed up as ingredients with ophthalmic remedies; but its seed is diuretic and stomachic.
Commentary. This is decidedly the Calamagrostis Epigeios Roth. or Small Reed. Dioscorides says it proves destructive to cattle when eaten by them, especially the variety which grows in Babylon by the wayside. Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1181) figures and describes a species of reed-grass, bearing a considerable resemblance to our Epigeios, but of more luxuriant growth; which, he says, Lobel calls Calamagrostis forte Babylonica. Neither Galen nor Aëtius treat of it. The Arabians briefly notice it under the head of Theil or Gramen, but merely copy from the Greeks. See Serapion (De Simpl. 119), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 704.)
Καλαμίνθη,
Calamintha, Calamint, is of a hot and drying temperament in the third degree, consists of subtile particles, is acrid, and much stronger than mint; for it is a sort of wild mint. It, therefore, attracts readily the deep-seated fluids to itself, and hence evacuates dropsies, and discusses swelling of the whole body, and stops periodical rigors, when strongly rubbed in externally with oil, and when taken internally in a draught. When applied in a clyster it removes pains of the hip-joint, and clears away impurities from the skin.
Commentary. Apuleius says, “Græci calaminthen Latini mentham vocant, alii nepetam,” (De Herbis.) R. Stephens says, “Calaminthæ Dioscoridi tria sunt genera, quorum primum nihil aliud quam vulgare Calamenthum; secundum Latine Nepeta appellatur; tertium est nostra herba Cataria, l’herbe du chat.” Sprengel makes the first species of Dioscorides to be the Melissa Cretica, L.; the second, the Thymus Nepeta, Scop.; and the third, the Melissa altissima. Our author’s calamint is evidently the first species. Galen, Dioscorides, Aëtius, and Serapion, like Paulus, describe it as a hot and acrid medicine, which proves useful in diseases of the joints. They all, also, say that it is emmenagogue; and recommend it as a discutient and expectorant medicine. Dioscorides and Aëtius recommend it in elephantiasis, for attenuating and cutting the gross humours which give rise to the disease. All agree in praising calamint in the cure of intermittent fevers. Dioscorides recommends it as a vermifuge when given with salts and honey. Dioscorides, and, after him, Aëtius and other of the authorities, say that calamint-water, when injected into the ear, kills worms in it. Galen and Dioscorides both affirm that when taken internally and applied on a pessary, it procures abortion. All agree that it is also beneficial in asthmatic complaints. Avicenna gives a lengthy and very elaborate account of the three species of calamint; but it can hardly be said that he adds anything of importance to the information which he drew from his Grecian masters. He agrees with them that it is diuretic and emmenagogue, and holds that it is anaphrodisiacal, and removes the pollutio nocturni somni. He also, like them, commends it as a deobstruent in jaundice and other obstructions of the viscera. He praises it as a stomachic. (ii, 2, 154.) None of the other Arabian authorities treat so fully of this article as Avicenna. Rhases, however, is worth consulting. (Contin. l. ult. i, 466.) The calamint, that is to say, the first species of Dioscorides, would appear to be the “mentastrum” of Celsus, who recommends it as a remedy in the bites of venomous animals. (v, 277.) It also occurs in the ‘Flora Hippocratica.’ See Dierbach. The three kinds of calaminth were long retained in the Materia Medica of the moderns. See Tournefort’s Materia Medica (i, 6, 4.) More recently only one kind was used. See Quincy. Of late all the kinds have been nearly discarded from our Dispensatories, but are still to be found in the shops of apothecaries. See Gray’s Supplement to the Pharmacopœia (p. 47.)
Κάλαμος ἀρωματικὸς,
Calamus Aromaticus, Sweet-cane, is heating and desiccant in the second order. It also consists of subtile particles, and has some astringency. It is, therefore, diuretic, and is mixed up with stomachic remedies, and those prepared for the liver and womb. The species called phragmitis is detergent, but the leaves of it are green and moderately cooling, and the bark of it, when burnt, is heating and desiccant in the third degree. The root of it, when applied with bulbi, is said to extract darts and thorns.
Commentary. Having shown above that the acorus of the ancients is the Acorus Pseudacorus, we need have little hesitation in stating that we agree with the older authorities, who refer the present article to the Acorus Calamus. Dr. Royle, however, holds that it was the Andropogon Calamus aromaticus. See Hindoo Med. (34) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 133.) The φραγμίτης of Dioscorides and our author is decidedly the Arundo Phragmites, or Common Reed. Our author follows the description of them given by Dioscorides and Galen, and more especially the latter. Galen says of the aromaticus that it is more desiccative than calefacient, and that it has some volatility, like all the aromatics. Aëtius, in like manner, copies mostly from Galen. The Arabians, in treating of these reeds, borrow closely from Dioscorides. Thus Avicenna, among other virtues which he holds that they possess, commends them as being diuretic, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic. (ii, 2, 64.) The calami do not occur as articles of medicine in the Hippocratic collection. The Calamus Alexandrinus of Celsus (v, 24), was no doubt the C. aromaticus. Although a native of India, as Dioscorides states, it is likely that the Romans would get it through Alexandria. It occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia, and is now found growing in Laconia.
Κάμπαι,
Erucæ, Caterpillar; those upon potherbs, when rubbed in with oil, are said to preserve from the bites of venomous animals.
Commentary. The metamorphosis of Caterpillar is accurately described by Theophrastus (C. Pl. v.) See also Aristotle (H. A. v, 20), and Pliny (H. N. xi, 32.) Our author’s account of these erucæ is taken word for word from Dioscorides (ii, 64.) Few of the other authorities treat of them.
Κανθαρίδες,
Cantharides; those found among wheat, have pale, transverse zones, and being suffocated by the steam of hot vinegar, are used for many purposes. For, with cerate, they cast off scabious nails, and relieve clavi and scabious affections. They are also corrosive and caustic. Some mix a small quantity of them with diuretic remedies, and give them in this form.
Commentary. Dioscorides and Galen direct the species which is found among corn to be used medicinally. As the Meloe vesicatorius is commonly found upon trees, such as the fraxinus, sambuchus, and ligustrum, it is evidently different from the ancient cantharis, and yet their effects upon the human frame would appear to have been very much alike. It appears to be now agreed upon by all competent judges that the medicinal cantharis of the ancients is the Mylabris Cichorii or M. Füsselini, which is still used for forming blistering plasters by the profession in Constantinople and by the native practitioners in Hindostan. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind., i, 622), Royle (Antiq. of Hindoo Med.), and Pereira (1834.) The Buprestis, however, which also is included by Dioscorides in his Materia Medica, can have been no other than the Meloe vesicatorius. See Book V of this work. It is the tellini fly of the Hindoos. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 417.) The ancients prepared the cantharides for medicinal use in the same manner as the Spanish fly is now prepared, namely, by killing them with the fumes of vinegar. Dioscorides says cantharides are septic, ulcerative, and calefacient, and hence are mixed up with the medicines that cure cancerous diseases, leprosy, and lichen agrius; they are also emmenagogue when applied in a pessary; and some, he adds, relate that cantharides are beneficial in dropsies, by acting as diuretics. Their wings and feet are further said to be antidotal, that is to say, we suppose, to counteract the operation of the body of the insect. (ii, 65, 66.) Galen treats of the cantharis and buprestis in very nearly the same terms as Dioscorides. Instead of using only the wings and feet, as mentioned by Dioscorides, he says that he used the whole insect. (De Simpl. xi.) In moderate doses he held it to be a safe diuretic. (ii, 463, ed. Basil.) Aëtius and Oribasius give nearly the same account of the cantharis as Galen. Cantharides are frequently mentioned in the Hippocratic treatises (De Nat. Mulier. 565, ed. Föes; De Intern. Affect. 552), and in the works of Celsus. (199, ed. Milligan.) Aretæus is the first author, as far as we know, who notices the external use of cantharides as a rubefacient. (De Curat. Morb. Chron. i, 4.) The Arabians, in treating of cantharides, borrow nearly all the information they give from Dioscorides and Galen. See Serapion (c. 441), Avicenna (ii, 2, 201), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 162.) Rhases on his own authority, affirms, that administered in small doses cantharides cleanse the kidneys. We are rather surprised to find that the Mylabris does not occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Κάνναβις,
Cannabis, Hemp; the fruit is carminative and desiccative, so as to dry up even the semen. The juice of it when green is useful for pains of the ears and obstructions of them.
Commentary. It appears evidently to be the Cannabis sativa, or Hemp. The species sylvestris of Dioscorides, is the Althæa Cannabina. See Sprengel (ad Dioscorid. iii, 155), and Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 307.) Dioscorides recommends the latter in the form of a cataplasm to soothe inflammations and discuss tumours. Our author copies from Galen, who, like him, only describes the sativa. The Arabians describe both species with more accuracy than the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 170, 656), Serapion (207.) Avicenna calls them carminative and desiccative; and hence he holds that they dry up the semen. He says a middling dose proves laxative of the bowels.
Κάνωπον,
Canopum, the Flower of the Elder-tree, which has been already treated of.
Κάπνιον,
Fumaria, Fumitory (called also Capnos), and is so named because the juice of it provokes a great discharge of tears; and it sharpens the vision. It is also acrid and bitter; hence it occasions a discharge of much bilious urine, and cures obstructions and atony of the liver. It also strengthens the stomach and softens the belly.
Commentary. All the commentators seem agreed that it is the Fumaria officinalis, except Sibthorp, who prefers the F. parviflora, Lam. Our author’s account of it is mostly taken from Dioscorides and Galen. The others give nearly the same description of its medicinal virtues. See particularly Serapion (c. 71), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 275.) They represent it as being a stomachic and hepatic medicine, gently purgative and diuretic. Fumitory is described as a medicinal herb by all our old herbalists, and held a place in the Dispensatory down to a late date. See Quincy (125.) The F. officinalis is still retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.