Picea, the Pitch Tree, has similar powers to the pine, but more moderate.
Commentary. We think there is no doubt that it is the Pinus Cembro, L., or Aphernousli pine. The fruit of it, namely, the Cembro nuts, are called στρόβιλοι by the Greek authorities. Dioscorides says when drunk with must or the seed of cucumber they are diuretic, and allay irritation of the bladder, kidneys, and stomach. Taken fresh from the tree and bruised, and boiled in must, he says, they suit old and consumptive coughs. (See further under πίτυς.)
Ruta, Rue; the wild belongs to the fourth order of calefacients and desiccants; but the cultivated to the third, dividing and discussing the thick and viscid humours. It also promotes the urinary discharge, and is composed of subtile parts and carminative; hence it restrains venereal appetites.
Commentary. The wild rue is the Peganum Harmala, L. The other species is the Ruta graveolens. According to Florentinus, it kills the fœtus in utero (Geopon. xii, 25.) Dioscorides’s two chapters on the Peganum are so long that we can scarcely attempt an abstract of them. Both species, he says, are caustic, calefacient, ulcerative, diuretic, emmenagogue, astringent, and alexipharmical. (iii, 45, 46.) It occurs in the Hippocratic treatises, and in the works of Celsus. Our author abridges the interesting account of it given by Galen. The Arabians treat of the two species very elaborately, but in the main follow Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 571); Serapion (c. 300); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) We may just mention that the Ruta graveolens still retains its place in our Mat. Med., and that the seeds of the other, Peganum Harmala, are still kept in the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 116.) The Turks use its seeds as a spice, in like manner as they were used in the time of Pliny. (H. N. xx, 51.)
Pix, Pitch; dry pitch is desiccative in the second degree, but less calefacient, while the liquid is contrariwise. They have some detergent and digestive powers, and also discutient and acrid. They therefore remove leprous nails, cleanse lichen, and digest swellings. But the liquid is more powerful, so as to be serviceable in a linctus for asthma and empyema. The dry is more agglutinative of wounds.
Commentary. Pliny says of pitch, “Phthisicis etiam cyathi mensura quidam dederunt, et contra veterem tussim.” (H. N. xxiv, 24.) Averrhoes also recommends it in such cases. (Collig. ii, 42.) See, however, more fully on the virtues of pitch, Dioscorides (i, 94), who recommends the liquid pitch in phthisis, empyema, coughs, asthma, and cases of difficult expectoration; also as an external application to leprous nails, hard tumours of the uterus, fissures of hands and feet, &c. The liquid pitch of the ancients was evidently tar; the dry was the same boiled until it became hard. The latter is often called παλιμπίσσα. See Dioscorides (i, 94, 97) and Pliny (xxiii, 1.)
Oleum picatum, Pitched Oil, is formed from liquid pitch consisting of a more attenuate substance than it.
Commentary. According to Sprengel, the π. of Dioscorides is the same as Tar-water, so celebrated as the grand panacea by Dr. Berkley in his ingenious work called ‘Siris.’ It is called ὀροπίσση by our author in another place. (iii, 74.) The Pissasphaltum of the ancients, according to Dr. Hill, was the Pix Mineralis, or Earth Pitch of the moderns.
Pistachia, Pistachio Tree; its fruit when eaten is moderately stomachic, and removes obstructions of the liver, and more especially a decoction of the light and aromatic parts of it in wine. It also relieves those who have been bitten by reptiles.
Commentary. We have treated of the Pistachio nuts in the First Book. They are the fruit of the Pistachia vera. It is hardly worth while to give the opinions of the other authorities under this head, as none of them supply any additional information to that given by our author. See Dioscorides (i, 167.) We may just mention in this place, that the oil of pistachio nuts was much used as an application to the cicatrices of small-pox. See Rhases (Contin. xxxii, 2.)
Pityides, the Fruit of Pines, being possessed of mixed powers, the astringent and acrid, hence it assists expectoration from the chest.
Commentary. Pliny restricts it to the fruit of the Pinaster or Wild Pine, but the Greeks apply it to the fruit of all the pine tribe. Pliny, like our author, recommends it as a remedy for coughs. Here, however, as is usual with him, he merely translates Dioscorides (i, 87.) Our author is principally indebted to Galen. (De Simpl. viii.) Celsus places the “nuclei pinei” in his list of things which are particularly good for the stomach. (ii, 24.) The Arabians treat of these under the general head of pinus. See in particular, Avicenna (ii, 2, 301) and Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The latter enlarges on the virtues of them beyond his wont, ascribing to them powerful effects in disinfecting a pestilential state of the air, in resisting putrefaction, preventing impregnation, and procuring abortion. He also calls them vermifuge.
Erucæ pinorum, the Canker-worms of Pines, are possessed of the same powers with cantharis and buprestis.
Commentary. We have treated of the Erucæ pinorum in the Fifth Book. As they were seldom or never used in the practice of medicine, it is difficult to see why they should have been allowed a place in the Mat. Med.
Pini cortex, the Bark of Pine; its prevailing power is astringency, by which it proves a useful application for intertrigo and burns. In a potion it restrains the belly. The leaves of it are also agglutinative of wounds.
Commentary. It is the Pinus Pinea, L., Stone Pine. Our author would appear to have condensed and abridged the more lengthy account of this article given by Dioscorides. He says it is a species of the same genus as the picea, and that the bark of both being astringent, is a suitable application to excoriations, to superficial ulcers and burns, with litharge and the manna of frankincense; that it stops hepatic diseases when pulverized with copperas; in a fumigation promotes the expulsion of the fœtus and secundines, and in a draught binds the belly and proves diuretic. The leaves he recommends externally as a soothing application in cases of inflammation and toothache, and internally with hydromel in diseases of the liver. (M. M. i, 86.) Of the fruit of pines, and of the torch prepared from it (δᾴδιον), we have treated in their proper places. Galen’s notice of this article is to the same effect as our author’s. Frequent mention of the pine occurs in the works of Hippocrates and Celsus. The latter recommends its flowers in diseases of the liver. (iv, 8.) The Arabians treat of the pine, and the virtues of the different parts of it, at great length. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 280, 301, 555, 693); Serapion (De Simpl. 63); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 341); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 137.) They borrow freely from the Greeks, and further recommend the different parts of the pine very much in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, especially calculus and hæmaturia.
Pityusa; some say that this is a species of spurge, because it has a juice and purges like them.
Commentary. There can be no doubt of its being the Euphorbia Pityusa. It is briefly noticed by all the other writers on the Mat. Med. as possessing the same virtues as the spurges in general.
Platanus, the Plane Tree, is possessed of a humectating and refrigerant power. Hence the green leaves are of use in incipient inflammations. But the bark and spherical balls are more desiccative, so that when one has been boiled in vinegar it relieves toothache. They also cure burns by fire along with fat. The burnt bark is more desiccative and detergent, so as to cure leprosies and humid ulcers.
Commentary. It is the Platanus orientalis, L. The seed forms into spherical balls, which are called Pilulæ by Pliny. He recommends them for the bites of serpents and for burns; also when pounded with acrid vinegar, as a styptic for stopping bleeding. (H. N. xxiv, 29.) Pliny, however, merely copies from Dioscorides, who further recommends the leaves boiled in wine in defluxions of the eyes, and as an application to swellings and inflammations; and its rind boiled in vinegar as a gargle in toothache. (i, 107.) Our author is evidently much indebted to Galen, who commends it for the same medicinal purposes, and warns his readers to guard against the down which grows on its leaves, as it may prove prejudicial to the windpipe, eye, or ear, if admitted into them. (De Simpl. viii.) Aëtius, like our author, copies very closely from Galen. Not much additional information can be drawn from the Arabians, who, under this head, do little more than copy from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 209); Serapion (c. 142); Ebn Baithar (ii, 422.)
Pulmo, Lungs; those of lambs and swine are believed to cure the skin which has been chafed by shoes. But the lungs of a fox when dried are said to cure asthmatics. The Pulmo marinus, when fresh and pounded, cures gout and chilblains.
Commentary. Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion give nearly the same account of the medicinal properties of lungs. The Pulmo marinus is the species of Medusa which bears this scientific name. Our author and all the others follow Dioscorides in defining its medicinal properties. (ii, 39.)
Polemonium, Greek Valerian (called by some Philetærium), is attenuate and desiccative. Hence some give the root of it in wine for ischiatic disease, dysentery, and scirrhus of the spleen.
Commentary. It is the Polemonium cæruleum, Greek Valerian. It occurs in the Hippocratic treatises (Hippiatr. 108, ed. Basil), but is not found in the works of Celsus. Dioscorides recommends it to be given for the bites of venomous reptiles, for dysentery, dysuria, sciatica, and diseases of the spleen, and also as a masticatory for toothache. He further mentions that it was used as an amulet for the sting of the scorpion. (iv, 8.) Our author copies from Galen, as does also Aëtius. We have not been able to trace it in the works of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, whose account of it is made up entirely of extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. (i, 186.) Though it disappeared from our Dispensatory long ago, its root is still to be found in the shops of our apothecaries, where it retains the character of being astringent, vulnerary, and anti-dysenteric. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 55.)
Polium, Poley; the smaller, which we use for antidotes, belongs to the third order of calefacients and desiccants. It therefore removes obstructions of all the viscera, and proves diuretic and emmenagogue. While green it agglutinates large wounds, and when dried it cures ill-conditioned ulcers if sprinkled upon them.
Commentary. The species indicated by our author is evidently the first species of Dioscorides, namely, the Teucrium Polium. The other is the Teucrium Creticum. Both these plants retained a place in our Dispensatory down to the days of Quincy (118), and both of them are still to be found in the shops of the apothecaries. Gray (Pharmacop. 49.) See further Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 23), and Rutty (Mat. Med. 402.) Dioscorides says of both, that their decoction taken internally is beneficial to the bites of venomous reptiles, in cases of dropsy, jaundice, and diseases of the spleen along with vinegar; that it loosens the belly and is emmenagogue, but induces headache and is bad for the stomach; that in fumigations and placed below a couch, that they drive away reptiles; and in a cataplasm are vulnerary. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius, give them nearly the same characters. Celsus barely notices it once as one of the ingredients in the celebrated theriac of Mithridates. (v, 23.) The Arabians treat of the two species at greater length than the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 537); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 558); Serapion (c. 165); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) They agree with the Greeks in considering it diuretic, emmenagogue, and a gentle purgative, and recommend it further as being anthelminthic and a remedy in cases of protracted fever. Serapion, by the way, quotes Dioscorides as calling the polium aphrodisiacal, but there is nothing in the chapter of Dioscorides on the poley to this effect.
Polygalon, the Milkwort, has leaves which are moderately austere. When taken in a draught it seems to engender milk, being of a hot and humid temperament.
Commentary. That it is the Polygala amara seems quite certain. Dioscorides and Galen treat of it in nearly the same language as our author. We have not been able to find it in the works of the Arabians except Ebn Baithar, who merely copies Dioscorides and Galen. (i, 186.)
Polygonaton, Solomon’s Seal, is a mixture of astringency, acrimony, bitterness, and a certain indescribable nauseous principle, and therefore it is not much used. Some sprinkle the root of it upon wounds, and clear away spots on the face with it.
Commentary. It has been usually taken for the Convallaria Polygonatum, which has obtained the same character as a medicine in modern works on the Mat. Med. See Rutty (M. M. 403) and Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmacop. 23.) Our author copies almost word for word from Galen, who, in his turn, borrows from Dioscorides. None of the Arabians have noticed it, as far as we can discover, except Ebn Baithar, who merely gives the descriptions of it by Dioscorides and Galen. It is not to be found in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus.
Polygonon, Knot-grass, has some astringency, but a cold watery principle of the second order is what prevails in it. When applied cold externally, it therefore relieves ardor of the stomach, erysipelas, and hot inflammations. Being of such a nature it repels defluxions, and thereby appears to be desiccative. The male is stronger than the female.
Commentary. Of the two species described by Dioscorides, the mas is undoubtedly the Polygonum aviculare, and the feminine probably the P. maritimum. How the latter could be the Hippuris vulgaris, as several of the older commentators on Dioscorides had supposed, we are at a loss to comprehend. Two plants so dissimilar as the knot-grass and the mare’s-tail, could never have been classed by the ancients as male and female. Dioscorides gives a most interesting exposition of the medicinal powers of the former species, but as our author borrows from him, we need not dwell upon the other. It is possessed of an astringent and refrigerant power, and its juice (decoction) is suited to cases of hæmoptysis, fluxes of the belly, chorea, strangury, and so forth. (iv, 4, 5.) Galen taxes Dioscorides with not stating precisely what the particular cases of strangury are in which it is applicable. Otherwise his characters of this article agree exactly with those of Dioscorides and our author. Celsus ranks “herba sanguinalis, quam Græci πολύγονον vocant,” among things which are at the same time gently repressing (astringent?) and emollient. (ii, 33.) The Arabians who treat of the polygonum follow Dioscorides. See in particular, Avicenna (ii, 2, 725) and Ebn Baithar (ii, 195.) Our quaint old herbalist Culpeper, under the head of knot-grass, assigns to it exactly the same medicinal virtues as Dioscorides does to the Polygonum Mas and although the Polygonum aviculare was ejected from our Dispensatory more than a hundred years ago, it is still to be found in the shops of our apothecaries, where it has the reputation of being “a vulnerary and astringent herb.” Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmacop. 42.)
Polycnemon, is heating and desiccative in the second degree, so as to agglutinate wounds.
Commentary. It has been supposed to be the Mentha arvensis, but nothing is known of it for certain. Nicander notices it in two places. (Alex. 57, and Theriac. 359.) Dioscorides calls it a vulnerary herb, and a remedy for strangury and inward bruises. (iii, 98.) Galen gives the same account of it as our author. The Arabians do not appear to have treated of it.
Polypodium, Polypody, is possessed of considerably desiccative powers without pungency. When drunk it purges downwards.
Commentary. Dioscorides says of the root of the π. (Polypodium vulgare), that it is purgative, and is given to evacuate phlegm and bile; that it makes a good application to sprains and fissures in the hands. (iv, 185.) Galen and the other Greek authorities merely state its properties in general terms, like our author, with the exception of Ruffus, who treats of it more elaborately. He says it evacuates phlegm, bile, and water; that it should be taken in mulse or water before a meal, when it will purge gently, and thus prove an excellent laxative, especially to children; but that in disease it is not a purgative possessed of much efficacy. (Opera, 14.) The Arabians, and especially Mesue, seem to have attached more importance to it. See Mesue (De Simpl. 5); Serapion (c. 248); Avicenna (ii, 2, 535); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 227.) Mesue recommends it in joint diseases, colic, hardness of the spleen, fevers connected with black bile, and fissures of the hands. The polypody retained its place in the Dispensatory with its ancient characters as late as the time of Quincy (137), and even in the age of Lewis it had not been wholly rejected. (ii, 244.) There seems no good ground for questioning its efficacy as a gentle laxative. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 13.)
Pompholyx, is desiccative without pungency, so that it is useful for carcinomatous and other ill-conditioned ulcers. It is also an ingredient in ophthalmic remedies.
Commentary. What this substance was is well stated by a comparatively recent writer on the Materia Medica. Dr. Lewis, treating of zinc, says, “Moderately pure white flowers sublimed from it in the brass or other furnaces, wherein zinc, or its ores are melted with other metals, were formerly kept in the shops and distinguished by the names of pompholix and nihil album.” (Mat. Med. ii, 485.) A still later authority on the Pharmacopœia describes it thus: “Pompholix Nihil album. Collected in the smelting furnaces wherein zinc ores or brass are melted; used in ointments for tutty.” Gray (Suppl. &c. 234.) It is also distinctly described by Geoffroy (Treatise on Fossil, &c. Subst. 185), and by Quincy (201.) The latter writes as if he had been familiar with this article; but it appears singular that the former says that in his time (that is to say, about 150 years ago) it was unknown in the shops. For the ancient authorities on it, see in particular Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 33), and Dioscorides (v, 85.) The latter calls it styptic, cooling, and to a certain extent escharotic. Galen recommends it in carcinomatous and all ill-conditioned ulcers, for those about the parts of generation and anus, and for ocular collyria. (De Simpl. ix.) The Arabians treat of it under the head of Tutia. See in particular Serapion (c. 422); Avicenna (ii, 2, 695); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Ebn Baithar (i, 217.) Hardly one of them does anything more than copy the description of it given by Dioscorides and Galen, only comprehending under one name what the Greeks had delivered regarding pompholyx and spodium separately.
Purpuræ, when burnt are possessed of the same powers as shells. The part which serves as a cover to them when boiled in oil, strengthens hairs that are falling out. When drunk with vinegar, they cure swelling of the spleen. As a fumigation, they rouse in cases of uterine suffocation, and expel the secundines.
Commentary. The shell-fishes which supply the purple dye. It is got from various fishes, but more especially the Helix ianthina, Murex brandaris and trunculus. For an account of them, see particularly Aristot. (Hist. Animal. v, 14), and Pliny (H. N. ix, 60.) Our author borrows from Dioscorides (iii, 4), and Galen (De Simpl. xi.) We have not been able to detect this article in the works of the Arabian authorities.
Potamogiton, Pondweed, is cooling and astringent, like Polygonum, being possessed of similar powers to it.
Commentary. It is the Potamogiton natans, L. Dioscorides says of it, that it is cooling and astringent, and is applicable in cases of pruritus, and in spreading and inveterate ulcers. (iv, 99.) In some of the editions of his works, another species is described and recommended in dysentery, colic, and the red fluor of females. It cannot be so decidedly determined. Galen and the other authorities treat of it in general terms, like our author. Such of the Arabians as treat of it borrow from Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 352.)
Poterrhium, (called by some Phrœnium); its roots when cut into slices agglutinate divided tendons and wounds; and the decoction of it when drunk relieves affections of the nerves.
Commentary. Matthiolus confesses his ignorance of it. Sprengel is inclined to think that it is the Astragalus Poterium, Pall. But Dr. Lindley holds it to be Astragalus Creticus. (Veg. King. 548.) Dioscorides says it has stalks like those of tragacanth, and accordingly Linnæus holds this plant to be a species of tragacanth. He recommends it in exactly the same cases as our author. Galen describes it by the name of Neuras. We have not been able to detect it in the works of the Arabians.
Marrabium, Horehound, is calefacient in the second degree; but more desiccative. It removes obstructions about the liver and spleen, and those of the chest and lungs. It also promotes menstruation. In a cataplasm it is detergent and discutient, and otherwise it is detergent and incisive.
Commentary. The Marrubium vulgare. Dioscorides has an elaborate section on the virtues of this article, which he recommends particularly in phthisical, asthmatic, and catarrhal complaints, as being an excellent expectorant, for promoting the menstrual and lochial discharges, as an alexipharmic, &c. He adds, however, that it is unsuitable in affections of the kidneys and bladder. (iii, 109.) Galen writes thus of it: “Horehound, as it is bitter in taste, so, by general admission, it has the virtue corresponding to that taste, being a deobstruent of the liver and spleen, clearing away matters about the chest and lungs, and promoting menstruation.” He also mentions its use in a cataplasm and in other cases, as stated by Dioscorides. Aëtius and Oribasius state its virtues in nearly the same terms. It is the “Marrubium” of Celsus, who prescribes the juice of it in phthisis (iii, 22), in paralysis (iii, 27), in ulcers of the throat (iv, 4), and for other purposes. For the Arabians, see in particular Serapion (c. 198); Avicenna (ii, 2, 553); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Avicenna recommends it as deobstruent, emmenagogue, and an application to the eyes. Serapion also praises it as a deobstruent, and recommends it particularly in ulcers of the lungs, asthma, and such like complaints. It would seem to deserve the characters which the ancient authorities give it from Hippocrates down to Macer Floridus and Serapion. See Rutty (Mat. Med. 309.) Even yet it holds a place in the Dispensatory.
Porrum, Leek, consists of unwholesome juice and is acrid; but Dioscorides says, that it induces disagreeable dreams, agrees well with the bowels, is diuretic and attenuant. It is also detergent, for it proves expectorant when boiled in ptisan. The seed of it is mixed with nephritic remedies. But the leaves have some astringency, and therefore the juice of it proves styptic.
Commentary. Without doubt it is the Allium Porrum, L. Diphilus, as quoted by Athenæus says, “it is attenuant, nutritious, and flatulent.” (Deipnos, ix, 3.) Dioscorides recommends it in the cases enumerated by our author, and also in several others. (ii, 178.) Galen does not treat of it at all in his work on Simples. The Arabians attach more importance to it, recommending it as being emmenagogue, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and so forth. They say of it that it hurts the eyes, the gums, and the teeth. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 540); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 562); Serapion (c. 361); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 339.)
Ilex, the Holm Oak, has powers resembling those of the oak, but it is much stronger.
Commentary. It is the Quercus Ilex, or Evergreen Oak. All the authorities speak of it as being a powerful astringent. The Kermes, or Scarlet Grain is produced upon the ilex by a certain class of insects. It is described by Theophrastus and Pliny, as stated under that head.
Propolis, Virgin-wax, or Bee-glue, is calefacient in the second degree and moderately detergent. It is also possessed of attenuant and deobstruent powers.
Commentary. Scribonius Largus calls it, “Propolis quam quidam sacram ceram vocant.” Dioscorides and Galen give nearly the same account of Bee-glue as our author. It is the glutinous substance with which the working bees block up the holes in their hive. They gather it from poplars and other resinous plants. It occurs frequently in the works of the ancient writers on Pharmacy.
Ptarmica, Sneezewort; the leaves are sternutatory; but the whole part, when green, removes hypopion and other kinds of ecchymosis, for it is hot and desiccative. The green belong to the second order, and the dried to the third.
Commentary. Dioscorides’s description of it agrees well with the Achillea Ptarmica, except that (as is remarked by Sprengel) its favorite locality is meadows, and not mountainous and rocky situations as indicated by Dioscorides. All the Greek authorities, from Dioscorides downwards, give it exactly the same characters as our author. We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the works of the Arabians. Its leaves are still kept in the shops of apothecaries, and are held to be sternutatory. Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 80.)
Ulmus, the Elm, is possessed of desiccative and detergent powers, so as to agglutinate wounds; but the bark of it still more, if, when in a fresh state, it be wrapped like a bandage about the wounds. It also cures leprosy with vinegar, and the roots of it are possessed of the same powers, so that fractures which will not unite are to be bathed with the decoction of it.
Commentary. Most probably the Ulmus campestris. Our author’s statement of its medicinal virtues is closely copied from Dioscorides (i, 112.) Galen and most of the authorities represent it to be an agglutinative medicine. Pliny, like the others, recommends it as an application to leprosy. No mention of it occurs in the works of Celsus. The Arabians treat of it fully, but in the main follow Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 71, 96, 212); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 250.) They recommend it in all cases requiring astringents and abstergents.
Filix, Fern, is desiccative in its powers, and bitter. Hence it destroys the fœtus, and kills the broad intestinal worm when taken to the amount of four drachms in honeyed water. Because it is moderately astringent, it dries up ulcers without pungency.
Commentary. Apuleius says, “Græci pterin, Latini filicem nominant.” (De Herbis.) We need not hesitate to refer it to the Aspidium Filix Mas, which has been long celebrated as a vermifuge medicine. See Book IV, 67, of this work, and Rutty (Mat. Med. 201.) Dioscorides recommends it merely as an anthelminthic medicine, and as one which is calculated to promote convalescence in diseases of the spleen. For the former purpose he directs it to be given with scammony or white hellebore, along with a diet consisting principally of garlic. (iv, 183.) Galen acutely remarks, that there is no wonder that it should be anthelminthic, seeing it is possessed of a bitter taste with some astringency. None of the other Greek or Arabian authorities supply any additional information respecting it. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 620); Serapion (De Simpl. 56.) The “filicula” of Celsus (ii, 12) would appear to us to have been rather the Polypodium than the Filix Mas. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia it is marked as being the Aspidium Filix Mas.
Pycnocomon, is possessed of discutient, attractive, and acrid powers. The leaves of it, therefore, discuss phyma and furunculus. The fruit, in addition to these properties, also extracts sharp-pointed weapons. Its root purges yellow bile.
Commentary. Although Dioscorides has given a pretty minute description of it, there are few articles in the ancient Mat. Med. about which there is so much uncertainty. See the Index Latinus to Parkinson’s ‘Theatre of Plants,’ and Sprengel (in Dioscor. iv, 173.) The latter decides that it is neither the Leonurus Marrubiastrum nor the Succisa pratensis as had been supposed. Whether it may be the Cephalaria Pycnocomon we are unable to determine, as we have no acquaintance with this plant. Our author borrows his medicinal characters of it from Dioscorides (l. c.) Galen does the same. The Arabians have not noticed it, as far as we can discover.
Pyrethrum, Pellitory; the root has caustic powers, and allays the pain of teeth affected with cold; and before the occurrence of periodical rigors it is rubbed in with oil, and relieves those who are affected with torpor and paralysis.
Commentary. It seems to be the Anthemis Pyrethrum, although Sprengel is not quite satisfied. It was much used in stimulant embrocations. Dioscorides, Galen, Macer, and Serapion, and, in a word, all the authorities, recommend it strongly as a phlegmagogue for toothache. Dioscorides says further of it, that when rubbed in with oil, it is sudorific, being serviceable in chronic rigors, for parts which have lost their natural heat and are paralysed. (iii, 37.) Celsus also mentions it in a list of stimulants, to be applied externally for toothache (vi, 9), and ranks it among his caustics. (v, 8.) The Arabians treat of it at considerable length, but borrow much from Dioscorides. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 547); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 553); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) They all in particular recommend it as a sialogogue in cases of toothache. We need scarcely remark that the pellitory (now called Anacyclos Pyrethrum) still holds its place in the Dispensatory as a sialogogue and masticatory. We see no good reason, therefore, for questioning its identity with the pyrethrum of the ancients, more especially as it still retains a place in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Triticum, Wheat, is heating in the first degree, but is intermediate between dry and humid substances. It is also somewhat glutinous and emplastic.
Commentary. Without doubt it is the Triticum æstivum. We have treated largely of it among the dietetical articles in the First Book, and have also treated of the farina, leaven, and pollen of wheat separately. We need not, then, enlarge further upon this article at present.
Coagulum, Rennet; all sorts of it are possessed of acrid, attenuating, discutient, and decidedly desiccant powers. But that of hares is represented as curing epilepsy if drunk with vinegar, and as curing the female discharge, and proving a solvent of coagulated milk in the bowels, and of blood in like manner. Some say that it restrains spitting of blood from the chest. The rennet of a horse is described as proving serviceable in cæliac and dysenteric affections. That of the seal is said to have the properties of castor.
Commentary. Our author’s account of the medicinal properties of Rennet is taken from Dioscorides and Galen. Indeed he has copied from the latter almost word for word. The Arabians treat of the rennets very fully and with much judgment. See in particular Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 221); Avicenna (ii, 2, 115); Serapion (De Simpl. 444); Ebn Baithar (ii, 604.) They follow Dioscorides very closely, among other things recommending rennet to be applied on a pessary for promoting the menstrual discharge, and for the hysterical convulsion. All rennets, they say, are alexipharmic, and especially those of the kid, of the antelope, and of the camel. As stated by us in the Fifth Book, the ancients administered rennet in cases of poisoning with curdled milk. It appears remarkable that an article unquestionably capable of being applied to so many medicinal purposes as rennet, should have been entirely excluded from our modern Dispensatories.
Panniculus, Rags; when those from wool are burnt they have similar powers to burnt wool. Linen, when burning, sends forth a subtile smoke, so as to prove deobstruent in catarrhs, and agree with risings of the womb. When burnt, its powers are nearly the same as those of wool.
Commentary. These things are so well known as not to require further illustration.
Rhamnus, Buckthorn, is desiccative in the second degree, but cooling in the first. Hence it cures herpes and erysipelas when not very hot. Its tender leaves are to be used.
Commentary. This appears to be the first species of Dioscorides, which we may decide to be the Lycium Europæum. The second is the Lycium Afrum. The third is not well ascertained, but probably is a species of paliurus. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 1006), and Sprengel (Ad Dioscor. i, 119.) Dioscorides recommends the leaves of all the three kinds for herpes and erysipelas, and also mentions that the twigs of them were placed in doors and windows to avert sorcery. (i, 119.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of this article in nearly the same terms as our author. Pliny recommends it as a cooling and refrigerant application. (H. N. xxiv, 76.) The Arabians borrow their account of it entirely from Dioscorides and Galen. See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 236); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 591); Avicenna (ii, 2, 345); Ebn Baithar (ii, 223.)
Rhaphanus, Radish, is heating in the third degree, and desiccative in the second. The wild is more powerful. The seeds of both are stronger, and therefore they discuss hypopion and other lividities.
Commentary. Dioscorides, like our author, describes two species, of which the former is certainly the Rhaphanus sativus, and the other probably the R. maritimus. Dioscorides gives so long a catalogue of the medicinal properties of the former or common radish, that we can scarcely venture upon an exposition of it. He says of it, that its seed is emetic, diuretic, and a cleanser of the spleen, when drunk with vinegar; that it is beneficial in cynanche, and alexipharmic both when taken internally and applied externally. Florentinus (Geopon. xii, 22) and Pliny (H. N. xx, 13) praise the radish as an antidote to poisonous substances and venomous animals. It was much used by the ancients as an emetic, and for this purpose it was taken before a meal as described by Celsus. (i, 3.) See also Dioscorides (l. c.) and Pliny (l. c.) Hence it is frequently prescribed by Nicander, as a remedy in the case of poisoning, as in that by henbane, and in that by mushrooms. It is also recommended in these and similar cases by Scribonius Largus (Compos. 198.) The radish we are confident is the “radicula” of Celsus, who prescribes it for various purposes, as being laxative, diuretic, and, as we formerly stated, emetic. (See Vol. II, 31, &c.) The Arabians attach much importance to this article, but do not supply much information regarding it but what they acknowledge to be derived from the Greeks. See Serapion (c. 307); Avicenna (ii, 2, 574); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 571); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (ii, 246.) They agree in stating of it, that taken before other food it renders vomiting easy; and after food that it loosens the bowels. All recommend it in cases of poisoning. They also prescribe it as a deobstruent in obstructions of the liver and in jaundice. The radishes, the garden and the wild, retain their ancient characters in the works of our old herbalists, and even in the time of Quincy they still held a place in our Dispensatory, although, as he says, “little used in medicine.” (i, 5, 409.)
Rheum (called by some Rhâ), is composed of a terrene, cold, and subtile substance, and of a vaporous, hot, and slightly acrid one. Hence it relieves sprains and ruptures, and orthopnœa, and also lividities, by its discutient powers; and by its astringency, spitting of blood, cæliac and dysenteric affections. By both it cures hepatic complaints.
Commentary. Our author manifestly copies from Galen; and whoever will carefully compare his account of it with Dioscorides’s chapter on Rhâ, cannot fail to come to the conclusion that both apply to the same substance, namely, the Rheum Rhaponticum. We therefore shall confine our attention in this place to it, reserving to the Appendix what we have got to say on the knowledge possessed by the ancients of the purgative rhubarb. Dioscorides says of it, that its prevailing power is astringency, with a certain degree of heat; and he recommends it to be taken in a draught for flatulence of the stomach, atony, all kinds of pain, spasms, diseases of the spleen, liver, and kidneys, tormina, affections of the chest and bladder, distension of the hypochondria, diseases of the uterus, sciatica, hæmoptysis, asthma, hiccough, dysentery, cæliac affections, intermittents, and the bites of venomous animals; also for lividity and leprosy when rubbed in with vinegar, and for discussing all chronic inflammations in a fomentation. (iii, 2.) Galen’s account of it, as already stated, is exactly the same as our author’s. Oribasius evidently takes his description of it from Dioscorides; and Aëtius, like our author, as clearly abridges Galen. There is no mention of the Rhâ in the works either of Hippocrates or of Celsus. Pliny’s description of it (he calls it Rhacoma) is manifestly imitated from Dioscorides. (H. N. xxvii, 105.) As already stated, we shall reserve our exposition of the views of the Arabians to the Appendix.
Resinæ, Resins, are all calefacient and desiccative; but the turpentine holds the first place, being discutient, emollient, and attenuating, and also detergent, whereby it cures itch; and that of larch is like to it. The resin of the pitch-tree, and still more that of the wild pine, are more acrid, but neither more discutient nor attractive. Those of the pine and fir hold an intermediate place.
Commentary. On the formation of Resins see in particular Theophrastus (H. P. ix, 2) and Pliny (H. N. xxiv, 22.) Pliny thus sums up his account of them: “Summæ species duæ; sicca et liquida. Sicca e pinu et picca; liquida e terebintho, larice, lentisco, cupresso.” The Resina sicca pini is the Pix arida of the Old London Pharmacopœia, or the Pix Abietina of the New. The Resina liquida laricis is now generally called by the name of Venice Turpentine. The Resina lentisci is well known by the name of Mastich. The Colophonian rosin, which is often mentioned in this work, is the same as the black fiddler’s rosin. The Cypress rosin does not appear to be much known now. Pliny correctly observes that all these resins act on the bowels and the urine. The mode of burning or roasting resin is described by Dioscorides. (i, 93.) He gives a very interesting account of the resinæ in general, which he represents to be emollient, calefacient, dissolvent, cleansing, suited for coughs and consumptions, in electuaries by themselves or with honey, clearing away matters from the chest; and as being diuretic, digestive, laxative of the bowels; adapted for the operation on trichiasis (see Book VI, 8), and for leprosy, with verdigris, copperas, and natron; for purulent ears with honey and oil, and for itching of the pudendum. They are mixed, he adds, with plasters, liniments, and acopa, and relieve pleuritic pains either when rubbed in or applied by themselves. (i, 91.) All the other authorities prescribe the resins freely, but none give so full a description of them as Dioscorides. See, however, Celsus (pluries), who appears to have been particularly fond of them. He recommends turpentine rosin with butter and honey in phthisis (iii, 22), in dyspnœa (iv, 4, 2), and in various other cases. Our author’s account of them would seem to be principally taken from Galen. The Arabians, as usual, copy from the Greeks, and supply little additional of their own. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 242); Serapion (De Simpl. 325); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 580, &c.); Ebn Baithar (pluries.) All the resinæ here described occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (160, 161.)
Rosæ, Roses, are naturally composed of a watery substance, which is heating, astringent, and bitter. The flowers are still more astringent, and hence are desiccative.
Commentary. It comprehended the R. lutea, Derlech, R. arvensis, and probably other species of the Rosa, L. Dioscorides gives a careful exposition of the particular uses of Roses in medicine. He says they are cooling and astringent. In preparing the flowers for use, he directs the nails or white portions to be clipped off with a pair of scissors, and the remainder compressed and pounded in a shade in a mortar, until they form into a ball. He recommends them in diseases of the eyes, headache, affections of the ears, gums, anus, and womb, &c., also when sprinkled in powder on intertrigo, and as an ingredient in the ointments called calliblephara. (i, 130.) We need not devote time to the exposition of what the other authorities have written on this subject. See Celsus (pluries); Galen (De Simpl. viii, et alibi); Avicenna (ii, 2, 568); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 585); Serapion (De Simpl. 108). The Arabians say of rose-water that it is stomachic and hepatic; and of rose-oil, that it relieves inflammation of the stomach and loss of its tone. They recommend rose-water further both in syncope and in hæmoptysis. Like the Greeks, they make it an ingredient in their collyria to the eyes and eyelids. Rhases and Avicenna give particular directions for preparing an ablution with roses to remove fetid perspiration.
Rosea radix, is heating in the second degree, and is attenuating and discutient.
Commentary. The older commentators and herbalists are by no means satisfied that it was the Rhodiola Rosea, or rosewood; but the later authorities are pretty much agreed upon this point. See Sprengel (in Dioscor. iv, 45) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 631). Dioscorides merely recommends it along with valerian as an application to the forehead and temple in cephalalgia. The other authorities, like Paulus, are content with barely stating its general characters.
Mala Punica, Pomegranates; the prevailing quality of all the species of them is an astringent power, by which they act as refrigerants and desiccants. But the sweet have this property in a less degree than the others. The austere are more refrigerant, but are of a drier nature and stomachic. Those which are acid are cooling in a greater degree, but have also something incisive in their nature. The kernels are more astringent and desiccative than the juice, but still more so the outer membrane or rind called Malicorium. The flowers called Cytini have similar powers.
Commentary. It is evidently the Punica granatum L. Woodville says, “Hippocrati arbor audit σίδη unde cortex fructus σίδιον.” They frequently occur in the Hippocratic treatises. (De Diæta, ii, &c.) Cytini is generally put for the flowers of the cultivated pomegranate, and balaustia for those of the wild. The bark of the root called malicorium by Celsus was much used. Pliny, like the medical authorities, speaks of them all as being excellent astringents. He recommends them particularly in cæliac affections and hæmoptysis. (H. N. xxiii, 57.) The most interesting of the ancient authorities on this head is Dioscorides, who says of the sweet pomegranate that it engenders heat and flatulence in the stomach, and hence is unsuitable in fevers; and of the acid, that it relieves ardor of the stomach, and is more astringent and diuretic, being unsavoury and styptic; that the vinous has an intermediate nature; that the kernel of the acid pomegranate, when dried in the sun and sprinkled on food and boiled with it, restrains fluxes of the stomach and bowels; that when macerated in rain-water and drunk, it is beneficial in hæmoptysis, and in a hip-bath is suitable in dysentery and other fluxes; and that the expressed juice of the kernels, when boiled and mixed with honey, is suitable to ulcers in the mouth, on the pudendum and anus; for pterygia on the fingers, spreading ulcers, fungus, earache, and complaints in the nose, and more especially those of the acid pomegranate. (i, 141.) He also treats separately of the flowers and the bark, recommending the latter as an anthelminthic medicine. Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of the pomegranate in nearly the same words as Paulus. It would exceed our limits to give a notice of the various cases in which Celsus prescribes this medicine. Suffice it to say, that he calls it stomachic, cooling, and styptic, and recommends the flowers, the bark, and the root for these and various other purposes. For the Arabians see Avicenna (ii, 2, 109, 313); Serapion (De Simpl. 129); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 443); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 499). One of Serapion’s authorities, Ruffus, recommends the acid pomegranate in cardiac disease, and another, Aben Mesue, in cholera and syncope, which attends it. All praise it as a stomachic, more especially in the loss of appetite attending pregnancy, and in vomiting. Rhases and Avicenna say that pomegranate wine relieves intoxication. Both the sweet and the acid are held to be diuretic, but especially the latter. The flesh of the sweet purges yellow bile and strengthens the stomach. They all represent the rind as being anthelminthic. On this use of it, see Book IV, 58, and Pereira (Mat. Med. 1101). It has been a question, by the way, whether the malicorium or σίδιον of the Greeks, was the rind of the fruit or the bark of the root. We used to think it the former, but the examination of a passage in Avicenna (l. c.) has satisfied us that the latter was also sometimes included. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia both the bark of the root and the rind of the fruit are described, the term σίδιον being restricted to the latter.
Rhus Coriaria, Sumach; the fruit and juice of it come principally to be used by physicians, being considerably astringent and desiccative of the third order, but detergent of the second.
Commentary. It is the Rhus Coriaria, or Elm-leaved Sumach. This also was much used as an astringent. Pliny briefly says of it, “vim habet astringendi refrigerandique.” The Arabian writers on husbandry mention that in times of famine bread was sometimes made from sumach. Dioscorides says of it that its leaves are astringent, being applicable in the same cases as acacia. He recommends it in dysentery when given by the mouth, in a lavement and hip-bath, as an injection in cases of purulent discharges from the ears, and for many other practical purposes. He concludes with mentioning that it bears a gum which is put into the holes of carious teeth to relieve pain. (i, 147.) Celsus notices it but once, and then as an application to aphthous ulcerations of the mouth. (vi, 11.) It is mentioned as an astringent medicine and condiment in the Hippocratic treatises. (De Mulieb. and de Liquid. usu.) Galen, and the other Greek authorities after him, merely state its general properties as a medicine. The Arabians treat of it under the name of sumach, which it still retains. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 635); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i. 695); Serapion (De Simpl. 225); Ebn Baithar (ii, 46, 163.)
The Sordes, from copper statues or vessels, in which a considerable quantity of oil has been kept, having also some verdigris, is discutient, moderately desiccative and emollient. It therefore discusses unconcocted phymata. But the sordes in the palestra (which some call paton), has been described under the head of sweat. The sordes in the ears is said to cure whitlows.
Commentary. Sprengel gives a long dissertation on the sordes palestræ. (Ad Dioscor. i, 36.) Suffice it to say in this place that it was collected from the bodies of the wrestlers in the palestra, and consisted of oil, sweat, dust, and any powder used for cleansing the skin. Sprengel, from a passage in the works of Theophrastus (H. P. v, 9), infers that the sordes gymnasiorum were collected from statues made of cedar, but he appears to have overlooked the account of it given by our author, from which it must be obvious that it was collected from statues of copper, or rather of bronze. The sordes balneorum, which is treated of by Dioscorides (i, 34), will be readily understood from the description which we have given in another place (Vol. I, 68), of the preparatory process which the bathers went through before going into the bath. It must have consisted then of human sweat and other impurities extracted from the skin, mixed up with soda, flour of beans, or any other substance used in cleansing the skin by means of the comb (strigil.) Dioscorides says it is heating, emollient, and discutient, and is used as a liniment to fissures and condylomata. These articles are treated of by most of the other authorities. On the sordes palestræ, see in particular Galen. (T. ii, 136, ed. Basil.) For the Arabians see Avicenna (ii, 2, 648), and Serapion (De Simpl. 169).
Sagapenum, Sagapen, is the juice of a sort of ferula, being hot and attenuate. It is also somewhat detergent, so as to agree with cicatrices in the eyes and suffusions.
Commentary. It has never been disputed, as far as we are aware, that the ancient sagapenum was the same substance as the modern. However, it is not even yet well ascertained by what tree it is furnished, but it is generally supposed to be either the Ferula Persica or F. Szowitsiana. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 776). We know no more about it, then, at the present day than what was known of it by Dioscorides, who describes it as being the juice of a plant resembling the ferula, having a smell intermediate between the juice of silphium (assafœtida) and galbanum. He recommends it for various medicinal purposes; for affections of the chest, epilepsy, hysterical convulsions, for promoting menstruation, and destroying the fœtus in utero; as an alexipharmic, and for discussing films on the eyes, cataracts, &c. (iii, 85.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give much the same account of it as our author. Galen says it is the juice of a certain ferula resembling panax. (De Antid. i.) It occurs in the works of Celsus as an ingredient in the famous antidote of Mithridates, and also as an ingredient in one of his collyria. (vi, 6, 24.) For the Arabians see Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Avicenna (ii, 2, 629); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 631); Serapion (192); Ebn Baithar (ii, 37.) They recommend it in a good many more cases than the Greeks do. For example, they all say that it is a gentle laxative. Modern authorities, however, have denied that it is possessed of this property. See Hill (Mat. Med.) Rutty, notwithstanding, seems to agree with the ancients. (Mat. Med. 447.)
Salamandra, Salamander; when burnt its ashes are by some mixed with corrosive medicines and remedies for lepra and scabies.
Commentary. It is the Salamandra terrestris. The story of the salamander’s being proof against the operation of fire is mentioned by Nicander, Aristotle, and Theophrastus; but the truth of it is questioned by Dioscorides. Sprengel remarks that the real fact is, that the salamander is a black ugly lizard, from whose body a cold viscid fluid is secreted, which may be capable of extinguishing a small coal. Agricola says, its body is as cold as ice, and therefore capable of extinguishing a coal. M. l’Abbé Bonnaterre likewise states that the humour which it secretes from its body prevents the operation of coals from affecting it for a short time. (Encycl. Méthod.) Our author borrows his medicinal character of the salamander from Dioscorides, who says it is possessed of septic, ulcerative, and calefacient powers, like cantharides. (ii. 67.) None of the other authorities give any additional information of much interest under this head. The Arabians would appear not to have included it in their Materia Medica.
Sampsuchum (a species of marjoram), is calefacient and desiccative in the third degree. It also consists of subtile parts, and is discutient.
Commentary. Although Galen and our author distinguish the Amaracus from the Sampsuchus, there seems no reason to doubt their identity. See Needham (Ad Geopon. xi, 27); the Synonymes of Dioscor. (iii, 41); and Sprengel (ibid.) Dioscorides describes it (Origanum marjorana) minutely, and says its decoction is drunk with advantage in cases of dropsy, dysuria, and tormina; that its dried leaves, in a cataplasm with honey, remove suggillations; and that in a pessary it is emmenagogue. He also recommends it as an external application to the stings of scorpions, sprains, œdematous swellings, inflammations of the eyes, and as a calefacient ingredient in acopa and malagmata. (Ibid.) Galen and the other Greek authorities treat of it in general terms. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 466); Serapion (c. 286); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 439). They recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks; and also in hemicrania, vertigo, earache, in embrocations and injections. They also speak well of the oil of it as an application in cases of paralysis. The “Thymus Cyprius” of Celsus is set down by C. Bauhin as being the Thymus mastichius; but whether it be any other than the marjoram seems doubtful, although Celsus certainly mentions them as distinct substances. (v, 11.) Compare our account of this article with what Quincy says of the marjoram in the ‘Complete English Dispensatory’ (60.)
Sandaracha, Red Arsenic, is possessed of caustic powers like orpiment.
Commentary. That it was the sub-species of sulphuret of arsenic, called realgar, namely, “the red orpiment” of Jameson, can admit of no question. In our Appendix to this section, we shall have something to say relative to the sandaracha of the Arabians. Dioscorides says it has the same general powers as arsenic (yellow orpiment), and recommends it externally in alopecia, leprosy, phthiriasis, hard boils, ulcers in the nose and mouth, other exanthemata and condylomata; and also internally in cases of empyema with mulse; in fumigations with resin in chronic cough, when its steam is inhaled into the mouth by means of a syphon. He concludes by saying of it, that in a linctus with honey it clears the voice, and along with dry pitch makes an excellent pill for asthmatics. (v, 121.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius give but a very brief and general account of it. Celsus places it in his lists of cleansing and corroding substances (v, 5, 6), and often prescribes it as a septic and caustic application. Avicenna treats of the white, the yellow, and the red arsenic in the same chapter. What he says of the last, or realgar, is taken from Dioscorides. (ii, 2, 48.) Serapion also treats of the yellow and red arsenic in the same chapter, and merely gives extracts under this head from Dioscorides and Galen. See further Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 610); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 43); Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 48, 503); Ebn Baithar (i, 527.) The last of these gives an interesting description of three kinds of arsenic, namely, the yellow, the red, and the white. The red of course is the article now under consideration. He says of the yellow and red, that when calcined they become white, and when melted with a certain red ore lose their disagreeable smell. The white is said to be a mortal poison. The yellow and the red he recommends in phagedænic sores of the mouth and nose and elsewhere, and as an inhalation in asthma and orthopnœa.
Sandyx, or Siricon, consists of subtile parts, and has desiccative powers, but not heating.
Commentary. Galen says that when ceruse is burnt, that is to say, calcined, it becomes sandyx. (De Simpl. ix.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxxv, 23.) He calls it burnt ceruse mixed with an equal proportion of rubrica. See also Alston and Sprengel. Dioscorides treats of it under the same head as ceruse, and describes the process by which the latter is converted into sandyx. The Arabian authorities, in like manner, treat of it along with ceruse. See Serapion (c. 378); Avicenna (ii, 2, 117.) From what has been said, then, it will be readily seen that it was merely a peculiar preparation of ceruse.
Caries lignorum, Carious Wood, and especially that of the elm, cleanses and fills humid ulcers.
Commentary. Our author’s account of the Caries or Rot of wood is taken from Dioscorides, who recommends it in the same cases as Carbo ligni is now applied, namely, to ulcers, but more especially spreading ulcers. (i, 143.) It is the Lignorum marcor of the Arabians, who recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 617); Serapion (c. 48.)
Sapo, Soap, is possessed of detergent powers.
Commentary. The first author, we believe, who makes mention of Soap is Pliny. He calls it an invention of the Gauls. It is made, he says, of suet and ashes. (H. N. xxviii, 51.) Aretæus likewise calls it a Gallic composition, prepared from soda, and used for cleansing clothes. He recommends it as an application to the skin in elephantiasis. (De Curat. Morb. Chron. ii, 13.) Serapion praises it as an application to abscesses. The only Greek authority which he quotes under this head is Paulus. (De Simpl. 368.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 650); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 609, ii, 628); and Ebn Baithar (ii, 119.) One of Baithar’s Arabian authorities commends soap in leprosy and scabies; also in favus and the cutaneous diseases of the scalp. Ebn Baithar further gives a very curious account of the process of dyeing the beard by means of a mixture of soap and sandyx. This was a very ancient use of soap, and is frequently alluded to by the classical authors. (Ovid. Ars. Amand. iii, 163.) This subject is treated of very ingeniously by Beckmann in his ‘History of Inventions.’ The author, however, is mistaken in supposing that there is no mention of soap in the works of Galen, with the exception of that work ‘De Simplicibus,’ universally admitted to be spurious, whereas Galen frequently makes mention of it in works about the authenticity of which there has never been any question. As for example, (Meth. Med. viii); (De Comp. med. sec. loc. T. ii, 225.) In the latter passage he makes distinct mention of Gallic soap.
Sarcocolla, is the tear of a Persian tree, being emplastic and desiccative without pungency, and therefore it agglutinates wounds.
Commentary. There is not, we presume, the slightest reason to doubt that the ancient Sarcocol was the same as the modern, namely, the gum of the Penæa Sarcocolla. Dioscorides mentions only its external use in agglutinating wounds and restraining defluxions on the eyes. (iii, 89.) The Greeks confined the use of it to external applications; but the Arabians sometimes administered it internally as a purge. Thus Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna say that it purges crude humours and gross phlegm, especially from the joints. They recommend it with honey as an application in diseases of the ear. They say it corrodes putrid flesh, and heals recent wounds, and restores parts that are distorted. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 592); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 617); Serapion (c. 15.) Even as late as the time of Dr. Lewis the sarcocol was still retained in our English Dispensatory with the characters assigned to it by the Greeks and Arabians. Of late years it has been entirely omitted.
Saxifraga, Saxifrage, is diuretic and lithontriptic.
Commentary. There has been great diversity of opinion respecting it, as Sprengel has shown in a very learned dissertation. (Ad Dioscor. iv, 15.) It is, therefore, by no means certain that it is the Pimpinella Saxifraga, but we incline to this opinion. Apuleius says that it is lithontriptic, and indeed it appears to have derived its name from this real or supposed property. The chapter of Dioscorides on it is of doubtful authenticity. It is not contained in Galen’s work on Simples. We doubt also if it is to be found in the works of the Arabians. Not many years ago the Burnet saxifrage held a place in the Dispensatory with the character of possessing the virtues ascribed to this article by the ancients. See Quincy (147.)
Satyrion, or Trifolium, is of a humid and hot temperament, and flatulent; hence it is a provocative to venery. Some say that it cures opisthotonos when drunk with austere wine; but Galen, in his treatise ‘De Theriaca,’ says, that the trifolium, which is like the hyacinth, when it becomes pregnant with the spring, has a seed like the wild cnicus, and that when the decoction of it is poured upon the bite of the phalangium or viper it cures the same; but when applied to a sound part, he says, that it induces an affection similar to that of those who have been bitten by one of those creatures.
Commentary. It is very difficult to determine; and it would be useless to mention the variety of conjectures which have been advanced respecting it. Sprengel inclines to think that it was a species of tulip, and suggests that it probably was the Tulipa Gesneriana. This is the species which Dioscorides further distinguishes by the name of Trifolium. The other named by him Erythronium is probably the Erythronium Dens Canis. What confirms this conjecture very much is, the circumstance that the Dens Canis is still reputed to be aphrodisiac, as the Erythronium is reported to be by Dioscorides. (iii, 134.) See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 204.) Galen gives nearly the same account of it as our author. The Arabians scarcely appear to distinguish it properly from the orchis, but otherwise they give the same characters of these plants as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 706, 707); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 7, 14.)
Lacerta, the Lizard; the liver and head have been treated of in their proper places. When an entire one has been cut in pieces and applied, it cures persons bitten by scorpions.
Commentary. It seems not unlikely that it may have been the Lacerta Gecko. See the translation of Ebn Baithar by Sontheimer (ii, 3), where the chapter of Dioscorides on the Saura, is arranged under this head, along with another to the same effect from Avicenna. Dioscorides, and indeed all the authorities who treat of it, recommend it for the bites of scorpions. Pliny recommends it in complaints of the eyes. (H. N. xxix, 38.) The Arabians recommend it in the same cases as the Greeks, and also say of it, that its liver soothes the pains of toothache, and that its urine and blood are useful in the ruptures of children. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 639.) In the East it is still used medicinally. Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 276.)
Apium, Parsley, is hot to such a degree that it promotes the urinary and menstrual discharges. It is also carminative and especially the seed of it.
Commentary. There seems little or no doubt that it is the Common Parsley, namely, Apium petroselinum, which long held a place in our Dispensatory, and retained in it its ancient characters. Dioscorides recommends it in a great many cases; for inflammations of the eyes in cataplasms; for heat of the stomach; as a diuretic and antidote to venomous animals; and for various other medicinal purposes. (iii, 77.) Galen and the other Greek authorities merely state its virtues in general terms. The Arabians treat of it under Apium, not distinguishing it very accurately from its congeners. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 55); Serapion (c. 290); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 69.)
Seris, Endive, is a bitterish potherb, being considerably refrigerant and diluent. It has also some astringency.
Commentary. It comprehends the Cichorium Intybus and the C. Endivia. It is now known by the names of the Endive, or Garden Succory. We have treated of it as an article of food in the First Book, and as a medicine it is not deserving of much notice, after what we have said of its congener under the head of Cichorium. It was generally held to be a good hepatic medicine. See Dioscorides (ii, 125); Galen (De Simpl.); Avicenna (ii, 2, 229); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i. 266.)