FOOTNOTES:

Previous
the Elder Pliny

1 See B. xvi. cc. 6, 8, 33, 50.

2 See B. xvii. c. 3.

3 As FÉe justly remarks, the greater part of these so-called sympathies and antipathies must be looked upon as so many fables. In the majority of instances, it is the habitual requirements of the tree or plant that constitute the difference; thus, for instance, the oak or quercus requires a different site and temperature from that needed by the olive, and the stony soil adopted by the vine is but ill-suited for the cultivation of the cabbage.

4 See B. xx. c. 36.

5 See B. xxi. cc. 27, 38, and B. xxv. c. 67.

6 See the same statement made in B. xxiii. c. 62.

7 Or Bacchus.

8 “Philyra.” FÉe does not think that it can be of any use for such a purpose. Hardouin says, however, that in his time meat when too highly salted was wrapped in leaves of the lime or linden, for the purpose of extracting the salt.

9 See B. xviii. c. 14.

10 Instead of having this effect, FÉe says, it would render it much worse.

11 The intention being to clear the wine, though in reality, as FÉe observes, it would have a tendency to turn the wine into vinegar.

12 Chalk, or in other words, sub-carbonate of lime, and argilla, or aluminous earth combining several earthy salts, would probably neutralize the acetic acid in the wine, but would greatly deteriorate its flavour.

13 On the contrary, lime would appear to have a great affinity for water, absorbing it with avidity, if we may use the term.

14 More easily with water; though vinegar will do for the purpose.

15 “Atramentum.” By this passage, FÉe says, it is clearly proved that the ink of the ancients was soluble in water, and that it contained neither galls nor salts of iron. What it really was made of is still a matter of doubt; but it is not improbable that the basis of it was spodium, or ashes of ivory.

16 “Officinas.”

17 “In medio.” The reading is very doubtful here.

18 This, of course, is mere exaggeration.

19 He would seem to imply that the medical men of his age had conspired to gain an adventitious importance by imposing upon the credulity of the public, on the principle “Omne ignotum pro magnifico;” much as the “medicine-men” of the North American Indians do at the present day.

20 He alludes to the physicians of Greece more particularly.

21 “Imperatoribus quoque imperaverunt.”

22 In B. xiii. c. 32, and B. xvi. c. 53. Pliny ascribes here to the Lotus of Italy, the Celtis Australis of LinnÆus, the same medicinal properties that are given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 171, to the Egyptian bean or NymphÆa Nelumbo of LinnÆus. Galen gives the same account as Dioscorides; it is not improbable, therefore, that Pliny is in error.

23 See B. xvi. c. 53, Note 2539.

24 Half a denarius. See Introduction to Vol. III.

25 Acorns, as well as the bark of the various kinds of oak, are of an astringent nature.

26 Or, hogs’ lard.

27 In the singular number, “cacoethes,” “a bad habit;” signifying a malignant or cancerous tumour.

28 See B. xvi. c. 12. All the properties here ascribed to it, FÉe says, are hypothetical. It is no longer used in medicine, at least to any recognized extent.

29 Hence the Latin word “vermiculum,” from which our word “vermilion” is derived.

30 In B. xvi. c. 12.

31 In B. xvi. c. 9.

32 They might be used advantageously, FÉe thinks, in the shape of a decoction, for procidence of the uvula and uterus.

33 “Eating,” or “corrosive.”

34 See B. xvi. cc. 11, 93, 94.

35 See B. xvi. cc. 10, 11.

36 This passage, as FÉe remarks, is somewhat obscure.

37 As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see B. xxxi. cc. 22, 46.

38 FÉe says, that till very recently it was a common belief that the oak mistletoe is curative of epilepsy. It was also employed as an ingredient in certain antispasmodic powders.

39 See B. xvi. c. 10.

40 See B. xvi. c. 8.

41 This decoction would be of a tonic and astringent nature, owing to the tannin and gallic acid which the leaves and bark contain.

42 See B. xvi. c. 13.

43 “Ex utrÂlibet parte.”

44 There is no foundation, FÉe says, for any of these statements.

45 See B. xvi. c. 60. The leaves of the cypress, FÉe says, contain tannin and an essential oil; all the medicinal properties therefore, here attributed to them, which are not based upon these principles, must be looked upon as hypothetical.

46 Down to the present century the leaves and fruit of the cypress were recommended in some medical works for the cure of hernia. The juice, however, of the leaves, taken internally, would be, as FÉe says, highly dangerous.

47 Owing probably to the gallic acid they contain.

48 See B. xiv. c. 4.

49 See Introduction to Vol. III.

50 See B. x. c. 28, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28.

51 See B. xiii. c. 11.

52 FÉe remarks, that many of the moderns attribute to frankincense the properties here ascribed to cedria; a most unfounded notion, he thinks.

53 In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22.

54 Sillig reads “volumina;” in which case it is not improbable that the allusion is to the practice of seasoning the paper of manuscripts with a preparation of cedar, as a preservative against mildew and worms. Another reading is “lumina,” and it is not impossible that it is the right one, meaning that pitch of cedar is useful for making lamps or candles. FÉe reminds us that we are not to confound the “cedria” with the “cedrium” of B. xvi. c. 21, though Pliny seems here to confound the two. See Note 2326 to that Chapter.

55 As in B. xvi. c. 21, he has said the same of “cedrium,” a red tar charged with empyreumatic oil, it is clear that he erroneously identifies it with “cedria,” or pitch of cedar. It is with this last, in reality, that the Egyptians embalmed the dead, or rather preserved them, by dipping them in the boiling liquid.

56 If he implies that it is poisonous, such in reality is not the case.

57 A mere absurdity, of course.

58 It would be of no use whatever for the cure of injuries inflicted by the Aplysia vulgaris or Aplysia depilans of LinnÆus. See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

59 See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxv. c. 22. “Pitch oil,” a volatile oil.

60 This mention of the berries clearly proves, FÉe thinks, that the Cedrelates of Pliny belongs in reality to the genus Juniperus.

61 Or of the juniper, FÉe thinks.

62 See Note 58 above.

63 In B. xii. c. 56.

64 Cartilaginous, clear, and free from ligneous substances.

65 It is still employed, FÉe says, to a small extent, as a topical application for ulcerated sores. Its properties are energetic, but nearly all the uses to which Pliny speaks of it as being applied are hypothetical.

66 In B. xii. c. 56.

67 Narcotic poisons.

68 See B. xii. c. 58. See also c. 16 of this Book.

69 This statement is entirely fabulous.

70 In B. xii. c. 49. Gum ammoniac is still used to some small extent in modern medicine, for asthma, boils, tumours, and diseases of the bladder.

71 In B. xii. c. 55. FÉe says that it is of the Amygdalite storax that Pliny is here speaking. It is little employed at the present day for internal maladies.

72 This is not the fact.

73 In B. xii. c. 58. It is no longer used in medicine, though possessed of properties of considerable energy. FÉe says that most of the assertions here made respecting it are unfounded.

74 An absurdity, FÉe remarks.

75 In B. xii. c. 50. Various lichens probably were called by this name. No use is made of them in modern medicine.

76 See B. xiii. c. 12. The leaves and root of the terebinth or turpentine-tree have some medicinal properties, owing to their resin or essential oil; but no use is made of them in modern medicine.

77 See B. xvi. c. 18.

78 See B. xvi. c. 19. The leaves of these trees are of an astringent and acid nature, FÉe says, but they are no longer employed in medicine. All that Pliny here states relative to them is very problematical.

79 FÉe says that it is still the practice of the Turkish physicians to recommend to their patients the air of the cypress groves of Candia. He states also, that it is a very general supposition that resins, balms, and balsams are good for pulmonary phthisis, but is of opinion that the notion is founded upon no solid basis.

80 See B. xxxi. c. 33, also Celsus. B. iii. c. 22. Similar to a voyage to Madeira, recommended to our consumptive patients at the present day.

81 Or “ground-pine.”

82 From “abigo,” to “drive away,” it would appear.

83 “Thus terrÆ.” The Teucrium Iva of LinnÆus, FÉe says, or ChamÆpitys moschata. FÉe remarks that Pliny commits a great error in giving to it the blossoms of the pine, and that he assigns larger proportions than really belong to it. The name “incense of the earth,” is very inappropriate; for it has none of the odour of incense, but merely a resinous smell.

84 The Teucrium chamÆpitys of LinnÆus, the ChamÆpitys lutea vulgaris of C. Bauhin, the ground-pine.

85 The leaves are imbricated, and the branches bend downwards, like those of the pine, whence the name.

86 The Teucrium pseudo-chamÆpitys of LinnÆus, the bastard ground-pine.

87 To the pine or pitch-tree, mentioned in c. 19.

88 They are rich in essential oil, and are of a tonic nature. All that is here stated as to their medicinal uses, and which cannot be based upon that property, is hypothetical, FÉe says, and does not deserve to be refuted.

89 See Introduction to Vol. III.

90 The resemblance of its name to the “pitys” or pitch-tree.

91 See B. xxvi. c. 39.

92 An Euphorbia with a ligneous stem, the Euphorbia pityusa of LinnÆus. The characteristics of it differ, however, from the description here given by Pliny. It is no longer used in medicine, though, like the other EuphorbiaceÆ, it has very active properties.

93 This, FÉe says, is consistent with truth.

94 In B. xiv. c. 25.

95 B. xvi. cc. 16, 21, 22, 23.

96 Or, as they are called at the present day, the resins, and the oleoresins, or terebinthines.

97 FÉe thinks that this name extends to the numerous species of resiniferous trees.

98 The Abies excelsa of LinnÆus.

99 The Pistacia terebinthus; see B. xiii. c. 12. It yields a valuable turpentine, known in commerce as that of Cyprus or Chios.

100 The so-called Venice turpentine is extracted from the larch.

101 It yields mastich solely, a solid resin.

102 It yields a terebinthine, and a very diminutive amount of solid resin.

103 FÉe says, that if the same methods are employed, the same products may be obtained, though in general the larch yields the better terebinthine.

104 FÉe thinks that he is speaking of a thick resin, or galipot, as the French call it, of the consistency of honey.

105 Boiled terebinthine, or turpentine, is still used, FÉe says, in medicine; that process disengaging the essential oil.

106 In B. xvi. c. 22.

107 FÉe thinks that in reality these are terebinthines, and not resins.

108 It has been generally remarked that aromatic plants grown on mountains have a stronger perfume than those of the plains; FÉe queries whether this extends to the resins.

109 Though of little importance in modern medicine, resins and terebinthines are still employed as the basis of certain plasters and other preparations.

110 Such a potion as this, FÉe says, would but ill agree with a person in robust health even.

111 There would be no necessity whatever, FÉe says, for such a process, a plentiful supply of food being quite sufficient for the purpose. Galen recommends frictions of terebinthine for the improvement of the health.

112 Mastich. The medicinal properties here attributed to it, FÉe says, do not exist.

113 “Onera.”

114 In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22.

115 Tar. See B. xvi. c. 21.

116 The pitch of Calabria, FÉe says, is known at the present day as pitch-resin. All that Pliny states as to the medicinal properties of pitch, is destitute, FÉe thinks, of the slightest probability.

117 Or horned serpent.

118 Taken internally, of course.

119 In B. xvi. c. 22, and B. xv. c. 7.

120 “Pitch boiled over again.”

121 FÉe says, that this statement is quite beyond all belief. Indeed there is little doubt that tar taken internally for quinzy, would only tend to aggravate the complaint. He states that a solution of tar in water is sometimes used internally with success for pulmonary phthisis. Bishop Berkeley wrote his Siris, on the virtues of Tar-water as a medicament, having been indebted to it for his recovery from an attack of colic.

122 See B. xvi. c. 23. His description here is faulty, it being solely a natural pitch or mineral bitumen, without any admixture of vegetable pitch. Vitruvius calls this pissasphalt, pitch; but Ælian, more correctly, bitumen. The names now given to it are mineral pitch, and malthe or pitch of Malta.

123 In B. xvi. c. 23. FÉe thinks that the use of it is more likely to have been injurious than beneficial.

124 Or tÆda. See B. xvi. c. 19.

125 FÉe says, that within the last century, the wood of the lentisk or mastich, and the oil of its berries, figured in the Pharmacopoeias. Their medicinal properties are far from energetic, but the essential oil may probably be of some utility as an excitant.

126 This property is still attributed in the East to the leaves and resin of the lentisk. We learn from Martial, B. xiv. Epig. 22, that the wood of the lentisk, as well as quills, was used for tooth-picks.

127 this, FÉe says, is not the fact.

128 See B. xii. c. 36, and B. xiv. c. 25.

129 “Smegmata.”

130 LittrÉ thus reads the whole passage, “Sive cum aquÂ, ut ita foveantur,”—“A decoction of it is made with water for the purpose of fomentation.”

131 See B. xii. c. 3.

132 “Adversantur vespertilionibus.” FÉe sees difficulties in this passage, which really do not seem to exist.

133 The produce of the plane is no longer employed in medicine.

134 The young leaves probably, or else the fruit.

135 In B. xvi. c. 24. There are still some traces of this notion existing, FÉe says, among the French peasantry. All the statements here made relative to its medicinal properties, are utterly unfounded.

136 In reality they have no such effect.

137 See B. xvi. c. 26. The root of the maple, FÉe says, has no marked qualities whatever.

138 In B xii. c. 61. The buds of the poplar, FÉe says, are still used in medicine in the composition of an unguent known as “populeum.” The bark is astringent, and the wood destitute of taste.

139 “Uvarum.” FÉe thinks that by these berries, or grapes, the blossoms or buds are meant. See Note 608 to B. xii. c. 61.

140 See also c. 38, as to the Vitex.

141 This superstition probably applies to persons riding on horseback.

142 “Guttam.” This is the substance known to us as “honey-dew.” It is either secreted by the plant itself, or deposited on the leaves by an aphis. It is found more particularly on the leaves of the rose, the plane, the lime, and the maple. Bees and ants are particularly fond of it.

143 Bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6, and B. xxii. c. 50.

144 See B. xvi. c. 29. The bark of the elm, like that of most other trees, has certain astringent properties.

145 FÉe says that it is only some few years since the inner bark of the elm was sometimes prescribed medicinally, but that it has now completely fallen into disuse. All that Pliny says here of the virtues of the elm is entirely suppositious.

146 A kind of honey-dew, no doubt.

147 “Cauliculi foliorum primi.”

148 “Extrahuntque per fistulas.”

149 In B. xvi. c. 74.

150 See B. xvi. c. 25. The blossoms of the linden-tree are the only part of it employed in modern medicine. FÉe thinks, with Hardouin, that Pliny has here attributed to the linden, or Philyra of the Greeks, the properties which in reality were supposed to belong to the Phillyrea latifolia, a shrub resembling the wild olive. Dioscorides, in his description of its properties, has not fallen into the same error.

151 “Ground elder” or “marsh elder;” the Sambucus ebulus of LinnÆus, or dwarf elder. The other kind mentioned by Pliny is the Sambucus nigra of LinnÆus, or black elder.

152 FÉe says that though some of the assertions as to its medicinal properties made by Pliny are unfounded, it is still an opinion among the moderns that the leaves of the elder are purgative, the inner bark an emetic and hydragogue, the berries laxative, and the flowers emollient.

153 According to Hardouin, this would appear to be the measles; but according to Festus, swellings on the legs were so called. The shingles is probably the malady meant.

154 FÉe speaks of a decoction of the inner bark as having been recently in vogue for the cure of dropsy.

155 This so-called cedar, FÉe says, is in reality itself a juniper. The medicinal properties of all the varieties of the juniper are not identical. The essential oil of the leaves acts with a formidable energy upon the human system.

156 This is identified by FÉe with the Juniperus communis of Lamarck, variety a, the Juniperus communis of LinnÆus.

157 Identified by FÉe with the Juniperus nana of Willdenow, the Juniperus communis of Lamarck, variety . The Spanish juniper, mentioned in B. xvi. c. 76, he identifies with the Juniperus thurifera of LinnÆus.

158 Virgil says this of the fumes of the cedar, Georg. III. 414; an additional proof, FÉe says, that under the name of “cedrus,” the juniper was really meant. The smoke of the juniper is not known to have the effect upon serpents here described.

159 The berries of the juniper contain sugar, mucilage, and a small proportion of essential oil; a rob is prepared from them, FÉe says, under the line of “extract of juniper.”

160 It is a well-known fact, that juniper berries are diuretic; they impart also to the urine the odour of the violet, a property which is equally possessed by turpentine. All the other properties here attributed to the juniper, are, in FÉe’s opinion, either hypothetical or absurd.

161 See B. xvi. c. 68.

162 Neither this downy substance nor the seeds are now employed for any purpose. The bark of the willow has some strongly-pronounced properties, but all other parts of it are totally inert.

163 A kind of manna, FÉe says. The other juices here mentioned are secreted from the sap.

164 The leaves have no effect whatever as an antaphrodisiac.

165 See B. xvi. c. 69.

166 The Vitex agnus castus of LinnÆus, the tree of chastity.

167 The “chaste” tree. It is no longer used in medicine; the fruit has somewhat the flavour of spice, FÉe says, and taken internally it would have the converse of an antaphrodisiac effect. The other parts of it are quite inert.

168 An Attic festival celebrated yearly in honour of Demeter, which lasted four or five days. It was also celebrated in other parts of Greece.

169 The Vitex agnus castus of Lamarck, variety , Elatior.

170 The Vitex agnus castus of LinnÆus, the type.

171 It may possibly, FÉe says, have this effect, but the other properties here attributed to it are wholly imaginary.

172 Travelling on horseback, probably. A similar superstition is mentioned as to the poplar, in c. 32 of this Book.

173 Probably the Erica arborea of LinnÆus; see B. xiii. c. 35. It has not, however, a leaf similar to that of rosemary, with the sole exception, FÉe says, of the Erica cinerea of LinnÆus.

174 See B. xiii. c. 37.

175 It has no such effect, in reality.

176 See B. xvi. c. 69. The kind here alluded to is the Spanish broom, FÉe thinks.

177 In B. xix. c. 2. Vol. IV. p. 135.

178 Iliad, B. ii. l. 135. See B. xix. c. 6, where Pliny states it as his opinion that in this passage Homer is speaking of flax.

179 See B. xix. c. 7. FÉe thinks that the plant under consideration in this Chapter is the Spanish broom, Genista juncea of Lamarck, the Spartium junceum of LinnÆus, a different plant from the Spartum of B. xix. c. 7, the Stipa tenacissima of LinnÆus. He is of opinion also, that Homer in the passage referred to alludes, not to flax, but to the Genista juncea. See this question further discussed, in the additional Note at the end of B. xxvii.

180 FÉe says that the blossoms and seed of the junciform genista and other kinds are of a purgative nature; indeed, one variety has been called the Genista purgans by Lamarck. None of them, however, are so potent in their effects as Pliny in the present passage would lead us to suppose.

181 See B. xiii. c. 37, and Note 968; where it is stated that, in FÉe’s opinion, several plants were united by the ancients under this one collective name—brooms for instance, heaths, and tamarisks. He thinks, however, that under the name “Myrica,” Pliny may possibly have intended to comprehend the larger heaths and the Tamarix Gallica of LinnÆus. M. FraÄs, as LittrÉ states, gives the Tamarix Africana as the probable synonym of the Myrica of Pliny.

182 Of this broom-plant of Ameria nothing is known.

183 This cannot apply to any of the heaths of Europe. The tamarisk grows to a much larger size, and barrels and drinking-vessels are made of the wood.

184 “Gravis.” He does not, however, show his gravity in the present instance.

185 In B. xvi. c. 45.

186 See B. xiii. c. 37.

187 Identified by FÉe with the Tamarix Gallica.

188 The “brya,” spoken of in B. xiii. c. 37, as growing in Achaia also, the Tamarix orientalis of Delille. But there he implies that it does not produce any fruit when it grows in Egypt.

189 “Flower compositions.”

190 It may possibly be of some use for this purpose, being of an astringent nature.

191 This seems to be the meaning of “Idem cum libeat accendere resolvitur,” though in the French translations it is rendered, “It crumbles into ashes when an attempt is made to kindle it.” Holland seems to have rightly understood the passage, which probably bears reference to some current superstition.

192 “Magi.” He probably alludes in this passage to the Magi of the East.

193 See B. xvi. cc. 30, 43.

194 The cornel, probably. It was looked upon as “infelix,” or ill-omened, because it was sacred to the Deities of the infernal regions.

195 See B. xvi. c. 31. If this is the Salix vitellina. FÉe says, all that Pliny here states as to its medicinal properties does not merit the slightest attention.

196 See B. xii. c. 51. The botanical characteristics, FÉe says, and the medicinal properties of the privet, differ essentially from those of the Cypros or Lawsonia inermis. The leaves of the privet are bitter and astringent.

197 FÉe says, that on reading this passage it is impossible to preserve one’s gravity.

198 In B. xvi. c. 62. The ivy is but little used for any of the purposes of modern medicine. It is said by some authorities that a decoction of the leaves will kill vermin, and that the berries are purgative and emetic.

199 “Nervis.”

200 FÉe states that in reality no such similarity exists; but that acetic acid is sometimes developed by the rapid fermentation of the juices of a great number of vegetable substances.

201 “Golden fruit.” See B. xvi. c. 62.

202 The same substance which he speaks of at the end of this Chapter as the gum of ivy, called “hederine,” FÉe says, in modern chemistry. It is a gum resin, mixed with ligneous particles.

203 The Cistus pilosus of LinnÆus, the wild eglantine, or rock-rose.

204 The Cistus salvifolius of LinnÆus.

205 In B. xxvii cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90.

206 “Red-berried” or “red-leaved ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62. This kind, FÉe says, appears not to have been identified.

207 “Ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62; Note 2601. M. FraÄs adopts Sprengel’s opinion that it is the Antirrhinum Azarina, the bastard asarum.

208 See B. xvi. c. 63.

209 “Flower-bearer.”

210 In B. xvi. c. 63.

211 Sprengel thinks that this is the Clematis viticella, but FÉe identifies it with the Clematis vitalba of LinnÆus, the climber, or traveller’s joy.

212 The leaves of it, FÉe says, are of a caustic nature, and have been employed before now by impostors for producing sores on the skin of a frightful appearance, but easily healed.

213 In B. xvi. c. 34.

214 Sympathies and antipathies existing in plants. See c. 1 of this Book.

215 Not a reed, FÉe thinks, but some other monocotyledon that has not been identified. See B. xii. c. 48.

216 See B. xx. c. 3.

217 See B. xvi. c. 66.

218 Celsus also speaks of the root of the reed as being efficacious for this purpose, B. v. c. 26.

219 FÉe says that neither of these last assertions is true.

220 See B. xiii. c. 21. It is no longer used in medicine.

221 These statements as to the virtues of the ashes of papyrus, FÉe says are absurd.

222 See B. xii. c. 8. Desfontaines is inclined to identify the tree here spoken of with the Diospyros ebenaster of Koenig.

223 See c. 91 of this Book; the Artemisia dracunculus of LinnÆus.

224 “Erodentia.” FÉe remarks upon the singularity, that with this property attributed to it, it should be recommended for diseases of the eyes.

225 The “rose-tree.” Our rose-bay or oleander.

226 “Rose-laurel.”

227 See B. xvi. c. 33. It is, FÉe says, an energetic poison, but as injurious to man as it is to animals.

228 See B. xiii. c. 13. The sumach-tree; the Rhus coriaria of LinnÆus.

229 Identified by FÉe with the Coriaria myrtifolia of LinnÆus, or myrtle-leaved sumach. It is used in the preparation of leather, FÉe says, and is intensely poisonous.

230 The sumach-tree.

231 Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxiii. cc. 58 and 71.

232 See B. xxiii. c. 71.

233 Or “ros.” See B. xiii. c. 13

234 FÉe says that this is still done in some parts of Turkey.

235 “Asperitati linguÆ.”

236 “Red rose;” our madder. See B. xix. c. 17. Beckmann is of the opinion that the “sandix” of B. xxxv. c. 12, is our madder, and identical with the Rubia. It is not improbable, however, that in reality it was a mineral. See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 110, Bohn’s Ed.

237 FÉe says that it does not possess this property.

238 Madder has no colouring matter which can produce any effect upon the hair.

239 Or “anti-frantic” plant. C. Bauhin identifies it with the Rubia silvestris lÆvis, or wild madder; FÉe is at a loss for its identification, but is inclined to think that it was a species of cultivated madder.

240 In B. xix. c. 18. The Gypsophila struthium, or soap-plant, possibly. Its identity is discussed at great length by Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 98-102, Bohn’s Ed.

241 “Aureum poculum.”

242 Desfontaines says that it is the Periploca angustifolia; FÉe gives the Apocynum folio subrotundo of C. Bauhin, round leafed dogsbane.

243 This is the fact; and hence one of its names “cynanche,” or “dog-strangle.”

244 This, FÉe says, is the fact. The plant is rich in essential oil, and is consequently a powerful excitant. See B. xix. c. 62.

245 In B. xvi. c. 11.

246 A gall or fungoid production, or, in some instances, a catkin. FÉe says that Pliny has committed an error here in attributing a cachrys to rosemary, the Libanotis stephanomaticos, which, in reality, belongs to the Libanotis canchryphorus or Libanotis prima.

247 So called from the Greek ?ad?, “slow,” according to some authorities; by reason of the slowness of its growth.

248 Identified by FÉe with the Sabina vulgatior of Lobelius, or Juniperus Sabina, variety , of Lamarck.

249 The Sabina baceifera of J. Bauhin, the male savin, the type of the plant.

250 See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 341, as to this custom, and Virgil’s “Culex,” l. 403.

251 It is still a common notion, though FÉe says an ill-founded one, that it produces abortion. Indeed we find Galen stating to the same effect.

252 FÉe ridicules this notion with considerable zest.

253 The Lycopodium selago of LinnÆus, upright club-moss, or fir-moss, according to Sprengel. FÉe, however, dissents from that opinion, for the Lycopodium, he says, is but some three inches in height, while savin, with which the Selago is here compared, is more than eight or ten feet high. De ThÉis (Gloss. Botan.) thinks that it must have been a succulent plant; but upon what grounds he bases that conjecture, FÉe declares himself at a loss to conjecture.

254 Evidently a superstition derived from the Druids.

255 Sprengel thinks that it is the Samolus Valerandi of LinnÆus, the round-leaved water-pimpernel, and Anguillara identifies it with the Anemone pulsatilla, or pasque-flower. FÉe inclines to the opinion that it is the Veronica beccabunga of LinnÆus, the brook-lime.

256 In B. xiii. c. 20.

257 Gum is still used, FÉe says, for this purpose.

258 It is of no use whatever for burns, or as a diuretic.

259 FÉe says that it is not different in any way from the gum of other trees.

260 FÉe remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic.

261 Gum is of no use whatever in such a case.

262 In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the Acacia Nilotica of LinnÆus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia; for which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt.

263 The Onopordum acanthium of LinnÆus, the cotton-thistle, or woolly thistle.

264 The Mimosa Nilotica of LinnÆus; see B. xiii. c. 19. FÉe seems inclined to identify the white thorn with the CratÆgus oxyacantha of LinnÆus, the white hawthorn, or May. In the present passage, however, it is doubtful whether the colours apply to the varieties of gum, or to the trees which produce them. Sillig considers the passage to be corrupt.

265 The Prunus spinosa of LinnÆus, FÉe thinks, the sloe, or black thorn.

266 FÉe says that the difference in appearance is very considerable between them.

267 The leaves containing little or no tannin.

268 In India, the bark of the Acacia Arabica is still used for tanning leather.

269 This juice, FÉe says, obtained from the Prunus spinosa, is known at the present day in commerce by the name of Acacia nostras.

270 FÉe queries, without sufficient foundation, it would appear, whether he is here speaking of syphilitic affections.

271 FÉe suggests that this may be the Dipsacus fullonum of LinnÆus, the fuller’s thistle.

272 See B. xix. c. 18, and c. 58 of this Book.

273 In B. xii. c. 52. But in that passage he makes the Aspalathos to be identical with the Erysisceptrum, which he here distinguishes from it. FÉe thinks that there can be no identity between the common thorn here mentioned, and the Aspalathos. This latter, as mentioned in B. xii., according to FÉe, is the Convolvulus scoparius of LinnÆus, the broom bindweed, but LittrÉ says that M. FraÄs has identified it with the Genista acanthoclada.

274 See the preceding Note. FÉe identifies this Aspalathos with the Spartium villosum of LinnÆus, making that of B. xii. c. 52, to be the Lignum Rhodianum of commerce, probably the Convolvulus scoparius of LinnÆus.

275 The corresponding passage in Dioscorides has a???, “heavy,” i.e. the most solid in the stem.

276 In B. xii. c. 52.

277 “OzÆnas.”

278 The Berberis vulgaris of LinnÆus, or barberry, FÉe thinks.

279 Identified by FÉe with the Mespilus pyracantha of LinnÆus, the evergreen thorn. It receives its name probably from the redness of its berries, which are the colour of fire.

280 FÉe considers this to be the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolle, and not identical with the Paliurus mentioned in B. xiii. c. 33.

281 FÉe thinks that the copyists have made a mistake in this passage, and that the reading should be “aquifolia,” the same plant that is mentioned afterwards under that name. He identifies them with the Ilex aquifolium, or holly. See B. xvi. cc. 8, 12, where Pliny evidently confounds the holm oak with the holly.

282 Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 119, “the branches of the rhamnus, it is said, placed at the doors and windows, will avert the spells of sorcerers.” It is not improbable that Pliny, in copying from some other author, has mistaken the one for the other.

283 An exaggeration, no doubt. The Cissampelos Pareira of Lamarck, an Indian plant, abounds in mucilage to such an extent, that an infusion of it in water becomes speedily coagulated.

284 One would be induced to think that this story is derived from some vague account of the properties of the Boomerang. Although supposed by many to have been the invention of the natives of Australasia, representations of it are found on the sculptures of Nineveh. It is not improbable that Pythagoras may have heard of it from the Magi during his travels in the East. See Bonomi’s Nineveh, p. 136.

285 “Recubitu” seems preferable to “cubitu.”

286 This is very doubtful, FÉe says.

287 See B. xvi, c. 71.

288 See B. xvi. c. 71.

289 Blackberries are still used in the country, FÉe says, as an astringent medicine, and all here stated that is based upon that property is rational enough. The same cannot, however, be said of the greater part of the other statements in this Chapter.

290 See B. xx. cc. 23, 81, and B. xxiii. cc. 12, 18.

291 See B. xx. c. 81, B. xxii. c. 13, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

292 Cabbage-sprouts. See B. xix. c. 41.

293 Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxiii. c. 71.

294 See B. xxvi. cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90.

295 The spider called “phalangium” is meant, FÉe says. See B. xi. c. 28.

296 Astringents.

297 “Lapidescunt.”

298 The eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71.

299 He alludes to “bedeguar,” a fungous excrescence found on the wild rose-tree, and produced by the insect known as the Cynips rosÆ. It is somewhat rough on the exterior, like the outer coat of the chesnut.

300 The fruit, FÉe says, of the wild eglantine. See B. xxv. c. 6.

301 Or “dog-bramble.”

302 “Dog-strangle,” apparently.

303 “Drawn with a string.” FÉe thinks that Pliny has confused the account given of this plant with that of the Aglaophotis, mentioned in c. 102 of this Book, and that the Cynosbatos is only a variety of the Rubus or bramble. Other authorities identify it with the Rubus caninus, or with the Rosa sempervirens. Desfontaines thinks that it is the Ribes nigrum, or black currant; and LittrÉ is of opinion that some gooseberry or currant tree is meant.

304 See B. xiii. c. 44.

305 “Thyrsus.” FÉe thinks that the allusion is to the produce of the caper, while Hardouin says that it is the first cynosbatos that he is speaking of. Hardouin is probably right.

306 The blossom, perhaps, of the Rubus fruticosus, or blackberry.

307 See B. xii. c. 60.

308 FÉe says that they have no such property, and that the blossoms of the bramble are entirely destitute of any known medicinal qualities. The roots and leaves are somewhat astringent.

309 The raspberry; see B. xvi. c. 71.

310 There is one variety which is very diminutive, and entirely destitute of thorns, the Rubus IdÆus lÆvis of C. Bauhin, the Rubus IdÆus non spinosus of J. Bauhin.

311 See B. xvi. c. 71.

312 Of the bramble genus.

313 In reality, as FÉe says, there is no botanical affinity between the Rubus, or bramble, and the Rhamnus.

314 Sprengel identifies this plant with the Zizyphus vulgaris of LinnÆus, the jujube, and Desfontaines is of the same opinion. FÉe, however, takes it to be the Rhamnus saxatilis of LinnÆus, the rock buckthorn.

315 Identified by some authorities with the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolles, mentioned in c. 71. Sprengel is in doubt whether it may not be the Rhamnus lycioides of LinnÆus.

316 Not a characteristic, FÉe says, of the genus Rhamnus of modern Botany.

317 Or “Lycian” extract. See B. xii. c. 15.

318 See B. xii. c. 15. FÉe identifies this with the modern Catechu, a decoction from the Acacia catechu, a leguminous plant of the East Indies.

319 The Rhamnus lycioides of LinnÆus, our buckthorn. The Indian plant from which catechu is extracted is of a similar nature. See B. xii. c. 15.

320 This FÉe looks upon as an exaggeration.

321 See B. xii. c. 15.

322 I.e. the choice part of it; see B. xii. c. 15. Catechu is adulterated at the present day with starch and argillaceous earths. As a medicament it is not possessed of a very powerful action.

323 “Clavos.”

324 This statement is quite correct.

325 See B. xiii. c. 20.

326 The PenÆa sarcocolla is not a thorny tree.

327 FÉe says that this is not the case. It is no longer used in medicine.

328 Or conserve of fruits. An electuary.

329 Seed of the sumach. See B. xiii. c. 13.

330 “Ground oak.” See B. xiv. c. 19; where it is identified with the Teucrium chamÆdrys of LinnÆus. LittrÉ, however, informs us, that M. FraÄs considers it to be the Teucrium lucidum of LinnÆus; because, as we learn from Dioscorides, it grows on rocky places, is a remarkably diminutive shrub, and has a fine odour, all of which are characteristics of the latter plant, and not of the Teucrium chamÆdrys, commonly known as the dwarf oak or germander.

331 An invention attributed to DÆdalus, in B. vii. c. 57.

332 The Teucrium chamÆdrys is a bitter plant, which has been successfully used for fever, and it acts as a tonic and vermifuge. Beyond these, it has no medicinal properties whatever.

333 See B. xiv. c. 19.

334 Or “ground-laurel.” FÉe considers this to be identical with the Alexandrian laurel, mentioned in B. xv. c. 39. It is no longer used in medicine, but the roots of a plant of kindred nature, the Ruseus aculeatus, or butcher’s broom, are diuretic.

335 Or “ground olive.” See B. xiii. c. 35.

336 This, FÉe says, is consistent with modern experience; indeed it is drastic to a dangerous extent.

337 “Albugines.”

338 Or “ground fig.” The Euphorbia chamÆsyce, or annual spurge.

339 The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be highly dangerous to the eyes.

340 Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of warts.

341 Or “ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book.

342 FÉe says that this comparison is not strictly correct.

343 The “ground-poplar.” See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the Tussilago farfara of LinnÆus; our colt’s-foot.

344 Or “tube”—“infundibulum.” Colt’s-foot is still smoked, either by itself or in conjunction with tobacco. FÉe says, however, that to inhale the smoke in the manner here described, would be enough to create a cough if it did not exist before.

345 “Ground-pine” or “ground pitch-tree.” Identified by Sprengel with the Stohelina chamÆpeuce of Willdenow, a corymbiferous plant of the Isle of Candia.

346 “Ground-cypress.” Identified with the Euphorbia cyparissias of LinnÆus, the cypress spurge. Taken internally, it is a corrosive poison.

347 Or “vine-leek.” The Allium ampeloprason of LinnÆus, the great round-headed garlic. It is no longer used in medicine, and all that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties is quite unfounded, FÉe says.

348 FÉe thinks that Pliny has committed an error here, and that the word “marrubii” should be substituted, our “horehound.” He identifies it with the Stachys Germanica of LinnÆus, or base horehound; which is more commonly found in the South of Europe than in Germany.

349 Or “bed-foot.” The Clinopodium vulgare of LinnÆus, our wild basil. It has some useful properties attributed to it; but what Pliny here states respecting it is erroneous.

350 This seems to be the meaning of “orbiculato foliorum ambitu.”

351 Turner and C. Bauhin identify it with the Gnaphalium Germanicum of Lamarck, and Sprengel with the Polygonum convolvulus of LinnÆus. If so, FÉe says, the synonym here given by Pliny is erroneous; for the Greek clematis, there can be little doubt, is the Clematis cirrhosa of LinnÆus. See the account given of the Gnaphalion in B. xxvii. c. 61.

352 All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, FÉe says, is erroneous.

353 Probably the Asclepias nigra of LinnÆus, black swallow-wort.

354 The Asclepias nigra has no such medicinal effects as those mentioned by Pliny.

355 The Vinca major and Vinca minor of LinnÆus, the greater and smaller periwinkle. FÉe is at a loss to know why it should be called “Egyptian,” as it is a plant of Europe.

356 “Laurel-shaped” and “many-cornered.”

357 In B. xix. c. 30.

358 FÉe says that the Dracontion of the Greeks and the Dracunculus of the Latins are identical, being represented in modern Botany by the Arum dracunculus of LinnÆus, the common dragon.

359 From “draco,” a “dragon” or “serpent.” FÉe says, that it is not to its roots, but to its spotted stem, resembling the skin of an adder, that it owes its name.

360 “Virus.” FÉe says that the Arum dracunculus has a strong, fetid odour, and all parts of it are acrid and caustic, while the Arum colocasia has an agreeable flavour when boiled.

361 This, FÉe says, is fabulous.

362 Though no longer used in medicine, the account here given of the properties of the Arum colocasia is in general correct, a few marvellous details excepted.

363 Sillig thinks that there is a lacuna here, and that the name “Cleophantus” should be supplied.

364 FÉe thinks that, thus employed, it would be more injurious than beneficial. Though Pliny is treating here of the Arum colocasia or Egyptian Arum, he has mingled some few details with it, relative to the Arum dracunculus, a plant endowed with much more energetic properties. See Note 360 above.

365 See B. viii. c. 54, as to the use alleged to be made by animals of this plant.

366 FÉe says that this is very doubtful.

367 In c. 91 of this Book. This story is owing merely to its appearance, which somewhat resembles the skin of a serpent.

368 “Demonstratum mihi est.”

369 Identified by FÉe with the Arum Italicum of Lamarck.

370 FÉe queries whether this may not be the Arum maculatum of LinnÆus, wake-robin, cuckoo pint, or lords and ladies.

371 Identified by C. Bauhin with the Calla palustris of LinnÆus.

372 The Arum arisarum of LinnÆus, hooded arum or friar’s cowl, a native of the coasts of Barbary and the South of Europe.

373 Or “ten thousand leaves.” The Myriophyllum spicatum of LinnÆus, according to most authorities, though FÉe considers it very doubtful.

374 Possibly the Achillea millefolium of LinnÆus, our milfoil or yarrow. It is still said to have the property of healing wounds made by edge-tools, for which reason it is known in France as the “carpenter’s plant.”

375 This assertion, as FÉe remarks, is more than doubtful.

376 “Bastard turnip.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Bunium aromaticum; FÉe queries whether it may not be the Pimpinella tenuis of Sieber, found in Crete. The Berberis vulgaris has been also suggested.

377 Desfontaines identifies it with the Scandix odorata of LinnÆus. Hardouin says that it is musk chervil, the ChÆrophyllum aromaticum of LinnÆus, in which he has followed DodonÆus. Fuchsius suggests the ChÆrophyllum silvestre of LinnÆus: FÉe expresses himself at a loss to decide.

378 Probably the Hedysarum onobrychis of LinnÆus, our sainfoin.

379 They are very much larger than those of the lentil, in fact. This diversity has caused FÉe to express some doubts whether it really is identical with sainfoin. The Polygala officinalis has also been suggested.

380 Dalechamps considers these appellations to mean the “virgins’ plant,” and the “plant of beauty.”

381 The Cissampelos Pareira, as already stated, abounds in mucilage to such a degree, as to impart a consistency to water, without impairing its transparency. See c. 72 of this Book.

382 The reading of this word is doubtful. Hardouin thinks that it is the same as the Minyanthes mentioned in B. xxi. c. 88.

383 FÉe says that the only cases known of a phÆnomenon resembling this, are those of the Dictamnus albus, white dittany, which attracts flame momentarily when in flower, and of the TropÆolum majus, or great Indian cress. He thinks, however, that there are some trees so rich in essential oil, that they might possibly ignite as readily as naphtha.

384 In B. ii. c. 109.

385 Another reading here is “aproxis,” which seems more probable.

386 “The work of his own hands,” according to Hesychius.

387 “Admiration of man.” It is impossible to say what plant is meant under this name, but the pÆony, PÆonia officinalis, has been suggested; also the TropÆolum majus. Desfontaines queries whether it may not be the CÆsalpinia pulcherrima, a native of the East. Some authors, FÉe says, have identified it with the “Moly” of Homer.

388 So called from AchÆmenes, the ancestor of the Persian kings. FÉe thinks that it was a variety of the Euphorbia antiquorum, or else a nightshade.

389 “Food for the gods.”

390 See B. xii. c. 30; also the Introduction to Vol. III.

391 “Venerable” or “majestic.”

392 “Hard as a diamond.”

393 The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. c. 18.

394 See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name.

395 Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name.

396 “Serpent-plant.” FÉe thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant, or perhaps the Arum serpentaria; see c. 93 of this Book.

397 “Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, FÉe thinks, probably a night-shade.

398 Hardouin suggests “potamitis,” river-plant.

399 It is not impossible that this may in reality be an allusion to the effects of opium, or of hasheesh.

400 “Messenger of the gods,” apparently.

401 “Laughing leaves.” Possibly, FÉe thinks, the Ranunculus philonotis, the Herba Sardoa or Sardonic plant of Virgil, known by some authorities as the Apium risus, or “laughing parsley.” Desfontaines suggests that hemp (prepared in the form of hasheesh) is meant.

402 “Convivial” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Areca catechu, which is chewed in India for the benefit of the teeth and stomach, and as a sweetener of the breath.

403 “Brother” plant.

404 “Bride of Dionysus or Bacchus.”

405 “Sun-flower.” Not the plant, however, known to us by that name.

406 “Beauty of the sun,” apparently.

407 “Mixture of Hermes,” apparently.

408 Previously mentioned in this Chapter.

409 As FÉe remarks, it has been a notion in comparatively recent times, that it is possible to procreate children of either sex at pleasure.

410 The “bashful” plant. An Acacia, FÉe thinks; see B. xiii. c. 19. The Mimosa casta, pudica, and sensitiva, have similar properties: the Sensitive Plant is well known in this country.

411 FÉe queries whether this may not be the Silene muscipula of LinnÆus, the fly-trap.

412 The “wine-tamer.”

413 Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Grammarian Apion. Dalechamps thinks that it is either Apion or Apollodorus.

414 The “returning” plant. FÉe says that the Sedum Telephium of LinnÆus, or orpine, is called in the dictionaries by this name. He queries whether it may not be the Sedum anacampseros, or evergreen orpine, as Hesychius says that it continues to live after being taken up from the earth; a peculiarity, to some extent, of the house-leek.

415 He probably alludes to his remarks upon Magic, in Books xxix. and xxx.

416 From ???f??, a “kid.” Ruellius has attempted to identify this plant with one of the RanunculaceÆ; but there is little doubt, as FÉe says, that both plant and insect are imaginary.

417 “Herba lanaria.” See B. xix. c. 18.

418 Hardouin identifies it with the Ulva lactuca of LinnÆus; but that plant, FÉe says, contains no milky juice, and does not act as an emetic. One of the EuphorbiaceÆ is probably meant.

419 “Military” plant. Hardouin identifies it with the Achillea millefolium of LinnÆus, mentioned in c. 95 of this Book. FÉe, however, does not recognize the identity.

420 “Soldier” plant. CÆsalpinus identifies it with the Salvinia natans; but FÉe thinks, with Sprengel, that it is the Pistia stratiotes of LinnÆus, great duckweed or pondweed.

421 “Always living.” See B. xix. c. 58.

422 It is pretty clear that in relating this absurdity he is not speaking of one plant solely, but of any plant which may chance to grow on the head of a statue. Numerous mosses grow upon marble; and statues are gradually covered, FÉe says, with the Byssus antiquitatis.

423 “Tongue” plant. FÉe identifies it with the Scolopendrium officinarum of Willdenow, the Lingua cervina of other botanists. See B. xxv. c. 84.

424 In B. xiv. c. 3.

425 Or “vine-supporting.”

426 FÉe suggests that this may possibly be the SpirÆa ulmaria of LinnÆus.

427 The “impious” or “unnatural” plant. FÉe identifies it with the Filago Gallica of LinnÆus, the corn cudweed. It is destitute of medicinal properties, and what Pliny states is without foundation.

428 Generally identified with the Scandix pecten Veneris, corn cicely, or shepherd’s needle. See B. xxii. c. 38.

429 FÉe queries whether this may not possibly be the Rhus coriaria of LinnÆus, elm-leaved sumach, mentioned in B. xiii. c. 13. He would appear, however, to have confounded it with the Notia, next mentioned.

430 “Man-loving,” or rather “attached to man.” Identified with the Galium aparine of LinnÆus, goose-grass, or common ladies bedstraw; the seeds of which attach themselves to the dress.

431 See B. xxi. c. 64.

432 The dog-bur. The Lappa tomentosa of Lamarck. See B. xxvi. c. 65.

433 See c. 95 of this Book.

434 Or hartwort; see B. xx. cc. 18, 87.

435 The Tordylium officinale of LinnÆus, officinal hart-wort.

436 “Grass.” The Triticum repens, or Paspalum dactylon of LinnÆus, our couch-grass.

437 This is probably quite a different production, being the Parnassia palustris, according to DodonÆus; but FÉe is inclined to think that it is the Campanula rapunculus of LinnÆus, bell-flower or rampions.

438 FÉe thinks that this applies to the plant of Parnassus, and not to the common Gramen.

439 This property, FÉe says, is still attributed to couch-grass.

440 “Draconum.” A peculiar kind of serpent. See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 727-8.

441 No such variety is known.

442 FÉe is somewhat at a loss as to its identity, but thinks that it may be the Panicum sanguinale of LinnÆus, or possibly the Cynodon dactylon.

443 See B. xix. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 102. Possibly a Sedum or houseleek, FÉe thinks; certainly not a grass.

444 FÉe queries whether this may not be the Poa rigida of LinnÆus, hard meadow-grass.

445 An Euphorbia, FÉe thinks.

446 “Bull’s horn” or “goat’s horn.”

447 In B. xviii. c. 39.

448 The seed contains a mucilage, and is considered emollient and resolvent. Till recently, Fenugreek was the base, FÉe says, of a plaster held in high esteem.

449 “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third.

450 “Sapa.”

451 FÉe remarks, that in reality there is no bitterness in fenugreek. He suggests therefore, that the meaning may be “offensive smell,” that emitted by fenugreek being far from agreeable.

452 See end of B. xx.

453 See end of B. xiv.

454 See end of B. xii.

455 See end of B. xx.

456 See end of B. xx.

457 See end of B. vii.

458 See end of B. iii.

459 See end of B. xi.

460 See end of B. ii.

461 See end of B. xx.

462 See end of B. ii.

463 See end of B. viii.

464 See end of B. xix.

465 See end of B. viii.

466 See end of B. vii.

467 See end of B. xxi.

468 See end of B. xxi.

469 See end of B. xxi.

470 See end of B. xxi.

471 See end of B. iv.

472 See end of B. xxi.

473 See end of B. xxi.

474 See end of B. xxi.

475 See end of B. vii.

476 See end of B. xx.

477 See end of B. xx.

478 See end of B. xx.

479 See end of B. xii.

480 See end of B. xxv.

481 See end of B. xxii.

482 See end of B. xx.

483 See end of B. xx.

484 See end of B. xx.

485 See end of B. xx.

486 See end of B. xx.

487 See end of B. xx.

488 See end of B. xx.

489 See end of B. xx.

490 See end of B. vii.

491 See end of B. xx.

492 See end of B. xx.

493 See end of B. xii.

494 See end of B. xi.

495 See end of B. xii.

496 See end of B. xx.

497 See end of B. xii.

498 See end of B. xx.

499 See end of B. xx.

500 See end of B. xx.

501 See end of B. xx.

502 See end of B. xx.

503 See end of B. xx.

504 See end of B. xii.

505 See end of B. xx.

506 See end of B. xx.

507 See end of B. xix.

508 See end of B. xx.

509 See end of B. xx.

510 As FÉe remarks, it is more as a writer upon Agriculture than upon Materia Medica, that Cato is entitled to the thanks of posterity.

511 See end of B. xx.

512 His piety, apparently, was tainted with adulation.

513 With the exception of Cato, of course.

514 See end of B. xiv.

515 See c. 79 of this Book: also B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxix. c. 8.

516 A mere prejudice, arising from the fact that numerous poisonous plants grew in the countries on the shores of the Euxine. The blood of no animal whatever is an antidote to any poison.

517 See B. vii. c. 37. An interesting account of his system will be found in B. xxvi. c. 7. See also B. xxix. c. 5.

518 See B. xxiii. c. 77.

519 The four great changes in plants, though not always at the four seasons of the year, are the budding and foliation, the blossoming, the fructification, and the fall of the leaf.

520 See end of B. xx.

521 There is little doubt that he alludes to the passage of Æschylus, quoted by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 15. ???????? ?e?e?? fa?a??p???? ?????—“The race of the Tyrrheni, a drug-preparing nation.”

522 See B. ii. c. 87, B. iii. c. 9, B. xv. c. 36, and B. xxxii. c. 21.

523 See B. vii. c. 2.

524 See B. ii. c. 87.

525 Od. iv. 228, et seq.

526 See B. xxi. c. 91.

527 See B. xxi. cc. 21, 84.

528 Or serpent.

529 In B. x. c. 20.

530 Most probably by the agency of “feverish expectation” on the part of the patient.

531 In B. xviii. c. 45.

532 As FÉe remarks, this dreadful malady is still incurable, notwithstanding the eulogiums which have been lavished upon the virtues of the Scutellaria laterifolia of LinnÆus, the Alisma plantago, Genista tinctoria, and other plants, as specifics for its cure.

533 Dog-rose, or eglantine. See B. viii. c. 63.

534 An unwarranted assertion, no doubt.

535 He alludes to a substance known to us as “bedegnar,” a kind of gall-nut, produced by the insect called Cynips rosÆ.

536 Or “little dragon.” The Arum dracunculus of LinnÆus. See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.

537 In c. 93.

538 As FÉe remarks, the influence of water impregnated with selenite upon the health is well known.

539 FÉe says that this disease was an “intense gastritis, productive of a fetid breath.” It would seem, however, to be neither more nor less than the malady now known as “scurvy of the gums.” Galen describes the “sceloturbe,” as a kind of paralysis. “Stomacace” means “disease of the mouth;” “sceloturbe” “disease of the legs.”

540 Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Rumex aquaticus, but FÉe considers it to be the Inula Britannica of LinnÆus. The Statice armeria, Statice plantaginea, and Polygonum persicaria have also been suggested.

541 The pseudo-Apuleius, in B. xxix. t. 7, says, that if gathered before thunder has been heard, it will be a preservative against quinzy for a whole year.

542 The flower of the Inula Britannica, FÉe says, is much more likely, from its peculiarities, to have merited a peculiar name, than that of the Rumex.

543 Lipsius, in his Commentaries upon Tacitus, Ann. i. 63, has very satisfactorily shown that it did not derive its name from the islands of Britain, but from a local appellation, the name given by the natives to the marshy tracts upon the banks of the Ems, between Lingen and Covoerden, which are still known as the “Bretaasche Heyde.” Munting and Poinsinet de Sivry suggest that it may have received its name from being used as a strengthener of the teeth in their sockets, being compounded of the words tann, “tooth,” and brita, “to break.”

544 And therefore comparatively unknown.

545 In c. 33, et seq., of this Book.

546 In the next Book.

547 See the case of M. Agrippa, mentioned in B. xxiii. c. 27.

548 Said, by Plutarch, to have been administered to him by his freedman Callisthenes, with the view of securing his affection

549 Od. x. l. 302, et seq.

550 FÉe devotes a couple of pages to the vexata quÆstio of the identification of this plant, and comes to the conclusion that the Moly of Homer, mentioned on the present occasion, and of Theophrastus, Ovid, and the poets in general is only an imaginary plant; that the white-flowered Moly of Dioscorides and Galen is identical with the Allium Dioscoridis of Sibthorp; and that the yellow-flowered Moly of the author of the Priapeia is not improbably the Allium Moly or magicum of LinnÆus. Sprengel derives the name “Moly” from the Arabic, and identifies it with the Allium nigrum of LinnÆus.

551 Homer says that there is difficulty to men, but not to the gods.

552 In their pictures, mentioned in c. 4.

553 Ovid, Galen, and Theophrastus, say the same.

554 There must either be some error in the reading here, or the physician must have attempted to impose upon our author’s credulity.

555 Or “the twelve gods.”

556 Generally identified with the Primula vulgaris or officinalis of LinnÆus. Its leaves, however, are of varying number, and not like those of the lettuce. The Dodecatheos Meadia, or Virginian cowslip, it must be remembered, is an American plant.

557 The PÆonia officinalis of LinnÆus, our Peony.

558 PÆon, the physician, mentioned in the Iliad, B. v. l. 401. as healing Pluto, when wounded by Hercules.

559 From its five seeds, which resemble fitches.

560 “Sweet to the view,” apparently.

561 See B. xxiii. c. 76.

562 He means nightmare.

563 See B. x. cc. 18, 20, and B. xxvii. c. 60.

564 The Greek for “all-healing.”

565 Probably the Laserpitium hirsutum of Lamarck. The Echinophora tenuifolia of LinnÆus, the thin-leaved prickly parsnip, has also been named.

566 Or “All-heal.”

567 In B. xii. c. 57

568 In B. xii. c. 57.

569 Identified with the Laserpitium Chironium of LinnÆus, otherwise called Pastinaca opopanax. FÉe observes, that when the word ‘Panaces’ is used alone, this plant is always the one meant.

570 In B. xx. cc. 62, 69.

571 The Centaur Chiron; see B. vii. c. 57. Sprengel identifies this plant with the Hypericum origanifolium of Willdenow, but FÉe is inclined to think that its synonym is still unknown. M. FraÄs, in his Synopsis, p. 139, identifies it with the Hypericum Olympicum, an odoriferous plant, which the H. organifolium is not.

572 The Centaurea centaurium of LinnÆus, the greater centaury.

573 “Seritur.”

574 Hardouin identifies it with the Geranium Robertianum of LinnÆus; Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Phellandrium mutellina of LinnÆus; Columna with the Sanicula; Sibthorp with the Scrofularia lucida; and M. FraÄs with the Scrofula chrysanthemifolia of LinnÆus. FÉe expresses himself unable to speak with any certainty on the subject.

575 Whence its name “sidereon.”

576 Or “Chironian vine.”

577 In B. xxiii. c. 17.

578 In B. xxii. c. 20.

579 “Swine’s bean”—our henbane.

580 The Hyoscyamus reticulatus of LinnÆus, reticulated henbane.

581 The Hyoscyamus niger of LinnÆus, black henbane.

582 See B. xviii. c. 22, and B. xxii. c. 75. The Hyoscyamus aureus of LinnaÆus, golden henbane.

583 The Hyoscyamus albus of LinnÆus, white henbane.

584 The third kind mentioned above.

585 In B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiii. c. 49. This cannot have been a fixed oil.

586 The Mercuralis annua of LinnÆus, male and female; the herb mercury.

587 “Herb of Hermes.”

588 The male, as FÉe suggests, bears no seed at all.

589 A mere absurdity, of course.

590 De Nat. Mul. and De Morb. Mul. B. i. and B. ii.

591 The medicinal properties of the Mercurialis are not by any means energetic, but it is still used, FÉe says, as a gentle aperient.

592 B. xxvi. cc, 74, 76, 89.

593 Both stories are equally improbable.

594 See B. xxxiv. c. 45.

595 The weapons in early time, it must be remembered, were made of copper or bronze.

596 The third Sideritis of Dioscorides is thought to be the same with the Heracleon siderion of c. 15 of this Book. Pliny evidently confounds the Achillea and the Sideritis, totally different plants. The Achillea is identified by FÉe with the Achillea tomentosa or abrotonifolia of LinnÆus. As to the Sideritis, see B. xxvi. c. 12. The real Panaces heracleon has been mentioned in c. 12 of this Book.

597 Or “Thousand leaves,” probably identical with the Achillea millefolium of LinnÆus, milfoil or yarrow. See B. xxiv. c. 95.

598 “Marrubii.”

599 “Ironwort.” The third Sideritis of Dioscorides, above mentioned. See c. 15 of this Book. See also B. xxvi. cc. 12 and 88.

600 Identified by Desfontaines with the Sanguisorba officinalis of LinnÆus.

601 “Royal broom,” identified by many commentators with the Chenopodium scoparia of LinnÆus.

602 Or “mule-plant.” It is identified by FÉe with the Asplenion ceterach, or Ceterach officinarum of LinnÆus, the Ceterach, a fern, and a different plant from the Teucrium of B. xxiv. c. 80, or Germander.

603 Hence its name, “Asplenium.”

604 “Exinanisse.” A fable, of course.

605 The Teuerium lucidum of LinnÆus: though, as FÉe says, there is little similarity between it and hyssop, or between its leaves and those of the bean. See B. xxiv. c. 80.

606 Identified by FÉe with the Veratrum album and Veratrum nigrum of LinnÆus, species between which there is little difference.

607 Identified by Tournefort with the Helleborus niger of Lamarck. LittrÉ mentions the Helleborus orientalis of LinnÆus.

608 The stem of white hellebore is much longer than this.

609 This comparison with the onion, FÉe says, is altogether inexact.

610 If he would imply that they do this without inconvenience, the statement, FÉe says, is incorrect.

611 “Cut off,” and “With many roots.”

612 Hellebore is no longer used, except in veterinary medicine.

613 Petronius Arbiter says that the philosopher Chrysippus used it.

614 M. Livius Drusus. See B. xxviii. c. 42, and B. xxxiii. c. 6.

615 Anticyra in Phocis was a peninsula, not an island.

616 In B. xxii. c. 64.

617 In B. xix. c. 18.

618 Hence the Greek name “ectomon.”

619 “Tenuior.”

620 This is the meaning assigned by Hardouin to the word “ramulos.” Holland renders it “small shoots” or “slips,” and he is probably right.

621 “Squama Æris.”

622 See a similar statement as to Consiligo, in B. xxvi c. 21.

623 See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiv. c. 11.

624 Its properties, FÉe says, are not more active than those of black hellebore.

625 FÉe remarks, that they showed their wisdom in this.

626 Herophilus, it must be remembered, lived a considerable time before Themison.

627 “Forficulis.” He probably refers to c. 21, where, however, he has mentioned only a needle—“acus.” It is possibly a lapsus memoriÆ on his part.

628 This he has stated to be attended with danger, in the case of black hellebore, should the dose be too strong.

629 In c. 21 of this Book.

630 Twitchings of the mouth, which cause the patient to show his teeth, like a dog.

631 CÆsalpinus identifies it with the Erythronium dens canis of LinnÆus, and Commerson and Schreiber with the Dorstenia tambourissa of Sonnerat. FÉe is probably right in considering its synonym as still unknown.

632 Hardouin identifies it with the Stachys Germanica, LinnÆus and Sprengel with the Nepeta scordotis of LinnÆus, and FÉe with the Stachys PalÆstina.

633 FÉe remarks, that none of the plants mentioned in the last Note bear any resemblance to the “quercus,” or oak.

634 Probably the Teucrium scorodonia of LinnÆus, FÉe says; though, as he remarks, the description might apply to many of the LabiatÆ.

635 Its names were derived from Polemon, a king of Pontus, and PhiletÆrus, a king of Cappadocia. It is generally identified with the Polemonium cÆruleum of LinnÆus, Greek valerian, or Jacob’s ladder. M. FraÄs suggests that it may be the Hypericum Olympicum of LinnÆus, with which he also identifies the Panaces chironion.

636 “With a thousand virtues.”

637 So called probably from a king Eupator. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Agrimonia eupatorium, but FÉe prefers the Eupatorium cannabinum of LinnÆus, relying upon the description given by Dioscorides. B. iv. c. 41.

638 FÉe considers this to be the same with the Panaces centaurion or Pharnaceon of c. 14 of this Book, the greater Centaury. LittrÉ also names the Centaurea centaureum of LinnÆus.

639 See B. xii. c. 15. B. xxiii. cc. 58, 60, and B. xxiv. c. 77, for a preparation with a similar name, but, as FÉe says, of an entirely different character.

640 In B. xxvi. cc. 15, 19, 34, 55, 66, 76, 85, and 91.

641 Or “small” centaury, Probably the Chironia centaureum of Smith, Flor. Brit., our Felwort. LittrÉ names the ErythrÆa centaureum of Persoon.

642 From ???de?, “flowing streams.”

643 See B. xxi. cc. 10, 39, and 98, also c. 80 of this Book.

644 “Fel terrÆ.”

645 A word of Celtic origin, most probably, and not from the Greek, as Pintianus supposes.

646 Theophrastus, as stated by Pliny, in B. ix. c. 9, says that centaury is protected by the “triorchis” (see B. x. cc. 95, 96), and Pliny in translating the passage has made a mistake as to a third kind. FÉe is probably right in his conjecture that the Centaurea centaureum is meant; though Brotier and Desfontaines look upon this as being a distinct plant, and identify it with the Rumex sanguineus of LinnÆus.

647 The root of the greater centaury, FÉe remarks, is of a deep red within.

648 Pliny himself is one of the “imperiti” here.

649 Son of CÆneus, and king of Arcadia. The plant is identified with the Lonicera periclymenum of LinnÆus, our Woodbine or Honeysuckle. Sibthorp identifies the Clymenum of Dioscorides with the Convolvulus sepium of LinnÆus, and Sprengel with the Lathyrus clymenum of LinnÆus.

650 Possibly the Clymenum of Dioscorides, mentioned in the preceding Note. LittrÉ names the Calendula arvensis, the Field marigold.

651 The Gentiana lutea of LinnÆus.

652 This, FÉe remarks, is not the fact.

653 This comparison is inexact.

654 It is not swarthy.

655 A king of Thrace, contemporary with Alexander the Great. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify this plant with the Lythrum salicaria of LinnÆus, the purple Willow-herb. FÉe, on the authority of Dioscorides, identifies it with the Lysimachia vulgaris of LinnÆus, the yellow Willow-plant. LittrÉ gives the Lysimachia atro-purpurea of LinnÆus.

656 Pliny has probably mistranslated the Greek p????? here, “reddish yellow.”

657 An absurdity, of course.

658 Artemis or Diana, the guardian of pregnant women.

659 Probably the Artemisia chamÆmelifolia, Camomile-leaved mugwort. The A. arborescens, the Tree-wormwood is named by LittrÉ.

660 Either the Artemisia Pontica of LinnÆus, Little wormwood, or Roman wormwood, or else A. campestris of LinnÆus, Field southern-wood.

661 Identified with the Artemisia camphorata of LinnÆus, Camphorated mugwort.

662 Quite a different plant. See B. xxvii. c. 11.

663 Judging from the text of Dioscorides, a passage has been probably lost here, to the effect that “it is taken in drink by persons troubled with lascivious dreams.”

664 Identified with the NymphÆa alba of LinnÆus, the White-flowered nymphÆa.

665 “Adversatur ei allium.” A corrupt reading, in all probability.

666 The Nuphar lutea of Sibthorp; the Yellow-flowered nymphÆa, or Nenuphar.

667 See B. v. c. i.

668 In B. xix. c. 38.

669 Il. xii. 444.

670 The Euphorbia officinarum of LinnÆus, Officinal spurge.

671 An incorrect statement, as FÉe remarks.

672 Its odour, FÉe says, is not so strong as Pliny would have us believe.

673 On the contrary, FÉe observes, it would be not unlikely to produce ophthalmia of the most obstinate kind.

674 This FÉe considers to be almost impracticable.

675 Cisalpine Gaul.

676 See B. xiii. c. 35.

677 See B. xii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 14, and B. xxxi. c. 39.

678 The Plantago lagopus of LinnÆus, according to Sibthorp; but Sprengel identifies it with the Plantago lanceolata of LinnÆus, or else the P. maritima.

679 The Plantago altissima or major of modern botany.

680 I.e. the ribs, nerves, or sinews of the leaf.

681 “Seven-sided.”

682 Whence its name, from the Greek. Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Borrago officinalis of LinnÆus, our Borage. LittrÉ gives the Anchusa Italica.

683 Though Pliny’s assertion is supported by the authority of the School of Salerno, FÉe treats it as entirely unfounded. Leaves of borage still form an ingredient in the beverages known as Copas and Cider-cup at Cambridge. See this usage, and the identity of the Buglossos discussed at some length by Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. ii. p. 340, Bohn’s Ed.

684 “Promoting cheerfulness.”

685 “Dog’s tongue.” The Cynoglossum officinale of LinnÆus, Hound’s tongue, or Venus’ navel-wort; or else the C. pictum of Aiton.

686 FÉe is at a loss to know how it can have been employed in topiary work or ornamental gardening.

687 This statement is made by Dioscorides with reference to Arnoglossos, Lamb’s tongue, or Plantago. See c. 39, above.

688 Identified with the Myosotis lappula of LinnÆus, Prickly-seeded scorpion-grass.

689 See B. xxi. c. 64.

690 “Ranis.” Under this name he probably includes toads.

691 Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Anthemis valentina of LinnÆus, the Purple-stalked camomile; but FÉe agrees with Sibthorp in considering it to be the Chrysanthemum segetum of LinnÆus, the Corn marigold, the former not being, apparently, a native of Greece. LittrÉ gives the Chrysanthemum coronarium of LinnÆus, the Garland chrysanthemum.

692 “Steatomata.” Tumours of a fatty nature.

693 Generally agreed to be identical with the Glycyrrhiza of B. xxii. c. 2, our Liquorice. FÉe says that the G. asperrima grows in great abundance on the banks of the river Volga.

694 See B. xxvii. c. 1.

695 Liquorice certainly palls the appetite, but it is very apt to create thirst.

696 In copying from the Greek, Pliny has mistaken “hippace,” a cheese made from mare’s milk, for a plant! It is very likely, however, that it would tend, like any other cheese, to appease hunger, though, probably, not thirst.

697 He has probably invented this reason himself, as it is hardly probable that the Scythians would feed their horses with cheese, even though made from mare’s milk.

698 Sprengel identifies it with the Andropogon ischÆmon of LinnÆus, the Woolly andropogon. FÉe expresses his doubts as to its identification. It derives its name “ischÆmon,” from its property of stanching blood.

699 To arrest epistaxis or bleeding at the nose.

700 The Betonica alopecuros of LinnÆus, the Fox-tail betony.

701 The “little saw.”

702 “Nurtured by breezes.” M. FraÄs thinks that the Cestros of the Greeks is a different plant from the Vettonica of the Romans, and identifies it with the Sideritis Syriaca.

703 See B. xx. c. 85.

704 Pliny is the only author that mentions the Cantabrica, and his account, FÉe thinks, is too meagre to enable us satisfactorily to identify it with the Convolvulus cantabrica of LinnÆus.

705 A conical work-basket or cup. See B. xxi. c. 11.

706 Sprengel and other commentators identify it with the Pulmonaria officinalis of LinnÆus, Lungwort or Pulmonary. Others, again, consider it to be the Veratrum album of LinnÆus, or White hellebore. FÉe considers that its synonym has not hitherto been discovered. Holland calls it Bear-foot.

707 B. xxvi. c. 21.

708 FÉe identifies it with the Lepidium graminifolium of LinnÆus, Grass-leaved pepperwort; Desfontaines with the L. Iberis of LinnÆus, Bushy pepperwort. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Iberis amara of LinnÆus, the White candy-tuft.

709 “Fictum nomen.” Salmasius thinks that by these words, Pliny means that Democrates invented the name of a friend of his as being the discoverer of this plant, which in reality was discovered by himself. It would seem to mean, however, that the name “iberis” was only a fanciful title, derived from the country where it was found, and given to it for want of acquaintance with its real name.

710 Still preserved in Galen, B. x. c. 2.

711 The Chelidonium majus of LinnÆus, the Greater celandine or swallow-wort.

712 “Pastinaca erratica.” See c. 64 of this Book.

713 Identified with the Ranunculus ficaria of LinnÆus, the Pilewort, or Lesser celandine.

714 The same is the case, FÉe remarks, with numbers of other plants.

715 “Collyriis.”

716 The Dactylos of B. xxiv. c. 119, is supposed to be the plant alluded to. The word “canariam” is found here in former editions, but Sillig omits it. Indeed Pliny seems to say that it is quite unknown to him.

717 In B. xxii. c. 37.

718 From the Greek ????, “to draw.”

719 In B. viii. c. 41.

720 The Origanum dictamnus of LinnÆus, Dittany of Candia.

721 This is an error: it grows, and doubtless did in Pliny’s time, in numerous other places; but that of Mount Ida in Crete was held in the highest esteem.

722 It has all three, in fact; as FÉe says, it is evident that Pliny never saw it. Its medicinal properties are no longer held in any esteem.

723 “False-dittany.” It is generally identified with the Marrubium pseudodictamnus of LinnÆus, the Shrubby white horehound; though perhaps on insufficient grounds.

724 FÉe is inclined, with Sprengel, to identify it with the Origanum Creticum of LinnÆus. Other commentators have suggested the Origanum Tournefortii, the Thymus mastichina of LinnÆus, and the Marrubium acetabulosum of LinnÆus.

725 See B. xx. c. 91.

726 “Limes Diomedis.”

727 “Most excellent for pregnancy.”

728 See B. xxvi. c. 56.

729 Identified by FÉe with the Aristolochia rotunda of LinnÆus, Rounded birthwort, a native of the south of France and the southern parts of Europe. LittrÉ gives the Aristolochia pallida of Willdenow.

730 Most probably the Aristolochia longa of LinnÆus, found in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Aristolochia parvifolia of Sibthorp.

731 The Aristolochia clematis of LinnÆus, almost identical with the Aristolochia Cretica and BÆtica.

732 The Aristolochia plistolochia of LinnÆus, the Spanish branching stemmed birthwort. FÉe thinks that these identifications, though probable enough, are not altogether satisfactory, and that the Greeks may have made these distinctions between varieties of the plant comparatively unknown to the rest of Europe. They are no longer held in any esteem for their medicinal properties.

733 See B. xxvi. c. 91.

734 “With many roots.”

735 See B. xxvi. c. 62.

736 See c. 6 of this Book.

737 See cc. 11, 12, 13, 14, of this Book.

738 See B. xx. c. 61.

739 See B. xxiv. c. 80.

740 See c. 15 of this Book.

741 See c. 27 of this Book.

742 See c. 35 of this Book.

743 See c. 50 of this Book.

744 See B. xvi. c. 24.

745 See c. 54 of this Book. As FÉe remarks, these asserted remedies for the stings of serpents are not deserving of discussion.

746 The Papaver argemone of LinnÆus, the Rough poppy. It is a native of France, and many other parts of Europe.

747 This, FÉe remarks, is not stated by Dioscorides, whose description is more correct.

748 It is supposed by commentators that he is in error here, and that this description applies to the Lappa canaria, mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.

749 The root of the Papaver argemone has no such smell.

750 See B. xxi. c. 94, B. xxiv. c. 116, and B. xxvi. c. 59.

751 The Boletus agaricum of Aiton, or White agaric. It is a strong purgative, but is rarely used for that purpose.

752 This distinction into male and female is no longer recognized, though it continued to be so till within the last century.

753 Desfontaines identifies it with the Saponaria ocimoÏdes. FÉe thinks it may have possibly been some kind of sage, or else a variety of the Lavendula stoechas of LinnÆus, French lavender. LittrÉ gives the Silene Gallica of LinnÆus, the Gallic catchfly.

754 Identified by FÉe with the Pseudanchusa, Echis, or Doris of B. xxii. c. 24, the Anchusa Italica of LinnÆus. LittrÉ gives the Echium rubrum of LinnÆus.

755 The Arctium lappa of LinnÆus, probably, our Great clot-burr. See B. xxi. c. 51.

756 See B. xxi. c. 64.

757 “Holy plant.”

758 “Pigeon plant.”

759 Our “vervain.” It was much used in philtres, and was as highly esteemed as the mistletoe by the people of Gaul. It is no longer used in medicine.

760 In B. xxii. c. 3.

761 On the occasion of the Feasts of Jupiter in the Capitol, prepared by the Septemviri.

762 The Verbena supina of LinnÆus, Recumbent vervain.

763 The Verbena officinalis of LinnÆus, Vervain or holy plant.

764 See c. 73 of this Book.

765 Mostly identified with the third Phlomos, mentioned in c. 74 of this Book. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Phlomis fruticosa of LinnÆus, Jerusalem sage, or tree-sage.

766 “BlattÆ.”

767 Not the “Limonion” of B. xx. c. 28, as the Statice limonium emits no juice. Desfontaines identifies it with the Scolymos or Limonia of B. xxii. c. 43; but FÉe is inclined to think that Pliny is speaking of the Atractylis gummifera, but has made a mistake in the name.

768 Or “five-leaved.” Most probably the Potentilla reptans of LinnÆus, our Cinquefoil, or Five-leaved grass. Sprengel, however, identifies it with the Tormentilla reptans of LinnÆus, the Tormentil; and other authorities with the Potentilla rupestris of LinnÆus.

769 Its fruit is dry, and bears no resemblance to the strawberry.

770 “Five-leaved.”

771 “Creeping on the ground.”

772 Identified by FÉe with the Sparganium ramosum of LinnÆus, or Branchy burr-reed. LittrÉ gives the Butonus umbellatus of LinnÆus, the Flowering rush, or Water gladiole.

773 FÉe remarks, that the account given by Pliny has not the same precision as that of Dioscorides, who describes three varieties of the Daucus.

774 FÉe is inclined to identify the Daucus of Crete and Achaia with the Daucus Creticus of Fuchsius, the Athamanta annua of LinnÆus. Desfontaines identifies it with the Athamanta Cretensis of LinnÆus.

775 This kind is identified by FÉe with the Seseli ammoÏdes of LinnÆus, and by LittrÉ with the Ammi majus of LinnÆus, the Common or Greater bishop’s weed.

776 Identified by Sprengel with the Daucus Mauritanicus, and by Brotero and Desfontaines with the Daucus carota, var. a, our Common carrot. FÉe seems inclined to identify it with the Athamanta cervaria of LinnÆus, Mountain carrot, or Broad-leaved spignel. The account given by Pliny is, however, a mass of confusion.

777 Or “wild parsnip.” See B. xix. c. 27.

778 For the purpose of expelling the dead foetus, according to Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 83.

779 See B. xxiv. c. 102. The plant here spoken of has not been identified, but the Epilobium angustifolium, montanum, tetragonum, &c., varieties of the Willow-herb, have been suggested. They are destitute, however, of all poisonous qualities.

780 Hence its name—“Benumbing wild beasts.”

781 FÉe thinks that there is an error in the name, and that it is the “personata” that is here spoken of, the plant already mentioned in c. 58 of this Book. Hardouin identifies it with the Tussilago petasites—the Butter-burr, according to Nemnich—but apparently without any sufficient authority.

782 FÉe identifies it with the Cyclamen hederÆfolium of Aiton, the Ivy-leaved sow-bread; LittrÉ with the Cyclamen GrÆcum of Lamarck.

783 “Tuberosity of the earth.”

784 “Suum venenum ei est.” Gerard seems to have had a worse opinion of it than our author; for he states in his Herbal, p. 845, that he had experienced great misfortunes owing to his imprudence in having cultivated Cyclamen in his garden.

785 “Ivy-flowered.” It resembles the other plant in nothing but the name. FÉe is inclined, with Desfontaines, to identify it with the Lonicera caprifolium of LinnÆus, the Italian honeysuckle, though that plant bears no resemblance in either leaf or flower to the ivy. The Lonicera periclymenum of LinnÆus, the Common woodbine or honeysuckle, has been also suggested, as well as the Bryonia alba, Solanum dulcamara, and Cucubalus bacciferus.

786 According to Brotero, it is the Parnassia palustris of Tournefort, an opinion with which FÉe is inclined to agree. Sprengel considers it to be the same as the Convallaria bifolia of LinnÆus, our Small lily of the valley, and identifies it with the one-leafed Ceratia of B. xxvi. c. 34. LittrÉ names the Antirrhinum asarina of LinnÆus, the Bastard asarum.

787 The Peucedanum officinale of LinnÆus, Sulphur-wort, or Hog’s fennel. It receives its name from a fancied resemblance between its fruit and that of the “Peuce,” or pitch-tree.

788 This juice, FÉe remarks, is no longer known.

789 Or Wall-wort. See B. xxiv. c. 35. and B. xxvi. c. 49.

790 See c. 28 of this Book.

791 See c. 54 of this Book.

792 Identified by FÉe with the Verbascum thapsus of LinnÆus, Great mullein, High-taper, or Cow’s lung-wort.

793 Identified by FÉe with the Verbascum sinuatum of LinnÆus. Desfontaines considers this to be the male plant of Pliny, and the V. thapsus to be the female.

794 FÉe considers this to be the same as the Blattaria mentioned in c. 60, and identifies it with the Verbascum phlomoÏdes of LinnÆus. Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Phlomis lychnitis of LinnÆus. LittrÉ gives the Phlomus fruticosa of LinnÆus, the Jerusalem sage, or Tree sage.

795 See B. xxii. c 71.

796 FÉe identifies these two kinds with the Phlomis fruticosa of LinnÆus; Sprengel and Desfontaines consider the second kind to be the Phlomis Italica of Smith; on insufficient grounds, FÉe thinks. LittrÉ mentions the Sideritis Romana and S. elegans of LinnÆus.

797 The “Lamp plant.” It is mostly identified with the Verbascum lychnitis of LinnÆus, the White mullein. FÉe is somewhat doubtful on the point. It is doubtful whether it is not the same as the Thryallis, mentioned in B. xxi. c. 61. LittrÉ identifies it with the Phlomis lychnitis.

798 In the last paragraph he is speaking of the Phlomos, here he evidently reverts to the Phlomis.

799 Or “Female killer.” See B. xxvii. c. 2.

800 Dioscorides states, somewhat more rationally, that this plant strikes the scorpion with torpor, and that the contact of hellebore revives it.

801 “Rubetis.” A kind of toad, probably. See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. c. 16, and B. xxxii. c. 18.

802 Schneider, on Nicander’s Alexiph. p. 277, says that he cannot understand this passage. There is little doubt that Sillig is right in his conjecture that it is imperfect, for the pith of the narrative, whatever it may have been, is evidently wanting. The Psylli were said to be proof against all kinds of poisons. See B. viii. c. 38, and B. xi. c. 30; also Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 192, et seq.

803 See also B. xxvii. c. 97. FÉe identifies it with the Astragalus Creticus of Lamarck, Desfontaines with the Astragalus poterium.

804 The “nerve-plant” and the “drinking-plant,” apparently.

805 Sprengel identifies it with the Alisma Parnassifolium of LinnÆus; but as that plant is not found in Greece, Sibthorp suggests the Alisma plantago of LinnÆus, the Great water-plantain. It has no medicinal properties, though it was esteemed till very recent times as curative of hydrophobia.

806 “Capite thyrsi.”

807 See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

808 In c. 6 of this Book.

809 “Pigeon-plant.” The same as Vervain, already described in c. 59 of this Book.

810 See c. 8 of this Book.

811 By “Mithridatia” he probably means the antidotes attributed to Mithridates in c. 3 of this Book, and in B. xxix. c. 8, and not the plant previously mentioned in c. 26.

812 See c. 27 of this Book.

813 See c. 54 of this Book.

814 See c. 55.

815 Generally identified with the Antirrhinum Orontium of LinnÆus, Small toad-flax, Calf’s snout, or Lesser wild snapdragon. Desfontaines mentions the Antirrhinum purpureum, and LittrÉ the A. majus of LinnÆus, the Common snapdragon, or Greater calf’s snout.

816 “Wild lychnis.”

817 Theophrastus says, B. ix. c. 21, speaking of the last-mentioned plant, “The same too, with reference to glory and consideration.” Pliny, singularly enough, has mistaken the Greek word “eucleia” (glory) for the name of a plant, and has fabricated one accordingly: a similar blunder to that made by him with reference to “hippace,” in c. 44 of this Book.

818 See c. 36 of this Book.

819 FÉe is inclined to identify it with the Bulbine of B. xx. c. 41 probably the Hyacinthus botryoÏdes of LinnÆus, the Blue grape hyacinth. Brotero and Desfontaines name the Hyacinthus comosus, the Purple grape hyacinth. LittrÉ mentions the Ornithogalum nutans of LinnÆus, the May star of Bethlehem.

820 Identified by FÉe with the Bulbus vomitorius or Bulb emetic of B. xx. c. 41, the same, in his opinion, with the Narcissus jonquilla, the Emetic jonquil. Sprengel, however, would identify the Bulbus vomitorius with either the Narcissus orientalis or the Pancratium Illyricum; and Sibthorp considers its synonym to be the Ornithogalum stachyoÏdes of Aiton. LittrÉ gives the Muscari comosum.

821 See c. 13 of this Book.

822 See c. 37 of this Book, and B. xxvi. c. 28.

823 There seems to be an hiatus here. From the words of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 138, it would appear that pitch was the other ingredient, to be beaten up with the plant.

824 The same as the Polytrichos of B. xxii. c. 30.

825 In B. xxii. c. 30, he makes them to be the same plant, and it is most probable that they may be both referred to the Asplenium trichomanes of LinnÆus.

826 “Frutice.”

827 See B. xxiv. c. 108.

828 See c. 11 of this Book.

829 See c. 54 of this Book.

830 See c. 49 of this Book.

831 See c. 67 of this Book.

832 Or Vervain.

833 Sprengel identified this plant at first with the Buplevrum longifolium of LinnÆus, the Long-leaved hare’s ear, but at a later period with the Mercurialis tomentosa, the Woolly mercury. FÉe suggests the Cacalia petasites or albifrons, though with diffidence. LittrÉ gives the Cacalia verbascifolia of Sibthorp.

834 See c. 83 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxvii. c. 111.

835 There has been much discussion on the identification of the Hyssopum of the ancients, their descriptions varying very considerably. It has been suggested that that of the Egyptians was the Origanum Ægyptianum; that of the Hebrews, the Origanum Syriacum; that of Dioscorides, the Origanum SmyrnÆum; and that of the other Greek writers, the Teuerium pseudo-hyssopus, or else the Thymbra verticillata and spicata. FÉe is inclined to identify that here mentioned by Pliny with the Thymbra spicata of LinnÆus, and the Garden hyssop of Dioscorides, with the Hyssopus officinalis of LinnÆus. LittrÉ states, however, that this last is a stranger to Greece, and that M. FrÄas (Synopsis, p. 182) identifies the hyssop of Dioscorides with the Origanum SmyrnÆum or Syriacum.

836 Generally identified with the Serapias lingua of LinnÆus.

837 The same, most probably, as the Gladiolus of B. xxi. c. 67. See also the next Chapter in this Book.

838 This was a characteristic feature of the masks used in the Roman Comedy.

839 See Note 837 above. The medicinal properties here attributed to the Xiphion, or Gladiolus communis, our common Red corn-flag, are very doubtful, as FÉe remarks.

840 With the outer coat on, of course.

841 Dalechamps is probably right in preferring the reading “carpentis” to “serpentis,” in which case the meaning would be, “or bones when accidentally crushed by the wheels of vehicles.”

842 Or “meagrim.”

843 Identified with the Plantago Psyllium of LinnÆus, our Fleawort Fleaseed, or Fleabane.

844 Nothing, FÉe says, can be more absurd than this description of the plant.

845 Whence its name “cynoÏdes” and “cynomyia.”

846 This plant has not been identified; Wild water-parsley, perhaps a kind of Sium, has been suggested.

847 All the plants here mentioned are of a more or less irritating nature, and would greatly imperil the sight.

848 See c. 50 of this Book.

849 See c. 11 of this Book.

850 See B. xviii. c. 14, and B. xxii. c. 59.

851 “Collyriis.”

852 A most dangerous application, in reality.

853 A comparatively harmless, though useless application.

854 See c. 49 of this Book.

855 See c. 73 of this Book.

856 In c. 70 of this Book.

857 See c. 90 of this Book.

858 The Corchorus of B. xxi. c. 106, is most probably altogether a different plant.

859 Identified with the Anagallis arvensis of LinnÆus, with a red flower, the Red pimpernel, Corn pimpernel, or Shepherd’s weather-glass.

860 The Anagallis cÆruleo flore of Tournefort, the Blue pimpernel.

861 In reality they are destitute of medicinal properties. It is said, though apparently on no sufficient grounds, that red pimpernel is poisonous to small birds.

862 Or “blood-shot eyes.”

863 A disease of the pupil.

864 Belladonna, a preparation from the Atropa belladonna, is now generally used for this purpose.

865 “Paracentesis.”

866 This plant is unknown. FÉe suggests that Pliny may have made a mistake, and that the account from which he copies may have been, that when cattle have been stung by the asilus, or gadfly, they have recourse to the Anagallis.

867 “Savage eye.”

868 In c. 38 of this Book.

869 See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxi. c. 63.

870 Or “Plant of Circe.”

871 Identified by FÉe with the Atropa mandragora vernalis of Bertolini, the Spring mandrake.

872 The Atropa mandragora autumnalis of Bertolini, the Autumnal mandrake.

873 The Greek for “male.”

874 “Dementing.” FÉe remarks that the “Morion” in reality is a different plant, and queries whether it may not be the Atropa belladonna of LinnÆus, the Belladonna, or Deadly nightshade, mentioned above in Note 864.

875 The female, or black, mandrake.

876 See B. xx. c. 85.

877 The superstitions with reference to the Mandrake extended from the earliest times till a very recent period. It was used in philtres, and was supposed to utter piercing cries when taken up; Josephus counsels those whose business it is to do so, to employ a dog for the purpose if they would avoid dreadful misfortunes. All these notions probably arose from the resemblance which the root bears to the legs and lower part of the human body. See B. xxii. c. 9, where we have queried in a Note whether the Eryngium may not have been the “mandrake,” the possession of which was so much coveted by the wives of Jacob.

878 “Pestis est.”

879 In the same way that chloroform is now administered.

880 “Cicuta.” Identified with the Conium maculatum of LinnÆus, Common hemlock or Keghs. It grows in the vicinity of Athens, and probably formed the basis of the poisons with which that volatile people “recompensed,” as FÉe remarks, the virtues and exploits of their philosophers and generals. Socrates, Phocion, and Philopoemen, are said to have been poisoned with hemlock; but in the case of Socrates, it was probably combined with opium and other narcotics. See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

881 He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter into a description of poisons.

882 FÉe doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with impunity.

883 See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.

884 A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks.

885 Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when the milk is in excess.

886 By causing those organs to waste away.

887 The province of Asia Minor.

888 “Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum of LinnÆus, Small samphire, or sea fennel.

889 Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago EuropÆa of LinnÆus, Leadwort, or French dittander.

890 See B. xx. c. 85.

891 “Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin thinks.

892 Or “smoke-plant;” so called from its smell, which resembles that of smoke or soot.

893 “Pedes gallinacei.” Identified by FÉe with the Corydalis digitata of Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of Fumitory.

894 Identified by FÉe with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have also been mentioned.

895 The Acorus calamus of LinnÆus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling flag. See B. xii. c. 48.

896 See B. xxi. c. 19.

897 “Utribus.”

898 See B. xv. c. 7.

899 Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith, Flor. Brit., Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort.

900 Identified by LittrÉ with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by FÉe with the Cotyledon serrata of LinnÆus, Saw-toothed navel-wort.

901 “Sordidis.”

902 “Always living.”

903 “Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum tectorum of LinnÆus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.

904 Called “geisa” in Greek.

905 “Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.”

906 FÉe identifies it with the Sedum ochroleucum of Sibthorp; Sprengel with the Sedum altissimum, and others with the Sedum acre, varieties of Wall pepper, or Stone-crop. LittrÉ gives the Sedum amplexicaule of Decandolle.

907 “Spring blossoming.”

908 “Blossoming like gold.”

909 “The same all the year.”

910 “Wild andrachle.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Sedum stellatum; FÉe, though with some hesitation, with the Sedum reflexum of LinnÆus, the Sharp-pointed stone-crop, or Prick-madam. The Sedum, however, is of a caustic and slightly corrosive nature, and not edible; in which it certainly differs from the Andrachle agria of our author. Holland calls it “Wild purslain.”

911 This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.”

912 See c. 19 of this Book.

913 See c. 100 of this Book.

914 “Strigil.” This in general means a “body-scraper;” but it most probably signifies a “syringe,” in the present instance. See B. xxix c. 39, and B. xxxi c. 47.

915 See B. xxiv. c. 35.

916 See c. 19 of this Book.

917 See c. 54 of this Book.

918 See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70.

919 “OzÆnam.”

920 See c. 11 of this Book.

921 See c. 28 of this Book.

922 See c. 73 of this Book.

923 See c. 92 of this Book.

924 Identified by Desfontaines with the Senecio JacobÆa of LinnÆus, Common ragwort. FÉe identifies it with the Senecio vulgaris of LinnÆus, our Groundsel. They are both destitute of medicinal properties.

925 Sec B. xxiv. c. 80.

926 ?a?? ?????, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.”

927 “SpinÆ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.”

928 It may possibly have been so called from the Acanthis, or goldfinch, that bird being fond of groundsel.

929 “Thistle-down.” If Pliny is speaking of groundsel, he is wrong in his assertion that it turns white, or in other words, goes to seed, in spring.

930 Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum stachyoÏdes; but that has no blue flower, and the same is the case with many other plants that have been suggested as its synonym. FÉe suggests the Convallaria verticillata of LinnÆus, the whorl-leaved Solomon’s seal; as to which, however, there is the same difficulty in reference to the flower. Holland calls it the “May lily,” otherwise the Lily of the valley, the Convallaria Maialis; and this is the synonym suggested by Fuchsius. LittrÉ gives the Convallaria multiflora of LinnÆus.

931 See c. 50 of this Book.

932 Or “Venus’ bath.” Identified by LittrÉ with the Dipsacus silvestris of LinnÆus, and by FÉe with the Dipsacus fullonum of LinnÆus, the Teazel, or Fuller’s thistle. It received its Roman name from the form of the leaves, which are channelled, and curved at the edges.

933 This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs formed by the leaves.

934 He alludes to the larvÆ of the Curculio or weevil, which are found in the head of the Dipsacus, and many other plants. See B. xxvii. c. 62, and B. xxx. c. 8.

935 “Frog-plant.”

936 “Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us.

937 Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, FÉe with the R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.

938 Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus hirsutus, or philonotis. FÉe, with Hardouin, considers it to be the same as the Apiastrum of B. xx. c. 45, and identifies it with the Ranunculus SardoÜs of Crantz, the plant probably which produces a contraction of the mouth, rendered famous as the “Sardonic grin,” and more commonly known as the Ranunculus sceleratus, Apium risus, or Apium SardoÜm, “Laughing parsley,” or “Sardinian parsley.”

939 Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by FÉe, with the Ranunculus muricatus of LinnÆus.

940 Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by FÉe with the Ranunculus aquatilis of LinnÆus, the Water crowfoot. The Ranunculi are all active poisons.

941 A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any one ever made the trial of its efficacy.

942 Or scrofula.

943 See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5.

944 See c. 90 of this Book.

945 See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.

946 “Stigmata.”

947 See c. 94 of this Book.

948 See end of B. xx.

949 See end of B. xiv.

950 See end of B. xii.

951 See end of B. xx.

952 See end of B. xx.

953 See end of B. vii.

954 For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.

955 See end of B. iii.

956 See end of B. xi.

957 See end of B. ii.

958 See end of B. v.

959 See end of B. xx.

960 See end of B. ii.

961 See end of B. viii.

962 See end of B. xix.

963 See end of B. viii.

964 See end of B. vii.

965 See end of B. xxi.

966 See end of B. xxi.

967 A Lydian historian, anterior to Herodotus, of whom little is known with any degree of certainty. He probably flourished in the earlier part of the fifth century B.C.

968 See end of B. xxi.

969 See end of B. xxi.

970 See end of B. iv.

971 See end of B. xxi.

972 See end of B. xxi.

973 See end of B. xxi.

974 See end of B. vii.

975 See end of B. xx.

976 See end of B. xx.

977 See end of B. xx.

978 See end of B. xii.

979 See end of B. xv.

980 See end of B. xii.

981 See end of B. xx.

982 See end of B. xx.

983 See end of B. xx.

984 See end of B. xx.

985 See end of B. xx.

986 See end of B. xx.

987 See end of B. xx.

988 See end of B. xx.

989 See end of B. vii.

990 See end of B. xx.

991 See end of B. xx.

992 See end of B. xii.

993 See end of B. xi.

994 See end of B. xii.

995 See end of B. xx.

996 See end of B. xii.

997 See end of B. xx.

998 See end of B. xx.

999 See end of B. xx.

1000 See end of B. xx.

1001 See end of B. xx.

1002 See end of B. xx.

1003 See end of B. xii.

1004 See end of B. xx.

1005 See end of B. xx.

1006 See end of B. xix.

1007 See end of B. xx.

1008 See end of B. xx.

1009 See end of B. xx.

1010 Probably as LittrÉ suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, the leprosy of the middle ages.

1011 The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.

1012 Meaning the people of Italy.

1013 It is somewhat difficult to say whether Tiberius, the predecessor, or Claudius, the successor of Caligula, is meant; most probably the latter, as the former’s reign would have been in the times of “our fathers.”

1014 Asia Minor.

1015 “Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was known in Asia from the very earliest times.

1016 This assertion as to the slaves and lower orders is somewhat doubtful, though it is very possible that the diet and habits of the higher orders may have predisposed them more particularly for the attacks of the diseases.

1017 “Osculi”, “kissing;” a nauseous and silly practice, still adhered to, between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe.

1018 Upwards of £1500.

1019 A.U.C. 590.

1020 “Carbunculus.” A malignant pustule, accompanied with swelling and ending with gangrene, is still known by this name, but it does not manifest any particular preference for the mouth and tongue. FÉe says that carbuncle was recently (1833) endemic in Provence, the ancient Gallia Narbonensis, for which reason it had received the name of “Charbon ProvenÇal.”

1021 Consul, A.U.C. 819.

1022 Consul, A.U.C. 816.

1023 Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more like chancre than carbuncle.

1024 In B. xx. c. 52.

1025 Supposed, as Pliny says, to have originally come from Upper Egypt. Lucretius, B. vi. l. 1111, et seq., attributes it to the water of the Nile. It is but rarely known in Europe.

1026 FÉe thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to those between the fingers which are known as fourches by the French, and by medical men as “Aposthema phalangum.” Gruner considers it to be a sort of Elephantiasis, and Triller identifies it with the disease called Gumretha by the Talmudists.

1027 “Colum.” FÉe takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.

1028 See B. xxix. c. i.

1029 See end of B. xx.

1030 See B. xxix. c. 3.

1031 See B. xxix. c. 5.

1032 See end of B. vii.

1033 “Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a carriage drawn by horses.

1034 See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable length, in the Florida, B. iv.

1035 Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.

1036 We adopt Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nimborum altrice,” the word “imperatrice” being evidently out of place. The climate of Italy seems to have changed very materially since his day.

1037 See B. ii. c. 51.

1038 See B. ix. c. 79.

1039 “Organo.”

1040 See B. xxiv. c. 102.

1041 We agree with Pintianus that the name of some plant here has been lost, the word “condiendis” making no sense.

1042 See B. xxiv. c. 102.

1043 Some plant as fictitious as the others here mentioned.

1044 See B xxx. c. 1.

1045 See B. xxiv. c. 102.

1046 See B. iii. c. 9.

1047 In B. xxiv. c. 102.

1048 In B. xxix. c. 5.

1049 See B. xxi. c. 68.

1050 See B. xx. c. 85.

1051 “Flos visci.”

1052 See c. 39 of this Book.

1053 Identified by FÉe with the Marchantia polymorpha of LinnÆus, Common Marchantia, or Fountain liverwort, the male plant.

1054 Identified by FÉe with the Marchantia stellata, Star-headed Marchantia, or Female fountain liverwort. Desfontaines takes it to be either the Marchantia conica, or the Peltidea canina. It must be remembered that the Marchantia is not a Lichen in the modern acceptation of the word, and that our Lichens are destitute of stem. LittrÉ identifies it with the Lecanora parella.

1055 See B. xiii. c. 43.

1056 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1057 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1058 See B. xxvii. c. 104.

1059 See B. ix. c. 42.

1060 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1061 FÉe remarks that none of the plants here mentioned are of any utility for the cure of scrofula.

1062 See B. xxv. c. 50.

1063 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1064 See B. xxv. c. 36.

1065 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1066 See B. xxv. c. 19, where our author has confused the Achillea with the Sideritis; also c. 15, where he describes the Heraclion siderion. FÉe identifies the Sideritis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 19, as having a square stem and leaves like those of the quercus, with the Stachys heraclea of modern botany. That mentioned in the same Chapter, as having a fetid smell, he identifies with the Phellandrium mutellina of LinnÆus. The large-leaved Sideritis is, no doubt, the one mentioned as having leaves like those of the quereus. See the Note to B. xxv. c. 19.

1067 In B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxv. c. 119.

1068 See B. xxv. c. 77.

1069 Probably the Bellis perennis of LinnÆus, the Common daisy. FÉe remarks, that it was probably unknown to the Greeks.

1070 See B. xxv. c. 36.

1071 Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Saponaria vaccaria, the Perfoliate soapwort. Other commentators have suggested the Valeriana rubra, but FÉe thinks that its synonym has not been hitherto discovered.

1072 See B. xxv. c. 11.

1073 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1074 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1075 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1076 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1077 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1078 See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxv. c. 43. Our Liquorice probably, which, FÉe remarks, as also figs and hyssop, has maintained its ancient reputation as a pectoral.

1079 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1080 See B. xxv. c. 85.

1081 See B. xxiv. c. 85.

1082 “Aquileges.”

1083 See B. xxiv. c. 85.

1084 Dried bechion, or coltsfoot, is still smoked by some persons for affections of the chest.

1085 Generally identified with the Phlomos, or Verbascum lychnitis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 74.

1086 “Sage.” See B. xxv. c. 73.

1087 See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.

1088 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1089 See B. xx. c. 27.

1090 See R. xviii. c. 29. FÉe observes that none of these prescriptions would be countenanced at the present day.

1091 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1092 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1093 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1094 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1095 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1096 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1097 Possibly the same plant as the “Moly” of B. xxv. c. 8. If so, as FÉe says, it would appear to belong to the genus Allium, or garlic.

1098 See B. xxv. c. 84.

1099 See B. xxv. c. 68.

1100 See introduction to Vol. III.

1101 See B. xii. c. 28. FÉe says that none of these so-called remedies would now be recognised.

1102 See B. xxv. c. 20.

1103 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1104 See B. xxv. c. 99.

1105 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1106 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1107 Probably the Equisetum silvaticum of LinnÆus, our Wild horse-tail. He is in error in saying that it climbs the trunks of trees; a mistake also made by Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 46, who calls it “hippuris.” It is said by some to be a strong diuretic. LittrÉ, however, gives as its synonym the Ephedra fragilis of LinnÆus.

1108 The Geum urbanum of LinnÆus, the Common avens, or herb bennet. It was probably unknown to the Greeks.

1109 Its root has a smell like that of cloves, for which reason it is sometimes known as “Caryophyllata.”

1110 In B. xxv. c. 48.

1111 Sprengel identifies it with the Plumbago of B. xxv. c. 22. FÉe is not of that opinion, and agrees with Matthioli in considering it to be the Aster tripolium of LinnÆus, the Sea starwort. LittrÉ gives the Statice limonium of LinnÆus.

1112 See B. xx. c. 25.

1113 In B. xxi. c. 21.

1114 Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Amaranthus tricolor; FÉe is strongly of opinion that it has not been correctly identified.

1115 Clusius and Sprengel identify it with the Lychnis silvestris of LinnÆus, the Wild lychnis or Viscous catchfly. FÉe considers it to be unknown, but of the two, would prefer the Lychnis dioica of LinnÆus, the White lychnis, or White campion.

1116 C. Bauhin identifies it with the Valeriana locusta of LinnÆus, Corn valerian, Corn-salad, or Lamb’s lettuce. FÉe considers its identity as still unknown.

1117 See B. xviii. c. 10.

1118 Perhaps the same as the Limonium of B. xxv. c. 61.

1119 See B. xxii. c. 42; one of the Sonchi, probably, which, contain a milky juice. LittrÉ gives the Sonchus palustris of LinnÆus.

1120 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1121 The Betonica officinalis of LinnÆus.

1122 Either the Asplenium ceterach of LinnÆus, Spleenwort, Ceterach, or Miltwaste, or the A. hemionitis of LinnÆus, Mule’s fern. See B. xxvii. c. 17.

1123 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1124 See B. xxv. c. 33.

1125 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1126 For the identity of this plant, see B. xxvii. c. 24.

1127 See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c 61.

1128 See B. xxiv. c. 80

1129 See c. 18 of this Book.

1130 Identified with the Lavendula stoechas of LinnÆus, the French lavender.

1131 “Vas”.

1132 In search of pheasants. See B. vi. c. 4.

1133 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1134 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1135 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1136 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1137 See B. xxv. c. 89.

1138 See B. xviii. c. 29.

1139 See B. xxv. c. 84.

1140 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1141 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1142 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1143 See B. xxvii. c. 24.

1144 See B. xxv. c. 84.

1145 See Note 1143 above.

1146 See B. xxvii. c. 6.

1147 Sprengel identifies it with the Phaca BÆtica, Spanish bastard vetch; but the flowers of that plant, as FÉe remarks, are yellow. He considers it to be the Lathyrus tuberosus of LinnÆus, the Pease earth-nut. LittrÉ gives the Orobus sessilifolius of Sibthorp.

1148 “Rubrum,” and not “nigrum,” which was also what we call “red” wine.

1149 FÉe is unable to identify it. The Galeopsis ladanum of LinnÆus, the Red dead-nettle, has been suggested, but on insufficient grounds, probably.

1150 See B. xii. c. 37.

1151 It is still brought from the islands of Greece, but no longer from Arabia.

1152 ?????.

1153 In B. xii. c. 37.

1154 “False-dittany,” or “bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53.

1155 The Cytinus hypocisthis of LinnÆus.

1156 In B. xxiv. c. 28.

1157 See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. c. 67.

1158 See B. xiv. c. 5.

1159 The Sium of B. xxii. c. 41.

1160 Probably the Potamogeton natans of LinnÆus, Broad-leaved pondweed, or some kindred plant. Its name signifies “the neighbour of rivers.”

1161 C. Bauhin and Sprengel identify the plant here described with the Potamogeton pusillum of LinnÆus; but FÉe considers it extremely doubtful.

1162 A species of Equisetum would seem to be meant; indeed, LittrÉ gives the Equisetum telmateia.

1163 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1164 FÉe thinks that this may possibly be the Statice Armeria of LinnÆus, Sea thrift, or Sea gilly-flower.

1165 Considered by Sprengel to be the Cyclaminos chamÆcissos of B. xxv. c. 69, which he identifies with the Convallaria bifolia of LinnÆus, the Little lily of the valley, or May lily. Fabius Columna and Brotero consider it to be the Dentaria trifolia, Three-leaved toothwort.

1166 This is incorrect, if it is the Lily of the valley.

1167 “Lion’s paw,” “white plant,” or “rock-spear.” Probably the Leontice leontopetalum of LinnÆus, Lion’s paw, or Lion’s leaf. See B. xxvii. c. 72.

1168 “Lymphatica somnia.”

1169 “Hare’s foot.” Possibly the Trifolium arvense of LinnÆus, Hare’s foot trefoil.

1170 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1171 See Introduction to Vol. III. FÉe remarks that none of the assertions in the present Chapter are confirmed by modern experience.

1172 See B. xxv. c. 38.

1173 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1174 See B. xxiv. cc. 49, 84, and B. xxv. c. 69.

1175 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1176 Identical with the Orobanche of B. xviii. c. 44, the Cuscuta EuropÆa of LinnÆus, Dodder, Hell-weed, or Devil’s guts; or else the Cuscuta minor, or epithymum of LinnÆus. See also B. xxii. cc. 78, 80.

1177 He is in error here.

1178 Hardouin suggests “hypopheos,” as “springing up under the Pheos” or Stoebe, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 13.

1179 See B. xxi. c. 19.

1180 It has a root originally, but the root withers as soon as it has attached itself to the stem of the plant to which it clings.

1181 See B. xxv. c. 37. Holland says, on the contrary, that it is a binding plant.

1182 “Thick hair.” It is generally identified with the Leonurus marrubiastrum of LinnÆus. Columna makes it to be the Scabiosa succisa of LinnÆus, the Devil’s bit scabious, and Brunsfeld the Angelica silvestris of LinnÆus, Wild angelica.

1183 See B. xxi. c. 60.

1184 See B. xxv. c. 98.

1185 “Many-footed.” The Polypodium vulgare of LinnÆus, the Common polypody.

1186 It is for this reason that it is called “reglisse,” or “liquorice,” in some parts of France. It contains a proportion of saccharine matter, which acts as a purgative.

1187 “Pulticula.”

1188 This fancy is solely based on the accidental resemblance of the name.

1189 He very incorrectly says this of all the ferns. See B. xxvii. cc. 17, 48, and 55.

1190 The produce of the Convolvulus scammonia of LinnÆus, the Scammony bind-weed. The scammony of Aleppo is held in the highest esteem, and is very valuable. That of Smyrna also is largely imported.

1191 See the following Chapters.

1192 This assertion is erroneous; it has all its properties in fall vigour immediately after extraction, and retains them for an indefinite period.

1193 “Herba lactaria.”

1194 Because goats are fond of it. See B. xx. c. 24.

1195 Known to us by the general name of Euphorbia of Spurge.

1196 The Euphorbia characias of LinnÆus, Red spurge. An oil is still extracted from the seed of several species of Euphorbia, as a purgative; but they are in general highly dangerous, taken internally.

1197 “Catapotia.”

1198 “Aphronitrum.” See B. xxx. c. 46

1199 The Euphorbia myrsinites of LinnÆus.

1200 From the Greek ??????, a “nut.”

1201 “Sea-shore” tithymalus. See B. xx. c. 80.

1202 The Euphorbia paralias of LinnÆus, Sea spurge.

1203 The Euphorbia helioscopia of LinnÆus, Sun spurge or Wart-wort.

1204 “Sun-watching.”

1205 See B. xx. c. 81.

1206 FÉe says that this is more than doubtful.

1207 An assertion, FÉe says, not confirmed by modern observation.

1208 The Euphorbia cyparissias of LinnÆus, the Cypress spurge, or else the Euphorbia Aleppica of LinnÆus.

1209 “Broad-leaved,” “clustered,” and “almond-like.” It is the Euphorbia platyphyllos of LinnÆus, the Broad-leaved spurge.

1210 “Tree-like”

1211 “Small-leaved.” The Euphorbia dendroides of LinnÆus, the Shrubby spurge.

1212 See c. 39 above.

1213 “Wild radish.” Identified with the Euphorbia apios of LinnÆus, a plant with dangerous properties.

1214 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1215 See B. xxv c. 70.

1216 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1217 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1218 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.

1219 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1220 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1221 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1222 See B. xxiv. c. 80.

1223 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1224 See B. xxv. c. 55.

1225 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1226 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1227 See B. xxv. c. 68.

1228 See B. xxv. c. 88. FÉe says that it is the Aspidium lonchitis, of LinnÆus, that is meant.

1229 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1230 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1231 See B. xxv. c. 33.

1232 See B. xxv. c. 20.

1233 Or Scordotis. See B. xxv. c. 27.

1234 See B. xxv. c. 7.

1235 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1236 See c. 19 of this Book.

1237 See B. xxv. cc. 88,89.

1238 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1239 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1240 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1241 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1242 It is quite useless for such a purpose; and the same is the case, FÉe says, with all the asserted remedies mentioned in this Chapter. See B. xxv. c. 101

1243 See B. xxv. c. 71.

1244 See B. xxv. c. 106.

1245 See B. xxvii. c. 24.

1246 See c. 31. of this Book.

1247 See B. xxv. c. 36.

1248 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1249 See B. xxv. c. 96.

1250 De Nat. Mul. c. 20, and De Morb. Mul. I. 10.

1251 See B. xxii. c. 44.

1252 See B. xxi. c. 50

1253 See B. xxv. c. 18.

1254 See B. xxvii. c. 6.

1255 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1256 See B. xxi. c. 103.

1257 See B. xxi. c. 103.

1258 The Sedum cepÆa of LinnÆus, the Sea purslain. Holland calls it “Beccabunga,” or “Brooklime.”

1259 Perhaps so called from the impressions on the leaves, ?p?? and e????, or else from its resemblance to heath, ?p?? and ??????. See, however Note 1266 below.

1260 “Ground pine.”

1261 Sillig reads this “corissum.” Former editions have “corion.”

1262 Identified by FÉe with the Hypericum perforatum of LinnÆus, the Perforated St. John’s wort. LittrÉ gives the Hypericum crispum of LinnÆus.

1263 “Oleraceo.” Another reading is “surculaceo,” “tough and ligneous;” and is, perhaps, preferable.

1264 “Coris” is the old and more common reading, FÉe identifies it with the Hypericum coris of LinnÆus, and Brotero with the H. saxatile of Tournefort. Desfontaines gives as its synonym the Coris Monspelliensis.

1265 See B. xxiv. c. 41.

1266 It is not improbable, supposing the “tamarix” to be one of the EricÆ, that to this circumstance it may owe its name. Indeed Dioscorides has ??e???, in the corresponding passage.

1267 “Pinguioribus.”

1268 Dioscorides gives the stem larger dimensions.

1269 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

1270 This plant has not been identified. Anguillara says that it is the same as the “repressa,” a plant given to horses by the people at Rome, when suffering from dysuria. What this plant is, no one seems to know.

1271 See B. xxi. c. 30.

1272 The same as the Helichrysos of B. xx. cc. 38 and 96. It is identified with the Chrysanthemum segetum of LinnÆus, the Corn marygold.

1273 FÉe identifies it with the Eranthemis of B. xxii. c. 26, which he considers to be the Anthemis rosea of LinnÆus, the Rose camomile.

1274 See c. 32 of this Book.

1275 Hardouin thinks that it is the Apium graveolens of LinnÆus, Smallage; but at the present day it is generally identified with the Peucedanum silaus of LinnÆus, the Meadow sulphur-wort, or saxifrage.

1276 Sorrel, for instance.

1277 “Scabiem.”

1278 See B. xxv. c. 11.

1279 Generally supposed to be the same as the “Apple of the earth,” mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54.

1280 See B. xx. c. 41.

1281 It is doubtful whether he means an animal or plant; most probably the latter, but if so, it is quite unknown.

1282 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1283 “Herba Fulviana.”

1284 A plant now unknown.

1285 See B. xxv. c. 27. In reality it is of an irritating nature.

1286 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1287 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1288 Or madder; see B. xix. c. 17. The seed and leaves are no longer employed in medicine; the root has been employed in modern times, FÉe says, but with no success.

1289 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1290 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1291 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1292 Or “broad” tendon. The Tendon Achillis.

1293 See cc. 53 and 54 of this Book.

1294 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1295 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1296 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1297 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1298 De Rust. c. 159. He says that is must be carried under the ring.

1299 See B. xxvii. c. 28.

1300 The “Groin plant.” Probably the same as the Bubonion of B. xxvii. c. 19.

1301 See B. xxv. c. 11. et seq.

1302 See c. 12 of this Book.

1303 See B. xxv. c. 77.

1304 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1305 The following is the formula of this monstrous piece of absurdity: “Negat Apollo pestem posse crescere cui nuda virgo restinguat.”

1306 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1307 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1308 An unknown plant.

1309 In B. xxv. c. 37. This alleged property of the NymphÆa is entirely fabulous.

1310 See B. xx. c. 13.

1311 See B. xxv. cc. 88 and 89.

1312 See B. xxv. c. 96.

1313 See B, xviii. cc. 10 and 22.

1314 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1315 Identified by LittrÉ with the Orchis undulatifolia, and by FÉe with the Orchis morio of LinnÆus, the Female orchis, or Female fool-stones. Its aphrodisiac properties seem not to have been proved by modern experience, but it is nourishing in the highest degree. LinnÆus, however, seems to be of opinion that it may have the effect of an aphrodisiac upon cattle. It is the name, no doubt, signifying “testicle,” which originally procured for it the repute of being an aphrodisiac.

1316 Identified by Desfontaines with the Orchis pyramidalis, and by FÉe with the O. papilionacea of LinnÆus. LittrÉ gives the Limodorum abortivum.

1317 He is probably speaking of the CratÆgonon of B. xxii. c. 40, which FÉe identifies with the Thelygonon of c. 91 of this Book. He remarks that from the description, the Satyrios orchis cannot have been a Monocotyledon.

1318 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1319 See B. viii. c. 72.

1320 LittrÉ identifies it with the Aceras anthropophora of LinnÆus; Desfontaines with the Orchis bifolia, the Butterfly orchis. The Iris florentina of LinnÆus has also been named; but, though with some doubt, FÉe is inclined to prefer the Tulipa Clusiana, or some other kind of tulip.

1321 Mostly identified with the Erythronium dens canis of LinnÆus, the Dog’s tooth violet. M. FraÄs, however, in his Synopsis, p. 279, remarks that the E. dens canis is not to be found in Greece, and is of opinion that the Fritillaria Pyrenaica, the Pyrenean lily, or Fritillary, is meant. The Serapias cordigera of LinnÆus has been suggested, and FÉe thinks that it is as likely to be the plant meant by Pliny as any other that has been named.

1322 See B. xxiv. c. 38.

1323 See B. xix. c. 38.

1324 “CratÆgonon” is most probably the correct reading. See B. xvi. c. 52, and B. xxvii. c. 40.

1325 See c. 91 of this Book.

1326 Of the three plants named, the Thelygonon is the only one to which this assertion will apply. See c. 91 of this Book, and B. xxvii. c. 40.

1327 See B. xxvi. c. 39.

1328 Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 20.

1329 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1330 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1331 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1332 In B. xxv. c. 49. None of these so-called remedies are now employed.

1333 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1334 See B. xxv. cc. 88, 89.

1335 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1336 See B. xxv c. 102.

1337 See B. xxv. c. 106.

1338 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1339 See B. xxiv. c. 116.

1340 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1341 Identified with the Galium mollugo of LinnÆus, Great ladies’ bedstraw, or Wild bastard madder.

1342 The Asperugo procumbens of LinnÆus has been named, but FÉe remarks that from its resemblance to Mollugo, the plant must be sought among the RubiaceÆ, and not among the BorragineÆ.

1343 “Fucus marinus.” See B. xiii. c. 48.

1344 “Qui conchyliis substernitur.” See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 36, Bohn’s Ed.

1345 What Fucus or Laminaria this may have been is now unknown.

1346 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1347 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1348 “Limus aquaticus.”

1349 See B. xxv. c. 32.

1350 See c. 19 of this Book.

1351 See B. xviii c. 14.

1352 See B. xx. c. 2.

1353 See c. 37 of this Book.

1354 See B. xii. c 28.

1355 See B. xxiv. c. 88.

1356 “Ox lappa.” Possibly the same as the Philanthropos, or else the Lappa canina, both mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.

1357 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1358 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1359 See B. xxv. c. 109.

1360 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 35 of this Book.

1361 See B. viii. c. 47.

1362 See B. xxv. c. 9.

1363 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1364 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1365 Not in reality the same plant as the Geranion; see B. xxiv. c. 97. LittrÉ, however, gives the Erodium moschatum of LinnÆus as the synonym of this Geranion myrrhis.

1366 Hence its name, from the Greek ???a???, a “crane.”

1367 This kind of Geranion has been identified with the Geranium molle, or Erodium malacoÏdes of LinnÆus, the Common dove’s-foot crane’s bill.

1368 Identified with the Geranium tuberosum of LinnÆus.

1369 FÉe remarks that all his assertions as to the medicinal properties of the Geranion are erroneous.

1370 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1371 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1372 Voracious appetite—“sine modo esurientium.”

1373 See B. xxvi. c. 39.

1374 See B. xxv. cc. 11 and 12.

1375 See B. xxv. c. 33.

1376 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1377 Identified with the Epilobium roseum of LinnÆus, Rose-coloured willow-herb.

1378 See c. 25 of this Book.

1379 In B. xxv. c. 49.

1380 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1381 In B. xxv. c. 12.

1382 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1383 See B. xxiii. c. 16.

1384 See B. xxi. c. 16.

1385 See B. xxiv. c. 88.

1386 See B. xxv. c. 87.

1387 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1388 See c. 30 of this Book.

1389 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1390 See B. xxv. c. 40.

1391 See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.

1392 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1393 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1394 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1395 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1396 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1397 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1398 See c. 39 of this Book.

1399 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1400 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1401 See B. xxv. c. 88.

1402 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1403 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1404 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1405 See B. xxv. c. 71.

1406 See c. 44 of this Book.

1407 See c. 54 of this Book.

1408 See B. xxv. c. 71.

1409 See B. xxv. c. 71.

1410 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1411 See B. xxv. c. 71.

1412 See B. xxi. c. 105.

1413 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1414 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1415 Or Grape-juice.

1416 The “belt”—known to us as “shingles.”

1417 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1418 See B. xxxv. c. 57.

1419 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1420 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1421 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1422 See B. xxv. c. 18.

1423 See c. 37 of this Book.

1424 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1425 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1426 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1427 See B. xxv. c. 107.

1428 B. iv. cc. 62, 64.

1429 See B. xxv. c. 30.

1430 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1431 Or Bechion. See B. xxiv. c. 85.

1432 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1433 See c. 10 of this Book.

1434 See B. xxv. c. 83.

1435 See B. xix. c. 18.

1436 “Little thieves,” literally.

1437 See c. 36 of this Book.

1438 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1439 See c. 83 of this Book.

1440 See B. xxv. c. 31.

1441 “Collyriis.”

1442 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1443 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 this Book.

1444 See B. viii. c. 47.

1445 See B. xxv. c. 101.

1446 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1447 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1448 See c. 39 of this Book.

1449 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1450 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1451 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1452 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1453 See B. xxv. c. 103.

1454 See B. xxiv. c. 85.

1455 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1456 See B. xxvii, c. 72.

1457 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1458 See Chapters 36 and 77 of this Book.

1459 See c. 62 of this Book.

1460 See c. 62 of this Book.

1461 See c. 66 of this Book.

1462 Probably the “Alcea” of B. xxvii. c. 6. See also B. xxv. c. 77.

1463 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1464 See B. xxvii, c. 16.

1465 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1466 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1467 Or “Corison.” See c. 53 of this Book.

1468 See B. xxv. e. 39.

1469 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1470 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1471 See B. xxv. c. 93.

1472 See B. xxv. c. 106.

1473 See c. 35 of this Book.

1474 See c. 53 of this Book.

1475 See B. xxv. c. 76.

1476 See Note 1462 above.

1477 Our peony. See B. xxv. c. 10.

1478 See B. xxv. c. 33.

1479 See B. xxv. c. 35.

1480 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1481 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1482 See c. 29 of the present Book.

1483 See B. xxv. c. 45.

1484 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1485 In B. xviii. c. 67; where it is called “equisÆtis.” M. FrÄas identifies it with the EquisÆtum limosum of LinnÆus.

1486 Whence its name “equisÆtum.”

1487 See B. xi. c. 30.

1488 Identified by LittrÉ with the Ephedra fragilis of LinnÆus. FÉe gives as its synonym the EquisÆtum arvense of LinnÆus, the Common horse-tail, or Corn horse-tail.

1489 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1490 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1491 See B. xxv. c. 15.

1492 Dalechamps identifies it with the Potentilla anserina of LinnÆus, Silver-weed, or White tansy; but on insufficient grounds FÉe thinks.

1493 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1494 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1495 See B. xxv. c. 30.

1496 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1497 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1498 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1499 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1500 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1501 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1502 See B. xxvii. c. 24.

1503 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1504 C. Bauhin identifies it with the Cnicus erysithales of Willdenow; but that plant, FÉe says, was unknown to the Greeks.

1505 See B. xxiv. c. 80.

1506 See B. xviii. c. 10.

1507 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1508 See B. xi. c. 39, and B. xx. c. 32.

1509 See B. xxiii. c. 13.

1510 See B. xxv. c. 11. et seq.

1511 See B. xxv. c. 15.

1512 For a description of this substance, see B. xxxiv. c. 24.

1513 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1514 See B. xxv. c. 15.

1515 See B. xxv. c. 17.

1516 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1517 See B. xiii. c. 36.

1518 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1519 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1520 See B. xxv. c. 30.

1521 See B. xxv. c. 31.

1522 See B. xxv. c. 33.

1523 See B. xxiv. c. 77.

1524 See B. xxv. c. 35.

1525 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1526 See B. xxv. c. 50.

1527 See B. xix. c. 4, B. xxiii. c. 35, and B. xxxiv. c. 52.

1528 See B. xxv. c. 53.

1529 Bastard dittany. See B. xxv. c. 53.

1530 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1531 See B. xxi. c. 19.

1532 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1533 See B. xxv. c. 77.

1534 See c. 12 of this Book.

1535 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1536 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1537 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1538 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1539 See B. xxv. c. 92.

1540 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1541 “Siligo.” See B. xviii. c. 20.

1542 See B. xxv. c. 102.

1543 See B. xxv. c. 106.

1544 See c. 29 of this Book.

1545 See c. 31 of this Book.

1546 See B. xxvii. c. 72.

1547 See B. xxviii. c. 14.

1548 See c. 29 of this Book.

1549 See c. 39 of this Book.

1550 See c. 62 of this Book.

1551 See c. 69 of this Book.

1552 Our “liquorice,” See B. xxv. c. 43.

1553 See B. xxv. c. 66.

1554 In B. xxii c. 33.

1555 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1556 See B. xxv. c. 17.

1557 See c. 29 of this Book.

1558 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

1559 See B. xxv. c. 35.

1560 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1561 See Note 46 above.

1562 Desfontaines identifies it with the Mentha cervina, or Stag mint.

1563 See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61.

1564 See B. xxvii. c. 24.

1565 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1566 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1567 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1568 See B. xvii. c. 14.

1569 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1570 See B. xxiv. c. 80.

1571 See B. xxv. c. 56.

1572 See B. xxv. c. 109.

1573 See B. xxv. c. 18.

1574 See c. 39 of this Book, et seq.

1575 “Pterygia.”

1576 See B. xii. c. 37 and c. 30 of this Book.

1577 See B. xxv. c. 81.

1578 See B. xxii. c. 71.

1579 See B. xxv. c, 10.

1580 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1581 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1582 See B. xxv. c. 19.

1583 See B. xxv. c. 50.

1584 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seq.

1585 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1586 See B. xxv. c. 31.

1587 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1588 “Bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53

1589 See B. xxv. c. 54.

1590 See B. xxv. c. 80.

1591 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1592 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1593 See B. xxv. c. 68.

1594 See B. xxv. c. 88.

1595 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1596 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1597 See B. xxv. c. 94.

1598 See B. xxxv. c. 50.

1599 See B. xxv. c. 109.

1600 In B. xxv. c. 109.

1601 See B. xxv. c. 64.

1602 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.

1603 See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.

1604 See B. xxv. c. 96.

1605 Probably the word “juice,” or “decoction,” is lost here.

1606 See c. 68 of this Book.

1607 See Chapters 20 and 83 of this Book.

1608 See B. xxvii. c. 91.

1609 The same as “Alcea” probably; see Chapters 79 and 81 of this Book. Also B. xxvii. c. 6.

1610 See B. xxv. c. 39.

1611 See B. xxv. c. 36.

1612 See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.

1613 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1614 See B. xxi. c. 29.

1615 See B. xxv. c. 96.

1616 See B. xxi. c. 103.

1617 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86.

1618 “Albugines.”

1619 See c. 68 of this Book.

1620 See c. 31 of this Book.

1621 See B. xxv. c. 70.

1622 See B. xxv. c. 90.

1623 See B. xxvii. c. 24.

1624 See B. xxv. c. 27.

1625 See B. xxv. c. 53.

1626 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1627 See B. xxv. c. 68.

1628 These two plants, the names of which signify “begetting males,” and “begetting females,” are identified by FÉe as the male and the female of the same plant, the Mercurialis tomentosa of LinnÆus, the Woolly mercury. LittrÉ gives the Mercurialis perennis of LinnÆus, Dog’s mercury; and Desfontaines identifies them with the Thelygonum cynocrambe.

1629 See B. xxi. c. 60.

1630 In B. xxv. c. 102.

1631 See B. xxv. c. 106.

1632 See B. xxii. c. 44.

1633 Meaning the “breast” plant. It has not been identified.

1634 See B. xxxii. c. 10.

1635 “Testas.”

1636 See B. xxv. c. 37.

1637 See B. xxv. c. 67.

1638 See B. xxv. c. 85.

1639 See B. xxv. c. 100.

1640 See B. xxv. c. 35.

1641 The most highly esteemed among the Romans of all colours of the hair.

1642 See Chapter 53 of this Book.

1643 The “eye-brow” plant. It is identified by FÉe with the Ophrys ovata or bifolia of LinnÆus, Ivy blade. The indentations in the leaves are almost imperceptible.

1644 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1645 See B. xxvi. c. 70.

1646 See c. 39 of this Book, et seq.

1647 See B. xxv. c. 19

1648 See end of B. ii.

1649 See end of B. xx.

1650 See end of B. xiv.

1651 See end of B. xii.

1652 See end of B. xx.

1653 See end of B. xx.

1654 See end of B. vii.

1655 See end of B. iii.

1656 See end of B. ii.

1657 See end of B. v.

1658 See end of B. xx.

1659 See end of B. ii.

1660 See end of B. viii.

1661 See end of B. xix.

1662 See end of B. viii.

1663 See end of B. vii.

1664 See end of B. xxi.

1665 See end of B. xxi.

1666 See end of B. xxv.

1667 See end of B. xxi.

1668 See end of B. xxi.

1669 See end of B. iv.

1670 See end of B. xxi.

1671 See end of B. xxi.

1672 See end of B. xxi.

1673 See end of B. vii.

1674 See end of B. xx.

1675 See end of B. xx.

1676 See end of B. xx.

1677 See end of B. xii.

1678 See end of B. xv.

1679 See end of B. xii.

1680 See end of B. xx.

1681 See end of B. xx.

1682 See end of B. xx.

1683 See end of B. xx.

1684 See end of B. xx.

1685 See end of B. xx.

1686 See end of B. xx.

1687 See end of B. xx.

1688 See end of B. vii.

1689 See end of B. xx.

1690 See end of B. xx.

1691 See end of B. xii.

1692 See end of B. xi.

1693 See end of B. xii.

1694 See end of B. xx.

1695 See end of B. xii.

1696 See end of B. xx.

1697 See end of B. xx.

1698 See end of B. xx.

1699 See end of B. xx.

1700 See end of B. xx.

1701 See end of B. xii.

1702 See end of B. xx.

1703 See end of B. xx.

1704 See end of B. xix.

1705 See end of B. xx.

1706 See end of B. xx.

1707 See end of B. xx.

1708 He alludes to the Glycyrrhiza or Scythice, our Liquorice, which is still found on the banks of the river Volga. See B. xxi. c. 54, B. xxii. c. 11, B. xxv. c. 43, and B. xxvi. cc. 15, 87.

1709 See B. xxv. c. 38.

1710 See B. xxv. c. 6.

1711 “Extra terras.” Meaning, the continental part of the earth.

1712 See c. 3 of this Book.

1713 See B. xxv. c. 75.

1714 Properly “CÆlius”—the same M. CÆlius Rufus who is mentioned in B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46.

1715 “Hinc illa atrox peroratio ejus in digitum.” Sillig is probably right in his suggestion that the word “mortiferum” is wanting at the end of the sentence. Bestia was accused of having killed his wives by the contact of aconite, applied, through the agency of the finger, to the secret parts.

1716 See B. vi. c. i.

1717 See B. xxv. c. 75.

1718 The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv c. 21.

1719 The scorpion.

1720 “Pard-strangle.”

1721 See B. viii. c. 41.

1722 He seems here, by implication, to contradict himself, and, by his explanation, to be sensible that he does so. He would appear not to have known exactly what his belief was in reference to first causes.

1723 “Hoc habet nomen” is omitted; for, as Sillig says, it is evidently a gloss, which has crept into the text.

1724 The ancients no doubt knew several plants under the common name of Aconitum. The one here described, is identified by FÉe with the Doronicum pardalianches of LinnÆus, Leopard’s bane.

1725 See B. xxv. c. 67. FÉe says that neither the leaves of the Doronicum, nor of any plant of the genus Arnica, bear any resemblance to those of the Cyclamen, or the cucumber. He remarks also, that the contact solely of it is not productive of poisonous effects.

1726 A kind of crab.

1727 At the beginning of this Chapter.

1728 “Female-bane,” or “female-killer.” See B. xx. c. 23.

1729 “Mice-killer.” This assertion is incorrect.

1730 So called from ?, “without,” and ?????, “dust,” Theophrastus says that it received its name from the town of AconÆ, in the vicinity of which it grew in great abundance.

1731 Also called ?????.

1732 Generally identified with the Salvia argentea of LinnÆus, Silver sage, or else with the Salvia Æthiopis, Woolly sage. It must not be confounded with the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxiv c. 102.

1733 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1734 See c. 16 of this Book.

1735 “Not growing old.” It is identified by FÉe and Desfontaines with the AchillÆa ageratum of LinnÆus, Sweet milfoil or Maudlin. LittrÉ gives as its synonym, the Hypericum origanifolium.

1736 See B. xx. c. 67.

1737 The ancients probably included under this name several distinct species of the aloe. They were well acquainted, FÉe says, with the Indian aloe, but probably not with that of Africa. As described by Pliny, he identifies it with the Aloe perfoliata of LinnÆus: Desfontaines gives the Aloe umbellata.

1738 See B. xxi. c. 68.

1739 “Asia.”

1740 See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden vessels, in this country, at least; but only as an ornament.

1741 He alludes to the bitumen of JudÆa, much used by the Egyptians for the purposes of embalmment.

1742 He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce.

1743 It is still used for this purpose.

1744 There is no foundation, FÉe says, for this statement.

1745 It would appear that it is still employed in India for this purpose, but it is no longer used in Europe.

1746 Identified by FÉe with the Malva alcea of LinnÆus, the Vervain mallow, an emollient and, comparatively, inert plant. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Malope malachoÏdes, Marsh mallow. Sibthorp identifies it with the Hibiscus trionum, and Anguillara with the AlthÆa cannabina of LinnÆus. It is probably the same plant as the Alcima, mentioned several times in B. xxvi.

1747 See B. xxv. c. 59.

1748 Identified with the Globularia alypum of LinnÆus, the Three-toothed leaf Globularia, or Turbith.

1749 Identified by Sprengel with the Cerastium aquaticum, and by other authorities with the Alsine media of LinnÆus, the Common chickweed. Desfontaines suggests the Stellaria nemorum, the Broadleaved stitchwort, but FÉe prefers the Parietaria Cretica of LinnÆus, Cretan pellitory, as its synonym.

1750 “Mouse-ear.”

1751 From the Greek ??s??, a “grove.”

1752 In c. 80 of this Book.

1753 The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19.

1754 He has previously stated that it grows in the woods. The fact is, M. FraÄs says, that it grows equally upon garden walls, heaps of rubbish, in plains, upon shady rocks, and upon mountains, below an elevation of 15OO feet.

1755 Generally supposed not to be a vegetable production, but a Madrepore. FÉe identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of LinnÆus

1756 “Man’s blood.” Identified by Sprengel with the Hypericum montanum, and by Sibthorp and FÉe with the Hypericum perforatum, of LinnÆus, Perforated tutsan or St. John’s wort.

1757 See B. xxvi cc. 53, 54

1758 Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of LinnÆus, the Sea ambrosia.

1759 The “cluster” plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book.

1760 See B. xxi. c. 58.

1761 “Dispelling lassitude.” Identified with the Anagyris foetida of LinnÆus, the Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds are emetic.

1762 See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. cc. 24, 28.

1763 It has not been identified, Pliny being the only author that has mentioned it. The Ajuga pyramidalis of LinnÆus, and the Ajura iva have been suggested.

1764 “Anonymos,” or “nameless.”

1765 See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxiv. c. 116. It is identified with the Galium Aparine of LinnÆus, Ladies’ bedstraw, Cleavers, goosegrass, hariff, or catch weed. Its medicinal properties are next to nothing.

1766 “Navel-fruit.”

1767 “Man-loving.” See B. xxiv. c. 116.

1768 See Note 53 above.

1769 Brotero and LinnÆus identify it with the Arctium lappa of LinnÆus, the Burdock or clot-burr: Sibthorp with the Conyza Candida, the White fleabane: others, again, with the Celsia arcturus of LinnÆus, and Sprengel with the Verbascum ferrugineum of LinnÆus, the Ferruginous mullein; between which two last, FÉe is unable to decide.

1770 See B. xxv. c. 73.

1771 So called from its supposed property of consuming the spleen. It is generally identified with the Asplenium ceterach of LinnÆus, Spleenwort, or miltwaste. The Asplenium hemionitis of LinnÆus, Mule’s fern, and the Asplenium scolopendrium of LinnÆus, Hart’s tongue, have also been suggested; but FÉe prefers the first-named plant.

1772 The “mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of it.

1773 This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed, but it is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance.

1774 Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of LinnÆus, the Common white-flower swallow-wort; though FÉe considers it somewhat doubtful.

1775 Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance.

1776 See B. xviii. c. 44.

1777 Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but FÉe adopts the opinion of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of LinnÆus, the Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the Inguinalis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 59.

1778 Identified by FÉe and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsÆmum of LinnÆus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. LittrÉ gives as the synonym the Hypericum perforatum of LinnÆus, the Perforated St. John’s wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli think that it is the Hypericum montanum of LinnÆus.

1779 See B. xxvi. c. 53.

1780 It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.

1781 “Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book.

1782 Different probably from the plant of a similar name mentioned in B. xxi. cc. 52, 59. FÉe identifies it with the Vetch, mentioned in B. xviii. c. 37. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Vicia cracca of LinnÆus, the Tufted vetch, and Desfontaines the Lathyrus aphaca, the Yellow vetchling, or bindweed.

1783 FÉe considers it to be the same plant as the Anchusa or Archebion, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 25. Desfontaines identifies the Alcibium with the Echium rubrum of LinnÆus. Holland observes here that Pliny “hath here forgotten himself.”

1784 “Cock’s comb.” The Rhinanthus crista galli of LinnÆus, Yellow rattle, or cock’s comb.

1785 “Crest” or “Comb.”

1786 Identified by Desfontaines with the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey. FÉe, however, considers it to be the Coris Monspeliensis of LinnÆus, Montpellier coris. Lobel identifies it with the Prunella vulgaris of LinnÆus, Common self-heal, and CÆsalpinus with the Hyssopus officinalis of LinnÆus. See B. xxvi. c. 26.

1787 FÉe reiterates his assertion here that this “rock” symphytum is a totally different plant from the Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey, though they appear to have been generally considered as identical by Scribonius Largus, Plinius Valerianus, Apuleius, and other writers.

1788 See B. xxvi. c. 26.

1789 This account of its medicinal properties applies properly to the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey, a plant which would appear to have been confounded by Pliny with the Alum, if FÉe is right in his conjecture.

1790 Hence its Latin name “consolida,” and its French name “consoude.” FÉe says that Comfrey still figures in the French Materia Medica, and that the lower classes use it in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny; he states also, that it is destitute of energetic properties, in a medicinal point of view.

1791 S?f?t??, “consolidating.”

1792 See B. xiii. c. 48, and B. xxvi. c. 66.

1793 The ActÆa spicata of LinnÆus, Herb-christopher or bane-berries, is mentioned by Desfontaines; but FÉe is inclined to identify it with the Sambucus ebulus of LinnÆus, the Dwarf elder, wall-wort, or dane-wort.

1794 See B. xxiii. c. 14.

1795 In B. xxi. cc. 33, 38.

1796 The Artemisia Santonica of LinnÆus, Tartarian southernwood.

1797 The Artemisia Pontica of LinnÆus, Little wormwood, or Roman wormwood.

1798 See B. xi. c. 75.

1799 The Artemisia absinthium of LinnÆus, Common wormwood.

1800 Upon which occasion a sacrifice was offered on the Alban Mount. See further as to this Festival, in B. iii. c. 2.

1801 In B. xiv. c. 19. Wine of wormwood is still used medicinally.

1802 “Dilutum.” An infusion.

1803 It contains a small quantity of essential oil.

1804 See B. xx. c. 18.

1805 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1806 See B. xxi. c. 19.

1807 See B. xxii. c. 30.

1808 “Puls.” See B. xviii. c. 19.

1809 From a passage in Scribonius Largus, c. 191, it has been concluded that by the word “visco,” he means the juice of the Ixias or ChamÆleon, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21.

1810 See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53.

1811 This, FÉe observes, is not the case.

1812 The Artemisia maritima of LinnÆus, Sea wormwood: see B. xxxii. c. 31

1813 The Ballota nigra of LinnÆus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking black horehound; see B. xx. c. 89.

1814 He is in error here, as the word “melamprasion” means “black horehound.” “Black leek” would be “melamprason.”

1815 “Horehound,” properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature, and contains a considerable quantity of essential oil.

1816 The Chenopodium botrys of LinnÆus, Cut-leaved goose foot, or oak of Jerusalem. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 11 of this Book.

1817 There is no such resemblance. The name “botrys” was given to the plant from the little clusters formed by the blossoms.

1818 Identified by FÉe with the Prunus domestica of LinnÆus, var. , or Damascena, the Damascene plum or damson. Desfontaines considers it to be the Prunus instititia, the Bullace plum. Holland mentions in a Note, “Bullois, skegs, or such like wild plums.”

1819 The Ulva lactuca of LinnÆus, Lettuce laver; see B. xiii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 17, and B. xxxii. c. 36.

1820 He probably says this in reference to the opinion expressed by Theophrastus, Hist. iv. 7, that it was a name for sea-weed in general, and not a specific plant.

1821 In reality, it is destitute of medicinal properties. Some kinds of laver are considered a dainty food.

1822 See B. xxii. c. 35.

1823 See B. xx. c. 67.

1824 Dioscorides speaks of two kinds of Catanance; one of which has been identified by Sprengel with the Ornithopus compressus of LinnÆus, and the other with the Astragalus pugniformis. FÉe expresses his doubts as to the correctness of these conclusions.

1825 “As if it would catch women, and hold them fast perforce.”—Holland. It has been suggested that the Coronopus, or “crow’s foot,” mentioned in B. xxi. c. 59, was so called for a similar reason.

1826 Prosper Alpinus identifies it with the Plantago Cretica of LinnÆus, and Sprengel with the Micropus erectus of LinnÆus. FÉe considers it to be the Gnaphalium leontopodium of Lamarck.

1827 Other readings are “calsa,” and “calla;” but “calyx” is supported by the text of Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 23. The first kind has been generally identified with the Arum arisarum of LinnÆus, Hooded arum, or Monk’s hood, and is identical probably with the Aris aros of B. xxiv. c. 94.

1828 See B. xxiv. c. 93.

1829 Probably the Anchusa tinctoria of LinnÆus, Dyer’s alkanet. See B. xxii. c. 23.

1830 “Flore polentÆ.” See B. xviii. c. 14.

1831 Sprengel identifies it with the Asclepias nigra, Black swallow-wort, but FÉe considers it to be the CircÆa Lutetiana of LinnÆus, Parisian circÆa, or enchanter’s nightshade. Other authorities have suggested the Capsicum annuum of LinnÆus, Indian or Guinea pepper, and the Celosia margaritacea of LinnÆus, Pearly celosia, or cock’s comb. M. FraÄs suggests, though with some doubt, the Cynanchum Monspeliacum, the Montpellier dog’s-bane.

1832 See B. xxi. c. 105.

1833 Identified with the Carduus parviflorus of LinnÆus, the Small-flowered thistle.

1834 See B. xxv. c. 40.

1835 Identified by FÉe and Desfontaines with the Polygonum persicaria of LinnÆus, the Spotted persicaria, red-shanks, fleawort, or lakeweed. LittrÉ gives the Crucianella Monspeliaca of LinnÆus, Montpellier petty madder.

1836 Hence its name, signifying that it strengthens the generative powers.

1837 See B. xxvi. c. 91.

1838 See B. xxiv. c. 72. LittrÉ remarks that Pliny is in error here, for that the CratÆgos of Theophrastus is the CratÆgos azarolia of LinnÆus, the Parsley-leaved hawthorn, while the Aquifolia of Pliny is the Holly. As to the latter point, see B. xvi. cc. 8, 12.

1839 Hist. Plant. B. iii. c. 15.

1840 Desfontaines identifies it with the Centaurea crocodileum of LinnÆus, and LittrÉ with the Carduus pycnocephalus of LinnÆus. Ruellius considers it to be the same plant as the Leucacantha of Dioscorides; which Sprengel identifies with the Cnicus CasabonÆ. FÉe expresses himself at a loss as to its identity.

1841 See B. xxii. c. 21.

1842 “Dog’s testicle.” Considered to be a synonym merely of the Orchis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 62.

1843 This comparison is totally incorrect.

1844 See B. xxvi. c. 62.

1845 Or onions.

1846 A tissue of groundless superstitions.

1847 “Golden vegetable.” Supposed to be identical with the Atriplex of B. xx. c. 38, our Orage.

1848 Cultivated orage, probably.

1849 “Earth rennet.” This plant has not been identified. Lobelius has made a guess at the Serapias abortiva of LinnÆus, the Helleborine. It is pretty clear that it was unknown to Pliny himself.

1850 The same, probably, as the Trychnon of B. xxi. cc. 52, 105, Solanum nigrum or Black nightshade. In the former editions the reading is “cuculus.”

1851 The “strumous” or “scrofula” plant.

1852 Possibly the Conferva rivularis, or the C. glomerata of LinnÆus, the River conferva or River sponge, or the Green cluster conferva.

1853 On account of its asserted agglutinative properties. In reality it is an inert plant, and is never used in medicine.

1854 FÉe considers this statement as fabulous in every respect.

1855 See B. xiii. c. 35.

1856 “Coccus.” See B. xvi. c. 12.

1857 This is not the case. Sillig is of opinion that the passage is imperfect.

1858 The same plant as the Labrum Venereum of B. xxv. c. 108. It is used for carding cloth, but is no longer employed in medicine.

1859 Hence its name “Venus’ bath.”

1860 “Collyrii.”

1861 The same plant, probably, as the Polypodion of B. xxvi. c. 37. LittrÉ, however, identifies it with the Asplenium adiantum nigrum of LinnÆus, the Black maiden-hair, or spleenwort.

1862 It is the root that is sweet, and not the leaves.

1863 It has no such properties.

1864 The “oak-killer.” FÉe thinks that it may possibly be the Convallaria uniflora of LinnÆus. Desfontaines names the Cochlearia draba and LittrÉ the Lepidium draba of LinnÆus.

1865 See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.

1866 Desfontaines and FÉe identify it with the Antirrhinum spurium of LinnÆus, Bastard toad-flax, calves’ snout, or snapdragon. LittrÉ gives the Linaria GrÆca as its synonym.

1867 See B. xxii. c. 19.

1868 See B. xviii. c. 14.

1869 FÉe, with Sprengel, identifies it with the Salsola polychlonos of LinnÆus, Branchy saltwort or glasswort; Bauhin with the Passerina polygalifolia. The Crithmum maritimum of LinnÆus, Sea samphire, has been suggested by Desfontaines. LittrÉ gives the Frankenia pulverulenta of LinnÆus. Holland suggests Saxifrage.

1870 “Calculus-breaking.”

1871 See B. xiii. c. 35.

1872 Sprengel suggests the Marsilea quadrifolia of LinnÆus; Columna the Botrychium lunaria of LinnÆus; G. Bauhin the Ornithogalum Narbonense of LinnÆus, Narbonese star of Bethlehem; and Talius the Caltha palustris of LinnÆus, the Marsh marigold. FÉe considers its identification impossible.

1873 Because it was said to be a cause of sterility.

1874 Identified with the Dentaria enneaphylla of LinnÆus, the Nine-leaved tooth-wort.

1875 From this remark, FÉe is of opinion that he had in view more particularly the Pteris aquilina and the Blechnum spicatum of LinnÆus, plants in which the seed is not easily detected.

1876 Identified by FÉe with the Polypodium filix mas of LinnÆus, the Male fern.

1877 Dioscorides says it has a somewhat unpleasant smell, and this is nearer the truth.

1878 “Female fern.” Identified by FÉe with the Polypodium filix fÆmina of LinnÆus, Female fern or Pteris aquilina.

1879 See B. xviii. c. 59.

1880 FÉe remarks that root of fern is an undoubted remedy for tapeworm, and that it is worthy of remark that we owe to the ancients the two most efficient anthelmintics known, fern-root, namely, and pomegranate rind.

1881 The Femur bubulum has not been identified. C. Bauhin has suggested the Leonurus cardiaca of LinnÆus, Motherwort.

1882 It has been suggested that this plant is the same as the Lamium, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 16, but FÉe is not of that opinion. He identifies the Galeopsis with the Lamium purpureum of LinnÆus, the Purple arch-angel, or dead-nettle. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Scrofularia peregrina of LinnÆus, the Foreign figwort.

1883 FÉe thinks that it may possibly be the Astragalus glaux of LinnÆus, or Milk vetch, as originally suggested by Clusius. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Sennebierra coronopus of Poireau.

1884 The “Good milk” plant.

1885 See B. xviii. cc. 19, 20.

1886 See B. xx. c. 78, where a similar plant is mentioned. FÉe identifies this plant with the Glaucium hybridum, or Chelidonium of LinnÆus, the Violet-coloured celandine, or horned poppy. LittrÉ gives the Glaucium flavum of LinnÆus as its synonym.

1887 This is a yellow, acrid, caustic juice; it is no longer used in medicine.

1888 The Peony; described in B. xxv. c. 10.

1889 See B. xx. c. 25, and B. xxii. c. 2.

1890 See B. xxv. c. 10.

1891 In reality it is destitute of smell.

1892 See B. xxv. c. 10.

1893 Or, as Holland says, would “be ready to job out their eyes.”

1894 In reality, the peony has no medicinal virtues whatever.

1895 “Suppressionibus nocturnis”.

1896 Sprengel identifies it with the Santolina maritima, Sea cudwort or cotton-weed. FÉe considers its identification as doubtful.

1897 Identified by Hardouin and Desfontaines with the Dipsacus pilosus of LinnÆus, the Shepherd’s rod, or small white teasel. FÉe is doubtful on the subject

1898 See B. xxii. c. 18.

1899 See B. xxv. c. 28.

1900 Identified with the Hordeum murinum of LinnÆus, and the same, most probably, as the Mouse barley of B. xxii. c. 65.

1901 Whence its name, from the Greek ????, “to draw.”

1902 “Swine’s endive.” It is generally identified with the Centaurea nigra of LinnÆus; though, as FÉe says, on very insufficient grounds, as the black centaury has but little similarity to endive.

1903 The “all-bone” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Plantago coronopus of LinnÆus, the Buckshorn plantain; but FÉe prefers the Plantago holostea of Lamarck, the Grass-leaved plantain. LittrÉ names the Holosteum umbellatum. The Plantago albicans of LinnÆus has been also mentioned.

1904 Because there is no hardness in it.

1905 ?? ????ea.

1906 See B. xxiv. c. 68. In B. xvi. c. 92, FÉe identifies this plant with the Calcitrapa stellata of Lamarck. He also suggests that it may possibly be the second “Hippophaes,” mentioned in B. xxii. c. 14. Desfontaines identifies it with the Cnicus stellatus, the Star-thistle. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Centaurea spinosa, Prickly centaury; in accordance with the opinion of M. FraÄs, who admits, however, that the statement that it has neither stem nor flower, would hardly seem to indicate a species of centaury.

1907 The Ruscus hypoglossum of LinnÆus, the Double tongue.

1908 The HypecoÜm procumbens of LinnÆus, Horned cummin.

1909 FÉe thinks that “IdÆa herba,” “plant of Ida,” may possibly be one of the synonyms of the Alexandrian laurel. See B. xv. c. 39. Should that identity not hold good, he prefers the Uvularia amplexifolia of LinnÆus.

1910 See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83.

1911 FÉe suggests the Corydalis claviculata of Decandolle. LittrÉ mentions the Fumaria capreolata of LinnÆus.

1912 Or kidney-bean. See B. xxiv. c. 40.

1913 Or Gith. See B. xx. c. 71.

1914 The Euphorbia lathyris of LinnÆus, the Caper plant, or Caper spurge.

1915 There is no such resemblance, except that they both contain a milky juice, the properties of which are, however, very different. It is a plant of an energetic and even dangerous nature, and must never be mistaken for the real caper.

1916 Mostly thought to be the same plant as the Leontopodium of B. xxvi. c. 34. LittrÉ, however, identifies it with the Evax pygmÆus of LinnÆus.

1917 Probably the Echium Italicum of LinnÆus, Italian viper’s tongue.

1918 There is no resemblance between the Echium and the lettuce.

1919 Identified by FÉe and Desfontaines with the Lithospermum officinale of LinnÆus, Gremil, gromwell, or stone-crop. LittrÉ mentions the Lithospermum tenuiflorum of LinnÆus.

1920 “Jove’s wheat,” or the “plant of Hercules.”

1921 This description applies to the variety of Gremil, known as the Coix lacryma of LinnÆus, Job’s tears, originally an Indian plant; but it may have been known in Italy in Pliny’s time.

1922 A poor compliment to Nature, as FÉe remarks.

1923 It has in reality no medicinal properties to speak of; but its name, “stone seed,” and its appearance, would, of course, ensure its reputation as an efficient cure for calculus.

1924 Some kind of lichen, probably, but what in particular it is impossible to say.

1925 Ring-worm or tetter.

1926 Hardouin says that this herpetic disease is called “cantharides,” because it attacks the body as the cantharis attacks wheat. See B. xviii. c. 44.

1927 It would be superfluous to look for sense in this silly formula.

1928 Anguillara and C. Bauhin identify it with the Ranunculus thora of LinnÆus, and other authorities with the Doronicum pardalianches of LinnÆus. Pliny is the only writer that mentions it; and if it really had any existence, it would seem quite impossible, as FÉe says, to identify it with correctness.

1929 “Venenum cervarium.”

1930 See B. xxv. c. 25.

1931 “Salivati.” Holland renders this, “A mash wherewith they used to drench cattle.”

1932 Identified with the Lamium of B. xxii. c. 16.

1933 See B. xxv. c. 18. The resemblance, FÉe says, is by no means a striking one.

1934 The “white” plant.

1935 “White in the middle.”

1936 Identified by FÉe with the Cerinthe of B. xxi. c. 41. Sprengel, however, considers it to be the Carduus leucographus of LinnÆus.

1937 FÉe identifies it with the Campanula Medium of LinnÆus, our Canterbury or Coventry bells; but this flower is blue, while the colour of the Medion is purple. LittrÉ gives the Convolvulus althÆoides of LinnÆus. Sibthorp has named the Campanula laciniata; and other authorities the Michauxia campanuloÏdes.

1938 See B. xx. c. 32.

1939 “Mouse-ears.” FÉe identifies it with the Myosotis ScorpioÏdes of LinnÆus, Scorpion-grass, or mouse-ear, which is not of a corrosive nature, as Pliny says, but emollient and soothing. LittrÉ names the Asperugo procumbens of LinnÆus, Wild bugloss, German madwort, or great goose-grass.

1940 Sprengel identifies it with the Alyssum sativum, the Garden madwort; FÉe with the Camelina sativa of Crantz, the Cultivated cameline. LittrÉ gives the Neslia paniculata as its synonym.

1941 Or “Nigina,” in some editions. It is utterly unknown.

1942 Possibly a fabulous plant; though it is generally identified with the Ononis natrix of LinnÆus. Poinsinet de Sivry derives its name from the Celto-Germanic words, nat, “night,” and ris, “wand;” a name given to it, according to him, for its efficacy in dispelling the illusions of the night.

1943 Or “Fauni,” the same as our nightmare.

1944 Probably the Euphrasia odontites of LinnÆus, the Red eye-bright.

1945 “Inter feni genera.”

1946 See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them.

1947 On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots.

1948 Hence its name “odontitis,” “tooth-wort.”

1949 Its synonym is unknown. Sprengel has identified it with the Tagetes patula of LinnÆus, but that is purely an American plant!

1950 Probably one of the BorragineÆ, FÉe thinks, but beyond that he considers it impossible to say. Desfontaines identifies it with the Onosma echioides of LinnÆus, the Hairy onosma.

1951 See B. xxii. c. 23.

1952 If it is the plant above-mentioned, this is incorrect.

1953 FÉe suggests that it may be identical with the Onopyxos of B. xxi. c. 56. Desfontaines, also, identifies it with the Onopordon acanthium of LinnÆus, the Cotton thistle or woolly thistle.

1954 Probably the Osyris alba of LinnÆus, the Poet’s cassia. Anguillara and DodonÆus have mentioned the Chenopodium scoparia of LinnÆus, the Summer cypress, or line-leaved goosefoot, but without any good reason, it is thought. Holland calls it “toad-flax.”

1955 “Smegmata.”

1956 The “sour” plant. Mostly identified with the Oxalis acetosella of LinnÆus, Cuckoo’s meat, three leaved sorrel, or wood-sorrel.

1957 “Enterocele.”

1958 The “many-flowered” plant. Probably the Ranunculus polyanthemos of LinnÆus. See B. xxv. c. 109.

1959 The “frog” plant.

1960 “Vitiligines”.

1961 “Many-seeded.”

1962 “Blood plant.”

1963 Identified by FÉe with the Polygonum aviculare of LinnÆus, the Knot-grass.

1964 “Many-knotted.” Scribonius says that it received its name, “polygonos,” from its being found everywhere.

1965 Or “mountain” plant. FÉe considers it to be the same as the second kind above mentioned, and to correspond with the female Polygonos of Dioscorides. He identifies it with the Hippuris vulgaris of LinnÆus, Mare’s tail, or female horse-tail; LittrÉ gives the Equisetum pallidum of Bory as its synonym.

1966 Identified by FÉe with the Ephedra distachya of LinnÆus, the Great shrubby horsetail.

1967 See B, xix. c. 7.

1968 “Scillam pusillam.” FÉe considers it to be a squill, the variety with the red root of the Scilla maritima of LinnÆus, the Sea-squill. LittrÉ gives as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of LinnÆus, the Sea-daffodil.

1969 Probably the Euphorbia peplis of LinnÆus; see B. xx. c. 81. It is a strong purgative.

1970 “Fig-plant,” “poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference, no doubt, to its milky juice.

1971 See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33.

1972 In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called “securidaca.”

1973 See B. xx. c. 71.

1974 We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great antidote of Mithridates.

1975 FÉe thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of LinnÆus, the Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara of LinnÆus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and LittrÉ gives the Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp.

1976 See B. xxv. c. 76.

1977 The “sinew” plant.

1978 Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocallis liliastrum of LinnÆus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M FrÄas says, however (Synopsis, p. 288), that that plant has not been found in Greece; and relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers the Lloydia GrÆca, which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece, and the Peloponnesus, as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of 1500 feet.

1979 “White flower.”

1980 “White thorn.”

1981 Hence its name. See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.

1982 Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of LinnÆus, the Crosswort.

1983 See B. xxii. c. 91. FÉe thinks that it is two plants, the Cnicus CasabonÆ, and the Thelygonum cynocrambe of LinnÆus, that are here spoken of. LittrÉ gives the Mercurialis perennis of LinnÆus, Dog’s mercury, as its synonym.

1984 LinnÆus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name of Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active poison. It is probable that the Phellandrium, or “Male-cork-plant” of Pliny, still remains unknown.

1985 Possibly the Phalaris aquatiea of LinnÆus, the Water canary-grass. LittrÉ gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of LinnÆus, Knotted canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34, Bohn’s Ed.

1986 This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says “millet.”

1987 Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the Aristolochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle.

1988 Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above in c. 91.

1989 See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would appear that the mÆna was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our Sardines.

1990 See B. xxvi. c. 11.

1991 The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally supposed to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of LinnÆus, Pontic rhubarb.

1992 The shores of the Euxine.

1993 See B. xii. c. 25.

1994 “Fulvum,” probably, “tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black; see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18.

1995 Possibly the Reseda alba of LinnÆus.

1996 “Reseda, morbos reseda.” A pun upon the name of the plant, and the verb “resedo.”

1997 Like the silly charm itself, “neither head nor tail.”

1998 See B. xxvi. c. 27.

1999 The Stoechades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11.

2000 See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade is neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison.

2001 De Re Med. ii. 33.

2002 See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the Smyrnium perfoliatum of LinnÆus, the Perfoliated alexander.

2003 “Anethi” is a preferable reading to “apii,” “parsley.”

2004 See B. xxiv. c. 60.

2005 See B. xxi. c. 21.

2006 See B. xxi. c. 86.

2007 See B. xxvi. c. 60.

2008 “Fish-sauce.” See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43.

2009 Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified with the Sison amomum of LinnÆus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley.

2010 Identified by FÉe with the Sedum Telephium of LinnÆus, the Orpine or livelong; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the Ever-green orpine; and by LittrÉ with the Cerinthe aspeva, the Prickly honey-wort.

2011 “Vitiligini.”

2012 The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86.

2013 See B. xxii. c. 30.

2014 Identified by FÉe and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of LinnÆus, the Small meadow rue. LittrÉ gives the Thalictrum flavum of LinnÆus, the Common meadow rue.

2015 In its colour.

2016 FÉe identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of LinnÆus, the Wild bastard-grass; LittrÉ with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of LinnÆus, Shepherd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris. Desfontaines gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of LinnÆus.

2017 “Peltarum specie.” The “pelta” was a small, light shield, of various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent.

2018 From ????, “to break.”

2019 “Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of LinnÆus, the Annual moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel, but its identity is very doubtful.

2020 This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B. xxi. c. 10.

2021 See B. xiii. c. 36. FÉe suggests that it may possibly be a variety of the Pistacia lentiscus of LinnÆus, the Mastich-tree, or lentisk. Desfontaines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M. FrÄas (Synopsis, p. 182) suggests the Origanum maru.

2022 See B. xiii. c. 37. M. FrÄas (Synopsis, p. 257) identifies it with the Ephedra distachya of LinnÆus, the Great shrubby horsetail.

2023 “Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of LinnÆus, the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert; it is never used in medicine”.

2024 In B. xx. c. 3.

2025 See c. 41 of this Book.

2026 See B. xxv. c. 70.

2027 See B. xxv. c. 54.

2028 A kind of foetid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis.

2029 “Serpentis.”

2030 See B. xxii. c. 3.

2031 It is with regret that at the close of this Book, we take leave of the valuable Annotations of M. FÉe, a series of illustrations which reflect the highest credit on his learning, his industry, and his critical acumen. Were the ancient authors in general subjected to the same minute examination and thorough enquiry which he has expended upon the Sixteen Botanical Books of Pliny, their value would be greatly enhanced, equally to the critical scholar, and to the general reader who makes his acquaintance with them through the medium of a translation. To say, that, in reference to their respective labours upon Pliny, M. FÉe deserves our thanks almost equally with the learned Sillig—now, alas! no more—is to say much indeed in his praise, and to bestow upon him a commendation to which he is eminently entitled.

2032 See end of B. xx.

2033 See end of B. xiv.

2034 See end of B. xii.

2035 See end of B. xx.

2036 See end of B. xx.

2037 See end of B. vii.

2038 See end of B. iii.

2039 See end of B. xi.

2040 See end of B. ii.

2041 Beyond being mentioned here, and in c. 14 of this Book, nothing is known of this writer.

2042 See end of B. xx.

2043 See end of B. ii.

2044 See end of B. viii.

2045 See end of B. xix.

2046 See end of B. viii.

2047 See end of B. xix.

2048 See end of B. xxi.

2049 See end of B. xxi.

2050 See end of B. vii.

2051 See end of B. xx.

2052 See end of B. xx.

2053 See end of B. xv.

2054 See end of B. xii.

2055 See end of B. xv.

2056 See end of B. xii.

2057 See end of B. xx.

2058 See end of B. xx.

2059 See end of B. xx.

2060 See end of B. xx.

2061 See end of B. xx.

2062 See end of B. xx.

2063 See end of B. xx.

2064 See end of B. xx.

2065 See end of B. vii.

2066 See end of B. xx.

2067 See end of B. xx.

2068 See end of B. xii.

2069 See end of B. xi.

2070 See end of B. xii.

2071 See end of B. xx.

2072 See end of B. xii.

2073 See end of B. xx.

2074 See end of B. xx.

2075 See end of B. xx.

2076 See end of B. xx.

2077 See end of B. xx.

2078 See end of B. xii.

2079 See end of B. xx.

2080 See end of B. xx.

2081 See end of B. xxi.

2082 See end of B. xx.

2083 See end of B. xx.

2084 See end of B. xx.

2085 The trees and plants.

2086 On the contrary, this and the four following Books are full of the most extravagant assertions, which bear ample testimony to his credulity notwithstanding the author’s repeated declarations that he does not believe in Magic. As Ajasson says, he evidently does not know what he ought to have inserted in his work, and what to reject as utterly unworthy of belief. His faults, however, were not so much his own as those of his age. Want of space, equally with want of inclination, compels us to forego the task of entering into an examination of the system of Animal Therapeutics upon which so much labour has been wasted by our author.

2087 See B. viii. c. 97, et seq., and B. xxv. c. 89, et seq.

2088 See B. xxviii. c. 3.

2089 This practice is mentioned with reprobation by Celsus and Tertullian. It was continued, however, in some degree through the middle ages, and Louis XV. was accused by his people of taking baths of infants’ blood to repair his premature decrepitude.

2090 In recent times, Guettard, a French practitioner, recommended human marrow as an emollient liniment.

2091 Hence, as Ajasson remarks, the ignorance of anatomy displayed by the ancients.

2092 For further particulars as to Osthanes, see B. xxix. c. 80, and B. xxx. cc. 5 and 6; also cc. 19 and 77 of the present Book. The reading, however, is very doubtful.

2093 “Oculorum suffusiones.” As Ajasson says, the remedy here mentioned reminds us of the more harmless one used by Tobias for the cure of the blindness of his father Tobit.

2094 He gives a great many, however, which are equally abominable.

2095 “Piacula.”

2096 We may here discover the first rudiments of the doctrine of Animal Magnetism.

2097 In accordance with the republican doctrines of Cato of Utica, Brutus, Cassius, and Portia.

2098 Holland remarks, “Looke for no better divinitie in Plinie, a meere Pagan, Epicurean, and professed Atheist.” See B. vii. cc. 53, 54.

2099 Whether or not, they cannot, as Ajasson remarks, be regarded as remedies derived from the human body, being no part of the human body.

2100 “Homini acceptum fieri oportere conveniat.” This passage is probably corrupt.

2101 Beginning with an address to Janus and Vesta, imploring their intercession with the other divinities, and concluding with an appeal to Janus.

2102 “Impetritis.”

2103 “Qui favere linguis jubeat.” “Favete linguis” were the words used in enjoining strict silence.

2104 By him who is offering up the prayer.

2105 A trick adroitly performed by the priests, no doubt.

2106 Given by Livy, in Books viii. and x.

2107 To death, in battle, for the good of their country.

2108 Preserved by Valerius Maximus, B. viii. c. 1. Tertullian and Saint Augustin doubt the authenticity of the story. She is said to have carried water in a sieve from the river Tiber to the temple of Vesta.

2109 “Forum Boarium;” in the Eighth Region of the City.

2110 Of Gaul, as Plutarch informs us, who mentions also the Greek victims, The immolation of the Gauls is supposed to have happened in the beginning of the reign of Vespasian.

2111 Originally the “Decemviri Sacris Faciundis,” whose number was increased by Sylla to fifteen. They had the management of the Games of Apollo, and the Secular Games.

2112 In B. ii. c. 54.

2113 It has been suggested that Tullus Hostilius was acquainted with some of the secrets of electricity, and that he met his death while trying experiments with a lightning conductor. See B. ii. c. 54.

2114 Ajasson thinks that there is an equivoque here upon the word “templum,” which signified not only a building, but certain parts of the heavens, and corresponding lines traced on the earth by the augur’s staff.

2115 This story is mentioned by Plutarch, in the Life of Publicola.

2116 In which case it was considered necessary to repeat the words, “Accipio omen,” “I accept the omen.”

2117 “Qui fruges excantassit.”

2118 “Qui malum carmen incantassit.”

2119 Ajasson is of opinion that this name was either Favra or Fona, Acca, Flora, or Valesia or Valentia.

2120 “As in saying thus, The Devill take thee, or The Ravens peck out thine eyes, or I had rather see thee Pie peckt, and such like.”—Holland.

2121 It is a superstition still practised to pierce the shell of an egg after eating it, “lest the witches should come.” Holland gives the following Note—“Because afterwards no witches might pricke them with a needle in the name and behalfe of those whom they would hurt and mischeefe, according to the practice of pricking the images of any person in wax; used in the witchcraft of these daies.” We learn from Ajasson that till recently it was considered a mark of ill-breeding in France not to pierce the shell after eating the egg. See also Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 19, Bohn’s Ed.

2122 See the Eighth Eclogue of Virgil.

2123 “That is to say, Arse verse, out of Afranius, as Festus noteth, which in the old Tuscane language signifieth, Averte ignem, Put backe the fire.”—Holland.

2124 Odyss. xix. 457. It is not Ulysses, but the sons of Autolycus that do this. Their bandages, however, were more likely to be effectual.

2125 De Enthusiasmo.

2126 See B. xvii. c. 47.

2127 In passing along the Velabrum, on the occasion of his Gallic triumph, the axle of the carriage having broke.

2128 See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 175, et seq., and Epist. de Ponto. B. iv. El. 4. l. 23, et seq.

2129 See B. xi. c. 103.

2130 Hence the saying, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.”

2131 “Defunctorum memoriam a nobis non sollicitari.”

2132 It is still a saying, and perhaps a belief, that “There is luck in odd numbers.”

2133 This has been a practice from the earliest times to the present day. See Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 123, Bohn’s Ed.

2134 In France and England, at the present day, this notion, or rather, perhaps, the memory of it, is universally to be found. If the right ear tingles, some one is speaking well of us; if the left ear, the reverse.

2135 King Attalus Philometor. See end of B. viii.

2136 “Two.”

2137 This passage, it is pretty clear, ought to follow the preceding one, though in the Latin it is made to precede.

2138 The thumb was turned upwards as a mark of favour, downwards, as a mark of disfavour.

2139 “Repositorium.”

2140 It was not yet the custom to bring in several courses, each served up on a separate table.

2141 Good manners possibly, more than superstition, may have introduced this practice.

2142 Or Pluto. He alludes to the Feralia, or feasts celebrated, in the month of February, in honour of the dead.

2143 Or household god.

2144 The “NundinÆ,” held every ninth day; or rather every eighth day, according to our mode of reckoning.

2145 Gronovius suggests a reading which would make this to mean that it is “ominous to touch money with the forefinger.” It does not appear to be warranted, however.

2146 Twenty-eighth, according to our reckoning.

2147 Probably from their ominous resemblance to the ParcÆ, or Fates, with their spindles.

2148 “Frugum.”

2149 “Princeps civitatis.”

2150 “Rho” and “Alpha.”

2151 In B. vii. c. 2.

2152 In B. vii. c. 2, he speaks of these people—“the serpent-born”—as natives of Parium, a town of the Hellespont. Ajasson suggests that they may have been a branch of the Thamirades, a sacerdotal family of Cyprus.

2153 “Dolium.”

2154 See B. viii. c. 38.

2155 Ajasson has thought it worth while to contradict this assertion.

2156 Meaning, of course, in case such an accident should befall the party. The passage appears, however, to be corrupt.

2157 “Hasta velitaris.”

2158 In B. vii. c. 2.

2159 It is the shoulder-blade of Pelops that is generally mentioned in the ancient Mythology. Pliny omits to say of what medicinal virtues it was possessed.

2160 In B. vii. c. 2.

2161 It certainly does seem to be possessed of some efficacy for the removal of spots and stains, but for no other purpose probably.

2162 In some parts of France, the peasants spit in the hand when in terror of spectres at night. In our country, prize-fighters spit in the hand before beginning the combat, and costermongers spit on their morning’s handsel, or first earned money, for good luck.

2163 “In sinum.”

2164 See Juvenal, Sat. v. l. 112.

2165 Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate of soda and potash; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be infinitely small.

2166 A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He would seem to imply it.

2167 “Levatur illico in percusso culpa.”

2168 This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to use strong exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as Ajasson remarks.

2169 “Malum terrÆ.” See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. LittrÉ translates “malum,” “apple,” in the former passage; but here he calls it “curse of the earth.”

2170 “Rubetas.” See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. cc. 19, 76, and 116, and B. xxv. c. 76.

2171 This divinity was identical with Mutinus or Tutinus, and was worshipped under the form of a phallus, the male generative organ. As the guardian of infants, his peculiar form is still unconsciously represented in the shape of the coral bauble with which infants are aided in cutting their teeth.

2172 Hence the expression “prÆfiscini,” “Be it said without envy,” supposed to avert the effects of the envious eye, fascination, or enchantment.

2173 “Resipiscere” seems to be a preferable reading to “respicere,” adopted by Sillig. This passage is evidently in a very corrupt state; but it is most probable that reference is made to the attendant who stood behind the general in his triumph, and reminded him that he was a man—or, according to Tzetzes, bade him look behind him. Pliny speaks of a servant attending the triumphant general, with a golden crown, in B. xxxiii. c. 4. Hardouin attempts another explanation, but a very confused and improbable one.

2174 See end of the present Book.

2175 Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”

2176 Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.

2177 This superstition still exists among the lower classes of this country, with reference to the beneficial effects of stroking neck diseases with the hand of a man who has been hanged.

2178 Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.

2179 Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.

2180 The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.

2181 Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here should be omitted.

2182 See B. xv. c. 5.

2183 “Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax.

2184 Properly, “poppy juice.”

2185 Or “clara lectio,” “reading aloud,” as Celsus calls it, recommending it for persons of slow digestion.

2186 “Gestatio.” Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by horses, or in a litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7.

2187 See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is still recommended for consumptive patients.

2188 Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the spleen, as they are called.

2189 “Strigilium.”

2190 Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.

2191 “Non prandentium.”

2192 Callistenes the physician is the person supposed to be alluded to. Lucullus did not seem to be of opinion that a man “must be a fool or a physician at forty.”

2193 “Ut in qu homo alius exsiliret ex homine.” The true meaning of this it seems impossible, with certainty, to ascertain: though a more indelicate one than that give might be easily suggested.

2194 On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness of sight.

2195 See Ovid, Met. ix. 273, et seq.

2196 Much more probably, because they were considered to be significant of anything but seriousness and attention.

2197 Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.

2198 The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.

2199 See end of B. vii.

2200 In B. viii. c. 58.

2201 A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.

2202 This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as indicative of the health of the patient.

2203 From the Greek pt??, “to spit.”

2204 “Argema.”

2205 Who had to use lant, or stale urine, in their business.

2206 At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.

2207 This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.

2208 Works and Days, l. 727, et seq.

2209 The use of the word “prodidere” shows that treatises had been written on these abominable subjects. LaÏs, Elephantis, and Salpe were probably the “meretrices” to whom he here alludes. See c. 23, and the end of this Book.

2210 There is probably no foundation for this assertion.

2211 “Rana.” He means the “rubeta” probably, or “bramble-frog,” so often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290.

2212 “Salivam.”

2213 See B. xx. c. 2.

2214 See B. xxx. c. 10. Latreille has written a very able treatise on the Buprestis of the ancients, and considers it to belong to the family of Cantharides. Annales du Museum d’histoire Naturelle, Vol. xix. p. 129, et seq.

2215 Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18.

2216 “Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23.

2217 Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid, Seneca, Quintilian, and Velleius Paterculus.

2218 “Fascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head.

2219 The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an interpolation.

2220 In B. vii. c. 13.

2221 Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it.

2222 Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.

2223 See the end of this Book.

2224 See B. vii. c. 13.

2225 See B. vii. c. 13.

2226 Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.

2227 See B. viii. c. 44.

2228 One peculiarity not mentioned by Pliny, is, that its skin, like that of the sea-calf, was said to be proof against the effects of lightning.

2229 In B. viii. c. 44.

2230 “Glaucomata.” LittrÉ considers, on the authority of M. Sichel, that “Glaucoma” and “suffusio” are different names for the same disease—cataract.

2231 See B. xxxvi. c. 27.

2232 “SpinÆ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinÆ,” adopted by Sillig.

2233 “Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek ?t?a?, “much enduring,” Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The “hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a non sequitur.

2234 We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the “alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.

2235 “Vanas species.”

2236 See B. xviii. c. 14.

2237 “Pila.”

2238 Identified by Ajasson with the chamses, or common crocodile of the Nile.

2239 See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with the souchos of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. It is equally amphibious with the other; and the account of its habits given by Pliny is probably founded on the fact that Upper Egypt, which it inhabits, is covered with a more aromatic vegetation than the other parts of that country.

2240 See B. xii. c. 51.

2241 See B. xviii. c. 17.

2242 It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated its timidity.

2243 This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.

2244 A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12.

2245 And therefore harmless.

2246 See B. xxii. c. 21.

2247 See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.

2248 One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.

2249 See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.

2250 See B. xxvi. c. 62.

2251 In B. viii. c. 40.

2252 See B. viii. c. 57.

2253 Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.

2254 See B. xi. c. 96. Dalechamps remarks that Pliny is in error here: this name being properly given to infants which have been put to the breast too soon after child-birth. And so it would appear from the context.

2255 The “biestings.”

2256 AmalthÆa.

2257 Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”

2258 In B. xxv. c. 53.

2259 From the Greek s??st??, “divided” milk, or “curds.”

2260 See B. xxi c. 105.

2261 He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless.

2262 In B. xi. c. 97.

2263 From the Greek sap???, “rotten” cheese.

2264 Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.

2265 The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.

2266 In this passage also it is generally supposed that he refers to the nomadic life of barbarous nations, in which multitudes of sheep and cattle constituted the chief wealth. It is, however, not improbable that he means to say that among the Romans it was only the wealthy who could afford to use it.

2267 ???t????, “cow cheese.”

2268 Qy. whether for “aquÆ,” “water,” we should not read “acidi” here, “sour milk,” as at the beginning of the next Chapter? Beckmann suggests “aceti,” “vinegar.”—Hist. Inv. I. 505, Bohn’s Ed.

2269 Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respecting oxygala is attended with difficulties: and I am fully persuaded that his words are corrupted, though I find no variations marked in MSS. by which this conjecture can be supported.”—Hist. Inv. I. 505. He suggests another arrangement of the whole passage, but without improving it, for the difficulty would appear to be totally imaginary; as it is quite clear that by “oxygala,” or “sour milk,” Pliny means the thickest part of the curd, which is first removed and then salted, forming probably a sort of cream cheese. Though his meaning is clear, he may very possibly give an erroneous description of the process.

2270 The remark of Holland on this passage is curious—“Some would amend this place, and for ‘magis,’ ‘more,’ put ‘minus,’ ‘less,’ in a contrary sense; but I suppose he writeth in regard of barbarous people, who make more account of such ranke butyr; like as the uncivile Irish in these daies.”

2271 He has forgotten to do so, however.

2272 From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.”

2273 Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and hogs’ lard is a cure for syphilis by promoting salivation.

2274 “Farina salsamentariÆ testÆ.”

2275 See B. xxxvi. c. 27.

2276 “Sebum”—Suet or tallow.

2277 Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.

2278 The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous ceremonies.

2279 This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.

2280 See B. iv. c. 6.

2281 His meaning is, that the excitement produced by religious feeling neutralizes that antipathy which, under ordinary circumstances, is manifested towards the system by bull’s blood.

2282 See B. xxxiii. c. 6.

2283 See B. viii. c. 50.

2284 In B. viii. c. 50.

2285 Or “hundred skins.” Called the mirefeuillet in French.

2286 In B. viii. c. 50.

2287 See B. xxiv. c. 91.

2288 See B. xx. c. 63.

2289 The Anthemis pyrethrum of LinnÆus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.

2290 Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.

2291 See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.

2292 See B. xx. c. 67.

2293 See B. viii. c. 76.

2294 In B. viii. c. 76.

2295 A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical grounds.

2296 Cloquet says that the application would be useless.

2297 In B. viii. c. 34.

2298 Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity.

2299 It is no longer reckoned among the poisons.

2300 Juice of carpathum, a substance which does not appear to have been identified; but supposed by Bruce to have been a gum called sassa, with which aloes are adulterated in Abyssinia, a thing that Galen tells us was done with the carpathum of the ancients. The sea-hare is the Aplysia depilans of Gmelin. It is not poisonous. See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.

2301 A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now unknown.

2302 See Chap. 21 of this Book.

2303 See B. xx. c. 53.

2304 See B. xi. c. 96.

2305 On the contrary, cows’ biestings are highly thought of in some parts of England; and a very delicate dish is made of them, baked.

2306 “Onager.”

2307 See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9.

2308 See B. viii. c. 15.

2309 See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75.

2310 See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.

2311 “Toxica”—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations dipped their arrows.

2312 See B. xxii. c. 21.

2313 Or, sting-ray.

2314 See B. xxix. c. 16.

2315 This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative of the hair.

2316 See B. xii. c. 37, and B. xxvi. c. 30.

2317 See B. xxii. c. 30.

2318 See B. xxv. c. 67.

2319 If they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that Pliny’s remedy may be of some utility.

2320 A cosmetic for “beautifying the eye-brows.”

2321 “Collyria.”

2322 This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for “lumbulis.”

2323 “Seers by night.”

2324 “Sanie.”

2325 See B. xiv. c. 4.

2326 See B. xx. c. 75.

2327 See B. xxvi. c. 31.

2328 See B. xxi. c. 105.

2329 See B. viii. c. 66.

2330 See B. xi. c. 70. Ajasson remarks that this bone is only found in animals that have undergone much fatigue, and that it results from the consolidation of certain tendinous fibres which form the ligament of the heart.

2331 “Capitum visus” seems to be a more probable reading than “capitum usus” given by Sillig. Be it what it may, the meaning of the passage is doubtful.

2332 See Ælian, Var. Hist. xiv. 18.

2333 There surely must be a wrong reading here, or he cannot intend this to be understood literally.

2334 See B. xi. c. 96.

2335 One of the mistresses of Louis XV. not only did this, but (in a spirit of great charity and consideration, of course) gave the milk to the poor after she had thus used it.

2336 “Ad desideria mulierum.”

2337 See c. 28 of this Book.

2338 See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. II. 92-3, Bohn’s Ed., where this subject is treated at considerable length.

2339 “Rutilandis capillis.”

2340 “Eam mori tradunt.” The reading here is very doubtful.

2341 “Subulo.”

2342 Asses’ milk is still recommended for pulmonary phthisis.

2343 See B. viii. c. 16.

2344 This would appear to be a Greek word in reality.

2345 “Tunica.”

2346 See B. xx. c. 2.

2347 See B. xxv. c. 67. Mares’ milk is not a purgative; and goats’ milk, as Ajasson remarks, is somewhat astringent. Juice of Cyclamen, on the other hand, or sow-bread, is highly purgative.

2348 See B. xviii. c. 14.

2349 In Chap. 57 of this Book.

2350 “Protropum.” See B. xiv. cc. 9, 11.

2351 A kind of black pudding. Dupinet, the old French translator, says that in his time the people of the Alpine regions still called this dish sanchet.

2352 He uses “tÆnia” probably, as a general name for intestinal worms.

2353 In c. 49 of this Book.

2354 In c. 57 of this Book.

2355 “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to two-thirds: see B. xiv. c. 11.

2356 In reality, these are biliary calculi, found in the gall-bladder of the animal. They are called “bezoar” stones, from a Persian word signifying “destructive to poison.”

2357 See B. viii. c. 77.

2358 In c. 49 of this Book.

2359 Ajasson remarks that arsenic should be used with the greatest care in such a case.

2360 “Rubi.” He probably means the bramble-berry.

2361 See B. xviii. c. 14.

2362 “Onager.”

2363 Arising, by sympathy, from sores in other parts of the body.

2364 See B. xxvi. c. 31. Bears’ grease is of no use whatever for the cure of gout.

2365 See B. xix. c. 31, B. xxi. cc. 62, 104, and B. xxii. cc. 19, 20.

2366 See B. xxi. c. 56.

2367 This mode of cure, Ajasson says, is still employed in the East, where the preparation is known by the name of moza.

2368 “Potum vero ex aqu sublime.” The true reading and the meaning are equally doubtful.

2369 Spoken of as “polea” in c. 57.

2370 In B. viii. c. 50. Because the animal itself was supposed to be free from fever.

2371 Or “quotidian,” daily fever.

2372 A rather singular episode in his narrative. It looks like a gloss.

2373 Under this name, as Ajasson remarks, the affections now called “hysteria” are included.

2374 “Veternum.”

2375 Another instance of smoking, though not a very tempting one.

2376 See B. xviii. c. 29.

2377 “Rupicapra”.

2378 “Subulo”.

2379 From the Greek.

2380 See B. xix. c. 27, B. xx. c. 15, and B. xxv. c. 64.

2381 “Eruptionibus pituitÆ.”

2382 Where the sinew has been wounded and exposed, either vinegar or honey, Ajasson remarks, would be a highly dangerous application.

2383 “Reverentiores.”

2384 “Trigario.”

2385 See B. xii. c. 51.

2386 See B. xxv. c. 101.

2387 “Bad habit.” A sort of cancer, or malignant ulcer.

2388 See B. xxiv. c. 35.

2389 “Propolis.” See B. xi. c. 6.

2390 In B. xi. c. 79.

2391 See B. xxv. cc. 79, 84, 91.

2392 See B. xiii. c. 49.

2393 There is probably some truth in these statements as to the utility of butter and honey for infants.

2394 Ajasson explains this by saying that the hare being eaten by the people of ancient Latium on festival days, with plenteous potations, they erroneously supposed the narcotic effects of the wine to be produced by the flesh of the hare.

2395 The resemblance of “lepos,” “grace,” to “lepus,” “a hare.” See Martial, B. v. Ep. 29.

2396 Georg. iii. 280. He alludes to the “hippomanes.”

2397 Hardouin is probably right in his suggestion that “Dalion” is the correct reading here.

2398 He has already stated, in c. 44, that a horse will become torpid if it follows in the track of a wolf; for which statement, according to Ajasson, there appears to be some foundation.

2399 See B. xix. c. 15.

2400 This is not unlikely; for it has no alarms to make it grow thin.

2401 See B. viii. c. 41, as to a similar practice on the part of the panther.

2402 See end of B. ii.

2403 See end of B. ii.

2404 For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii. For Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.

2405 See end of B. ii.

2406 See end of B. iii.

2407 See end of B. iii.

2408 Servius Sulpicius Lemonia Rufus, a contemporary and friend of Cicero. He was Consul with M. Claudius Marcellus, B.C. 51, and died B.C. 43, at the siege of Mutina. He left about 180 treatises on various subjects; but beyond the fact that he is often quoted by the writers whose works form part of the Digest, none of his writings (with the exception of two letters to Cicero) have come down to us.

2409 See end of B. xix.

2410 See end of B. vii.

2411 See end of B. vii.

2412 See end of B. xii.

2413 From the mention made of him in Chap. 23, he was probably a physician. Nothing further is known of him.

2414 Aurelius Opilius, the freedman of an Epicurean. He taught philosophy, rhetoric, and grammar at Rome, but finally withdrew to Smyrna. One of his works, mentioned by A. Gellius, was entitled “MusÆ,” and the name of another was “Pinax.”

2415 From the mention made of his profound speculations in Chap. 9, Fabricius has reckoned him among the medical writers of Rome. It has also been suggested that he may have been the Granius Flaccus mentioned by Censorinus as the author of the “Indigitamenta,” or Register of the Pontiffs.

2416 See end of B. ii.

2417 Probably Apollonius Mus, or Myronides, a physician who flourished in the first century B.C., who is mostly identified with Apollonius Herophileius. His “Myrosis” here mentioned is probably the work “On Unguents” mentioned by AthenÆus, B. xv.

2418 Nothing whatever is known of him. It has been suggested that the name may have been “Melitus.” A contemporary of Socrates, an orator and tragic writer, was so named.

2419 Beyond the mention of him in c. 2 of this Book, nothing is known relative to this medical writer: no great loss, perhaps, if we may judge from the extract there given.

2420 Though mentioned among the foreign writers, the name is evidently Roman. Nothing relative to him is known.

2421 See end of B. xii.

2422 See end of B. iii.

2423 Probably the writer mentioned at the end of B. viii.

2424 See end of B. viii.

2425 See end of B. xx.

2426 See end of B. xx. The “Idiophya” was probably a work “On the Peculiar Animals,” which passed as the composition of the mythic Orpheus.

2427 A Greek poet, said to have been born at Chersonesus, a town in Egypt. Some of his Epigrams are still extant in the Anthology, and it has been suggested that he flourished either in the time of Ptolemy Soter, of Ptolemy Euergetes II., or of Ptolemy Philadelphus. His work “On Peculiar Animals,” here mentioned, was probably written in verse.

2428 See end of B. viii.

2429 A female writer on medical subjects. In addition to her work mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book, Labbe speaks of a work of hers in MS. “On Menstruation,” preserved in the Library at Florence.

2430 The female who is mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book as having written on Abortion, or the Diseases peculiar to Females, was probably a different person from either of the two famous courtesans of that name. Nothing whatever is known of her.

2431 The writer of certain amatory poems, much admired by the Emperor Tiberius, generally supposed, from the grammatical form of the name, to have been a female. Galen quotes a work “On Cosmetics,” as written by a person of this name.

2432 A native of Lemnos, who wrote on the Diseases of Women. Nymphodorus, as quoted by AthenÆus, states that she also wrote verses on Sportive subjects.

2433 See end of B. xx.

2434 Beyond the mention made of him in c. 23, nothing further is known relative to this writer. Theophrastus, in his work on Sudorifics, speaks of a person of this name as having written on Perspiration.

2435 See end of B. xii.

2436 See end of B. xx.

2437 Beyond the mention made of him in c. 7 of this Book, nothing is known of this writer. Hardouin suggests that he may have been identical with the Micton mentioned at the end of B. xx.

2438 He is spoken of as a native of Athens, in c. 10 of this Book. Beyond this, nothing is known of him.

2439 See end of B. vii.

2440 See end of B. ii.

2441 See end of B. iii.

2442 Or more probably, Hicetidas. Nothing is known of this writer.

2443 A native of Thasos. He is also mentioned by Galen.

2444 See end of B. vii.

2445 See end of B. vi.

2446 Probably a physician, of whom AthenÆus speaks as being a native of Argos, and writer of a treatise on Fish.

2447 Probably a different writer from the one of that name mentioned at the end of B. vi.

2448 ?e?? d???e??.

2449 See end of B. xxi.

2450 See end of B. v.

2451 He must surely have forgotten Celsus; unless, indeed, Pliny was unacquainted with his treatise “De MedicinÂ.”

2452 Apollo and Æsculapius, Agenor, Hercules, Chiron, and others.

2453 The husband of Leda, and the father of Castor, Timandra, ClytÆmnestra, and PhilonoË. Hippolytus also was fabled to have been raised from the dead by Æsculapius.

2454 Hippocrates is generally supposed to have been born B.C. 460.

2455 In order to destroy the medical books and prescriptions there. The same story is told, with little variation, of Avicenna. Cnidos is also mentioned as the scene of this act of philosophical incendiarism.

2456 “Clinice”—Chamber-physic, so called because the physician visited his patients ?? ?????, “in bed.”

2457 It is supposed by most commentators that Pliny commits a mistake here, and that in reality he is alluding to Herodicus of Selymbria in Thrace, who was the tutor, and not the disciple, of Hippocrates. Prodicus of Selymbria does not appear to be known.

2458 “Healing by ointments,” or, as we should call it at the present day, “The Friction cure.”

2459 “Mediastinis.”

2460 Pythias, the daughter of Aristotle, was his stepmother, and adopted him. His mother’s name was Cretoxena.

2461 Or “Sect of Experimentalists.” They based their practice upon experience derived from the observation of facts. The word “Empiric” is used only in a bad sense at the present day. For an account of Hippocrates, see end of B. vii.; of Chrysippus, see end of B. xx.; and of Erasistratus, see end of B. xi.

2462 See end of B. xi.

2463 See end of B. xi.

2464 See B. xi. c. 88. The Chinese, Ajasson remarks, apply the musical scale to the pulsation; it being a belief of the Mandarins that the body is a musical instrument, and that to be in health it must be kept in tune.

2465 In B. xxvi. cc. 7, 8.

2466 See end of B. xi.

2467 See B. xix. c. 38.

2468 Rather more than £4400.

2469 More than £265,000.

2470 For which he was put to death A.D. 48.

2471 A native of Tralles in Lydia, and the son of a weaver there. Galen mentions him in terms of contempt and ridicule.

2472 “Invasit.”

2473 Ep. 53 and 83. His “adstipulatio” is of a very equivocal character, however.

2474 “Turb medicorum perii.” This is supposed to be borrowed from a line of Menander—

?????? ?at??? e?s?d?? ’ ?p??ese?.

2475 “Flatu.”

2476 Herodotus states this with reference to the Babylonians; Strabo, the Bastitani, a people of Spain; and Eusebius, the more ancient inhabitants of Spain.

2477 See B. xx. c. 33.

2478 See end of B. xii.

2479 “Jus Quiritium.”

2480 “Tabernam.” A surgery, in fact, the same as the “iatreion” of the Greeks.

2481 Or “carrefour”—“compitum.” The Acilian Gens pretended to be under the especial tutelage of the gods of medicine.

2482 The “Wound-curer,” from “vulnus,” a wound.

2483 “Executioner,” or “hangman.”

2484 For his conquests in Spain.

2485 “Illorum literas inspicere.”

2486 On the principle that that which costs money must be worth having.

2487 The Opici or Osci were an ancient tribe of Italy, settled in Campania, Latium, and Samnium. From their uncivilized habits the name was long used as a reproachful epithet, equivalent to our words “bumpkin,” “clodhopper,” or “chawbacon.”

2488 Marked by their supereminent absurdity, as FÉe remarks.

2489 Formed by the river Tiber. See the QuÆst. Rom. of Plutarch, on this subject.

2490 We have adopted Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nec” for “et” here. The meaning, however, is very doubtful.

2491 “Augebo providentiam illorum.” The meaning of this passage also is doubtful.

2492 By adopting that language instead of the Latin; Sextius Niger, for instance.

2493 Diplomas seem to have been less cared for in those times than at the present day even, when quackery has so free a range.

2494 See B. iii. c. 26, and B. xxxiii. cc. 7, 8.

2495 “Inquisitio per parietes.” The reading is doubtful, but he not improbably alludes to the employment of spies.

2496 Hardouin thinks that he alludes to Cornelius Balbus here, a native of Gades. See B. v. c. 5, and B. vii. 44.

2497 “Electis viris datur tabula.” He alludes to the three tablets delivered to the Judices, one of which had inscribed on it “Acquitted,” another “Not proven,” and a third “Guilty”—Absolvatur, Non liquet, and Condemno.

2498 “In this place he casteth in the Romans’ teeth, their Lecticarii, AnagnostÆ, and Nomenclatores.”—Holland. Letter-bearers, readers, and prompters as to the names of the persons addressed.

2499 He alludes to the resources of medicine.

2500 A physician at Rome, who was afterwards put to the torture for this crime. Livia was the daughter of Drusus Nero, the brother of Tiberius.

2501 Messalina, mentioned in c. 5 of this Book.

2502 Nothing could possibly be more remote from his republican notions, than “reginÆ” at Rome.

2503 “Emovendam.” In order that a future job may be ensured.

2504 In c. 5 of this Book.

2505 “Vulnerum medico.”

2506 “Ejus turbÆ.”

2507 See B. xxiv. c. 1.

2508 The origin of our word “treacle.” See B. xx. c. 100, and Note 97.

2509 Used as a round number, like our expression “ten thousand.”

2510 See B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxv. c. 26.

2511 “Minium.” This red lead had the name of “cinnabaris nativa,” whence the error.

2512 In B. xxxiii. c. 38.

2513 As tending to effeminacy, or undermining the constitution.

2514 See B. xxviii. c. 13.

2515 “Lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis.” Georg. I. 184, IV. 243.

2516 Il. xvii. 670, et seq.

2517 He certainly does not always keep this object in view.

2518 See B. x. c. 2, and B. xii. c. 42.

2519 A form of fever, LittrÉ remarks, that is known by the moderns as “pseudo-continuous.”

2520 See B. xvi. c. 19.

2521 “Smectica” is suggested by Gesner, Hist. Anim., as a better reading than “septica.”

2522 “Œsypum” is often mentioned by Ovid as a favourite cosmetic with the Roman ladies.

2523 See B. xix. c. 1, B. xxiv. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 21.

2524 See B. xviii. c. 17.

2525 See B. xx. c. 23.

2526 HermolaÜs suggests “schista,” “divided,” and Dalechamps proposes “synchyta,” “mixed.” The reading is very doubtful.

2527 Or Sowbread. See B. xxv. c. 67.

2528 See B. xviii. c. 17.

2529 In B. x. c. 80.

2530 See B. xxiv. c. 54.

2531 This is the fact, and it is similarly used for mending china. White of egg, mixed with whiskey or spirits of wine, will answer the purpose equally well.

2532 Ajasson remarks that there is some slight truth in this assertion.

2533 Pliny alludes here to the beads or rings of glass which were used by the Druids as charms to impose on the credulity of their devotees, under the name of Glain naidr, or “the Adder gem.” Mr. Luyd (in Rowland’s Mona Antiqua, p. 342) says that the genuine Ovum anguinum can be no other than a shell of the kind called echinus marinus, and that Dr. Borlase observes that, instead of the natural anguinum, artificial rings of stone, glass, and sometimes baked clay, were substituted as of equal validity. The belief in these charms very recently existed in Cornwall and Wales, if indeed it does not at the present day. The subject is very fully discussed in Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 286, et seq., and p. 369, et seq., Bohn’s Edition. These gems and beads are not uncommonly found in tumuli of the early British period.

2534 A similar belief in its origin was prevalent in Cornwall and Wales, and whoever found it was supposed to ensure success in all his undertakings.

2535 “The snake’s egg”—ovum being understood.

2536 “The vulgar opinion in Cornwall and most parts of Wales is that these are produced through all Cornwall by snakes joining their heads together and hissing, which forms a kind of bubble like a ring about the head of one of them, which the rest, by continual hissing, blow on till it comes off at the tail, when it immediately hardens and resembles a glass ring.”—Gough’s Camden, Vol II. p. 571, Ed. 1789.

2537 The shell of a sea urchin most probably. See Note 81 above.

2538 See Note 82 above.

2539 A nation of Gaul. See B. iii. cc. 5, 21.

2540 The wand held by heralds, and generally represented as being carried by Mercury in his character of messenger of the gods.

2541 And therefore not portentous of war.

2542 See B. v. cc. 13, 20.

2543 See B. xii. c. 43.

2544 See B. x. c. 28. Generally supposed to be Syrian nard; though some identify it with the Comacum of Theophrastus.

2545 See B. xxiii. cc. 45, 80.

2546 In B. xxviii. c. 38.

2547 See B. xxiv. c. 69.

2548 See B. xii. c. 54.

2549 See B. xii. c. 62.

2550 No MS., it would appear, gives “corvis” here, the reading being “capris,” “goats.” Ajasson, however, is most probably right in his suggestion that “corvis” is the correct reading.

2551 See B. x. c. 15.

2552 In B. x. c. 26.

2553 Or Youth, in the Eighth Region of the City.

2554 See B. ii. c. 53.

2555 An ancient divinity, who is supposed to have presided over childbirth. See Plutarch, QuÆst. Rom. 52.

2556 In the Saturio probably, quoted by Festus, and now lost. The aborigines of Canada, and the people of China and Tartary, hold whelps’ flesh in esteem as a great delicacy.

2557 “Toxica.”

2558 Of remedies classified according to the different maladies.

2559 In B. xi. c. 76.

2560 The ferret, most probably.

2561 See c. 33 of this Book.

2562 The common weasel.

2563 Probably in his work entitled “Admiranda,” now lost. Holland says “some take these for our cats.”

2564 Guettard, a French commentator on Pliny, recommends bugs to be taken internally for hysteria!

2565 Perhaps the Cimex pratensis is meant here. Neither this nor the Cimex juniperinus, the Cimex brassicÆ, or the LygÆus hyoscami has the offensive smell of the house bug.

2566 An excellent method, Ajasson remarks, of adding to the tortures of the patient.

2567 This is the fact.

2568 See B. viii. c. 33.

2569 The Magi of the East, probably.

2570 Some serpent of the boa species, probably. See B. viii. cc. 13, 14, 22, 41, and B. x. cc. 5, 92, 95, 96.

2571 By leading them to confound truth with fiction.

2572 See B. viii. c. 35.

2573 This is perhaps the meaning of “prÆcanere.” Sillig suggests “recanere.”

2574 Which was said to act as an antidote to the poison, applied to the wound.

2575 “Antidotes to serpents’ poison.”

2576 “Pastilli.”

2577 The god of Medicine.

2578 A favourite reverie with the learned of the East. Dupont de Nemours, Ajasson informs us, has left several Essays on this subject.

2579 In Peloponnesus, the principal seat of his worship. A very full account of his introduction, under the form of a huge serpent, into the city of Rome, is given by Ovid, Met. B. xv. l. 544, et seq. This took place B.C. 293.

2580 Among the snakes that are tamed, Ajasson enumerates the Coluber flagelliformis of Dandin, or American coach-whip snake; the Coluber constructor of LinnÆus, or Black snake; and the Coluber viridiflavus of Lacepede. The Æsculapian serpent is still found in Italy.

2581 Or “chersydri,” “amphibious.”

2582 Or “starred lizard”—“stellio.” In reality it is not poisonous.

2583 See B. x. c. 86. Some kind of starred lizard, or an eft or newt perhaps, was thus called: but in most respects it appears to be entirely a fabulous animal.

2584 See B ii. c. 63.

2585 He probably alludes to the Magi of Persia here, as most of the stories about the salamander appear to bear the aspect of an Eastern origin.

2586 See B. xxii. c. 33.

2587 “Cybium.” See B. ix. c. 18. Dioscorides says the plant cnecos, described by Pliny in B. xxi. c. 107.

2588 See B. xxv. c. 18, and B. xxvii. c. 77.

2589 See B. xvi. c. 92, and B. xxvi. cc. 37, 66.

2590 “Hereupon peradventure it is that in collices and cockbroths we use to seeth pieces of gold, with an opinion to make them thereby more restorative.”—Holland.

2591 See B. xxv. c. 97.

2592 The same is said of a frog’s tongue, in B. xxxii. c. 18.

2593 That is no reason, as Ajasson remarks, why the egg should not be found, it being easy to take it from the nest at night, when, the bird being absent, no ill omen will arise from seeing it.

2594 We still see bats nailed upon and over stable doors in various parts of this country.

2595 “Carduus.”

2596 A sort of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.

2597 In c. 16 of this Book.

2598 “Lupus.” See B. xi. c. 28.

2599 The Tarantula has been suggested, but that is a native of Italy.

2600 “Atocium.”

2601 “Plena liberis.”

2602 From ???, a “grape.”

2603 Or “starred” spider. Nicander describes all these varieties of the Phalangium.

2604 From ????, “an ant.”

2605 The “four-jawed” spider.

2606 In c. 16 of this Book.

2607 See B. viii. c. 83.

2608 See B. xix. c. 22. For further particulars as to the Stellio, see B. xi. c. 31, and the Note.

2609 This is probably an error; see the Note to B. xi. c. 31.

2610 See B. x. cc. 18, 41, 44, and 50.

2611 See B. viii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks that this is a mere fabulous story, in reference to the venom of the ants.

2612 In B. xxix. c. 23.

2613 See B. xxvi. c. 2.

2614 See B. xxiii. c. 14.

2615 It has been ascertained by experiment that the vesicatory principle resides in the wings more particularly. Ajasson remarks, that it is possible that the ancients may not have known the genuine Cantharides, the Canth. vesicatoria of modern medicine.

2616 See B. xxiv. c. 74.

2617 “PityocampÆ.” See B. xxiii. cc. 30, 40, and B. xxviii. c. 33.

2618 See B. xxviii. cc. 21, 33, 42, and B. xxx. c. 10.

2619 At the sale, under his supervision, of the property of Ptolemy, king of Cyprus.

2620 In B. xxi. c. 34.

2621 This is still the vulgar notion; but in reality there is no worm, but certain white pustules beneath the tongue, which break spontaneously at the end of twelve days after birth. Puppies are still “wormed,” as it is called, as a preventive of hydrophobia, it is said, and of a propensity to gnaw objects which come in their way. The “worming” consists in the breaking of these pustules.

2622 “Rage” or “madness.”

2623 “For the manner of a dog is to bee angrie with the stone that is thrown at him, without regard to the partie that flung it, whereupon grew the proverb in Greeke, ???? e?? t?? ????? ??a?a?t??sa (‘A dog venting his rage upon a stone.’)”—Holland.

2624 See B. xx. cc. 6, 20. It is somewhat doubtful what the “seps” really was; whether, in fact, it was a lizard at all. LittrÉ suggests the Tridactylus saurius.

2625 Or Ferret, probably. See c. 16 of this Book.

2626 In c. 16 of this Book.

2627 From the circumstance that that country was covered with herbs and plants of a medicinal nature.

2628 So called from ???p??, “a fox,” an animal very subject to the loss of its hair.

2629 See B. xii. c. 51.

2630 So swine’s dung was called “sucerda,” and cowdung “bucerda.”

2631 Or Maagrus, the “fly catcher,” the name of a hero, invoked at Aliphera, at the festivals of Athena, as the protector against flies. It was also a surname of Hercules. See B. x. c. 40.

2632 See B. viii. c. 53.

2633 In c. 32 of this Book.

2634 A recipe well understood in the restaurants of the French provinces, Ajasson says, but it is doubtful whether with the object named by our author.

2635 He means slugs probably.

2636 He does not appear to state this on hearsay only!

2637 Cobwebs are still used for this purpose, as also the fur from articles made of beaver. Ajasson mentions English taffeta.

2638 See c. 13 of this Book.

2639 See B. xxvi. c. 39.

2640 A disease of the crystalline humours of the eye.

2641 See B. x. c. 33.

2642 “Stibium.” See B. xxxiii. c. 33.

2643 “Exuta vere,” as suggested by Sillig, would appear a better reading than “ex utero,” which can have no meaning here.

2644 “Viper mixture.”

2645 See c. 35 of this Book.

2646 In B. xi. c. 62.

2647 As Ajasson remarks, this would be very likely to gangrene the wound.

2648 See B. viii. c. 14. Not the Boa constrictor of modern Natural History.

2649 In B. x. c. 3.

2650 See B. xxxiii. c. 25, and B. xxxvi. cc. 37, 38.

2651 The tongues of peacocks and larks are recommended for epilepsy, by Lampridius, in his Life of the Emperor Elagabalus. The statement in the text is, of course, a fiction.

2652 The reading here is doubtful.

2653 A puerile reason, Ajasson remarks. It is much more probable that the reason was, because this vein was the most easily discovered.

2654 See B. xxviii. c. 47.

2655 In B. xxviii. c. 47.

2656 See B. x. c. 52.

2657 The serpent so called.

2658 An absurdity. The probability is, that the sight of the young birds was only supposed to be destroyed, the operation being imperfectly performed.

2659 See B. xxxvii. c. 56.

2660 The mention of this number denotes the Eastern origin of this remedy, Ajasson remarks.

2661 See Note 6 above.

2662 “Lacrymantibus sine fine oculis.”

2663 Ajasson remarks, that Pliny has given here a much more exact description of the varieties of the Spider, than in the Eleventh Book. The learned Commentator gives an elaborate discussion, of eighteen pages, on the varieties of the Spider as known to the ancients in common with modern naturalists.

2664 Green is universally the colour least fatiguing to the eye.

2665 See B. xx. c. 23.

2666 See B. vii. c. 27, and B. viii. c. 41. The formic acid which ants contain may possibly possess some medicinal properties.

2667 Ajasson suggests that this may be the Lacerta coepium of Dandin, of a reddish brown colour, with two blackish lines running longitudinally along the back.

2668 This insect in reality is a woodlouse, whereas the millepedes previously described are evidently caterpillars. Woodlice are still swallowed alive by schoolboys, and old women are to be found who recommend them for consumption. Holland says that woodlice are good for pains in the ears.

2669 “Perniciosam.”

2670 In the middle ages there were many superstitions with reference to this insect, some of which have survived to the present day.

2671 Ajasson seems to think that this passage means that the ant itself adopts this plan of catching the cricket. If so, he is certainly in error, and his attack upon Pliny’s credulity is, in this instance at least, misplaced.

2672 See B. xi. c. 34, and B. xxv. c. 60.

2673 “Inhabiting mills.”

2674 See B. xix. c. 38, and B. xxv. c. 38.

2675 Of this writer nothing is known.

2676 See B. xxiv. c. 11.

2677 See the end of this Book.

2678 See end of B. ii.

2679 See end of B. ii.

2680 See end of B. iii.

2681 See end of B. ii.

2682 See end of B. vi.

2683 See end of B. xii.

2684 See end of B. vii.

2685 See end of B. xiv.

2686 See end of B. vii.

2687 See end of B. xii.

2688 See end of B. xxviii.

2689 See end of B. viii.

2690 See end of B. xviii.

2691 See end of B. xix.

2692 See end of B. ii.

2693 See end of B. xx.

2694 There are four literary persons of this name mentioned by Suidas, who appears to give but a confused account of them. He speaks of an ancient poet of Athens of this name, who wrote a Cosmogony and other works; a native of Priene, to whom some attributed the work on “Incredible Stories,” by most persons assigned to PalÆphatus of Athens; an historian of Abydos, a contemporary of Alexander the Great, and a friend of Aristotle; and a grammarian of Athens of uncertain date, to whom the work on “Incredible Stories” is mostly assigned. But in the former editions of Pliny, the reading “Philopator” is mostly adopted; bearing reference, it has been suggested, to a Stoic philosopher and physician of that name mentioned by Galen, “On the Symptoms of Mental Diseases,” c. 8.

2695 See end of B. ii.

2696 See end of B. xxi.

2697 See end of B. xiii.

2698 See end of B. xi.

2699 See end of B. xii.

2700 There were two Greek physicians of this name, one of whom was a native of Thasos, and wrote several medical works. The other was a native of Cnidos, and, according to Suidas, a slave of the philosopher Chrysippus. Galen, however, says that he was a pupil of the physician of that name, and afterwards became physician to Antigonus Gonatas, king of Macedonia, B.C. 283-239. Hardouin is of opinion that the two physicians were one and the same person.

2701 See end of B. xx.

2702 Servilius Democrates, a Greek physician at Rome about the time of the Christian era. He probably received his prÆnomen from being a client of the Servilian family. Pliny speaks of him in B. xxiv. c. 28, and B. xxv. c. 49. He wrote several works on medicine in Greek Iambic verse, the titles and a few extracts from which are preserved by Galen.

2703 Probably the same physician that is mentioned by Galen as belonging to the sect of the Empirici. See c. 39 of this Book.

2704 See end of B. xx.

2705 A fabulous king of Assyria, or Egypt, to whom was attributed the discovery of many remedies and medicaments. See B. xxx. c. 51, and B. xxxvii. c. 52.

2706 See end of B. viii.

2707 Beyond the mention made of his absurd remedy in c. 38 of the present Book, nothing seems to be known of this writer.

2708 “Artes.” Medicine, religion, and the art of divination.

2709 Ajasson remarks that, on the contrary, this is a subject of great doubt.

2710 “Mathematicas artes.”

2711 The title of the ancient kings of Persia.

2712 Or Bactriana, more properly.

2713 Magic, no doubt, has been the subject of belief from the earliest times, whatever may have been the age of Zoroaster, the Zarathustra of the Zendavesta, and the Zerdusht of the Persians. In the Zendavesta he is represented as living in the reign of Gushtasp, generally identified with Darius Hystaspes. He probably lived at a period anterior to that of the Median and Persian kings. Niebuhr regards him as a purely mythical personage.

2714 See end of B. ii.

2715 See end of this Book.

2716 An exaggeration, of Oriental origin, most probably.

2717 These names have all, most probably, been transmitted to us in a corrupted form. Ajasson gives some suggestions as to their probable Eastern form and origin.

2718 One among the many proofs, Ajasson says, that the Iliad and the Odyssey belong to totally different periods.

2719 In reference to the Tenth Book of the Odyssey.

2720 See B. v. cc. 28, 29. Cicero mentions a college of Aruspices established at this city.

2721 The name “Thessala” was commonly used by the Romans to signify an enchantress, sorceress, or witch. See the story of Apuleius, Books i. and iii.

2722 The countries of the East.

2723 Purely medicinal remedies.

2724 In contradistinction to lightnings elicited by the practice of Magic.

2725 A poetical figure, alluding to the “thunderbolts of war,” as wielded probably by Achilles and other heroes of Thessaly.

2726 See B. ii. c. 9.

2727 Ajasson queries whether this is a proper name, or an epithet merely.

2728 Ajasson combats this assertion at considerable length, and with good reason. It is quite inadmissible.

2729 The mysteries of philosophy, as Ajasson remarks, were not necessarily identical with the magic art.

2730 In reality, Pythagoras was an exile from the tyranny of the ruler of Samos, Plato from the court of Dionysius the Younger, and Democritus from the ignorance of his fellow-countrymen of Abdera. There is no doubt that Pythagoras and Democritus made considerable researches into the art of magic as practised in the East.

2731 Nothing is known of this writer.

2732 Dardanus, the ancestor of the Trojans, if he is the person here meant, is said to have introduced the worship of the gods into Samothrace.

2733 The works of Homer were transmitted in a similar manner.

2734 Moses, no doubt, was represented by the Egyptian priesthood as a magician, in reference more particularly to the miracles wrought by him before Pharaoh. From them the Greeks would receive the notion.

2735 In 2 Tim. iii. 8, we find the words, “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth.” Eusebius, in his PrÆparatio Evangelica, B. ix., states that Jannes and Jambres, or Mambres, were the names of Egyptian writers, who practised Magic, and opposed Moses before Pharaoh. This contest was probably represented by the Egyptian priesthood as merely a dispute between two antagonistic schools of Magic.

2736 Of this person nothing is known. The former editions mostly have “Jotapea.” “Jotapata” was the name of a town in Syria, the birthplace of Josephus.

2737 He is mistaken here as to the nation to which Jannes belonged.

2738 By some it has been supposed that this bears reference to Christianity, as introduced into Cyprus by the Apostle Barnabas. Owing to the miracles wrought in the infancy of the Church, the religion of the Christians was very generally looked upon as a sort of Magic. The point is very doubtful.

2739 His itinerary, Ajasson remarks, would have been a great curiosity.

2740 B. xxviii. c. 4.

2741 These sacrifices forming the most august rite of the Magic art, as practised in Italy.

2742 That this art was still practised in secret in the days of Pliny himself, we learn from the testimony of Tacitus (Annals, II. 69), in his account of the enquiries instituted on the death of Germanicus.

2743 More particularly in the worship of their divinity Heu or Hesus, the god of war.

2744 This he did officially, but not effectually, and the Druids survived as a class for many centuries both in Gaul and Britain.

2745 He alludes to the British shores bordering on the Atlantic. See B. xix. c. 2.

2746 It is a curious fact that the round towers of Ireland bear a strong resemblance to those, the ruins of which are still to be seen on the plains of ancient Persia.

2747 “Ut dedisse Persis videri possit.” This might possibly mean, “That Persia might almost seem to have communicated it direct to Britain”. Ajasson enumerates the following superstitions of ancient Britain, as bearing probable marks of an Oriental origin: the worship of the stars, lakes, forests, and rivers; the ceremonials used in cutting the plants samiolus, selago, and mistletoe, and the virtues attributed to the adder’s egg.

2748 Ajasson seems inclined to suggest that this may possibly bear reference to the Christian doctrines of redemption and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

2749 These kinds of divination, rather than magic, were called hydromancy, sphÆromancy, aËromancy, astromancy, lychnomancy, lecanomancy, and axinomancy. See Rabelais, B. iii. c. 25, where a very full account is given of the Magic Art, as practised by the ancients. Coffee-grounds, glair of eggs, and rose-leaves, are still used in France for purposes of divination by the superstitious.

2750 Suetonius says that his body was full of foul spots.

2751 It was probably a doctrine of Magic, that an adept must not be deficient in any of his limbs.

2752 After being conquered by the Roman general, Corbulo, he received the crown of Armenia from Nero, A.D. 63.

2753 All vegetable substances were divided, according to their doctrine, into the pure and the impure, the rule being strictly observed at their repasts.

2754 See end of this Book.

2755 See B. xxv. c. 80.

2756 Like the assertions of the famous impostor of the close of the last century, Count Cagliostro.

2757 A mistake, of course; and one for which there is little excuse, as its eyes are easily perceptible. It is not improbably, however, that it was an impression with the ancients that its sight is impeded by the horny covering of its eyes.

2758 In B. xxix. c. 27.

2759 See B. xii. c. 51.

2760 It is doubtful what is meant by this male white “water-serpent.” In B. xxxii. c. 26, he appears to include it among the fishes.

2761 See B. xxv. c. 108.

2762 It is a singular thing that we still hear of the maggots found in filberts being used for the same purpose.

2763 See B. xxix. c. 17.

2764 Marcus Empiricus says, honey.

2765 See B. xvi. c. 19.

2766 Dalechamps thinks that these “Herculean” ants were so called from their great size. Ajasson queries whether they may not be the “grenadier ants” of Dupont de Nemours.

2767 See B. xxii. c. 36. Belon takes it to be the Lixus paraplecticus.

2768 In B. xxix. c. 30.

2769 In B. xxii. c. 21.

2770 “Stigmata.”

2771 See B. iv. c. 23, B. viii. c. 59, and cc. 15 and 43 of the present Book.

2772 “Smegma.”

2773 See B. xx. c. 2.

2774 No very great obligation, apparently.

2775 See B. x. c. 49.

2776 “Riparia.”

2777 The only birds’ nests that are now taken internally are the soutton bourong, or, edible birds’ nests, of the Chinese.

2778 See B. xxix. c. 39.

2779 Marcus Empiricus says that the heart must be enclosed in a silver lupine and worn suspended from the neck, being efficacious for scrofula both in males and females. The silver lupine was probably what we should call a “locket.”

2780 “The bull.” Dalechamps takes this to be the stag-beetle or bull-fly; but that, as Ajasson remarks, has four horns, two antennÆ, and two large mandibules; in addition to which, from its size, it would hardly be called the “earth-louse.” He concludes that a lamellicorn is meant; but whether belonging to the LucanidÆ or the ScarabÆidÆ, it is impossible to say.

2781 “Pediculus terrÆ.”

2782 In B. xxix. c. 33.

2783 In B. xxix. c. 21.

2784 He probably speaks of woodlice here. Ettmuller asserts their utility in this form for scrofula. Valisnieri says the same; Spielmann prescribes them for arthrosis; Riviere considers them as a detergent for ulcers, and a resolvent for tumours of the mamillÆ; and Baglivi maintains that they are a first-rate diuretic, and unequalled as a lithontriptic. They contain muriate of lime and of potash, which may possibly, in some small degree, give them an aperitive virtue.

2785 See Horace, Epode xii. l. 5.

2786 Hence, perhaps, the practice of nursing lap-dogs.

2787 See B. iii. c. 30, and Note 2, p. 267.

2788 In France and Italy, snails are considered a delicacy by some. Snail milk is sometimes used medicinally in England for consumptive patients: it is doubtful with what effect.

2789 Or fish-sauce. See B. xxxi. c. 43.

2790 See B. v. c. 20.

2791 See B. iii. c. 12.

2792 Our periwinkles.

2793 Dalechamps takes this to mean “without horns:” and Hardouin is of opinion that it means “genuine” or “unmixed.” In either sense, the word is derived from the Greek.

2794 He has omitted to do so.

2795 “Humida tussis.”

2796 See c. 12 of this Book.

2797 Our “cricket.” The troxallis was probably a kind of locust, still known to naturalists by that name.

2798 “Protropum.” Wine of the first running.

2799 “Carmen.” Holland says “the aforesaid charm:” but this does not appear from the context. From the account, however, given by Marcus Empiricus, we learn that the charm, thus repeated twenty-seven times, is the same as that already given.

2800 Or “wolf.” See B. xi. c. 28.

2801 See B. xxix. c. 28

2802 Or woodlouse. See B. xxix. c. 39.

2803 In B. xxix. c. 36.

2804 See B. xxix. c. 36.

2805 The iliac passion, or ileus volvulus.

2806 In c. 16 of this Book.

2807 A kind of bustard. See B. x. cc. 29, 50, and c. 45 of this Book.

2808 See c. 14 of this Book, where a similar notion is mentioned.

2809 There were three consuls of this name, L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 7; L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 29; and P. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 38. They are mentioned also by Suetonius, Tacitus, Dion Cassius, Frontinus, and Seneca.

2810 See c. 14 of this Book.

2811 See B. viii. c. 56.

2812 This passage is omitted by Sillig as an evident interpolation from the context a couple of lines below.

2813 The belief in lithontriptics can hardly be said to exist at the present day. Ajasson refers to the grant made by the British Parliament of £5000 to Mrs. Stephens for her lithontriptic!!

2814 In c. 16 of this Book.

2815 See B. xxix. c. 39.

2816 See B. xxxiv. c. 33.

2817 It can hardly be said to add to his fame.

2818 See B. xiv. c. 4.

2819 In B. xxix. c. 36 and in c. 19 of this Book.

2820 See B. xxxii. c. 35.

2821 Ajasson remarks that this may probably be useful.

2822 See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13.

2823 “Acetabuli mensur” seems a preferable reading to “aceto mensurÂ,” which makes no sense.

2824 See B. xxi. c. 56.

2825 See B. xviii. c. 17.

2826 “Subluviem.” The same, probably, as the disease of the fingers which he elsewhere calls “paronychia,” and perhaps identical with whitlow.

2827 See B. xxiii. c. 13.

2828 A popular fallacy of Pliny’s time. See B. xi. c. 40.

2829 Spectres and nightmare.

2830 The serpent so called.

2831 See B. viii. c. 35.

2832 In c. 12 of this Book. Woodlice are meant.

2833 See B. viii. c. 49.

2834 A cozener, cheat, or rogue. Ajasson has a page of discussion on the origin of this appellation.

2835 In B. xxix. c. 16.

2836 See B. xvi. c. 6.

2837 Like our game poultry.

2838 This word being also the Greek name for the jaundice.

2839 See B. x. c. 50. The Witwall.

2840 “Bastard-wasp.”

2841 “Rostellum.” Holland renders it “The little prettie snout’s end of a mouse.”

2842 Of cowdung. It was supposed that there was no female scarabÆus, and that the male insect formed these balls for the reproduction of its species. It figures very largely in the Egyptian mythology and philosophy as the emblem of the creative and generative power. It has been suggested that its Coptic name “skalouks” is a compound Sanscrit word, signifying—“The ox-insect that collects dirt into a round mass.” See B. xi, c. 34.

2843 Probably the “lucanus” mentioned in B. xi. c. 34; supposed to be the same as the stag-beetle.

2844 The “fuller,” apparently. This name may possibly be derived, however, from the Greek f?????, a “leaf.”

2845 See B. xi. c. 38.

2846 Some suppose that this was an insect that lived among dry wood, and derive the name from the Greek f???a???. Queslon is of opinion that it is the salamander.

2847 The “wolf” spider. See c. 17 of this Book.

2848 See B. xxxiv. c. 33.

2849 Ajasson remarks that, in reality, this is not blood, but a kind of viscous liquid.

2850 “Digitus medicus”—“The physician’s finger,” properly. Why the fourth finger, or that next to the little finger, was thus called, it seems impossible to say.

2851 See B. xii. c. 51.

2852 See B. xxxiv. c. 34.

2853 See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13.

2854 “Cosses.”

2855 Dioscorides speaks of this honey as the produce of Sicily.

2856 The “creeper.” It has not been identified.

2857 Which are also called “herpetic” or “creeping.”

2858 The serpent so called.

2859 Antonius Castor, probably. See end of B. xx.

2860 See c. 16 of this Book.

2861 A chronic cancer.

2862 “Ulula.”

2863 In B. xxviii. c. 77.

2864 “Fieri.”

2865 See B. xviii. c. 17.

2866 See B. xii. c. 51.

2867 See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.

2868 Varro calls them “albulÆ,” and says that they were found at Reate.

2869 Of course she will be liable to do so, from fright.

2870 The whole of this account appears to be in a very confused state, and is probably corrupt. Sillig’s punctuation has not been adopted.

2871 Ajasson has wasted ten lines of indignation upon the question where such a staff is to be found!

2872 See c. 16 of this Book.

2873 See B. xxxvi. c. 39.

2874 An impossibility. See B. x. c. 15, for the stories about the raven on which this notion was based.

2875 See B. x. cc. 29, 50.

2876 See B. xxxiv. cc. 22, 23.

2877 See B. xxviii. c. 77.

2878 “Scabiem vulvarum.”

2879 Ajasson queries whether “denigrare” may not mean here “to render pale.”

2880 “Sorex.”

2881 Supposed to be an inflammation of the membranes of the brain.

2882 See c. 8 of this Book.

2883 A remedy still used, Ajasson says, in the French provinces.

2884 See B. viii. c. 14, and B. xxix. c. 38.

2885 “Inter se conligatÆ in coitu.”

2886 See B. xxviii. c. 80.

2887 See end of B. xxix.

2888 He has hardly immortalized his name by it.

2889 Possibly a kind of crane.

2890 See B. viii. c. 75, and B. xxviii. c. 42.

2891 It has not been identified.

2892 Hardouin thinks that the worm called ?? by the Greeks is meant. Ovid speaks in his Fasti, B. i. 11. 354-360, of the goat, as being very fond of gnawing the vine.

2893 See B. xi. c. 19.

2894 See B. x. c. 20.

2895 See B. viii. c. 72.

2896 Some authorities say the ass, and others the Onager, or wild ass.

2897 This story is generally regarded as an absurdity, and is rejected by Arrian and Plutarch.

2898 See end of B. ii.

2899 See end of B. vi.

2900 See end of B. vii.

2901 See end of B. xii.

2902 See end of B. xix.

2903 See end of B. ii.

2904 See end of B. ii.

2905 An eminent philosopher, a native of Smyrna, and disciple of Callimachus. He flourished about the middle of the third century B.C., and left numerous works, the principal of which was a Biography of the Philosophers, Poets, and Historians, which seems to have been highly esteemed. It is thought, too, that he wrote a work on Magic and Astrology; but there are some doubts about the writer’s identity.

2906 A native of Oasis in Egypt, who taught rhetoric at Rome in the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius. Some curious particulars are given respecting him in c. 6 of the present Book. His ostentation, vanity, and insolent pretensions fully merited the title “Cymbalum mundi,” which Tiberius bestowed on him. He was a man, however, of considerable learning and great eloquence, and was distinguished for his hatred to the Jews. Of his numerous works only some fragments remain.

2907 See end of B. xx.

2908 See end of B. ii.

2909 See end of B. xxi.

2910 See end of B. xiii.

2911 See end of B. xxix.

2912 See end of B. xi.

2913 See end of B. xix.

2914 See end of B. xii.

2915 See end of B. xxix.

2916 See end of B. xx.

2917 See end of B. xxix.

2918 See end of B. xx.

2919 See end of B. viii.

2920 See end of B. xxix.

2921 See B. ii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks, that the electric fluid, forming lightning, escapes from the clouds through causes totally independent of water. Still, Pliny would appear to be right in one sense; for if there were no water, there would be no clouds; and without clouds the electric fluid would probably take some other form than that of lightning.

2922 He alludes to the mineral waters of Acqs or Dax on the Adour, in the French department of the AriÈge. They are still highly esteemed.

2923 The principal of which are those of Aigues-Chaudes, Aigues-Bonnes, BagnÈres-Adores, Cambo, BagnÈres, BarÈges, Saint-Sauveur, and Cauteret.

2924 Ajasson remarks that animals in all cases refuse to drink mineral waters.

2925 He alludes to Neptune, Amphitrite, the Oceanides, Nereides, Tritons, Crenides, Limnades, Potamides, and numerous other minor divinities.

2926 See B, iii. c. 9.

2927 See B. iii. c. 7.

2928 See B. iii. c. 5.

2929 The mineral waters of BaiÆ are still held in high esteem.

2930 As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book.

2931 Posides, a eunuch who belonged to the Emperor Claudius, according to Suetonius, c. 28.

2932 There are still submarine volcanoes in the vicinity of Sicily, but the spot here referred to is now unknown.

2933 The Eaux Bonnes in the Basses PyrÉnÉes are good for wounds. After the battle of Pavia they received from the soldiers of Jean d’Albret, king of Navarre, the name of Eaux d’arquebusade.

2934 Only, Ajasson remarks, where the ophthalmia is caused by inflammation of the conjunctive.

2935 He also called it his Puteolan villa.

2936 The “QuÆstiones AcademicÆ.”

2937 “Monumenta.” Ajasson queries what monuments they were, thus raised by the “parvenu of Arpinum.” He suggests that the erection may have been a chapel, temple-library, or possibly funeral monument.

2938 C. Antistius Vetus probably, a supporter of Julius CÆsar, Consul Suffectus, B.C. 30.

2939 “In parte primÂ.”

2940 There are three Epigrams probably by this author in the Greek Anthology.

2941 We are sensible that, in thus shortening the penultimate, we shall incur the censure of solecizing, which Hardouin has cast upon the poet Claudian for doing the same.

2942 At the Torre de’ Bagni, Hardouin says, near the church of Santa Maria a Caudara.

2943 Saline and gaseous waters are good for this purpose. See B. iii. c. 12.

2944 It has still the same reputation, Hardouin says, and is situate near the castle of Francolici.

2945 See B. iii. c. 9.

2946 Or “half-strength” waters, apparently. See B. iii. c. 9.

2947 See B. iii. c. 9.

2948 See B. ii. cc. 62, 106, and B. iii. c. 17.

2949 Alluded to, probably, by Ovid, Met. xv. 319, et seq.

2950 The present Bagni di Tivoli. They have other sanitary properties as well, a fact known to Strabo. Martial and Vitruvius also mention them.

2951 See B. iii. c. 17. Called CotiscoliÆ by Strabo. They were of a salt and aluminous nature.

2952 See B. iv. c. 2.

2953 Pausanias calls it the “Elaphus.”

2954 Isidorus, in his “Origines,” calls it the “Lechnus.”

2955 In Thessaly, probably, according to Stephanus Byzantinus.

2956 ??f??; from which the lake probably derived its name. It has been suggested that the source of the river Anigrus in Elis is meant. Its waters had an offensive smell, and its fish were not eatable; and near it were caverns sacred to the Nymphs Anigrides, where persons with cutaneous diseases were cured. The water of these caverns is impregnated with sulphur.

2957 Possibly the M. Titius who was proscribed by the Triumvirs, B.C. 43, and escaped to Sex. Pompeius in Sicily.

2958 See B. v. c. 22.

2959 “Cassius Parmensis.” See the end of this Book.

2960 According to some authorities, he alludes to the still famous waters of Spa; but it is more probable that he alludes to the spring still in existence at the adjacent town of Tongres, which was evidently well known to the Romans, and is still called the “Fountain of Pliny.”

2961 The springs on the present Monte Posilippo.

2962 This work is lost. Chifflet suggests that “Varro” should be read. See, however, B. vii. c. 2, B. xxix. c. 16 and c. 28 of this Book. It was a common-place book, probably, of curious facts.

2963 See B. ii. c. 106, where a growing rock in the marsh of Reate is mentioned.

2964 In Thessaly. A mere fable, no doubt.

2965 Ovid, Met. xv. 315, et seq., tells very nearly the same fabulous story about the rivers Crathis and Sybaris.

2966 This marvellous story appears to have been derived from the works of Aristotle.

2967 Near the town of Lebadea, now Livadhia.

2968 One called “Mnemosyne” or Memory, and the other “Lethe,” or Forgetfulness.

2969 From the Greek ???? “spirit,” “mind,” or “intelligence.” Ajasson thinks it possible that its water may have assuaged vertigo, or accelerated the circulation of the blood, and that thence its reputation.

2970 A fable invented by the priests, Ajasson thinks.

2971 See Ovid, Met. xv. 322. It seems to be uncertain whether it was at this lake or the adjoining spring of Lusi above-mentioned, that the daughters of Proetus were purified by Melampus. See the “Eliaca” of Pausanias.

2972 In B. ii. c. 106.

2973 See B. ii. c. 106. As Ajasson remarks, Mucianus should have had the sense to see that it was only a juggle of the priests of Bacchus. He compares it to the miracle of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples. The contrivance of the priests of Bel was not very dissimilar; but in their case, they themselves were the real recipients of what the god was supposed to devour.

2974 He no doubt alludes to “petroleum,” rock-oil, or Barbadoes tar.

2975 So called from the Greek ??pa???, “unctuous.”

2976 A new reading given by Sillig in place of “India,” the former one. Tasitia is the name of a district mentioned by Ptolemy, iv. 7, 15, as being in Æthiopia. He alludes to a burning spring, probably, of naphtha or of petroleum. The burning springs of Bakou in the East are well known. Genoa is lighted with naphtha from the village of Amiano, in Parma.

2977 In Macedonia.

2978 “Lacum insanum.”

2979 Juba has been deceived, Ajasson remarks, by the tales of travellers, there being no serpents of this length in Africa, except boas. He thinks that large congers, and other similar fishes, may be the animals really alluded to.

2980 From ??a?e??, “to weep,” and ?e???, “to laugh.”

2981 His credulity, we have seen already, was pretty extensive.

2982 In Thessaly.

2983 At the town called “AquÆ MattiacÆ,” the modern Wiesbaden.

2984 In B. ii. c. 106.

2985 Sotion, professing to quote from Ctesias, says that it rejected everything placed on its waters, and hurled it back upon dry land.

2986 Whence, as it was said, its name, ??????, “Without birds.” Strabo ridicules this story.

2987 M. Douville says that in the interior of Africa there is a lake called Kalonga Kouffoua, or the Dead Lake, the surface of which is covered with bitumen and naphtha, which contains no fish, has oleaginous waters, and presents all the phÆnomena of the Dead Sea.

2988 In Lycia.

2989 Hardouin is of opinion that a river also was so called. See B. v. c. 43. Of the divinity of this name, nothing further is known.

2990 A story evidently connected with a kind of ordeal.

2991 See B. iv. c. 34. Intermittent springs are not uncommon. See B. ii. c. 106.

2992 See B. xix. c. 11.

2993 According to Elias of Thisbe this river was the Goza; but Holstenius says that it was the Eleutherus, or one of its tributaries. Josephus says that it flowed on the Sabbath day, and was dry the other six.

2994 Ajasson thinks that he means, grey. He remarks also, that it is a matter of doubt whether there are any fishes that are poisonous.

2995 The Danube.

2996 In B. ii. c. 106, see also B. xxx. c. 53.

2997 See B. iii. c. 14, and B. xviii. c. 21.

2998 In B. iv. c. 15.

2999 He alludes, according to Dalechamps, to the Eurotas, a tributary, and not the source, of the Peneus. See B. iv. c. 8.

3000 “SiliquÀ.”

3001 A town of Mysia, south of Adramyttium.

3002 As Ajasson remarks, numerous instances are known of this at the present day. Pliny, however, does not distinguish the incrusting springs from the petrifying springs.

3003 In Thessaly, according to HecatÆus.

3004 “Lateres.” He means unburnt bricks, probably.

3005 He alludes to stalactites and stalagmites.

3006 Both on the roof and on the floor.

3007 In Caria, opposite Rhodes.

3008 Rain-water really is the lightest, but the reason here given is frivolous, for it does not ascend as water, but as vapour.

3009 See B. ii. c. 38. Before venturing on this argument, he should have been certain as to the circumstances under which aËrolites are generated, a question which still remains hidden in mystery.

3010 Ajasson remarks that this is only the case in the water of heavy falls of rain after long drought.

3011 “Calefiat.”

3012 Snow-water is pernicious in a very high degree, being the fruitful source of goitre and cretinism.

3013 See B. xvii. c. 44, and B. xviii. c. 68.

3014 This is somewhat similar to what is said of the putrefaction and purification of Thames water, on a voyage.

3015 “Inutilis alvo duritia faucibusque.” The passage is probably corrupt.

3016 See B. vi. c. 27.

3017 Or “mud”—“limus.” All rivers of necessity have it, in a greater or less degree.

3018 On the contrary, the more the mud and slime, the more numerous the eels.

3019 “TÆnias.”

3020 Waters, probably, impregnated with mineral alkali. As to the “nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book.

3021 “Salmacidas.”

3022 “CÆnum.”

3023 Also, Ajasson says, to observe whether soap will melt in it. If it will not, it is indicative of the presence of selenite.

3024 As drinking water.

3025 As Plautus says of women, Mostell, A. i. S. 3—“They smell best, when they smell of nothing at all.”

3026 See B. xv. c. 32.

3027 In purity and tastelessness. As Ajasson observes, Pliny could hardly appreciate the correctness of this remark, composed as water is of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen.

3028 Pausanias and AthenÆus mention also the well of Mothone in Peloponnesus, the water of which exhaled the odour of the perfumes of Cyzicus. Such water, however, must of necessity be impure.

3029 More probably Astarte, FÉe thinks, Juno being unknown in Mesopotamia.

3030 “Statera.” Ajasson remarks that it does not require an instrument very nicely adjusted to indicate the difference in weight between pure and very impure water. Synesius, Ep. xv., gives an account of the “hydroscopium” used by the ancients for ascertaining the weight of water. Beckmann enters into a lengthy examination of it, as also an enquiry into the question whether the ancients, and among them Pliny, were acquainted with the hydrometer. See his Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 163-169. Bohn’s Ed.

3031 “Ne manus pendeant.” These words, which Hardouin pronounces to be full of obscurity, have caused considerable discussion. The passage appears to be imperfect, but it is not improbable that he alludes to the use of the balance or scales for ascertaining the comparative wholesomeness of water.

3032 “Corripiat.”

3033 The thread of his reasoning is not very perceptible; but he seems to mean that the more air there is in a body the colder it is. If the air is inhaled by a person when eating peppermint, he will be sensible of a cold feeling in the mouth.

3034 Galen believes this method to have been known to Hippocrates, and Aristotle was undoubtedly acquainted with it. See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 143-4. Bohn’s Ed.

3035 This is not at all the opinion at the present day.

3036 “Magis refrigerari.” The experiments made by Mariotte, Perrault, the Academy del Cimento, Mariana, and others, showed no perceptible difference in the time of freezing, between boiled and unboiled water; but the former produced ice harder and clearer, the latter ice more full of blisters. In later times, Dr. Black, of Edinburgh, has from his experiments asserted the contrary. “Boiled water,” he says, “becomes ice sooner than unboiled, if the latter be left at perfect rest.” Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 145. Bohn’s Ed.

3037 “Subtilissimo invento.”

3038 Or perhaps, as we say, “to the touch, and vice versÂ.” The original is “Alternante hoc bono.”

3039 A considerable number of its arches are yet standing, and it still in part supplies Rome with water.

3040 At Sublaqueum, now Subiaco.

3041 “Primus auspicatus est.” In obedience to the “auspices,” probably.

3042 In A.U.C. 720. See B. xxxvi. c. 24.

3043 “Aqua Virgo.” This aqueduct, erected A.U.C. 735, still exists, and bears the name of “Aqua Vergine.”

3044 Another story was, that it had this name from the circumstance that the spring was first pointed out by a girl to some soldiers in search of water.

3045 In c. 23 of this Book.

3046 This was only temporarily, in all probability.

3047 There seems, as he says below, to be no general rule as to this point.

3048 So called from the snow on their summit.

3049 In B. xxvi. c. 16.

3050 “Salix erratica.”

3051 Surely not the reed, as he has mentioned it above as one of the indications to be depended upon. In one MS. it appears to be omitted, and with justice, probably.

3052 “Coria.”

3053 “Sabulum.”

3054 “Sabulum masculum.” Coarse, reddish sand, Dalechamps says.

3055 “Arena.”

3056 See B. xvii. c. 3.

3057 An inconvenience neutralized in a considerable degree by Davy’s invention of the safety-lamp.

3058 “Arenatum.” Properly a mortar, which consisted of one part lime and two parts sand.

3059 “Riget.”

3060 See B. iv. c. 11. At Bisley, in Surrey, there is a spring, Aubrey says, that is cold in summer and warm in winter.

3061 See B. xviii. c. 7.

3062 The sandy soil being dried in hot weather into masses of mud or clay, which become loosened when rain falls.

3063 See B. ii. c. 106.

3064 Ajasson remarks, that just the converse of this has been proved by modern experience to be the case.

3065 The son of Antipater, then acting for Alexander during his absence in the East.

3066 See B. ii. c. 84.

3067 In Cilicia.

3068 Whether he means the district of Thessaly so called, or one of the two cities of that name in Lydia, does not appear to be known.

3069 Its locality is unknown, but it was probably near the sea-shore.

3070 In Elis in Peloponnesus.

3071 His credulity is influenced by the popular story that the river Alpheus in Peloponnesus, in its love for the Fountain Nymph Arethusa, penetrated beneath the bed of the sea, and reappeared in Sicily. See B. iii. c. 14.

3072 See c. 20.

3073 The modern Dnieper.

3074 The Boug.

3075 See B. xviii. c. 3, and the Introduction to Vol. III.

3076 In jets, he means.

3077 “Si quinariÆ erunt.”

3078 “Denaria.”

3079 “Quinaria.”

3080 The name given to these reservoirs was “castellum” or “dividiculum:” in French the name is “regard.” Vitruvius describes them, B. vii. c. 7.

3081 Pliny appears to have forgotten the warm springs of the Scamander, mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, B. xxii. l. 147, et seq.

3082 Or rather, as Ajasson says, for cutaneous diseases.

3083 See B. iii. c. 17.

3084 In conformity with Sillig’s suggestion, we reject “atque” as an interpolation.

3085 “Mulceri.”

3086 In spite of what Pliny says, in some cases the use of a mineral bath is recommended for a long period of time together. At Leuk or LÆch, for instance, in the Valais, the patients, Ajasson says, remain in the bath as much as eight hours together.

3087 To promote expectoration, Dalechamps says; or rather vomiting, according to Holland.

3088 This substance, Ajasson says, is still used in medicine; that of the waters of Silvanez, for example, in the department of Aveyron, is highly celebrated for the cure of inveterate ulcers and sciatica. The mud baths, too, of Saint Amand, enjoy an European reputation.

3089 See B. ii c. 106.

3090 In B. xxiv. c. 19, and B. xxviii. c. 14.

3091 An elder brother of the philosopher Seneca. His original name was M. AnnÆus Noratus; but upon being adopted by the rhetorician Junius Gallio, he changed his name into L. Junius AnnÆus—or AnnÆanus—Gallio. He destroyed himself, A.D. 65.

3092 He was “Consul subrogatus” only.

3093 “Malagmatis.”

3094 It acts in most cases as an emetic, and is highly dangerous if taken in considerable quantities.

3095 It is still considered useful, Ajasson says, for the treatment of lymphatic diseases.

3096 “Virus.”

3097 Or “spitter.” See B. xxviii. c. 18.

3098 “Mammas sororiantes.” A malady, according to Dalechamps, in which the mamillÆ are so distended with milk that they kiss, like sisters—“sorores.”

3099 The ancients being unable to analyze sea-water, could only imitate it very clumsily.

3100 “Sea-water honey.”

3101 See B. xiv. c. 20, and B. xxii. c. 51. He is speaking, probably, of fermented hydromel, a sort of mead.

3102 The joints being rendered more supple thereby.

3103 He probably means sea-water, alluding to certain kinds of sea-weed. Dioscorides speaks of it, in B. iv. c. 99, as being good for gout. It is, in reality, of some small utility in such cases.

3104 He most probably means sea-water.

3105 The Greeks used sand-baths for the purpose of promoting the perspiration; the names given to them were pa??pt?s?? and f???????.

3106 “Sal fit.” This expression is not correct, there being no such thing as made salt. It is only collected from a state of suspension or dissolution. Pliny, however, includes under the name “sal” many substances, which in reality are not salt. His “hammoniacum,” for instance, if identical with hydrochlorate of ammonia, can with justice be said to be made, being formed artificially from other substances.

3107 “Coacto humore vel siccato.” These two terms in reality imply the same process, by the medium of evaporation; the former perfect, the latter imperfect.

3108 The evaporation not being sufficiently strong to dry up the deeper parts.

3109 There is in reality nothing wonderful in this, considering that most lakes are constantly fed with the streams of rivers, which carry mineral salts along with them, and that the work of evaporation is always going on.

3110 “GlÆbas.”

3111 Because it is necessarily purer than that found upon the sand.

3112 The description is not sufficiently clear to enable us to identify these lakes with certainty. Ajasson thinks that one of them may be the Lake of Badakandir in the Khanat of Bokhara; and the other the lake that lies between Ankhio and Akeha, in the west of the territory of Balkh, and near the Usbek Tartars.

3113 “Sale exÆstuant.”

3114 In consequence of the intense heat.

3115 All these regions, Ajasson remarks, are covered with salt. An immense desert of salt extends to the north-east of Irak-Adjemi, and to the north of Kerman, between Tabaristan, western Khoracan, and Khohistan.

3116 Identified by Ajasson with the Herat and the Djihoun. He thinks that it is of some of the small affluents of this last that Pliny speaks.

3117 “Lapis specularis.”

3118 A “crumb” properly, in the Latin language.

3119 See B. vi. c. 32.

3120 More commonly known as Jupiter Hammon.

3121 See B. xii. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 28, for an account of gum resin ammoniac, a produce of the same locality. The substance here spoken of is considered by Beckmann to be nothing but common salt in an impure state. See his Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 398-9, where this passage is discussed at considerable length. Ajasson, on the other hand, considers it to be Hydrochlorate of ammonia, the Sal ammoniac of commerce. According to some accounts, it was originally made in the vicinity of the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, by burning camels’ dung.

3122 Called ???, in Greek.

3123 See B. xxxv. c. 52.

3124 Sal ammoniac crystallizes in octahedrons.

3125 “Intra specus suos.” On this passage, Beckmann says, “From what is said by Pliny it may with certainty be concluded that this salt was dug up from pits or mines in Africa.—Many kinds of rock-salt, taken from the mines of Wieliczka, experience the same change in the air; so that blocks which a labourer can easily carry in the mine, can scarcely be lifted by him after being for some time exposed to the air. The cause here is undoubtedly the same as that which makes many kinds of artificial salt to become moist and to acquire more weight.”—Vol. II. p. 399, Bohn’s Ed.

3126 According to modern notions, his reason is anything but evident.

3127 In Celtiberia. He alludes to the mountain of salt at Cardona, near Montserrat in Catalonia.

3128 Speaking generally, this is true; but soils which contain it in small quantities are fruitful.

3129 A similar method is still employed, Ajasson says, at the salt-mines near Innspruck in the Tyrol.

3130 Native bitumen; always to be found in greater or less quantities, in saliferous earths.

3131 The process of artificial evaporation.

3132 This would produce an impure alkaline salt. According to Townson, this practice still prevails in Transylvania and Moldavia.

3133 “The water, evaporating, would leave the salt behind, but mixed with charcoal, ashes, earth, and alkaline salts; consequently it must have been moist, or at any rate nauseous, if not refined by a new solution.”—Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 493. Bohn’s Ed.

3134 Not improbably a people of India so called, and mentioned in B. vi. c. 20.

3135 See B. ix. c. 42.

3136 “In laterculis.” Hardouin considers this to mean small earthen vessels or pipes.

3137 In c. 39 of this Book.

3138 “Melanthium.” See B. xx. c. 17.

3139 “Flos salis.” Further mentioned in c. 42.

3140 See B. iv. c. 17.

3141 St. Augustin mentions this marvellous kind of salt. De Civit. Dei, B. xxi. cc. 5, 7.

3142 As well as Centuripa.

3143 “Opsonium.”

3144 “Pulmentarii.”

3145 See c. 43 of this Book.

3146 This is consistent with modern experience.

3147 “Sales.”

3148 Literally, “salt money”—“argentum” being understood. The term was originally applied to the pay of the generals and military tribunes. Hence our word “salary.”

3149 Beginning at the Colline Gate.

3150 “In congiario.”

3151 Most probably “He cannot earn salt to his bread,” or something similar, like our saying, “He cannot earn salt to his porridge.” The two Greek proverbs given by Dalechamps do not appear to the purpose.

3152 “Mola salsa.”

3153 “Favillam.”

3154 “Schroder thinks that in what Pliny says of Flos Salis, he can find the martial sal-ammoniac flowers of our chemists, [the double chloride of ammonium and iron], or the so-called flores sales ammoniaci martiales.—It is certain that what Dioscorides and Pliny call flos salis, has never yet been defined. The most ingenious conjecture was that of Cordus, who thought that it might be Sperma ceti; but though I should prefer this opinion to that of Schroder, I must confess that, on the grounds adduced by Matthiali and Conrad Gesner, it has too much against it to be admitted as truth.”—Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 193. Bohn’s Ed.

3155 Salt collected from the foam on the sea-shore.

3156 A sort of bitumen, probably.

3157 Medicines for relieving weariness. See B. xxiii. c. 45, and B. xxix. c. 13.

3158 “Smegmatis.”

3159 It was, probably, of an intermediate nature, between caviar and anchovy sauce.

3160 See B. xxxii, c. 53. It does not appear to have been identified.

3161 As to the identity of the Scomber, see B. ix. c. 19.

3162 See B. xix. c. 7.

3163 “Garum sociorum.”

3164 The present Straits of Gibraltar.

3165 In Gallia Narbonensis.

3166 Sillig reads “Delmatia” here.

3167 See B. ix. c. 74. The fry of larger fish, Cuvier says.

3168 Ajasson considers this to be an absurd derivation; and thinks it much more probable, that the name is from ? privative, and f?? “to beget;” it being a not uncommon notion that these small fish were produced spontaneously from mud and slime.

3169 The present Frejus, in the south of France.

3170 “Wolf.” Not the fish of that name, Hardouin says, mentioned in B. ix. c. 28.

3171 The festivals of Ceres. The devotees, though obliged to abstain from meat, were allowed the use of this garum, it would appear.

3172 Gesner proposes to read “non carÊntibus,” “with scales”—fishes without scales being forbidden to the Jews by the Levitical Law. See Lev. c xi. ver. 10. It is, most probably, Pliny’s own mistake.

3173 See B. xxvii. c. 2.

3174 At the end of c. 42.

3175 He alludes to its decrepitation in flame.

3176 Pharnaces caused the body of his father Mithridates to be deposited in brine, in order to transmit it to Pompey.

3177 He uses the word “pterygia” here, as applied to the whole of the body—“totius corporis”—in its two distinct senses, a hangnail or excrescence on the fingers, and a web or film on the eyes.

3178 In c. 23, he has said much the same of cold water.

3179 “Sale et sole.”

3180 This passage would come more naturally after the succeeding one.

3181 See B. xxiii. c. 13.

3182 “Ita ut batuerentur ante.” From the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, where the expression ?apt?e??? e?? ???? is used, it would appear that the proper word here is “baptizarentur;” or possibly, a lost GrÆco-Latin word, “bapterentur.” LittrÉ suggests “hebetarentur,” “the part being first numbed” by the aid of a bandage.

3183 “Spuma salis.” Collected from the foam on the sea-shore.

3184 See Note 36, above, p. 507.

3185 Beckmann, who devotes several pages to a consideration of the “nitrum” of the ancients, considers it not to be our “nitre” or “saltpetre,” but a general name for impure alkaline salts. See his Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 490-503, Bohn’s Ed. Ajasson, without hesitation, pronounces it to be nitrate of potash, neither more or less than our saltpetre, and quotes a statement from Andreossy, that it is still to be found in great quantities at Mount Ptou-Ampihosem, near the city of Pihosem, called Nitria by St. Jerome.

3186 “Salt bursting from the earth.”

3187 “Wild.”

3188 See c. 40 of this Book. He is evidently speaking of a vegetable alkali here. See Beckmann, Vol. II. pp. 492-3, Bohn’s Ed.

3189 Beckmann thinks that these kinds of water were in reality only impure and not potable, from their nauseous taste, and that hence they were considered as nitrous. Nitrous water, he remarks, or water containing saltpetre, in all probability, does not exist. Vol. II. pp. 498-9. Bohn’s Edition.

3190 Or in other words, crystallization. Beckmann remarks that, in reference to alkaline water, this is undoubtedly true. Vol. II. p. 499.

3191 From the adjacent town of Chalastra, on the ThermÆan Gulf. The site is probably occupied by the modern Kulakia.

3192 Carbonate of soda is found in the mineral waters of Seltzer and Carlsbad, and in the volcanic springs of Iceland, the Geysers more particularly.

3193 Ajasson remarks, that from this we may conclude that the fabrication of nitrate of potash, or saltpetre, was in its infancy. It is by no means improbable that the artificial nitrum, here mentioned by Pliny, really was artificial saltpetre, more or less impure; the native nitrum, on the other hand, being, as Beckmann suggests, a general term for impure alkaline mineral salts, in common with native saltpetre. Pliny’s account, however, is confused in the highest degree, and in some passages far from intelligible.

3194 Of a bituminous nature, probably. See c. 42 of this Book.

3195 See B. v. c. 40. An alkaline water, Beckmann thinks. See Vol. II, pp. 96-7. Bohn’s Ed.

3196 He may possibly mean bleaching the material before dyeing.

3197 See B. xxxvi. c. 65. This certainly goes far towards proving that under the name “nitrum,” alkaline salts were included.

3198 “Faciunt ex his vasa, necnon frequenter liquatum cum sulphure, coquentes in carbonibus.” This passage Beckmann pronounces to be one of the darkest parts in the history of nitrum. See Vol. II. p. 502. He is of opinion that not improbably the result here obtained would be, liver of sulphur, which when it cools is hard, but soon becomes moist when exposed to the air. Dalechamps, it would appear, explains the whole of this passage as applicable to glazing; but in such case, as Beckmann observes, the nitrum could serve only as a flux. Michaelis suggests that the vessels here mentioned, were cut, not for real use, but merely for ornament, in the same manner as they are still made, occasionally, from rock-salt.

3199 The mention of nitrum, sulphur, and charcoal, probably the three ingredients of gunpowder, in such close proximity, is somewhat curious.

3200 “QuÆ” seems a preferable reading to “quos.”

3201 “Spuma nitri.” An accidental property, Beckmann says, of the same salt that has been previously called “Chalastricum,” “Halmyrax,” “Aphronitrum,” and “Agrion.” In his opinion, “the ancients were acquainted with no other than native nitrum, which they called artificial, only when it required a little more trouble and art to obtain it.”—Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 502. Bohn’s Ed.

3202 “Froth of nitre.” Ajasson identifies this with hydro-carbonate of soda.

3203 Supposed by Hardouin to be derived from the Greek ?????a?, “round cakes;” owing to the peculiar form of the pieces of rock by which the aphronitrum was produced. The reading, however, is very doubtful. Sillig, from Photius, suggests that it should be “scolecas.”

3204 One proof, Beckmann thinks, that Soda is meant. See Vol. II. p. 491.

3205 “Whether Pliny means that the vessels were not burnt, but only baked in the sun, or that before they were filled, they were completely dried in the sun, has been determined by no commentator. To me the latter is probable.”—Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 491.

3206 Beckmann thinks that this mode of adulteration, with lime, is an additional proof that the “nitrum” of our author was only soda. See Vol. II. p. 492.

3207 That, namely, of the lime. Quick-lime, certainly, would have a pungent taste, in comparison with that of soda, but not in comparison with that of saltpetre.

3208 Another proof, Beckmann thinks, that it was native soda, impregnated with common salt. Vol. II. p. 492.

3209 This would hardly apply to soda.

3210 Probably to promote its rising, as Beckmann observes, Vol. II. p. 496; a circumstance which goes a great way towards proving that “Soda” was included, at least, under the name of “nitrum.” Carbonate of soda is extensively used for this purpose at the present day.

3211 And to correct the acridity of the radishes, possibly. A somewhat analogous fact is mentioned by Drury, in his “Journal in Madagascar.” He says that the sourest tamarinds, “mixed with wood ashes, become sweet and eatable.” See p. 316.—We are not unaware that many look upon this work and its statements as a work of fiction.

3212 See B. xix. c. 26.

3213 Carbonate of soda is added to pickles and boiling vegetables for this purpose.

3214 Vegetable ashes, and tobacco-ashes in particular, have the same effect.

3215 See B. xxxv. c. 57.

3216 Viewed by the ancients as a poison, when taken warm; but erroneously, as we have more than once remarked.

3217 See B. xix. c. 15.

3218 Nitre balls are still given to the patient to suck, in cases of sore throat.

3219 See B. xii. c. 51.

3220 Beckmann considers that this statement throws some light on the obscure passage, commented on in Note 3198, p. 514. See Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 503. Bohn’s Ed.

3221 In B. ix. c. 69.

3222 No such distinction, of course, really exists; sponge being in reality a fibrous tissue formed by minute animals.

3223 “Goats,” literally.

3224 See B. ix. c. 69. He probably alludes to the semifluid thin coat of animal jelly which covers the sponge in its recent state, and is susceptible of a slight contraction on being touched.

3225 A fanciful notion, certainly.

3226 Hot water renders them greasy, so to say; an inconvenience which may be remedied by steeping them in an alkaline solution, or in urine.

3227 “Penicilli.”

3228 See B. ix. c. 69.

3229 See B. v. c. 28.

3230 An absurdity, of course.

3231 See end of B. ii.

3232 Called C. Cassius Severus Parmensis, according to some authorities. He was one of the murderers of CÆsar, and perished, the last of them by a violent end, about B.C. 30. He is supposed to have written tragedies, epigrams, and other works. See Horace, Epist. B. i. Ep. 4, l. 3.

3233 See end of B. vii.

3234 See end of B. ii.

3235 CÆlius Antipater. See end of B. ii.

3236 See end of B. vii.

3237 See end of B. vii.

3238 See end of B. xviii.

3239 See end of B. iv.

3240 This personage is entirely unknown. It may possibly be a corruption for Soranus, a poet of that name (Q. Valerius Soranus) who flourished about 100 B.C. See also B. xxxii. c. 23.

3241 See end of B. iv.

3242 See end of B. ii.

3243 Beyond the mention made of him in c. 9 of this Book, nothing whatever is known of him.

3244 See end of B. iii.

3245 See end of B. ii., and end of B. vi.

3246 See end of B. ii.

3247 See end of B. xii.

3248 See end of B. v.

3249 See end of B. xii.

3250 See end of B. xxx.

3251 See end of B. ii.

3252 He is also mentioned in B. xxxii. c. 16, but beyond that, nothing whatever appears to be known of him. He must not be confounded with Pelops of Smyrna, one of Galen’s preceptors, who flourished in the second century after Christ.

3253 See end of B. xxviii.

3254 See end of B. ii.

3255 See end of B. ii.

3256 See end of B. viii.

3257 A celebrated Comic poet, a disciple of Theophrastus, and the inventor of the New Comedy at Athens. Only a few fragments of his works survive.

3258 See end of B. viii.

3259 A physician, of whom, beyond the mention made of him in B. xxxii. c. 26, no further particulars appear to be known.

3260 See end of B. xx.

3261 A Greek writer on plants, and a follower of Asclepiades of Bithynia. He is supposed to have flourished in the latter half of the first century B.C. His medical formulÆ are several times quoted by Galen. See c. 31 of the succeeding Book.

3262 See end of B. vii.

3263 See end of B. xxi.

END OF VOL. V.

J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER (FROM WOKING),
GUILDFORD, SURREY.

Transcriber’s Notes:—

The spelling, hyphenation, punctuation and accentuation are as the original, except for apparent typographical errors which have been corrected.

The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly.

In footnote [24] “See Introduction to Vol. III.” probably refers to the glossary of “GREEK AND ROMAN MONEY, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES MENTIONED BY PLINY.” which follows the Contents section of Volume III.





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