Halimon consists of heterogeneous particles, being saltish and sub-astringent. But the greater part of it is of a hot temperament, with an undigested sap. It therefore promotes the formation of milk and semen.
Commentary. Our author abridges the characters of this substance, which probably is the Atriplex Halimus, from Galen or Dioscorides (i, 126.) It is the sea-purslane of our English herbalists. For the Arabians, see particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 470.)
Alcæa, Vervain-mallow, is a species of wild mallows. When drunk with wine it removes dysenteries and gnawing pains of the belly, more particularly its root.
Commentary. All the authorities agree in giving this article, which evidently is the Malva Alcæa, Vervain-mallow, the general characters of the mallow. See particularly Dioscorides (iii, 154.) It does not occur in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor, as far as we know, in those of the Arabians.
Alcyonia; they are detergent and discutient of all matters, being possessed of an acrid quality; but the kind called milesium (it is vermiform and purple) is the best: wherefore, when burnt, it cures alopecia, and cleanses lichen and alphos. That which has a smooth surface is most acrid, proving not only detergent, but likewise excoriating; but that which resembles unwashed wool is the weakest of all.
Commentary. For an account of the alcyonia, see Aristot. (Hist. Anim. ix, 15); Pliny (N. H. x, 47, and xxxii, 27.) According to Sprengel, the A. consisted of the bones of fishes which the kingfishers had swallowed and vomited up. The term, however, was also applied to a kind of zoophytes, five species of which are described by Dioscorides and Pliny. The 1st species is the Alcyonium cotoneum, Pall.; the 2d, the A. papillosum; the 3d, the A. palmatum; the 4th, the Spongia stuposa, Ellis, or Spongia panicea, Pall.; and the 5th, the A. aurantium, Pall. (Mat. Med. v, 135.) Geoffroy says that the alcyonia “are of a substance much like gum tragacanth, and when mixed in broth of warm milk they swell and make a rich soup.” The zoophytes called alcyonia are a kind of spongy substances, containing a sort of living jelly in their interior. Our author abridges Dioscorides’ account of the alcyonia, as likewise do Avicenna (ii, 2, 605) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 1, 677.) Celsus prescribes it several times as a corrosive, caustic, and cleansing medicine. (v, 6, 7, 18.) We believe it does not occur in the Hippocratic treatises.
Muria, Brine; that which is unmixed with other matter has properties like salts, only weaker from the mixture with water. But the brine of pickled fish and of pickled olives is possessed of very detergent powers, and therefore is injected in ischiatic and dysenteric complaints.
Commentary. Regarding the nature of this article, there can be no doubt. Galen recommends the brine from pickled fish as a wash for putrid ulcers both of the mouth and rectum. Dioscorides, in addition, recommends it for such cases as sea-water is useful in, when poured upon the part. (v, 126.)
Aloe, Aloes, is heating in the first degree, and desiccative in the third. It is stomachic, detergent, discutient, and eccoprotic. When washed it is less detergent, but more stomachic; it is anti-inflammatory, and promotes the cicatrization of ulcers, especially those about the anus and pudendum.
Commentary. Dioscorides is the first author who gives a distinct account of this important article. He describes two varieties of the juice (gum-resin), namely, the arenaceous and the hepatic. He says that it closes up the mouths of veins in hemorrhoids; but, according to Avicenna and Mesue, it produces the contrary effect. Hence, says Mesue, it is hurtful in hemorrhoids and affections of the fundament. (De Simpl. i.) Galen properly remarks that it is at the same time stomachic and eccoprotic. Didymus mentions the hepatic aloe (Geopon. vi, 6), as do several of the medical authorities. It is marked by Dr. Pereira as being the Aloe hepatica vera and Aloe indica (Ph. Ed.), being the liver-coloured socotorine aloe. That is to say, the hepatic is merely a variety of the socotorine aloe. See also Dr. Royle (M. M. 598.) Isidorus says of aloes: “In India et Arabia gignitur, arbor odoris suavissimi et summi.” (Orig.) Averrhoes says it is an excellent purgative which evacuates the stomach and liver. He commends it as an application to apostemes. (Collig. v, 42.) Aloe was used in stimulant applications to ill-conditioned sores. See Aëtius. Avicenna forbids us to administer it during the prevalence of severe cold. (ii, 2, 64.) It was used in eye-washes (Cels. vi), as it is by the native doctors in India to this day. (Ainslie’s Mat. Ind. i, 10.) The aloe is not found in the Materia Medica of Hippocrates.
Flos salis, the Flower of Salt, is a humid medicine, consisting of more subtile particles than burnt salts, and is moderately acrid and discutient.
Spuma maris; this is a frothy efflorescence of salts, but consists of more subtile particles than salts, and discusses more, but contracts less.
Commentary. (Ἁλὸς ἄνθος and Ἁλὸς ἄχνη, see Ἃλες.)
Alsine, or Auricula muris, Chickweed, has powers like the pellitory of the wall, namely, cold and diluent. Wherefore it is applicable to hot inflammations.
Commentary. This has been generally set down as the Stellaria media, but doubtfully. Dioscorides describes it as a Myosotis. (ii, 214.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxvii, 8), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 18.)
Our old herbalists give a confused account of the chickweed. In fact, this is one of the articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients which we must set down as lost, from our inability to determine what it was. It seems to have been looked upon by the Arabians as an important article. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 18); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 99.) Like our author, they copy closely from Dioscorides. We have not detected it in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. It does not occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Alypon; the seed of it purges black bile downwards when taken in the same quantity as dodder of thyme, with salts and vinegar; but it occasions slight ulceration of the intestines.
Commentary. Many of the older commentators supposed this to be the plant which produces turbit, but we shall have occasion to discuss this question when treating of the additions to the Materia Medica made by the Arabians. What this article really was is very uncertain. Pliny and all the medical authorities mention its purgative powers. See in particular Dioscorides (iv, 177), from whom our author evidently copies.
Alysson, Madwort, is so called because it is of use to those who have been bitten by mad dogs. Being possessed of discutient, detergent, and desiccative powers, it removes obstructions of the kidneys, and cleanses ephelis.
Commentary. It was supposed by the earlier herbalists and commentators that the A. of Galen is a different substance from that of Dioscorides. The former (which is also our author’s) is a species of horehound, to which the herbalists give the distinctive name of Galen’s madwort. It is the Marrubium Alyssum. That of Dioscorides has been conjectured to have been some species of Veronica, but, in fact, there is no certainty on this point, and we must own our inability to perceive the difference between it and the A. of Galen. Dioscorides recommends his plant in ephelis and hydrophobia, (iii, 95.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 26.)
Vulpes, the Fox; the whole animal, if boiled alive or dead, renders the oil discutient, when it attracts the deep-seated fluids to the surface. Wherefore, when arthritic patients are put into a hip-bath of this oil for a considerable time it removes the complaint entirely, if at its commencement, and moderates it if protracted.
Commentary. Galen and Serapion give nearly the same account of the medicinal properties of the Canis vulpes as our author.
Amaracus, Marjoram; it is calefacient in the third degree, and desiccative in the second.
Commentary. That it was some species of marjoram appears quite certain from the ancient descriptions of it; but, otherwise, it cannot be satisfactorily determined. Most probably, it was the same as the sampsuchus, namely, the Origanum Marjorana. Dioscorides strongly recommends the ointment as an emmenagogue, and for various other purposes. (i, 78.) For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 466); Serapion (c. 286); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 439.)
Amarantum, Amaranth, is attenuant and incisive, and therefore when taken with wine it promotes the menstrual discharge, and dissolves coagulated blood when taken with wine and honey. It dries up all defluxions, and is bad for the stomach.
Commentary. The old herbalists describe a plant under the English name of Flower-gentle, which they represent to be this article, but it cannot be satisfactorily determined. Our author borrows from Galen and Aëtius his account of its medicinal properties, which certainly appears rather contradictory. How a plant, which they represent as being of a drying nature, should at the same time act as an emmenagogue, does not well appear. Our English herbalist Gerarde sagaciously remarks that it has probably got the character of stopping bleeding solely from its ears being red, as if, forsooth, all red things must act in this way; although, as he adds, Galen had laid it down as a rule (Simpl. 2, 4) that no inference with regard to the virtues of substances can be drawn from their colours. But see under helicrysus, which Dioscorides holds to be the same plant.
Ambrosia; when applied as a cataplasm it has astringent and repellent powers.
Commentary. Ambrosia, as Pliny remarks (H. N. xxvii, 11), is a vague name which has been applied to various plants. Our old herbalists describe a plant under the English name of Oak of Cappadocia, which they represent as the A. of Dioscorides. He gives it the same medicinal character as our author (iii.) Galen and Aëtius do the same. It probably is the Ambrosia maritima, a plant not yet wholly unknown to the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. p. 70.) We have not found it described by any of the Arabians except Ebn Baithar (i, 80.)
Ammi, Bishop’s Weed, is of the third order of calefacients and desiccants, being composed of subtile particles, discutient and diuretic; but the seed of it is particularly useful.
Commentary. The Ammi copticum, or Bishop’s weed, has long held a place in the Materia Medica, and yet it is now scarcely recognized. See Dioscorides (iii, 63); Galen (De Simpl. v); Avicenna (ii, 2, 60); Serapion (c. 297.) It is now ranked as one of the four lesser hot seeds, and is held to be attenuant, aperient, and carminative. In a word, all the authorities, ancient and modern, agree in giving it the characters bestowed upon it by Dioscorides and Galen.
Lapis Amiantus, is formed in Cyprus, being like stone-alum, and is so called because when put into the fire it is not burnt. Some use it in desiccative depilatories.
Commentary. This is generally confounded with the Alumen plumosum, with which it is compared by Dioscorides, but it is in fact a different substance, being a variety of asbestus. Dioscorides does not mention any medicinal properties of which it is possessed, but states that garments were made out of it, which resisted the force of fire. (M. M. v, 155.) See also Pliny (H. N. xix, 4.)
Arena, Sand; that on the sea-shore is sufficiently desiccative. Wherefore when heated by the sun it dries up all humid bodies which have been buried in it; and when roasted it forms a dry fomentation instead of millet or salts.
Commentary. The Sand of the Sea-shore. We have often had occasion, in the course of this work, to mention the use of heated sand as a dry fomentation.
Ammoniacum thymiama, Ammoniac Perfume, is a juice of intense emollient powers, so as to dissolve scirrhous tumours and tofi.
Commentary. Dioscorides describes the ammoniac as being the juice of a Ferula growing near Cyrene, and mentions afterwards that an inferior kind is also obtained from a tree of the reed tribe in Lybia, near Ammon. The reed which produces the better kind is now called the Ferula tingitana. Whether the inferior kind be the commercial ammoniacum of the present day, which is procured from the Dorema ammoniacum, does not appear certain. Dr. Hill holds that the ancients were acquainted with the two kinds which we have. In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia it is questioned whether it is the product of the Heracleum gummiferum, or Ferula orientalis. The thymiama, or suffimentum, was the finest kind of ammoniac, and was so called from being used in religious rites. Dioscorides recommends ammoniac for many medicinal purposes, both internally and externally; as for loosening the bowels when taken in a draught; for asthma and other affections of the chest when given as a linctus with honey; for indurations of the spleen and liver when applied in the form of a cataplasm; and for nebulæ of the cornea. (iii, 88.) Galen gives nearly the same characters of it. Serapion quotes Dioscorides and Galen, and adds a few other particulars of not much importance from Arabian authorities, such as that it is diuretic and emmenagogue, and expels humours from the body. (c. 268.) Rhases, Avicenna, Ebn Baithar, and Haly Abbas supply no additional information of any interest under this head. Averrhoes commends it as a medicine which softens and dissolves hard tumours. (Collig. v, 42.)
Amurca, the Lees of Oil, is of the second order of intensely calefacient, and desiccative medicines. By these means it cures ulcers in dry bodies, but increases and exasperates those in others.
Commentary. The amurca, as Dioscorides states, is the sediment of strained oil. Celsus mentions it often as a strong external application, in which form it is greatly commended by Dioscorides in various affections. He says it is an article in collyria and plasters. He also speaks of its being used as an injection into the rectum, the urethra, and the vagina, in diseases of these parts.
Ampeloprasum, Vine-leek, being a species of wild leek, is most acrid and hot according to the last degree: hence it proves deleterious. It is incisive, deobstruent, and hurtful to the stomach.
Commentary. The Allium Ampeloprasum L. is recommended by Dioscorides as being more powerfully calefacient and emmenagogue than the leek (Allium Porrum); and when given in food, beneficial to persons stung by venomous animals. Our author follows Galen.
Vitis sylvestris, the Wild Vine; its grapes and tops are possessed of detergent powers, but have also some astringency. The powers of the cultivated vine are like those of the wild, but weaker. The shoots of the white vine (called also bryonia and psilothrum) are eaten as stomachics, and prove diuretic. The root is detergent, attenuant, and moderately hot. Wherefore it melts down the spleen when drunk or applied externally as a cataplasm with figs; and it cures itch and leprosy. The black vine, also called bryony, is like the aforementioned, only weaker.
Commentary. The wild vine is evidently the Tamus communis; the white the Bryonia dioica; and the black the Bryonia alba. Gerarde, our old herbalist, says that the reason why the bryony and the wild vine are confounded together, is that Pliny could not sufficiently expound them (xxiii, 1), and made them all one, in which error are all the Arabians. Dioscorides treats of them at considerable length, and more especially of the white, which he commends in the strongest terms, as an application to malignant and ill-conditioned sores. (iv, 180.) He and Oribasius take notice of its purgative powers. Our modern herbalists and older writers on the Materia Medica, all treat of the bryonies in the same terms as the ancient authorities. See Bryonia.
Amygdalæ, Almonds; the bitter are possessed of powers which are attenuant and deobstruent of deep-seated viscid and thick humours, and detergent of those lodged in the skin. The wood has the same powers. The sweet are moderately hot.
Commentary. Respecting this article there can be no difference of opinion. Plutarch and many of the ancient authorities take notice of the powers of almonds in resisting intoxication. Dioscorides states that a cataplasm formed from almonds, with vinegar or rose oil, and applied to the forehead or temples relieves headache. Taken internally, he says, they are laxative, soporific, and diuretic. (i, 186.) Serapion gives nearly the same account of them. (c. 82.) Dioscorides greatly commends almond oil as a demulcent in various complaints, such as pains, inflammation, and displacement of the uterus, also in headache and earache, in nephritic, calculous, and other diseases. (i, 38.) Avicenna gives it the same character, and otherwise enlarges very fully in recapitulating the virtues of almonds. As an article of food, he says, bitter almonds are stomachic, and sweet almonds are fattening. He recommends them as an application to herpes and other diseases of the skin. Bitter almonds he speaks highly of in obstructions of the kidneys. Altogether the account which he gives of this article is most interesting. (ii, 257.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 45); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The latter recommends them as powerful deobstruents of the liver.
Amylum, Starch, is formed from clean wheat moistened with water during the heat of the dog-days, which water is to be poured off five times in the day. When it becomes very soft, it is to be strained and the water poured off, and the bran separated; and it is to be dried quickly in the sun before it become sour. Its powers are moderately cooling, desiccant, and emollient of acrid humours.
Commentary. Our author’s account of the mode of preparing starch is mostly taken from Dioscorides (ii, 123.) Pliny describes the process in nearly the same terms. He says, it may be prepared from wheat or spelt. (H. N. xxviii, 17.) He calls it astringent, and recommends it in hæmoptysis. Serapion also recommends it in this complaint. (c. 29.) Celsus ranks it among the “res boni succi.” (ii, 20.) It is mentioned by Hippocrates, who recommends it as an application to the mouth of the womb. (De Mulieb. ii.)
Amomum; its powers are like those of the sweet-flag; but the former is the drier, and the latter more digestive.
Commentary. For the general literature of this subject, we would beg to refer to what we have said in the Appendix to the Greek Lexicon. Notwithstanding all the illustration which it has received, it must be admitted that now we have no practical acquaintance with the article in question, unless we agree with Dr. Pereira in setting it down as the Amomum Cardamomum. This opinion, however, which had been previously stated by Feæus (Flor. Virg. xvi, 199), is controverted by the learned Sprengel. (ad Dioscor. i, 14.) But still if the cardamom be not exactly the amomum of the ancients, there can be no doubt that these two substances must have been very similar to one another. Dioscorides treats more fully of this article than Galen, Aëtius, Oribasius, or our author, describing it as being calefacient, astringent, desiccative, soporific, and anodyne when applied in a plaster to the forehead, and stating that it ripens and discusses boils and meliceris, proves useful to persons stung by scorpions, in a cataplasm with basil; relieves gouty persons, soothes inflammations of the eyes, and those in the bowels, with raisins; that it is useful in female complaints, in the form of a hip-bath, and that the decoction of it is fitting in cases of nephritis, hepatitis, and gout. (i, 14.) Serapion quotes the descriptions of it given by Dioscorides and Galen, and adds, upon the authority of Humaim, the son of Isaac, that it is possessed of inebriating and soporific powers. (c. 279.) Avicenna’s account of it is made up from Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion (ii, 251.) Haly Abbas recommends the decoction of it (hamama) in diseases of the liver and kidneys. Celsus includes both the amomum and cardamomum (which, by the way, seems decidedly to prove that they were not exactly the same thing) among the ingredients of an emollient plaster (malagma) which he describes, and which he recommends as an excellent application to abscesses, and various schirrous tumours. (v, 18, 7.) It does not occur, we believe, in the Materia Medica of Hippocrates; at least we have failed to detect it while writing this article.
Anagallis, Pimpernel; both kinds are of sufficiently detergent powers, having some hottish and attractive properties, so that they extract thorns; and the juice of it purges by the nose.
Commentary. These two well-known plants, namely, the Anagallis arvensis and cærulea, are included in all the ancient lists of medicinal herbs, and were only of late excluded from our British Pharmacopœias. All the authorities, ancient and modern, give them the same characters as Dioscorides, to whom our author is principally indebted. (ii, 209.) He says they are useful in diseases of the kidneys and liver. (l. c.) The anagallis does not occur in the works of Celsus. For the Arabians, see Serapion (c. 155); Avicenna (ii, 2, 32.) They all copy from Dioscorides and Galen. Even Ebn Baithar supplies nothing of much consequence. (i, 90.)
Anagyrus, Stinking-bean Trefoil; is a strong-scented and acrid shrub of hot and discutient powers, but the seed consists of more subtile particles, and is emetic.
Commentary. Dioscorides and Pliny recommend the Anagyris fœtida for promoting the pains of labour, and the expulsion of the placenta after delivery. It is curious to remark that our old herbalists ascribe the same virtues to it. It was therefore to our forefathers in the profession what the ergot of rye is to the present generation; being, according to Galen, an acrid, diaphoretic, and heating substance, its action must, in many respects, have resembled the ergot. With the exception of Oribasius, who merely copies Dioscorides, we are not aware of any ancient writer that treats of it, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, and he also merely copies the descriptions of it given by Dioscorides and Galen. Though excluded from our Dispensatory, this article is not wholly unknown to the shops. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharm. 93.)
Portulaca, Purslain, is cooling in the third degree, but humectates in the second; and by these powers it relieves heat of the stomach when applied to the abdomen, and dispels defluxions. By its viscidity it smooths the teeth when set on edge by acids; and by its astringency it relieves dysentery and hemorrhages.
Commentary. Aëtius, like our author, describes the purslane (Portulaca oleracea) as a cooling and sub-astringent herb. Both he and our author copy from Galen, who writes earnestly in commendation of this plant, which retained its place in our English Dispensatories down to a late date. Dioscorides likewise writes fully on its virtues, recommending it as a cooling and astringent medicine, externally, in pains of the head, inflammations of the eyes &c., and internally, for inflammations of the bowels, intestinal worms, hæmoptysis, hemorrhoids, and various other cases. (ii, 150.) Celsus also calls it an astringent and cooling herb. (ii.) For the Arabians, see Serapion (c. 349); Avicenna (ii, 2, 534); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 563); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) They treat of it in nearly the same terms as the Greeks.
Androsæmum, Tutsan, or Park-leaves, (or St. John’s wort?); there are two varieties of it, the one of which is called ascyrron and ascyrroides, being a species of hypericon, but the other is named dionysias. Their fruit is purgative, but their leaves more desiccant.
Commentary. Our Tutsan or Park-leaves has been generally set down as this plant, but Sibthorp, who viewed the plants of classic lands on the spot, inclines to the Hypericum ciliatum. The truth of the matter we believe to be that as the Hypericum is a numerous genus, and the species have a close resemblance to one another, they were often confounded together by the older authorities. Both Culpeper the herbalist and Rutty have expressed their wonder that so important an article as the androsæmum should have been lost sight of in recent times. Pliny, and all the medical authorities, recommend it strongly as an application to burns and ulcers, and ascribe cholagogue powers to it when administered internally. See Dioscorides (iii, 163); Galen (De Simpl. v); Aëtius (i); Oribasius (Med. Coll. xiii); Ebn Baithar (ii, 579); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 59.) The last two merely give extracts from Dioscorides and Galen.
Androsaces, is a bitter and acrid herb, discutient and desiccative. It and its fruit, when drunk, are diuretic.
Commentary. This is a Syrian plant, which, although both Matthiolus and Gerarde pretend to give figures of it, has never been satisfactorily determined. Serapion and Avicenna have completely omitted treating of it, and Rhases merely says of the androsafes, by which he probably meant the androsaces, that it is decidedly heating with moderate astringency. (Cont. l. ult.) Our author seems to copy from Dioscorides (iii, 140.)
Anemone, Wind-flower; all the varieties of it have powers which are acrid, detergent, epispastic, and open the mouths of vessels: whence they increase phlegm, remove leprosy when applied, and attract milk.
Commentary. The wind-flowers, so celebrated in ancient poetry, being a numerous genus, there has been some difficulty in determining exactly the species described by Dioscorides. He mentions two, the cultivated and the wild, and divides each into two varieties, according to the difference of colour in their flowers. The former may be set down as the A. coronaria, and the other as the A. nemorosa. The latter only is indigenous in this country, but the other is commonly cultivated in gardens. He recommends them principally as external applications, as for foul ulcers, in collyria for inflammation of the eyes, and in pessaries to promote menstruation. (ii, 207.) Galen and the succeeding authorities follow him. The anemone is not to be found in Celsus. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 2, 655); Serapion (c. 72); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 48); Ebn Baithar (ii, 100.) They do little more than copy from Dioscorides. The A. pratensis occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (132.)
Anethum, Dill; it warms in the second degree intensely, and dries in nearly the same degree. When boiled in oil it is diaphoretic, anodyne, and soporific; and concocts crude swellings. But when burnt it becomes of the third order of heating and drying medicines, and is useful when sprinkled upon foul ulcers. But the green is more humid, and less hot and digestive.
Commentary. Our author condenses and abridges the account of the dill (Anethum graveolens) given by Galen. Dioscorides, in his usual empirical style, recommends it for various purposes, such as promoting the flow of milk, stopping slight vomiting, opening the bowels, increasing the urine, proving useful to hysterical women in a hip-bath, and so forth. (iii, 60.) The Arabians as usual copy from both. See Avicenna. (ii, 2, 69.)
Anthyllis; there are two varieties, both of which are desiccant applications to ulcers; but that resembling the ground-pine consists of more subtile particles, so as to be beneficial in epileptic cases. It is also more detergent.
Commentary. The former species, which Dioscorides describes and recommends for the cure of wounds, we would willingly refer to the Anthyllis vulneraria, but the predominance of authority is against it, and in favour of the Cressa cretica. The other is probably the Ajuga Iva. Avicenna joins Dioscorides in commending it as a vulnerary herb (ii, 2, 744), for which virtue the anthyllis was long celebrated, as its scientific name implies.
Anisum, Anise; the seed is particularly acrid, eating, and drying in the third degree. Hence it is diuretic and dispels flatus.
Commentary. Serapion and Avicenna, like the Greek authorities, call the Pimpinella anisum diuretic and emmenagogue. It is now reckoned the first of the four hot seeds, the other three being carui, cumin, and fennel.
Antirrinon, or Anarrinon, Snapdragon, has properties resembling those of the bubonium, but weaker, whence you may learn its properties.
Commentary. Galen writes of this article, Antirrinum Orontium, or Calfsnout, as being of no use in medicine. (De Simpl. v.) Dioscorides, also, mentions it only as an amulet and external application. (iv, 131.) It is scarcely noticed by the other authorities. According to Pliny, it is emmenagogue. Serapion has omitted it.
Anonis, or Ononis, Rest-harrow, has heating powers, especially in its root. Its juice, when drunk with wine, promotes the secretion of urine, is lithontriptic, breaks eschars, and soothes pains of the teeth.
Commentary. Our author abridges his account of the Ononis antiquorum from Galen. All in fact borrow from Dioscorides, who further mentions of it, that it was sometimes used as a pickle. (iii, 18.) It would appear to be the Onobes of Rhases (Cont. i, 520), who gives the characters of it from Galen. Serapion and Avicenna have omitted it. Modern authorities enumerate it among the five aperient roots. It is only of late years that it has been expelled from our Pharmacopœias. Even yet it is not wholly unknown to our apothecaries. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. p. 94.) Two species of the Anonis, the antiquorum and spinosa, occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (p. 119.)
Lappa, Cleavers (which some call philanthropon, others omphalocarpon), is moderately detergent and desiccative; it also consists of subtile particles.
Commentary. All the herbalists and best commentators agree that it is the Galium aparine. (See Gerarde, Sprengel, and others.) According to Dioscorides a decoction of its leaves is useful to persons bitten by phalangia and vipers, when drunk with wine; an injection of the same into the ears cures earache; and when mixed up with axunge it discusses scrofulous tumours. Galen and the subsequent authorities seem to attach less importance to it. (iii, 94.) We cannot find it in Serapion, Rhases, Avicenna, nor Haly Abbas; but it is treated of by all our older herbalists, and has found a place in many modern pharmacopœias. It is not contained, however, in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Pyrum, the Pear, is unequal as to temperament, consisting partly of terrene and partly of watery matter. When eaten, therefore, it is stomachic, and quenches thirst. When applied as a cataplasm it dries and cools moderately.
Commentary. Our author copies the characters of the Pyrus communis from Galen and Aëtius. We have treated of it as an article of food in the First Book. Both Dioscorides and Pliny make mention of perry. Dioscorides says, that pears prove prejudicial to hungry persons when eaten. (i, 167.)
Brassica canina, Dog’s-bane; it is also called cynomoron, because it proves quickly fatal to dogs. But it is also deleterious to men, being very fetid and hot, without being desiccant. Hence, when applied externally as a cataplasm it is discutient.
Commentary. Our author borrows his account of this article very closely from Galen. It is clearly a poison rather than a medicine. In fact, it is classed by Schulze among the ancient poisons. (Toxicol. veterum.) Orfila also treats of it among the acrid poisons (p. 82, Eng. ed.) It seems doubtful whether it be the Periploca Græca, as we formerly stated it to be (II, 242); the Cynanchus erectus, as Sprengel supposes; or one of the species of Apocynum. Having no practical acquaintance with these herbs, we cannot pretend to give any decided opinion on the subject.
Apochyma, is the old pitch scraped from ships. It is solvent, desiccant, and discutient of tumours.
Commentary. Dioscorides calls it also Ζωπίσσα. It consists, as he explains, of the wax and pitch of ships which had been macerated in salt water. Pliny says of it, “Zopissam eradi navibus diximus cera marino sale maceratâ. Optima hæc a tirocinio navium. Additur autem in malagmata ad discutiendas collectiones.” (H. N. xxiv, 26.)
Aranea, the Spider, when softened into a plaster, and applied to the forehead and temples, is said by Dioscorides to remove the periodical attacks of tertians. Its web, when applied, stops hemorrhage, and preserves superficial sores from inflammation.
Commentary. Dioscorides describes two species, which probably are the Aranea retiaria, and the Aranea domestica. Serapion gives the same account of their medicinal properties. They appear to have been principally used externally, as an anti-inflammatory application.
Argemone, Prickly Poppy, is possessed of detergent and discutient powers.
Commentary. Of the two species described by Dioscorides, the former, which is the Papaver argemone, is recommended by him in nebulæ and albugo of the eye, and its leaves as a soothing cataplasm for inflammations. The other, which may be the Geum urbanum, or avens, he also recommends principally as an external application in sores and affections of the eyes; but adds of it, that when drunk with wine it is useful in the case of persons stung by venomous animals. (ii, 208.) Galen and the succeeding authorities treat of it more cursorily; and the Arabians would seem not to treat of it at all, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives translations of what Dioscorides and Galen had written of it. (i, 28.)
Arisarum, Friar’s Cowl, is smaller than the wakerobin, but much more acrid; and has a root of the size of an olive.
Commentary. Our herbalists give the name of Friar’s Cowl to this plant, which even they admit to be possessed of insignificant powers. It is the aris of Pliny. (H. N. xxiv, 16.) Its botanical name is Arum arisaron. Dioscorides calls it an acrid medicine, and recommends it solely in collyria. (ii, 198.) The Arabians appear to have confounded it with the arum, under the name of Luf. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 132); and Ebn Baithar (ii, 449.)
Aristolochia, Birthwort; all kinds of it are hot, consist of subtile particles, and are detergent, bitter and subacrid; and are most useful remedies. The round consists of more subtile particles, and is every way more drastic. The clematitis is fragrant but weaker. The long is, in other respects, intermediate between these, but no less hot than the round.
Commentary. Three species of the Birthwort, the Aristolochia longa, rotunda, and clematis, have been described by the authorities from Dioscorides downwards. The first two still retain their places in our Pharmacopœias, but are seldom used. Dioscorides recommends them, especially as uterine medicines, for promoting menstruation, the lochial discharge, and the expulsion of the fœtus. He also says it is useful in affections of the chest, the spleen, and in other diseases. (iii, 4, 5.) The toxicologists from Nicander downwards recommend the birthwort as an antidote to poisons. See also Theophr. (H. P. ix, 15); and Apuleius (De Herbis.) Mesue describes it as being phlegmagogue, cholagogue, and emmenagogue. He also recommends it in a fumigation along with arsenic for asthma. (De Simpl. ii, 27.) Avicenna treats of it at great length, recommending it strongly as an uterine and alexipharmic medicine. (ii, 2, 49.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 77); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Serapion (c. 171); Ebn Baithar, pluries. Pliny describes a fourth species under the name of Pistolochia. Modern authorities confirm the birthwort’s character as to its being powerfully emmenagogue. See Quincy, Lewis, Pereira, and the other writers on the Materia Medica.
Juniperus, the Juniper, heats and dries in the third degree. The fruit is equally calefacient, but desiccant only in the first degree.
Commentary. Dioscorides describes two species of it, the major and the minor, which probably are to be referred to the Juniperus macrocarpa, Sibth., and the J. oxycedrus. He calls them acrid, diuretic, and calefacient, and further recommends them in diseases of the chest, in the hysterical convulsion, and as being alexipharmic. (i, 103.) The other authorities, both Greek and Arabian, copy closely under this head from him. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 359); and Ebn Baithar (ii, 189.) The vernix is a resinous gum, which is procured from the juniper; it is called Sandarax by the Arabians, and is to be carefully distinguished from the sandaracha or sulphuret of arsenic. They recommend it in hæmoptysis. See Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna. Of the juniper, see further under Κέδρος, and appendix under Sandaracha.
Arcium (called also Prosopites); its leaves are like those of the colocynth, but larger and harder. It is discutient and desiccant, and has some stypticity. Wherefore, its leaves cure old sores.
Commentary. The ancient descriptions of this plant seem to point to the burdock, which, however, owing to a confusion of names, has been called the Arctium lappa. Dioscorides recommends it internally in diseases of the chest, and externally as a cataplasm to old ulcers. (iv, 105.) This is the same as the second arctium of Galen, who recommends it in the same cases as Dioscorides. Apuleius, like Dioscorides, says it is useful in cases of strangury. Our old herbalists treat of the virtues of the burdock in the same terms as the Greek and Roman authorities. The Arabians, as far as we can discover, do not treat either of the arcion or the arction, with the exception of Ebn Baithar, who merely gives extracts from Dioscorides and Galen, and seems puzzled to distinguish the two plants from one another. (i, 25.) In the modern Greek Dispensatory both the Arctium bardana and the A. lappa are set down as corresponding to the ἄρκειον.
Arctium, Lappa, is like the verbascum; its roots are tender, white, and sweet: it consists of subtile particles, and is possessed of desiccant and moderately detergent powers.
Commentary. This, which is treated of under the same name by Dioscorides (iii, 104), and is the former arctium of Galen, is probably the Verbascum sanguineum. The description of it given by Galen, at all events, points to some species of the mullein. Both the authorities we have mentioned recommend it as an application to burns and chilblains.
Armeniacum, has detergent properties with a little acrimony, and a small degree of astringency. It is therefore mixed up with ophthalmic medicines, and promotes the growth of the hairs of the eyelids.
Commentary. We shall not enter into the discussion of disputed points respecting this article, further than to state our own opinion, that in all probability it was a native ore of carbonate of copper; but which of the species or sub-species described by modern mineralists the armenium was, we cannot venture to decide. See Cleavland’s Mineralogy (p. 570, &c.) Dioscorides, who treats of it under the name of armenium, (v, 105), compares it to chrysocolla, which it is well ascertained is that species of native carbonate of copper now described under the names of copper green and mountain green. He merely recommends it as a cosmetic when applied to the eyelashes. Serapion confounds this substance with the Lapis armeniacus, (c. 404); but Avicenna accurately distinguishes between them. (ii, 2, 56, 415.)
Arnabo, is one of the aromatics. Hence it is mostly mixed up with ointments, being possessed of hot and dry powers in the third degree, like cassia and carpesium. Hence Posidonius says, that it may be used instead of cinnamon when it is not at hand.
Commentary. This article, which is treated of only by Aëtius (xvi, 113), besides our author, has never been accurately determined. It has been supposed to be the zerumbeth, of which we will have occasion to treat more fully in another place. See the Appendix.
Plantago, Plantain, both cools and dries in the second degree, being composed of a watery and a terrene substance, and having a little astringency; therefore it agrees with malignant ulcers, defluxions, and mortifications; by the symmetry of its temperament it stops hemorrhages, and agrees with most of them. For it is desiccant without being stimulant, and cooling without being narcotic.
Commentary. The greater plantain of Dioscorides was probably the Plantago major, which, in all ages down to the present times, has been so celebrated as a vulnerary herb. Our author’s account of its virtues is taken either from Dioscorides or Galen, for, in the present instance, there is scarcely a shade of difference in opinion between these two authorities. The lesser plantain of Dioscorides is either the lanceolata or maritima, probably the former. (ii, 152.) See Macer Floridus. Avicenna and Serapion copy word for word from Dioscorides and Galen. None of the plantains are mentioned by Hippocrates. Celsus places the “plantago” in the list of substances which are both astringent and cooling. (ii, 33.) None of the species of plantago here described occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia.
Arum, Wakerobin, is of the first order in heating and drying, being formed of a terrene substance that is hot and detergent. Its roots are hotter. But the dracunculus is stronger.
Commentary. We have all along assumed, with our older herbalists, that this is the wakerobin or cuckow-pent, namely, the Arum maculatum L. Pliny and Mesue are the only ancient authors who have noticed its purgative powers. Our author’s account of its faculties is much the same as that given by Dioscorides, Galen, and Oribasius, and its ancient character has been amply confirmed by modern authority. The Arabians treat of it fully, but rather confusedly, under the name of Luf. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 432); Serapion (c. 43); Ebn Baithar (ii, 246.) Even at the present day it is not wholly excluded from the Materia Medica. See Pereira (M. M. p. 811.) We have treated of its congener, the dragon herb, as an article of food, in another place. See Book I, 114.
Arsenic, is possessed of caustic powers. It is used also for depilatories, but if the application be allowed to remain long it affects the skin itself. When burnt its particles become attenuated.
Commentary. There can be no hesitation in deciding that this is the yellow sulphuret of arsenic, commonly called orpiment, the latter term being a corruption of auripigmentum, the Latin name of it. See Celsus (v, 5.) The ancients used this mineral very freely as an external application, and internally by the mouth, in clysters, and in fumigations. Avicenna recommends arsenic with the gum of pine, in the form of a pill, for asthma. He also speaks highly of a potion containing arsenic and honeyed water. He particularly commends arsenic as an application to herpes esthiomenos of the nose. (ii, 2, 48.) Cælius Aurelianus recommends an injection containing arsenic for ascarides. (Tard. Pass. iv, 7). It was freely used in injections for the cure of chronic dysentery. (See Book iii.) Serapion speaks favorably of it in complaints of the eyes. (§ 381.) Servitor says, that sublimed arsenic is a septic and pungent medicine, which removes the fungous flesh of ulcers, and is a depilatory. He describes minutely the process of subliming and whitening it. Avicenna likewise makes mention of white arsenic. Geber also treats of sublimed arsenic, by which it is clear he meant the factitious oxide with which we are now familiar. (iii, 29.)
Artemisia, Mugwort; both varieties are heating in the second degree, and desiccant in the first. They are composed of subtile particles, so that they break down stones in the kidneys, and suit with fumigations of the womb.
Commentary. The three species of the artemisia described by Dioscorides are probably the arborescens, spicata, and campestris. He recommends the artemisia strongly as an emmenagogue, when given internally, in the form of a hip-bath, and as an injection into the vagina. He also makes it to be lithontriptic. (iii, 107, 118.) The same characters are given it by Galen and by Avicenna, whose berengfef it appears to be. (c. 83.) Aëtius and most of the authorities describe only the first two species of the artemisia. Serapion and Avicenna describe under this head an oriental species, which, it is probable, was the Artemisia Judaica. Honain (ap. Avicennam), also describes the A. Indica. The famous Moxa is prepared from the lanugo or downy substance which adheres to the under surface of the leaf of the artemisia. See Barrow’s ‘Travels in China,’ Woodville, Miller, and Pereira. That the artemisia long retained the character which Dioscorides gave it, of possessing powerful virtues as an emmenagogue and a lithontriptic, is evident from what is said of it in the work of Macer Floridus. Except as furnishing the moxa, (and it is now believed to be got from a particular species, the A. moxa) the species of artemisia here treated of are now wholly discarded from the practice of medicine.
Panis, Bread; in a cataplasm it is more discutient than can be accounted for from the properties of wheat, owing to its containing salt and leaven. For the leaven is attractive of the deep-seated humours.
Commentary. We have given some account of the kinds of bread used by the ancients in the 78th sect. of the First Book. Oribasius gives an excellent description of the mode of preparing the bread poultice and its uses. He directs us to dissolve the bread in water until it acquires the consistence of gruel, and then, having added oil or butter to it, to boil it to the proper consistence. He adds, that it is the best of all applications with which he was acquainted for promoting suppuration. His account of the different kinds of cataplasms is most ample and interesting. (Med. Collect.)
Asarum, Asarabacca, has the same powers as the sweet flag, but more intense.
Commentary. This plant, which is certainly the Asarum Europæum, or common Asarabacca, is said by Dioscorides to be diuretic, heating, and emetic, answering well with dropsical cases and chronic sciatica and promoting menstruation; its roots drunk with mulse to the amount of six drachms, he says, purge like white hellebore. (i, 9.) Galen seems to have overlooked the importance of this article, for he is nearly as brief as our author in treating of it; and Aëtius and Oribasius follow him. Serapion, Rhases, and Avicenna recommend it in the same cases as Dioscorides, and also in obstructions of the liver and spleen, and as a stimulant ingredient in collyria. Modern authorities confirm the character of this medicinal article given it by Dioscorides. See Lewis (Mat. Med. i, 178); Rutty (Mat. Med. 43); Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. p. 38.) Although not excluded from our Dispensatories, less attention is now bestowed on the asarabacca than it would seem to deserve. See Royle (M. M. p. 548.) Ipecacuanha has nearly superseded it as an emetic in this country. The asarum is still retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (p. 22.)
Fuligo, the Soot which painters use. It is taken from glassworks, and is possessed of discutient and acrid powers, so as to burn and occasion putrefaction. It cures burns, with rose-cerate.
Commentary. Dioscorides and some of the other authorities mention the Fuligo, or soot of glassworks, in nearly the same terms as Paulus.
Stellio, the Swift; this animal is useless for all other purposes, but they say that it is a good application to persons bitten by a scorpion. It is mixed also with venereal excitants.
Commentary. We have treated of this reptile in the Fifth Book. It is the spotted lizard, Lacerta stellio L. Its aphrodisiacal faculty is alluded to by our author in another place. (B. III, 58.)
Asclepias, Swallow-wort, being hot and dry as to its powers, and consisting of subtile particles, agrees well with tormina when drunk with wine, and in the form of a cataplasm it is a good application to the bites of venomous animals, and malignant ulcers in the uterus and breasts.
Commentary. There appears little reason to doubt that it is the Asclepias vincetoxicum, or Swallow-wort. Our author borrows its medicinal characters from Dioscorides. (iii, 96.) Galen candidly admits, that he had no experience of it as a medicine. Pliny, like Dioscorides and our author, recommends it for the cure of tormina and the bites of serpents. (H. N. xxvii, 18.) Until lately it held a place in our modern Dispensatories, with the characters given it by the ancients. See Quincy (p. 59); Rutty (Mat. Med. p. 44); Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. p. 57.)
Commentary. We have stated under ἀνδρόσαιμον the difficulty there is in distinguishing the different species of Hypericum described by the ancients. We cannot pretend to decide whether the present article be the androsæmum or the perforatum. Dioscorides recommends the ascyrron as an emmenagogue, in sciatica, and as an application to burns. (iii, 163.) The Arabians treat of it only as being identical either with the hypericum or the androsæmum. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 59); Avicenna (ii, 2. 354.)
Aspalathus, Rose-wood, is composed of heterogeneous ingredients, having acrid and astringent powers, and hence it is desiccant. On this account it is useful for mortifications and defluxions.
Commentary. We must not enter into the discussion regarding this article; suffice to say, that we have now arrived at the conclusion that it was either the Lignum rhodium, or a substance so near to it in qualities, that the latter came to be substituted for it. We need scarcely say, that there is great difference of opinion among the botanical authorities what tree or shrub it is which produces the Lignum rhodium. Upon the whole the predominence of evidence is in favour of some species of Cytisus. Dioscorides recommends the aspalathus when boiled in wine as a gargle in aphthæ, as an injection in spreading and impure ulcers of the genital organs (chancres?), in dysuria, flatulence, and other complaints. (i, 19.) Now it will be observed that the distilled oil of Lignum rhodium has been recommended in similar cases by modern authorities. See Moses Charras (Royal Pharmacopœia, Chemical, iii, 1, 24.) The Arabians give the aspalathus the same characters as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 206); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 251.) The aspalathus of Celsus (v, 24) was, no doubt, the same as that of Dioscorides. It is probably the μέλαινα ῥίζα of Hippocrates.
Asparagus, the Rock Asparagus, or Myacanthinus, is detergent, but of a middle temperament as to heat and cold; it is deobstruent of the kidneys and liver, especially its roots and seed. It also cures toothache.
Commentary. See Book I, 75. The medicinal asparagus of the ancients would appear to have been different from our garden asparagus, from the description of its root given by Dioscorides (ii, 151), and yet there seems to have been very little difference between them in properties, since both are used for the same culinary and medicinal purposes; the ancient, we suppose, must have been the A. acutifolius. From Dioscorides down to the present time, the asparagus has been celebrated as being possessed of deobstruent and diuretic powers, and hence it has been given in jaundice, nephritis, and many other diseases of a like kind. Celsus recommends it as a pickle in affections of the spleen. (iv, 9.) It occurs in the Hippocratic collection, and is fully treated of by the Arabians. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 603); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 667.) Symeon Seth, after repeating from Galen that the asparagus acts upon the kidneys and imparts its odour to it, remarks that this need not surprise us, since, by holding a certain herb of a red colour in the hands, the urine is reddened. What herb he alludes to cannot be exactly ascertained. (V. Not. Bogdani.) At all events it is clear from this that the ancients believed in absorption by the cuticle. The Arabians held that it is antiseptic. Casiri (Bibl. Hist. Arab. 337.) The wild asparagus was called Corruda (Cato de R. R.)
Asplenium, Spleenwort, or Ceterach, has the properties of a substance which consists of subtile particles, but is not hot. It therefore breaks down stones and dissolves indurated spleens.
Commentary. The spleenwort, or Asplenium ceterach, held a place in the Materia Medica from the earliest times down to a very recent period. Dioscorides commends it in diseases of the spleen (whence it derives its name), in strangury, jaundice, and calculus. Galen briefly assigns it the same character, which is repeated by Aëtius and Oribasius, as well as by our author, and also by Avicenna (630.) We cannot find it mentioned by Serapion or Rhases. It held a place in our Dispensatory in the time of Lewis. (Materia Medica A.D. 1791.)
Uva passa, the Raisin; the cultivated is possessed of digestive, astringent, and slightly discutient powers; the wild is possessed of strongly acrid, so as to be strongly phlegmagogue and detergent.
Commentary. Dioscorides treats much more fully of the medicinal powers of raisins than Galen and our author, recommending them in affections of the windpipe, chest, kidneys, and bladder; for dysentery when eaten with their stones by themselves, or when fried along with millet flour, barley-meal, and eggs; in masticatories with pepper; in inflammation of the testicles, when applied in a cataplasm with the flour of beans and cumin; for epinyctis, carbuncle, fevers, putrid and gangrenous sores about the joints, without their stones, when pounded with rue; for gout in a cataplasm with opoponax, and for the removal of loose nails. (v, 4.) Avicenna and Rhases briefly quote Dioscorides, and supply nothing additional. They hold, like the Greeks, that in particular cases raisins prove injurious to the urinary organs. Symeon Seth mentions that the Egyptians prepared a very sweet wine from raisins and honey. (De Alimentis.)
Aster atticus, Starwort, is also called bubonium, because it is believed to cure buboes, not only when applied for this purpose but even when appended as a periapt. It is possessed of mixed powers, being discutient and cooling.
Commentary. Our author’s account of the starwort, Aster amyllus, is taken from Galen, who in his turn copies from Dioscorides. In the common editions of Dioscorides there is a passage under this head (which although quoted by Serapion (§ 96), is scarcely considered genuine by Sprengel, seeing it is not alluded to by Galen or Pliny), in which the Aster atticus is recommended for ardour of the stomach, inflammations of the eyes, buboes, and quinsies. The Arabians in treating of the Aster atticus copy from Dioscorides. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 357); Serapion (De Simpl. 96); Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 95.) It is not found in the works of Celsus. It held a place in our modern Dispensatory down to a late date. See Quincy (116.)
Astragalus, Wild Liquorice, is a small shrub, having astringent roots, and is desiccative in no contemptible degree. It promotes the cicatrization of old ulcers, and when drunk with wine stops the discharges of the bowels. It is mostly produced in Phæneum of Arcadia.
Commentary. That the astragalus belongs to the vetch tribe can admit of no doubt, but the particular genus and species have never been determined. All the authorities, both ancient and modern, recommend it as an astringent both externally and internally. We cannot find it in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. Our author manifestly borrows from Dioscorides. (iv, 62.) The Arabians do not appear to treat of it.
Bitumen; it is desiccant and calefacient in the second degree: it is therefore agglutinative of fresh wounds.
Commentary. The asphaltus, or Bitumen judaicum, held a place in the Materia Medica from the days of Hippocrates down to a very recent period. It got the name of Jew’s pitch, from its having been principally procured from Judæa, where it is found floating on the surface of the Dead Sea, or Lacus Asphaltites. Some commentators have been puzzled by Dioscorides representing the colour of the finest asphaltus as purplish, but it is to be borne in mind that the ancients applied this term not to a scarlet red but to any rich dark-blue colour, such as that of the sea. All the authorities, ancient and modern, represent it as being emollient, discutient, and emmenagogue. Serapion gives a very interesting account of it. (§ 177.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 114); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 88); also Celsus (v, 6.)
Asphodelus, Kingspear; its root is possessed of detergent and discutient powers. When burnt its ashes become more calefacient, desiccative, and attenuate. It therefore cures alopecia.
Commentary. All the ancient authorities, including Hippocrates and Celsus, treat of the Aspodelus ramosus, or Kingspear, and in general are agreed in recommending it internally as being emmenagogue and diuretic, and externally as an application to alopecia or porrigo decalvans. The author who treats of it most elaborately is Dioscorides, who recommends it for the purposes we have mentioned, and as an alexipharmic, as a cure for toothache, and many other cases. (ii, 199.) Our author follows Galen. For the Arabians, see Avicenna (ii, 273); Serapion (c. 221); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 26.) They all copy from Dioscorides and Galen. It was sometimes used as a culinary herb. See Vol. I, p. 118. Our old herbalists repeat its ancient characters as a medicine. See Gerard (i, 70.) It has been discarded from the Pharmacopœia for some time past.
Atractylis, Wild Cnicus, or Distaff-thistle; it is of the thorny tribe, being possessed of desiccative and moderately heating powers.
Commentary. In another place (Vol. I, p. 113) we have treated of the atractylis as a culinary herb, agreeing with Sprengel in referring it to the Carlina lanata. The commentators on Dioscorides, however, are greatly at variance with regard to it; most of the old herbalists agree with Belon and Fuchsius in holding it to be the Carduus benedictus, or blessed thistle. See Gerard’s Herbal (ii, 489.) We cannot help remarking, however, that the virtues of the Carduus benedictus as given by Quincy (English Dispensatory, i, 2) by no means agree with those assigned to the atractylis by Dioscorides; he holds it to be alexipharmical. (iii, 97.) Our author copies from Galen. The Arabians supply no additional information. See in particular Avicenna (ii, 2, 159.)
Atriplex, Orache, moistens in the second degree and cools in the first. It therefore opens the belly. Its fruit is possessed of detergent powers, whence it is useful in jaundice and obstructions of the liver.
Commentary. We have treated of the orach (Atriplex Hortensis) as a culinary herb in Book I, § 74. It is still used as an article of food on the Continent. Our author copies from Dioscorides (ii, 145), whose account of it is amplified and explained by Galen. (De Simpl. v.) It is briefly treated of in like terms by Avicenna (ii, 2, 174); Serapion (c. 146); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 97.) Rhases, after quoting what Dioscorides and Paulus say of it, adds on his own authority that he had known the seed of it prove powerfully emetic and laxative.
Aphace, Wild Vetch, is possessed of astringent powers like the lentil; but when eaten it is more difficult to digest than the lentil, and is more strongly desiccative, with a moderate degree of heating properties.
Commentary. This is clearly a species of Vicia, but whether the bithynica, lutea, or hybrida cannot be satisfactorily determined. It is treated of by our older herbalists, who agree with the ancients in assigning to it astringent powers. The Arabian authorities would appear to have overlooked it. Our author is indebted to Dioscorides (ii, 177) and Galen (De Simpl. v.)
Aphronitrum is possessed of discutient and detergent powers, so as not only to cleanse those parts which are foul, but also to cure pruritus. But when drunk it is bad for the stomach.
Spuma nitri; it has powers like those of natron, but its substance is more attenuate, and therefore it is smooth like flour.
Commentary. As Dr. Coray’s account of the Nitrum, Aphronitrum, and Spuma nitri of the ancients is of high authority, we are induced to give it in his own language literally translated. “The nitrum of the ancients was not that substance which modern chemists call by the name (nitre or nitrate of potass), being a composition of nitric acid and a vegetable alkali, but that which is called natron, being a native combination of carbonic acid and an alkali (natron or native carbonate of soda.) And they called the harder and more stony lumps nitrum or litrum, and the more spongy and softer aphronitrum or aphrolitrum; and spuma nitri or litri, the superficial efflorescence of the nitrum and floury part, which was easily scraped off.” (Ad Xenoc. et Galen. de Al. ex Aquat.)—From this account it appears that the firmer and harder lumps of the native carbonate of soda were called nitrum; the softer and more spongy pieces aphronitrum, and those kinds which had a bright florid appearance externally and readily crumbled down into a powder, the spuma nitri. Dioscorides gives a more lengthy account of its medicinal properties than either Galen or our author, not only recommending it externally as a stimulant and discutient application to various cutaneous diseases and the bites of mad dogs, but also internally as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms, buprestis, bull’s blood, &c. (v, 129.) Serapion has a very interesting chapter on nitrum and aphronitrum, but it is in a great measure made up from Dioscorides and Galen (c. 411.) For a further account of the ancient nitrum, see under Litrum in this section. We may just mention in this place that the aphronitrum would appear to have been merely Afrum nitrum, that is to say, a variety of the nitrum or natron found in Africa.