Malva, Mallows; the wild is moderately discutient and emollient; but the garden, as being more moistening, is also weaker. Its fruit, however, is as much stronger as it is drier.
Commentary. There seems no reason to doubt that it applies to Malva sylvestris, but probably comprehended other species. Dioscorides describes minutely the cases to which it is applicable, namely, as a cataplasm in incipient fistula lachrymalis, with oil for achores and furfures, and also so prepared for burns and erysipelas; its decoction as a hip-bath in diseases of the uterus; and as a suitable enema in pains of the bowels, womb, and anus; its broth he praises in cases of poisoning, as producing evacuation of the stomach, and says it is beneficial to persons stung by phalangia, and attracts milk to the breasts; its fruit, when the reed of the wild lotus is mixed with it, allays pains about the bladder. (ii, 144.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it as a medicine in more general terms, representing it to be gently discutient and demulcent. It occurs in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus; the latter praises it as a pot-herb, and recommends it as a gentle laxative. (vii, 27.) The Arabians treat of it fully; but have little to add to the excellent description of its medicinal powers given by Dioscorides, whom they all copy. One of Serapion’s authorities briefly commends it as a demulcent in affections of the chest and bladder, and as a cataplasm in hot apostemes. (c. 149.) Avicenna’s account of it is highly interesting, but too lengthy for our purpose. He recommends it internally in complaints of the lungs and liver, and externally as an emollient application in a variety of cases. (ii, 2, 194.)
Mamiras, is a sort of radicle of a herb, having, as it were, thick knots, which are believed to attenuate cicatrices and leucomata, being of a decidedly detergent power.
Commentary. This article is not mentioned by Dioscorides, Pliny, Galen, Oribasius, nor, we believe, by any of the Arabian writers, with the exception of Avicenna, who calls it abstergent and cleansing, and recommends it for clearing away albugo of the eye, and for cleaning the nails; he adds of it that it is useful in jaundice and pungent pain of the belly. (ii, 2, 479.) It further occurs in one of the antidotes of Nicholas Myrepsus (c. 138), where, his commentator says, the description of it given by Paulus applies very well to the root known officinally by the name of Doronicum.
Mandragora, Mandrake, belongs to the third order of cold medicines. But its apples have a certain share of heat and humidity, and hence they are possessed of a soporific power. The bark of the root of it being stronger is not only cooling, but also desiccant; but the inner part of it is weak.
Commentary. Waiving disputed points regarding the ancient Mandragora, we shall merely mention in this place that we believe the M. Mas of Dioscorides to have been Mandragoras vernalis, Bertolin, and the M. Femina M. autumnalis. The ancient authors make frequent mention of its narcotic and soporific powers. Celsus directs its apples to be placed below the patient’s pillow in cases of obstinate insomnolency. (iii, 18.) Dioscorides, in like manner, says, its apples are narcotic when smelled to, and also their juice; that if persisted in, they will deprive the person of his speech. He mentions mandrake as an ingredient in anodyne collyria and pessaries, and says that in an enema it induces sleep. He recommends the wine of mandragora to be given to patients before they are subjected to the operation of cutting or burning. He gives minute directions for making the various preparations of mandragora. He concludes his chapter on it by giving from information an account of another species of mandragora, called morion, which he represents as being powerfully narcotic; and hence as being administered by medical men when about to operate by cutting or burning. This plant we agree with Dodonæus and Cordus in thinking must have been the M. of Theophrastus, namely, the Atropa Belladonna. Considering the diligence of the ancient herbalists, it is not likely that they should have wholly overlooked so prominent and important an article as the Belladonna. The objections stated to this opinion by Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 344) do not appear to us of much force. The account of mandragora given by Pliny is mostly taken from Dioscorides. (H. N. xxv, 94.) Our author and Aëtius borrow almost word for word from Galen. Isidorus says of it, “Cujus cortex vino mixtus ad bibendum iis datur quorum corpus propter curam secandum est, ut soporati dolorem non sentiant.” Serapion in like manner describes it as a powerful narcotic, and says that it was administered before the performance of amputation to diminish sensibility. (c. 333.) Avicenna particularly commends the narcotic and soporific powers of this medicine. He says that it exerts its action in a suppository. The milky juice of it, he adds, evacuates phlegm and yellow bile. He states that if a young person, by mistake, partake of its berries, they bring on vomiting, purging, and perhaps death. The seed mixed with sulphur vivum, is said by him to stop menorrhagia. Like Dioscorides, he says, that mandrake evacuates the stomach and bowels like hellebore. (ii, 2, 357.) Averrhoes briefly says of its apples, that they are soporific, and that its bark is desiccative, but its root weaker. (v. 42.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 446.) Servitor describes both a concrete and an expressed juice of mandragora. The former, which he calls lachryma, he says could not be procured everywhere. Even the non-professional writers allude to its soporific powers. Thus Lucian speaks of ὕπο μαδραγόρας καθεύδειν. (Timon.) Pollux says that it produces heaviness of the head, that is to say, stupor. Our old herbalists, Turner, Gerard, Parkinson, and Culpeper, mention the soporific powers of the mandrake, but in such a way as implies that they had not much practical acquaintance with it. By the days of Boerhaave and Quincy, its internal use had been abandoned, both in this country and on the continent. Although it has now disappeared from our Dispensatories, we see no good reason why its well-regulated use might not be revived. That the ancients have described its operation on the animal economy correctly, is admitted by our latest writers on Toxicology and the Materia Medica. See the works of Orfila, Christison, and Pereira. In conclusion it may be proper to state, that the modern Arabians and Persians still use the mandragora as a narcotic and antispasmodic. See Ainslie (Mat. Ind. i, 1, 116.) It is not contained in the Greek Pharmacopœia of the present day.
Manna Thuris, has similar powers to frankincense, but enfeebled and gently astringent.
Commentary. Gesner says of it, “Manna thuris est fragmina minora corticis ramentis permista.” (Lexicon Rusticum.) Dr. Hill calls it the fragments of the cluster frankincense broke off in the carriage. It is singular that the Greek and Roman writers make no mention of the manna now in use, namely, the concrete juice of the Fraxinus Ornus. Actuarius had, no doubt, learned the use of it from the Arabians. (Meth. M. v, 8.) We will treat of the true manna more properly in the Appendix to this section, among the medicinal substances introduced by the Arabians.
Fœniculum, Fennel, is heating in the third degree, but desiccative in the first; it therefore forms milk and relieves suffusions of the eye.
Commentary. Dioscorides gives a fuller exposition of the medicinal properties of this substance (Anethum Fœniculum) than any of the other authorities on the Mat. Med., representing it as being possessed of powers to promote the secretion of milk; as being useful in complaints of the kidneys and bladder as a diuretic, and in those of the uterus as an emmenagogue; as being alexipharmic, and as a suitable application to the bites of mad dogs; and an excellent ingredient in collyria, and more especially the gum of it, which is produced on the plant in Spain. (iii, 74.) Galen, in the main, gives it the same characters, holding it to be diuretic, emmenagogue, and a suitable ingredient in collyria. Aëtius and our author follow Galen. It occurs frequently in the Hippocratic treatises. (551, &c. ed. Foës.) Celsus ranks it among his diuretics (ii, 31), and among the articles which at the same time repress and mollify (ii, 33.) The Arabians treat fully of the fennel in nearly the same terms as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 274); Serapion (c. 324); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 293.) They all represent it as being diuretic, emmenagogue, alexipharmic, and an excellent application in diseases of the eyes. They quote Democritus (?) as stating that vipers and other venomous creatures rub their eyes upon fennel to improve their sight. This species of fennel, namely, the Fœniculum vulgare, is not now employed as a medicine in this country. The other species, Fœniculum dulce, or Sweet Fennel, although Matthiolus takes it for the ancient Marathron, would seem to have been unknown to the ancients. The former species, however, held a place in our Dispensatory down to a recent period. See Quincy (77.) It still holds a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (68.)
Mastiche, Mastich; the Chian is heating and dessicant in the second degree; but it is possessed of complicated powers, being at the same time astringent and emollient; hence it agrees with inflammations of the œsophagus and stomach, and those of the intestines and liver; but the Egyptian, being darker, is more desiccant and discutient, and less astringent; wherefore it discusses furunculi.
Commentary. Mastich is correctly described as the resin of the lentiscus by Dioscorides (i, 90), and Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 28.) Both mention that it is used in the formation of agglutinative plasters for the cure of trichiasis. Serapion joins the Greek authorities in recommending it for hæmoptysis. Its use in medicine is as old as the time of Hippocrates. The “resina ex lentisco” is an ingredient in one of the discutient plasters recommended by Celsus for the cure of phymata. (v, 18, 22.) Honain, one of Serapion’s authorities, recommends it in inflammations of the stomach, and in cough. Another of them says of it, that when mixed with aloes it forms a good masticatory. (c. 183.)
Atramentum; the Indian, as Dioscorides says, is of the class of slightly refrigerating medicines, and of those which occasion the rupture of phlegmons and swellings, and cleanse ulcers.
Commentary. Dioscorides describes two distinct substances by the name of Ἰνδικόν. The one is the vegetable pigment, still called Indigo; the other was probably a red mineral of copper, some variety, we suppose, of the mineral called “tetrahedral red copper ore” by Jameson, or “red oxide of copper” of Philips. Dioscorides recommends it in much the same cases as our author. (v, 107.) The other Greek authorities scarcely treat of it. Our author seems evidently to refer to Indian ink. The Arabians confound together the dye-producing plants, and accordingly treat of the woad (Isatis tinctoria) along with the plant which produces indigo. See Serapion (c. 47), and under Isatis in this section. Averrhoes’s description is very indistinct, so that it is difficult to know what to make of his Indicum. (Collig. v, 42.) Avicenna in one place alludes to the mineral pinguent of our author, which he calls Tinctura Inda. (ii, 2, 689.) We beg to refer our readers to Beckmann’s ‘History of Inventions’ for much curious information under the head of Indigo.
Atramentum metallicum, is powerfully astringent with subtilty of parts.
Commentary. Dioscorides gives a pretty circumstantial description of three or four varieties of it, and yet none of them can be recognized with any degree of certainty. One thing only is certain, that they must all have contained more or less of copper, being found in mines of copper. As far as we can judge, the mineral named “ferruginous arseniate of copper” by Cleaveland, is the most likely to be the melanteria of Dioscorides. He says it has the same caustic powers as misy. (v, 117.) Galen calls it only powerfully astringent and of subtile parts; and hence Sprengel inclines to set down his melanteria as being different from that of Dioscorides; but between the action of a strong astringent and a weak caustic, the distinction is not great. In describing the melanteria, Aëtius follows Galen, and Oribasius Dioscorides. There is no mention of it in the works of Hippocrates, Celsus, and Pliny. The Arabians confuse their description of it by mixing together those of misy, chalcitis, and sori along with it, under the head of Atramentum sutorium. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 47.) Serapion also fails to give any distinct account of it. (De Miner.)
Atramentum scriptorium, Writing Ink; this, too, is decidedly desiccant; but when dissolved in oxycrate and rubbed in, it straightway relieves burns.
Commentary. Writing Ink. Dioscorides describes the composition of two different kinds of ink; the former consisting of the soot of pines with gum, and the other containing the soot of rosin, bull’s glue, and copperas. For a fuller account of the inks used by the ancients, see Pliny (H. N. xxxv, 6), Oribasius (Med. Collect, xiii), Isidorus (Orig. xix), and Montfauçon (Palæog. Græca, c. i.) Dioscorides says of it that it is adapted to the healing of putrid ulcers and burns, when rubbed in thick with water and allowed to remain, until cicatrization takes place; for, he adds, when the application falls off the ulcers are healed. (v, 182.) Celsus alludes to the same principle of treating aphthous sores in the throat, but directs the crusts to be formed with alum, chalcitis, or the Atramentum sutorium. The Atramentum scriptorium he only notices once, in describing the operation of trephining the skull. (viii, 4.) Avicenna alludes also to the practice of Dioscorides. (ii, 2, 689.)
Nigella sativa, Gith, is calefacient and desiccant in the third degree. It is also distinguished for tenuity of parts; and hence when smelled to it cures catarrhs, and is most carminative when taken internally. It is also bitter, and hence it is anthelminthic. It is also detergent and incisive, and hence it agrees with orthopnœa, cleanses leprosies, ejects myrmecia, and promotes menstruation.
Commentary. It is the Nigella sativa, or Gith. Dioscorides, with great precision, and in his usual empirical style, enumerates all the cases in which this substance is applicable. As these in the main are the same as those in which our author recommends it, we need not enter much into an exposition of the views of Dioscorides on this head. He says it promotes the secretion of urine, menses, and milk; removes dyspnœa when drunk with wine; remedies persons stung by venomous spiders; drives away reptiles, in the form of a fumigation; and that it is reported to prove fatal when drunk in large quantity. (iii, 83.) Galen explains its medicinal virtues most scientifically, upon the principles laid down by him in his preliminary dissertation to the Materia Medica, of which we have given an exposition in an extract from Aëtius. Gith, he says, is heating and drying according to the third order, and seems to be attenuant, or of subtile parts; wherefore it cures catarrhs when applied hot in a linen cloth, so as to be constantly smelled to. And it is most carminative, when taken into the body, as is obvious from its being of subtile parts, and of a substance fine-wrought by the heat, wherefore, also, it is bitter; for it was shown in the Fourth Book of these Commentaries, that when a terrene substance arrives at an extreme tenuity and elaboration, the bitter quality is formed. No wonder, then, if it proves vermifuge, not only when eaten, but when applied externally to the belly; for it was formerly shown that a bitter juice does this. Nor that it removes leprosy, clavus, and myrmecia, need it seem wonderful to one who remembers what was formerly said. And thus it relieves orthopnœa, and promotes menstruation, when it is restrained by the thickness and viscidity of the humours; and, in a word, when we wish to incide, cleanse, dry, and heat, it is a most useful medicine. (De Simpl. viii.) Having given so full an exposition of Galen’s views, we must be brief on those of the other authorities. The gith occurs in the Mat. Med. of Hippocrates, but is not to be met with in the works of Celsus. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 516); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 496); Serapion (c. 328.) They all follow closely in the footsteps of Dioscorides and Galen. Though the gith has ceased for some time past to be used in medicine, it is still sometimes sought after as a spice. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 123.)
Mel, Honey, is heating and desiccant in the second order, and is also considerably detergent. When boiled it becomes less acrid, detergent and cathartic, but more nutritious. But bitter honey, like that in Sardonia, is of mixed powers, being terrene and hot. The Sacchar (Sugar) which is brought from Araby the Blessed is less sweet than that with us, but is possessed of equal powers, with the additional advantage of not injuring the stomach and occasioning thirst like it.
Commentary. On the use of honey, see Book I, s. 69. “The honey of reeds” is mentioned in a fragment of Theophrastus. (ed. Heinsius.) It is distinctly noticed by Dioscorides (i, 104), Strabo (Geogr. xv), Pliny (H. N. xii, 17), Galen (Med. Simpl. vii), Oribasius (Med. Collect. xi), Isidorus (Orig. xvii, 7), Alexander Aphrodisiensis (Probl.), and Symeon Seth (in voce Sacchar.) It is alluded to by Statius in the following line:
Lucan also mentions it. (Pharsal. iii, 237.) All the Arabian medical authors, in a word, make frequent mention of it. It is obvious, however, as is remarked by Harduin, Salmasius, Freind, Millward, and Sprengel, that the ancient sugar was a concretion formed upon the surface of reeds by the heat of the sun, and consequently it was different from the sugar of the moderns, which is formed by boiling. Symeon Seth says of sugar that it is heating and humid in the first degree, detergent, and diaphoretic like honey. Mesue recommends it for the composition of electuaries. Dr. Hill states that although the Bambu be the sugar-cane with which the ancients were most familiar, it would appear that the “tenera arundo” of Lucan was rather the common sugar-reed of our times.
Fraxinus, the Ash, is a well-known tree, the leaves of which, when taken in a draught, agree with the bites of vipers. Its bark, when burnt and rubbed in with water, removes leprosies. The sawdust of the wood when drunk is said to be deadly.
Commentary. There can be no doubt of its being a species of Fraxinus, or perhaps both the F. Ornus and F. rotundifolia. Our author’s account of it is taken literally from Dioscorides. (i, 108.) Avicenna mentions it as a vulnerary herb, and recommends it in the same cases as Dioscorides does. (i, 108.)
Melilotum, Melilot, is possessed of mixed powers, being astringent, discutient, and digestive.
Commentary. It is the Melilotus officinalis, L. Dioscorides says of it, that it has some styptic power, and is an emollient of all kinds of inflammations, especially about the eyes, womb, anus, and testicles, when boiled with must and applied, or along with albumen of an egg, flour of fenugreek, &c.; that it cures meliceris when recent, achores, and pain of the stomach, and earache when injected into the ear, and headache when used as an embrocation with vinegar and oil of roses. (iii, 41.) Galen and the other Greek authorities state its application in general terms like our author. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 445); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 465); Serapion (De Simpl. 18.) They scarcely suggest any new cases for its administration, but borrow what they say of its medicinal powers from Dioscorides and Galen. The melilot was used in medicine, and held a place in our English Dispensatory even as late as the time of Quincy. (118, 204.)
Apiastrum, Baum; its action is in every respect like that of horehound.
Commentary. According to Dioscorides, Baum (Melissa officinalis), when its leaves are taken in a draught with wine, or when applied as a cataplasm, is alexipharmic in the case of persons stung by scorpions or venomous spiders, and of those who have been bitten by mad dogs; the decoction in the form of a fomentation (or effusion) does the same; it makes a good hip-bath for promoting menstruation; is a gargle for toothache and a clyster for dysentery; its leaves, in a draught, cure those who have taken poisonous mushrooms, and those suffering from tormina; it forms a linctus in orthopnœa, and along with salts a discutient application to scrofula and ulcers; and as a cataplasm it soothes pains of the joints. (iii, 108.) Our author borrows from Galen, who, like him, gives its characters in general terms. Aëtius, under this head, copies from Galen, and Oribasius from Dioscorides. We believe it is not to be found either in the works of Hippocrates, or those of Celsus. Serapion gives a full account of it, first quoting from Dioscorides and Galen, and then from Abenmesuai and Isaak ebn Amran; the former of whom says it is exhilarating, and the other that it is useful in a cold and humid intemperament of the stomach, promotes digestion, proves cordial, &c. (c. 23.)
Memæcylus, being the Fruit of the Arbute, has been treated of under the letter Κ.
Commentary. It is, as here stated, the fruit of the wild Strawberry-tree, that is to say of the Arbutus Unedo, L.
Mespila, Medlars (called also Tricocca); their fruit being decidedly sour and scarcely edible, proves astringent of the bowels: and its shoots and leaves are also decidedly sour.
Commentary. Dioscorides describes the two species of Medlar in such distinct terms as leaves no doubt that they are the Mespilus Azarolus and Germanica. He represents their fruit as being esculent and slightly astringent. (i, 169, 170.) Galen says of the medlar, that it is acid and austere, and barely esculent, and that it restrains fluxes. (De Simpl. vii.) The other Greek and Arabian authorities give the same account of it. See in particular, Avicenna (ii, 2, 742) and Ebn Baithar (i, 532.) The Arabians prepared an ointment from it for making the hair black and curled. Casiri (Bibl. Arab. Hisp. 330.) The term azarolus is borrowed from the Arabic. See Avicenna (l. c.)
Medium; the powers of the root are contrary to those of the fruit, for the former is austere and astringent of fluxes, so as to restrain the female fluor. But the seed even promotes menstruation, being possessed of attenuating and incisive powers.
Commentary. The description of this article given by Dioscorides is sufficiently precise to decide its belonging to the genus Campanula. It was at one time generally referred to the species called Medium, but, as Sprengel remarks, the appearance of the leaves does not agree with those of the medium. Sibthorp, therefore, in his ‘Flora Græca,’ has decided that it is the C. laciniata. (i, 141.) Dioscorides and Galen agree in giving it the same medicinal powers as our author. We are at a loss to determine whether or not it occurs in the Materia Medica of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives the descriptions of it by Dioscorides and Galen. (ii, 541.)
Papavera, Poppies; there are several species, but of the garden poppy, which they call Thylacitis, the seed is edible, and when eaten with bread is moderately soporific. That species which is called Rhæas, because its seed soon falls off, is stronger than the garden. It is therefore not eaten by itself, but a small quantity of it is mixed with much honey. That which has a sessile head has seeds which are black and strongly medicinal, being considerably cold. That the top of which is longer and more contracted, is the most strongly medicinal of all, so as to induce torpor even to mortification. For it and its juice, which is called, per excellentiam, opium, belong to the fourth order of congealing medicines. But that variety which is called Cornutum is possessed of detergent powers, so that the decoction of it when drunk is serviceable in hepatic complaints. Its leaves and flowers cleanse foul ulcers and remove eschars. That species which is called Heraclium and Spumosum, has seeds which purge phlegm.
Commentary. In the Fifth Book we have treated fully of the different species of poppy known to the ancients. See also Schulze (Toxicol. Vet.) The Rhæas would seem to be the Papaver dubium, the sativum is the P. Rhæas. The Papaver cornutum appears to be the Glaucium luteum, Scop. The P. spumeum may be the Gratiola officinalis, Angl. Hedge Hyssop. The ancients distinguished two kinds of the inspissated juice of the poppy: the one was the juice obtained by wounding the poppy-heads, and was called μήκωνος ὄπος, and ὄπιον; the other was an expressed juice, much weaker than this, called μηκώνιον. The second sort is not known at present. We will treat more fully of opium under that head, and therefore we shall dismiss the present subject with a briefer notice than we should otherwise have thought it necessary to bestow upon it. The views of the Arabians regarding the different kinds of poppy may be best learned from Avicenna (ii, 2, 563.) He copies, however, almost all his information from Dioscorides. He recommends the application of the Papaver cornutum in diseases of the eye, with certain cautions, explained under opium. He follows Dioscorides in strongly commending the leaves of the same as an application to foul ulcers, when he says they have the effect of removing all the eschars upon the sores. Dioscorides, by the way, mentions that the veterinarians used the horned poppy for removing the albugo and nebulæ on the eyes of cattle. He speaks favorably of the effects of the poppy in general for the cure of hot catarrhs, defluxions on the breast, and hæmoptysis. See further Serapion (c. 72); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 533); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The last of these joins Avicenna in approving of the poppy for affections of the chest. Ebn Baithar, in different parts of his great work, treats of the several species of poppy noticed under this head.
Mala, Apples; a common property of all apples is that of an excrementitious and cold juice, but those which are dissolved and watery are colder and more humid than the others. The sweet are watery, but not sensibly cold. Those which are austere are colder than the sweet, but less humid. Those which are acid are also cold, and cut the thick humours in the stomach. The sour, such as Quinces, and that species of them called Struthia, are of a cold and terrene temperament, and, on that account, prove astringent of the belly, and agglutinative of wounds. Thus the leaves, juices, and barks of trees differ from one another.
Commentary. By Mala, as Macrobius states, the ancients understood all kinds of fruit which have their hard part or kernel in the middle, and their esculent part without. (Saturnalia, iii, 19.) The malum cydonium is undoubtedly the Quince. The Struthia is a species of it. See Dioscorides (i, 160); Pliny (H. N. xv, 10); Casiri (Bibl. Arab. Hisp. i, 329.) These, namely, the Struthia, according to Harduin, are the same as our Pear-quince; it is an astringent, stomachic fruit. There is more difficulty in determining for certain what the Malum Persicum was. Stackhouse makes it to be the Citrus aurantium, or Orange, but we are disposed to think that the evidence preponderates in favour of the opinion of Matthiolus, R. Stephens, and Harduin, who held that it is the Peach (Amygdalus Persica.) That species, or rather variety, which Pliny calls Duracina, was probably the Nectarine, as Harduin suggests. The Malum Armeniacum, or præcocia, was undoubtedly the Apricot. See Harduin in Plin. H. N. (xv, 31); Casiri (Bibl. Arab. Hisp. i, 330); and Gesner (Lex. Rust.) Contrary to the opinion of the etymologists, we have long thought that the English name is a corruption of the Latin præcocia. See, however, Loudon (Encyc. of Garden. 806.) We have given their characters as articles of food in the First Book. As to their medicinal powers, little need be added to our author’s account of them, as it agrees entirely with that of the other authorities. See in particular, Dioscorides (i, 160, 166); Galen (De Simpl. vii); Avicenna (ii, 2, 562.) Galen makes mention of the quince and pear-quince as being preserved with honey. He recommends the leaves, the juice, and the rind of apple trees in general, as being possessed of acid and austere qualities, and thus agglutinating wounds, restraining the defluxions of incipient inflammations, and strengthening the stomach and bowels when they have lost their tone. Dioscorides and, afterwards more fully, Avicenna state that the immoderate use of fruit is flatulent, and superinduces nervous debility. Dioscorides describes accurately the mode of preparing a wine from quinces, which, he says, is possessed of the same medicinal powers as the parts of the quince. He also makes mention of an ointment prepared from it. Avicenna represents all the fragrant kinds of apples as being cordial and alexipharmic, and strengtheners of the stomach. One of Rhases’s authorities gives an interesting account of the medicinal powers of apples as cordials, stomachics, and astringents. (Cont. l. ult. i, 441.)
Malum Persicum, the Peach; the shoots and leaves are manifestly bitter, and therefore kill worms when triturated and applied to the navel. The fruit of it, which forms the edible peach, is humid, and cold in the second degree.
Commentary. See under Μῆλα.
Malus Armeniaca, Apricot; the fruit, which some call Præcocia, is possessed of the same powers as peaches.
Commentary. See under Μῆλα.
Meum, Spignel; its roots are hot in the third degree, but dry in the second. It is therefore diuretic and emmenagogue, but occasions headache when taken often.
Commentary. Without doubt it is the Meum Athamanticum, which is the same as the Ligusticum Meum of Hooker, Angl., Spignel, Meu, or Bald-money. Our author and most of the other authorities copy closely from Dioscorides, who describes the roots of the meum as being fragrant, and heating the tongue. These, he says, being boiled in water or given in powder without boiling, prove soothing in diseases of constriction about the kidneys and bladder, relieve dysuria, flatulence of the stomach, tormina, hysterical affections, and pains of the joints. When pulverized and administered with honey, they are useful in pectoral defluxions as a linctus, and in a hip-bath promote the flow of the menses. When applied as a cataplasm to the region of the pubes in infants, they are said by him to produce the discharge of the urine. But when taken immoderately, the meum occasions headache. (i, 3.) In the above extract, by “diseases of constriction” Dioscorides alludes to a well-known dogma of the Methodists. It would appear, then, that he was imbued with the principles of that sect. None of the other Greek authorities treat of it so fully as Dioscorides. As far as we have discovered, it does not occur in the works of Hippocrates, nor in those of Celsus. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 454); Serapion (De Simpl. 182); Rhases (Collig. l. ult. i, 477); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) They do nothing but copy from Dioscorides. In the works of all our old herbalists and authorities on the English Dispensatory, down to the days of Quincy and Lewis, the meum retains a place with all its ancient characters.
Milax or Smilax, Bindweed; both the smooth, and the rough species which twines round trees, are possessed of acrid and heating powers.
Commentary. The two species here noticed are most probably the Smilax aspera and Convolvulus sepium. Dioscorides commends the former of these principally as being alexipharmic, and the latter as being soporific. (iv, 142, 143.) Galen and the other Greek authorities, like our author, merely give their general characters. The Arabians would seem to confound it with the other climbing herbs. See Serapion (De Simpl. 41); Avicenna (ii, 2, 724.)
Misy, is one of the escharotic and caustic medicines, with a strong astringency. It is less pungent than chalcitis, owing to the greater tenuity of its parts. And Galen says that chalcitis and sori, in the course of time, change to misy, the change beginning at the surface.
Commentary. It appears strange that this mineral should now be so little known, seeing it was well known as late as the days of Boerhaave, and is still used medicinally in the East. Boerhaave says of it, “Misy, a yellow mineral very much resembling the marcasite or mundick of our mines, but lighter, and of a less compact nature.... It is a vitriolic mineral, and is reduced by calcination to a colcothar.” (M. M. 184.) Dr. Ainslie, treating of the preparations of copper employed in medicine by the natives of India, says, “Misy is the name of an oxide of copper used by the natives of India against the toothache, and to stain their teeth black.” (Mat. Ind. i, 513.) Dr. Royle, treating of the misy and sory of Dioscorides, states that they had been supposed by Rossius to be sulphurets of copper, “but it is remarkable that mis is a Persian name for copper, and that missy is a name frequently applied in India to sulphate of iron.” (Antiq. of Hindoo Med. 102.) From these descriptions of it we find some difficulty in deciding what mineral substance it was; but see under Chalcitis. The following is Dioscorides’s description of the misy: “Of a golden appearance, hard, shining like gold when broken, and glancing like stars.” (v, 116.) He says it has the same powers as chalcitis. Galen gives an elaborate description of misy and its cognate fossils sory and chalcitis, but says little more than our author respecting its medicinal powers. (De Simpl. viii.) The other Greek authorities supply nothing additional of any great interest under this head. Serapion describes the three substances we have mentioned under the general head “de vitreola,” calling the sory Zeg rubeum, the chalcitis colcothar, and the misy Zeg viride. His account of them is taken entirely from Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 386.) Avicenna confounds them and other metallic preparations under the name of “Atramentum sutorium.” He throws no light on the subject. (ii, 2, 47.) See Rhases (Cont l. ult. 747.) Averrhoes, under the head of Alceg, i. e. Vitriolum, gives a translation of Galen’s description already noticed. (Collig. v, 43.) Misy occurs in the works both of Hippocrates and Celsus. The latter uses it as a caustic. (v, 8, 9.)
Plumbago, has similar powers to litharge, but removed from the middle temperament to the colder.
Commentary. Several varieties of the Molybdæna are described by Dioscorides, from which it would appear that the ancients applied the term to more than one metallic substance; the variety resembling litharge being most probably graphite or plumbago; and the one of a leaden colour, being the molybdate of lead, or “yellow lead-spar” of Jameson. It is named Galena by his translators, but whether it, that is to say, the sulphuret of lead, was also comprehended under it we are unable to determine. The molybdæna occurs in the works of Hippocrates. Dioscorides recommends it as being incarnative and epulotic in plasters. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of its medicinal powers succinctly like our author. None of the Arabians appear to have distinguished the molybdæna properly from litharge.
Plumbum, Lead, is possessed of refrigerant powers, and has also a considerably humid substance congealed by the cold. If wine, the oil of unripe grapes, or any of the cooling juices be rubbed with it, it will make an excellent application for ulcerous inflammations about the pudenda and anus. A plate of lead worn upon the loins restrains libidinous dreams; and a piece of lead put upon ganglia discusses them. Burnt lead being more desiccative, is also somewhat acrid. If washed it becomes desiccative without pungency, and makes a good application for ill-conditioned ulcers.
Commentary. We have already treated of this article as a poison. (Book V, 62.) The ancients distinguished lead into two kinds, the black and the white. Of these the latter is the same as the cassiteros, that is to say, tin. The other comprehended several of our native ores of lead. Both kinds are described in the works of Hippocrates and of Celsus. (v, 26, v, 18, &c.) See also particularly, Pliny (xxxiv, 47) and Isidorus (Orig. xvi, 21), who have given accurate descriptions of the ancient varieties of lead. Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion agree in describing it as a powerfully cooling or refrigerant medicine. Galen’s account of it is lengthy but interesting. (De Simpl. ix.) Oribasius says that it forms an excellent application to irritable and malignant sores. Dioscorides recommends washed lead very much in rheums of the eye. He gives a very circumstantial description of the process of preparing washed lead. He further says of it, that it is a good styptic, and an excellent application to fungated sores, hemorrhoids, condylomata, and ulcers about the anus. Averrhoes treats of it in nearly the same terms as our author. (Collig. v, 43.) The Arabians, in general, prescribe it, in imitation of Galen, as an application to cancer. See Averrhoes (l. c.) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 12.) The latter joins Dioscorides in praising lead as an application to the eyes. Serapion gives a very full account of this article in extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (De Simpl. 419.) See also Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 556); Ebn Baithar (ii, 128, et pluries.)
Morus nigra, the Mulberry-tree; the fruit, when ripe, loosens the belly, and is useful in all complaints of the mouth which require a moderate degree of astringency. The unripe, when dried, becomes a very styptic medicine. The bark of the root of the tree is also purgative, with a certain degree of bitterness; hence it kills the broad intestinal worm. The leaves and tender shoots hold an intermediate place between purgatives and astringents.
Commentary. There can be no doubt that it is the Ficus Morus, L., or the Black Mulberry-tree. It is the συκάμινος of Theophrastus, which, however, was sometimes applied by others to the sycamore. See Celsus (iii, 18.) The mulberry is commended by Pliny as an antidote to poisons, as it is in like manner by Dioscorides. The latter calls it laxative of the bowels, but an article readily spoiled, and bad for the stomach. He also ascribes astringent powers to its juice, which, he says, when mixed with a little honey is useful in defluxious, spreading ulcers, and inflamed tonsils. He also praises the leaves when pounded with oil, as a good cataplasm to burns. He speaks of it also as being used for dyeing the hair, and the decoction of its leaves as a gargle for toothache. (i, 180.) Galen’s account of it is the same as our author’s, by whom it is abridged. Aëtius treats of it fully as an article of food, but briefly as a medicine. He says, when taken upon a clean stomach, it proves an excellent article of food; but the very reverse when the stomach is loaded and contains any noxious humours. The Arabians, in treating of it, follow Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 491); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 201); Serapion (De Simpl. 132.) The mulberry is described as a medicine by all our old herbalists, and was retained in the Dispensatory until after the time of Quincy. (94, 198.)
Myagrum; the seed of it is fatty, and the oily part of it is possessed of an emplastic power.
Commentary. It is generally held to be the Camelina sativa, Crantz., of which we think there can be no doubt. Both Dioscorides and Pliny mention it as producing an oil from its seed; and it is well known that the Camelina, or Gold of Paradise, is still noted as one of the oil plants. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 353.) The two authors mentioned above recommend this oil in ulcers of the mouth. Our author borrows from Galen. As far as we can discover, it is not treated of by the Arabian authorities, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely quotes the description of it given by Dioscorides and Galen.
Musculi, Muscles, have the same power, when burnt, as the buccina. But they have the property, when washed, of removing asperity of the eyebrows and leucomata when applied with honey. Their flesh is applied with advantage to persons bitten by dogs.
Commentary. Called Μύες by Aristotle and Athenæus, Myaces by Pliny, and Musculi by Celsus, are the Mytili edules, L., or Muscles. Celsus ranks them with those things which open the bowels. (ii, 29.) He prescribes the soup of muscles as a purgative in fevers. (iii, 6.) Dioscorides merely recommends them externally as a stimulant and detergent application in diseases of the eyes, and their flesh for the bites of mad dogs. (ii, 7.) The Arabians treat of them in general terms along with the other crustacea. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 529.)
Myaron (called also Melampycnon); it is a branchy and fatty herb. The oil extracted from it would seem to smooth the asperities on the body.
Commentary. This is clearly the same as the μύαγρον described above. See Jani Cornarii dollabella in P. Æ. vii.
Medulla, Marrow; it is possessed of the property of softening indurated and scirrhous bodies. The best is that of stags, next to it, that of calves. That of bulls and of buck-goats is more acrid and desiccative. That from the limbs is more fatty and emollient; but that from the spine is harder and drier.
Commentary. According to Aristotle, the Marrow is a superfluity concocted from the nutritive blood of the bones. He states that the spinal marrow is considerably different from that of the other bones. (De Partibus Animalium, ii, 7.) Pliny, copying from Dioscorides, thus delivers the general characters of marrows: “Omnes molliunt, explent, siccant, calefaciunt.” (H. N. xxviii, 39.) Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion concur in giving the preference to the marrow of stags. Dioscorides gives minute directions for preparing it to keep. (ii, 95.) He says that smearing the body with stag’s marrow drives away venomous reptiles. (Ibid.) The Arabians recommend a suppository from marrows as a remedy for scirrhus of the uterus. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 485), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 460.)
Fungi, Mushrooms, are of a decidedly cold and humid temperament. Some of them prove fatal when eaten, more particularly those which have a putrid quality mixed with their nature.
Commentary. We have already treated of mushrooms as articles of food (i, 77), and as poisons (v, 54); and shall, therefore, be excused saying anything more of them in this place. In fact, we cannot see with what propriety the ancient authorities assigned them a place in the Materia Medica, since, as far as we can recollect, they never prescribe them medicinally.
Is described under Alsine.
Myxa, the Sebesten-plum; the fruit of this tree is smaller than the bullace-plum, but of similar powers.
Commentary. It would appear indisputably to be the Sebesten-plum, or fruit of the Cordia Myxa. Whether or not this tree be also the Persea of Dioscorides (i, 187), has been much disputed. See Sprengel (in Dioscor. l. c.) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 628.) We are inclined to doubt their identity, and of this there can be no question, if the authority of Pliny be held of any weight in this case, for he evidently distinguishes between the persea and myxa. (H. N. xv, 11, 12.) Neither Celsus, Galen, Aëtius, nor Oribasius has noticed this article by name. The sebesten-plum is described by the Arabian authorities without their making any reference to the Greek authorities, as is their wont. See Serapion (c. 8); Avicenna (ii, 2, 638); and Rhases (Contin. l. ult. iii, 42.) The barbarous translation of Avicenna begins thus, under the head of sebesten: “Sebesten et nominatur mukeita.” For mukeita we suppose the proper reading would be myxa. The Arabians describe the sebesten-plum as being a mild laxative fruit, which quenches thirst and soothes the breast. It is praised by Serapion as a laxative and cooling remedy in coughs; as a refrigerant medicine for ardor urinæ, and an anthelminthic. The sebestens continued long to hold a place in our English Dispensatory, and retained the character which the ancients had given them. See Quincy (130.)
Myrica, the Tamarisk, is possessed of incisive and detergent powers, without being manifestly desiccative; it has also some astringency. The decoction of it, therefore, when drunk, is useful in diseases of the spleen; and it likewise cures the toothache. The fruit and bark of it nearly approach to galls in powers. The ashes of the tree are more desiccative.
Commentary. We may briefly say that we agree with the authorities who refer it to the Tamarix Gallica, L. Dioscorides, Galen, Averrhoes, and Serapion, like our author, recommend it as a powerful astringent which may be substituted for galls. Dioscorides accordingly enumerates a variety of cases in which it is applicable, such as in remedies for affections of the mouth and eyes, spitting of blood, cæliac disease, fluor albus, jaundice, and the bites of venomous spiders, and to discuss swellings in the form of a cataplasm. He further recommends its decoction in wine for reducing the enlarged spleen; as a gargle in toothache; a hip-bath in fluxes, and as a fit lotion for killing lice and nits: the lixivial ashes of it, he adds, restrain a discharge from the womb: some, he says, form goblets out of the trunk of it, which they use as drinking-cups in diseases of the spleen, draughts taken with them being found to be serviceable in such cases. (i, 116.) None of the other authorities give by any means so satisfactory an account of this subject as Dioscorides. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius evidently follow him. Celsus ranks the “tamarix” among his articles which repress and soften. (ii, 33.) It occurs in the works of Hippocrates. (See Dierbach.) For the Arabians, see Serapion (c. 31); Avicenna (ii, 2, 684); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 700); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Serapion, after quoting the sections of Dioscorides and Galen on the tamarix, says of it, on the authority of Mesarugie, that it dries up all ulcers, especially those from burns. He also relates, on the authority of Alchazi, the case of a woman who was cured of a leprosy, by means of it. Avicenna and Rhases say of it, that its fruit is beneficial in chronic coughs. Avicenna says it cures the bite of the viper. The curious reader will find it interesting to compare the medicinal characters of the tamariscus as given in our English Dispensatory by Quincy, with those given it by the ancients, as stated above. (134.)
Millefolium, Millefoil, is desiccative to such a degree as to agglutinate wounds.
Commentary. It appears to be the Myriophyllum spicatum, Angl., spiked water millefoil. At least the description of it given by Dioscorides evidently points to some species of myriophyllum. He recommends it as a cataplasm with vinegar to recent ulcers; and says of it, that it is drunk with water and salts in cases of falls. (iv, 113.) Galen and the other Greek authorities, like our author, merely mention it as a vulnerary herb. We have not found it in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor in those of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 500.)
Myrrha, Myrrh, belongs to the second order of calefacients, and is also distinguished for tenuity of parts to a certain degree. The root of it is fragrant and sweet. It is emmenagogue, and promotes expectoration from the chest and lungs.
Commentary. The Myrrhis odorata, as Sprengel remarks, agrees very well with Dioscorides’s description of this plant. Dioscorides says of it, that when drunk with wine it relieves those who have been bitten by phalangia; that it promotes the menstrual and lochial discharges; taken in draughts is useful in phthisis; and that some say, that when taken in a pestilential season it preserves persons free from the disease. (iv, 114.) None of the other Greek authorities supply anything of interest under this head. We have not been able to find it either in the works of Hippocrates or of Celsus. We are at some loss to account for its being also overlooked, as far as we, upon a cursory examination of their works, can discover, by the Arabian authorities. Was it that those illiterate scholars could not distinguish it from myrrh and myrtle? Our old English herbalists, in like manner, seem to have known little about it, and it has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory.
Myrtus, the Myrtle, is composed of opposite ingredients. But the cold and terrene prevails in it, and hence it is powerfully desiccative. The myrtis, which is a callous excrescence on the trunk and branches of it, is strongly desiccative and astringent. The dried leaves are more desiccative than the green. The fruit and juice are possessed of similar powers, both when administered externally and internally.
Commentary. It is the Myrtus communis. The myrtis or myrtas of our author is the same as the myrtidanum of Dioscorides, and most probably was some morbid excrescence upon it. Dioscorides calls the myrtle astringent, and recommends it in such a variety of cases that it would occupy too much space to enumerate them all; such, for example, as hæmoptysis, erosion of the bladder; as a stomachic and diuretic; an alexipharmic in the case of persons stung by phalangia or scorpions; as a soothing application in inflammations and extrasavated blood about the eyes; for furfures, achores, exanthemata, and so forth. (i, 155.) The excrescence already mentioned possesses, he says, stronger powers than the fruit or leaves, and is mixed with cerate, pessaries, hip-baths, and cataplasms requiring astringency. (i, 156.) Galen gives a somewhat fuller, but not a materially different, account of the myrtle from our author. He says it is a powerful astringent, both internally and externally. Aëtius abridges him, as Oribasius does Dioscorides. Celsus notices the berries and boiled leaves of myrtle frequently as astringent and cooling articles. The Arabians treat of them very fully. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 446); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 475); Serapion (De Simpl. 92); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 38.) Avicenna recommends the decoction of its leaves as an astringent in profuse sweats, fetor of the armpits, in hot apostemes, erysipelas, herpes, &c. He also prescribes it in ulcers of the hands, and in burns. He says it cures ophthalmy, and proves stomachic and cordial. All the Arabians give it the character of being alexipharmic. It is useful, according to Avicenna, in heat of urine, and immoderate flow of the menses. He says it is useful also in cases of ununited fractures when poured upon the place; stops the flow of blood from the nose, and cures furfures and other ulcers of the head. Abenmesuai, one of Serapion’s authorities, says of the juice of myrtle, that it is useful in the cure of pains of the breast and lungs, in cough, and looseness of the bowels; that it is a cordial, and strengthens the internal viscera. Myrtle-berries were used as astringents in fluxes down to a late period. See Quincy (94.)
Moly, Allium hirsutum, Wild Garlic (some call it Ruta silvestris, others Armalan, and the Syrians, Basanan); it belongs to the third order of calefacients, and is composed of subtile particles. Hence it cuts thick and viscid humours, is discutient and incarnant.
Commentary. It was the species of garlic now called Allium Moly, Mönch. Mention is made of this plant by Homer as a charm against incantation. (Odyss. x, l. 302.) It is probably the same as the μώλυζα of Hippocrates. (See Dierbach.) Dioscorides merely recommends moly pounded with the ointment of iris as a pessary to promote the menstrual discharge. (iii, 47.) On the moly, see Pliny (H. N. xxv, 8.) Galen and the other Greek authorities mention it in nearly the same terms as our author. It does not occur in the works of Celsus, nor have we been able to find it in those of the Arabian authorities.
(Called also Narcaphthon) is an Indian aromatic, and is used in fumigations for constriction of the uterus.
Commentary. Our author’s account of this substance is taken, with few alterations, from Dioscorides. Galen and Serapion also copy from him. In the Appendix to this section we shall have occasion to notice the opinion that it was mace. All we need say of the Nascaphthon in this place amounts to this, that it was an Indian aromatic, which the industry, even of Royle, Ainslie, and Roxborough, has failed to determine.
Sinapi, Mustard, is heating and desiccative in the fourth degree.
Commentary. We may pretty confidently refer it to the Sinapi nigrum. No author, ancient or modern, has treated of its medicinal powers so elaborately as Dioscorides. He says it has heating, attenuant, and attractive powers, and when chewed, produces a discharge of phlegm; when its juice is mixed with hydromel, it forms a suitable gargle for enlarged tonsils, and for chronic and callous asperities of the trachea; when applied to the nostrils in a fine powder it acts as a sternutatory; benefits persons in epileptic fits, and rouses those who are in hysterical fits; it is useful in lethargic patients when applied as a cataplasm to the shaved scalp; when mixed up with figs and applied until it reddens, it is fitting for ischiatic disease, and that of the spleen, and in general for all chronic pains, by determining to the surface; it cures alopecia in a cataplasm; clears the countenance, and, with honey, suet, or cerate, removes the spots of extravasated blood; with vinegar it is rubbed in upon places affected with leprosy, and lichen agrius; it is taken in a draught as a powder, when sprinkled like polenta on the drink, for periodical attacks of fevers; it is mixed with advantage in epispastic plasters and those for scabies; when applied to the ear in powder with figs, it relieves deafness and noises in the ears; its juice with honey is suitable in dimness of vision and roughness of the eyelids when rubbed in; the juice of its seed, while still green, is expressed and dried in the sun. (ii, 183.) Celsus recommends it in a variety of cases both externally and internally; as a rubefacient, gargle, masticatory, &c. By the way, we have never been able to satisfy ourselves that the late Dr. Milligan was right in setting down the sinapi of Celsus as the Sinapis alba. (207.) We remark, however, that it is this species which occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. Galen and his followers dismiss this article with a very brief notice, like our author. The Arabians do little more than copy from Dioscorides. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 674); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 644); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Serapion (c. 373); Ebn Baithar (i, 355.) Mustard was much used by the ancient physicians in cataplasms as a rubefacient. Ruffus, as quoted by Rhases (Contin. xxxvii), recommends the seed of mustard as a laxative. Macer directs, upon the authority of Menemachus, a sinapism to be formed by pounding in a mortar mustard seed, with a third part of the crumb of bread, dried figs, honey, and vinegar. He recommends an ointment made of figs and mustard, for alopecia, i. e. porrigo decalvans.
Spica Nardi, Spikenard; the root of it is heating in the first degree, and desiccative in the second. It is also somewhat astringent, acrid, and bitterish. It agrees with the liver and stomach both when administered externally and internally. It is diuretic, and dries up internal defluxions. The Indian is stronger than the Syrian, and blacker.
Commentary. For this article, Dr. Royle informs us that he obtained, in India, the hairy spike-like roots of Nardostachys Jatamansi. (Antiq. Hindoo Med. 33.) Dr. Lindley says the Nardostachys Jatamansi, or true spikenard of the ancients, is valued in India, not only for a scent, but also as a remedy in hysteria and epilepsy. (Veg. Kingd. 698.) See further, Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 1, 318.) The Syrian kind was unquestionably some species of valerian, probably the V. Hardwickii. Our author, in the present instance, borrows from Galen, who in the main draws all his information from Dioscorides. The latter holds the spikenard to be diuretic, stomachic, hepatic, and carminative. (i, 6.) The Arabians treat fully of it, copying freely from Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 640); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 669); Serapion (c. 52.) Avicenna recommends it strongly in affections of the liver, and in jaundice; and calls it stomachic and deobstruent. Averrhoes joins him in giving it these characters. (Collig. v, 42.)
Nardus Celtica, Celtic Nard, is possessed of similar powers to the above-mentioned, but weaker, except with regard to its action on the urine; for it is hotter than the former and less astringent.
Commentary. It is the Valeriana Celtica, or French Spikenard. Dioscorides gives an interesting description of it; and, with regard to its medicinal powers, states of it, that it is more diuretic and stomachic than the Syrian, and cures inflammations about the liver, and jaundice and flatulence of the stomach when drunk with the decoction of wormwood; in like manner, that it relieves the spleen, the bladder, and kidneys, and is alexipharmic with wine; and finally, that it is mixed with heating draughts and liniments. (i, 7.) It is the Nardum Gallicum of Celsus, who assigns it a place with other aromatics in one of his antidotes. (v, 23.) Galen and the other authorities treat of it in the same general terms as our author. This species of spikenard long held a place in our Dispensatory. See Quincy (161) and Lewis (Dispensatory, ii, 125.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the Nardus and the Phu are identified with the Valeriana.
Nardus Montana, Mountain Nard (called also Thylacitis and Pyrites), is weaker than the aforementioned.
Commentary. It would seem to be the Valeriana tuberosa. Galen and the other authorities state briefly of it, like our author, that it is weaker than the other species already described.
Ferula, Fennel-giant; the seed is attenuant and calefacient. The inner part, while still green, is astringent; and, therefore, agrees with hæmoptysis and cæliac affections.
Commentary. All the authorities, including the older and the more recent, are agreed that it is a species of Ferula; and we are inclined to think that it was the communis, more especially as its medicinal powers agree well with those assigned to the article in question by Dioscorides. (Compare the latter, Mat. Med. iii, 81, with Gray’s Supplement to the Pharmacop. 80.) Dioscorides says, the pith of it, while green, relieves spitting of blood and cæliac affections, and is given with wine to persons bitten by vipers, and restrains bleeding from the nose when introduced as a tent; that the seed relieves tormina, and produces sweating when rubbed in with oil, but that its stems induce headache, and are prepared for pickles. (Ibid.) Our author borrows almost word for word from Galen. We have not been able to discover it in the Materia Medica of the Arabians, but can scarcely believe that it had been wholly overlooked by them. Ebn Baithar, in fact, under the head of Kana, sets down the descriptions of the Narthex given by Dioscorides and Galen.
Torpedo; when applied to the head, while still alive, in cases of headache, it procures relief to the pain, probably by its peculiar property of producing torpor; and the oil in which the living animal has been boiled, when rubbed in, allays the most violent pains of the joints. It is said to remedy prolapsus ani when applied.
Commentary. Without doubt it is the Raia Torpedo, L., or Cramp-fish. See Artedi (Ichthy.) Frequent mention is made of this fish in the works of the ancient writers on Natural History. See in particular the poetical descriptions of Claudian (Idyll.) and Oppian (Halieut, ii.) Galen repeatedly speculates on the nature of the singular power which it possesses of stupefying every animal which touches it. He denies that it has any narcotic effect as a medicine, unless when applied alive. (De Simpl. vii.) Serapion copies his account of it. His translator renders it Piscis stupefaciens. (c. 437.) See Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 49, 533.) Averrhoes compares its narcotic powers to magnetism. (Collig. v.) We have given some account of its application in this way elsewhere. See Book III, 6.
Narcissus, Daffodil; its root is possessed of desiccative powers so as to agglutinate large wounds, even to the division of tendons. It is also somewhat detergent and epispastic.
Commentary. There seems no reason to doubt that it is the Narcissus poeticus. Dioscorides says of it, that its root, when boiled and eaten or drunk, proves emetic; that triturated with honey it is a good application to burns; that in a cataplasm it agglutinates nerves that have been cut asunder; that it relieves sprains and chronic pains about the joints, in a cataplasm with honey; that it clears ephelis and alphos, with nettle-seed and vinegar; that it cleanses foul ulcers, and breaks apostemes which are difficult to ripen; and that in a cataplasm, with the flour of darnel and honey, it extracts thorns. (iv, 158.) Galen and the other Greek authorities give its virtues in brief terms, like our author. The Arabians, as they are wont, copy freely from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 503); Serapion (c. 188); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 489); Ebn Baithar (ii, 552.) Rhases and Avicenna ascribe to it strong powers as an uterine medicine, stating of it that it produces delivery of the fœtus either dead or alive; that it promotes the dilatation of the mouth of the womb, and relieves pains of it. The narcissus occurs in the lists of medicines used both by Hippocrates and by Celsus. Our old herbalists, Gerard and Parkinson, repeat the characters of the narcissus given by the ancient authorities; but it has long ceased to have a place in our Dispensatory.
Neuras (called also Poterium), is desiccative without pungency, so as even to agglutinate divided tendons. The roots have the same effects both when applied externally and when drunk.
Commentary. There are few articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients which it is more difficult to determine. Sprengel conjectures that it was the Astragalus Poterium. Dioscorides says its roots exude tears like gum, and that they are highly beneficial in wounds of the nerves. (iii, 18.) Galen, and all the other Greek authorities that treat of it, give exactly the same account of it as Dioscorides. We have not been able to find it in the works of the Arabians. Our old English herbalists give a figure and description of it, as being a species of tragacantha. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 996) and Gerard (History of Plants, 1328.) It has long ceased, however, to hold a place in any Dispensatory with which we are acquainted.
Nerium, Rosebay or Oleander, when applied externally is possessed of discutient powers; but when taken internally it proves fatal.
Commentary. It is the Nerium Oleander, L. We have treated of it as a poison in another place. (T. ii, 242.) That the plant actually possesses the poisonous properties ascribed to it by the ancients is now very well ascertained. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 600.) Dioscorides assigns it a place in his Materia Medica, and says of it that its flower and leaves are destructive to dogs, asses, mules, and most quadrupeds, but are preservative of men, when drunk with wine, from the bites of reptiles, if mixed with rue; but that the weaker animals, such as goats and sheep, when they drink the decoction of it, die. (iv, 82.) Galen, like our author, in treating of this article, does little more than abridge the fuller account of it given by Dioscorides. The Arabians extend the use of this medicine to several cases in which it was not applied by the Greeks. Thus, they say of it, that its leaves form an excellent application to hard apostemes, and are good for prurigo, scabies, and desquamations, more especially the juice of them; that in the form of a plaster they are applied with advantage in chronic pains of the back and knees, and that its flower forms a sternutatory. Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 31) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 522.) We have given the opinions of the Arabians respecting it as a poison in the place referred to above. There is no mention of the oleander, as far as we have been able to discover, in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. The term oleander is derived from the Arabians. It is treated of by our recent authorities on toxicology, but has long been unknown to our Pharmacopœia.