Chapter XII: Book I: , 68.) Of course it would consist of nothing but animal sweat, (8)

COMMENTARY. According to Aristotle, the _Marrow_ is a superfluity concocted from the nutritive blood of the bones. He states that the spinal marrow is considerably different from that of the other bones. (De Partibus Animalium, ii, 7.) Pliny, copying from Dioscorides, thus delivers the general characters of marrows: “Omnes molliunt, explent, siccant, calefaciunt.” (H. N. xxviii, 39.) Dioscorides, Galen, and Serapion concur in giving the preference to the marrow of stags. Dioscorides gives minute directions for preparing it to keep. (ii, 95.) He says that smearing the body with stag’s marrow drives away venomous reptiles. (Ibid.) The Arabians recommend a suppository from marrows as a remedy for scirrhus of the uterus. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 485), Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 460.)

Μύκητες,

Fungi, _Mushrooms_, are of a decidedly cold and humid temperament. Some of them prove fatal when eaten, more particularly those which have a putrid quality mixed with their nature.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We have already treated of mushrooms as articles of food (i, 77), and as poisons (v, 54); and shall, therefore, be excused saying anything more of them in this place. In fact, we cannot see with what propriety the ancient authorities assigned them a place in the Materia Medica, since, as far as we can recollect, they never prescribe them medicinally.

Μυοσώτη,

Is described under Alsine.

Μύξα,

Myxa, _the Sebesten-plum_; the fruit of this tree is smaller than the bullace-plum, but of similar powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would appear indisputably to be the _Sebesten-plum_, or fruit of the _Cordia Myxa_. Whether or not this tree be also the _Persea_ of Dioscorides (i, 187), has been much disputed. See Sprengel (in Dioscor. l. c.) and Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 628.) We are inclined to doubt their identity, and of this there can be no question, if the authority of Pliny be held of any weight in this case, for he evidently distinguishes between the _persea_ and _myxa_. (H. N. xv, 11, 12.) Neither Celsus, Galen, Aëtius, nor Oribasius has noticed this article by name. The sebesten-plum is described by the Arabian authorities without their making any reference to the Greek authorities, as is their wont. See Serapion (c. 8); Avicenna (ii, 2, 638); and Rhases (Contin. l. ult. iii, 42.) The barbarous translation of Avicenna begins thus, under the head of sebesten: “Sebesten et nominatur mukeita.” For mukeita we suppose the proper reading would be _myxa_. The Arabians describe the sebesten-plum as being a mild laxative fruit, which quenches thirst and soothes the breast. It is praised by Serapion as a laxative and cooling remedy in coughs; as a refrigerant medicine for ardor urinæ, and an anthelminthic. The sebestens continued long to hold a place in our English Dispensatory, and retained the character which the ancients had given them. See Quincy (130.)

Μυρίκη,

Myrica, _the Tamarisk_, is possessed of incisive and detergent powers, without being manifestly desiccative; it has also some astringency. The decoction of it, therefore, when drunk, is useful in diseases of the spleen; and it likewise cures the toothache. The fruit and bark of it nearly approach to galls in powers. The ashes of the tree are more desiccative.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We may briefly say that we agree with the authorities who refer it to the _Tamarix Gallica_, L. Dioscorides, Galen, Averrhoes, and Serapion, like our author, recommend it as a powerful astringent which may be substituted for galls. Dioscorides accordingly enumerates a variety of cases in which it is applicable, such as in remedies for affections of the mouth and eyes, spitting of blood, cæliac disease, fluor albus, jaundice, and the bites of venomous spiders, and to discuss swellings in the form of a cataplasm. He further recommends its decoction in wine for reducing the enlarged spleen; as a gargle in toothache; a hip-bath in fluxes, and as a fit lotion for killing lice and nits: the lixivial ashes of it, he adds, restrain a discharge from the womb: some, he says, form goblets out of the trunk of it, which they use as drinking-cups in diseases of the spleen, draughts taken with them being found to be serviceable in such cases. (i, 116.) None of the other authorities give by any means so satisfactory an account of this subject as Dioscorides. Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius evidently follow him. Celsus ranks the “tamarix” among his articles which repress and soften. (ii, 33.) It occurs in the works of Hippocrates. (See Dierbach.) For the Arabians, see Serapion (c. 31); Avicenna (ii, 2, 684); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 700); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) Serapion, after quoting the sections of Dioscorides and Galen on the tamarix, says of it, on the authority of Mesarugie, that it dries up all ulcers, especially those from burns. He also relates, on the authority of Alchazi, the case of a woman who was cured of a leprosy, by means of it. Avicenna and Rhases say of it, that its fruit is beneficial in chronic coughs. Avicenna says it cures the bite of the viper. The curious reader will find it interesting to compare the medicinal characters of the tamariscus as given in our English Dispensatory by Quincy, with those given it by the ancients, as stated above. (134.)

Μυριόφυλλον,

Millefolium, _Millefoil_, is desiccative to such a degree as to agglutinate wounds.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It appears to be the _Myriophyllum spicatum_, Angl., spiked water millefoil. At least the description of it given by Dioscorides evidently points to some species of _myriophyllum_. He recommends it as a cataplasm with vinegar to recent ulcers; and says of it, that it is drunk with water and salts in cases of falls. (iv, 113.) Galen and the other Greek authorities, like our author, merely mention it as a vulnerary herb. We have not found it in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor in those of the Arabians, with the exception of Ebn Baithar. (ii, 500.)

Μύρρα ἢ Μύρρις,

Myrrha, _Myrrh_, belongs to the second order of calefacients, and is also distinguished for tenuity of parts to a certain degree. The root of it is fragrant and sweet. It is emmenagogue, and promotes expectoration from the chest and lungs.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The _Myrrhis odorata_, as Sprengel remarks, agrees very well with Dioscorides’s description of this plant. Dioscorides says of it, that when drunk with wine it relieves those who have been bitten by phalangia; that it promotes the menstrual and lochial discharges; taken in draughts is useful in phthisis; and that some say, that when taken in a pestilential season it preserves persons free from the disease. (iv, 114.) None of the other Greek authorities supply anything of interest under this head. We have not been able to find it either in the works of Hippocrates or of Celsus. We are at some loss to account for its being also overlooked, as far as we, upon a cursory examination of their works, can discover, by the Arabian authorities. Was it that those _illiterate scholars_ could not distinguish it from _myrrh_ and _myrtle_? Our old English herbalists, in like manner, seem to have known little about it, and it has long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory.

Μυρρίνη,

Myrtus, _the Myrtle_, is composed of opposite ingredients. But the cold and terrene prevails in it, and hence it is powerfully desiccative. The myrtis, which is a callous excrescence on the trunk and branches of it, is strongly desiccative and astringent. The dried leaves are more desiccative than the green. The fruit and juice are possessed of similar powers, both when administered externally and internally.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Myrtus communis_. The _myrtis_ or _myrtas_ of our author is the same as the _myrtidanum_ of Dioscorides, and most probably was some morbid excrescence upon it. Dioscorides calls the myrtle astringent, and recommends it in such a variety of cases that it would occupy too much space to enumerate them all; such, for example, as hæmoptysis, erosion of the bladder; as a stomachic and diuretic; an alexipharmic in the case of persons stung by phalangia or scorpions; as a soothing application in inflammations and extrasavated blood about the eyes; for furfures, achores, exanthemata, and so forth. (i, 155.) The excrescence already mentioned possesses, he says, stronger powers than the fruit or leaves, and is mixed with cerate, pessaries, hip-baths, and cataplasms requiring astringency. (i, 156.) Galen gives a somewhat fuller, but not a materially different, account of the myrtle from our author. He says it is a powerful astringent, both internally and externally. Aëtius abridges him, as Oribasius does Dioscorides. Celsus notices the berries and boiled leaves of myrtle frequently as astringent and cooling articles. The Arabians treat of them very fully. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 446); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 475); Serapion (De Simpl. 92); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Ebn Baithar (i, 38.) Avicenna recommends the decoction of its leaves as an astringent in profuse sweats, fetor of the armpits, in hot apostemes, erysipelas, herpes, &c. He also prescribes it in ulcers of the hands, and in burns. He says it cures ophthalmy, and proves stomachic and cordial. All the Arabians give it the character of being alexipharmic. It is useful, according to Avicenna, in heat of urine, and immoderate flow of the menses. He says it is useful also in cases of ununited fractures when poured upon the place; stops the flow of blood from the nose, and cures furfures and other ulcers of the head. Abenmesuai, one of Serapion’s authorities, says of the juice of myrtle, that it is useful in the cure of pains of the breast and lungs, in cough, and looseness of the bowels; that it is a cordial, and strengthens the internal viscera. Myrtle-berries were used as astringents in fluxes down to a late period. See Quincy (94.)

Μῶλυ,

Moly, Allium hirsutum, _Wild Garlic_ (some call it Ruta silvestris, others Armalan, and the Syrians, Basanan); it belongs to the third order of calefacients, and is composed of subtile particles. Hence it cuts thick and viscid humours, is discutient and incarnant.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It was the species of garlic now called _Allium Moly_, Mönch. Mention is made of this plant by Homer as a charm against incantation. (Odyss. x, l. 302.) It is probably the same as the μώλυζα of Hippocrates. (See Dierbach.) Dioscorides merely recommends _moly_ pounded with the ointment of iris as a pessary to promote the menstrual discharge. (iii, 47.) On the _moly_, see Pliny (H. N. xxv, 8.) Galen and the other Greek authorities mention it in nearly the same terms as our author. It does not occur in the works of Celsus, nor have we been able to find it in those of the Arabian authorities.

Νάσκαφθον,

(Called also Narcaphthon) is an Indian aromatic, and is used in fumigations for constriction of the uterus.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of this substance is taken, with few alterations, from Dioscorides. Galen and Serapion also copy from him. In the Appendix to this section we shall have occasion to notice the opinion that it was _mace_. All we need say of the Nascaphthon in this place amounts to this, that it was an Indian aromatic, which the industry, even of Royle, Ainslie, and Roxborough, has failed to determine.

Νάπυ,

Sinapi, _Mustard_, is heating and desiccative in the fourth degree.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. We may pretty confidently refer it to the _Sinapi nigrum_. No author, ancient or modern, has treated of its medicinal powers so elaborately as Dioscorides. He says it has heating, attenuant, and attractive powers, and when chewed, produces a discharge of phlegm; when its juice is mixed with hydromel, it forms a suitable gargle for enlarged tonsils, and for chronic and callous asperities of the trachea; when applied to the nostrils in a fine powder it acts as a sternutatory; benefits persons in epileptic fits, and rouses those who are in hysterical fits; it is useful in lethargic patients when applied as a cataplasm to the shaved scalp; when mixed up with figs and applied until it reddens, it is fitting for ischiatic disease, and that of the spleen, and in general for all chronic pains, by determining to the surface; it cures alopecia in a cataplasm; clears the countenance, and, with honey, suet, or cerate, removes the spots of extravasated blood; with vinegar it is rubbed in upon places affected with leprosy, and lichen agrius; it is taken in a draught as a powder, when sprinkled like polenta on the drink, for periodical attacks of fevers; it is mixed with advantage in epispastic plasters and those for scabies; when applied to the ear in powder with figs, it relieves deafness and noises in the ears; its juice with honey is suitable in dimness of vision and roughness of the eyelids when rubbed in; the juice of its seed, while still green, is expressed and dried in the sun. (ii, 183.) Celsus recommends it in a variety of cases both externally and internally; as a rubefacient, gargle, masticatory, &c. By the way, we have never been able to satisfy ourselves that the late Dr. Milligan was right in setting down the sinapi of Celsus as the _Sinapis alba_. (207.) We remark, however, that it is this species which occurs in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. Galen and his followers dismiss this article with a very brief notice, like our author. The Arabians do little more than copy from Dioscorides. See particularly Avicenna (ii, 2, 674); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 644); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42); Serapion (c. 373); Ebn Baithar (i, 355.) Mustard was much used by the ancient physicians in cataplasms as a rubefacient. Ruffus, as quoted by Rhases (Contin. xxxvii), recommends the seed of mustard as a laxative. Macer directs, upon the authority of Menemachus, a sinapism to be formed by pounding in a mortar mustard seed, with a third part of the crumb of bread, dried figs, honey, and vinegar. He recommends an ointment made of figs and mustard, for alopecia, i. e. _porrigo decalvans_.

Ναρδόσταχυς,

Spica Nardi, _Spikenard_; the root of it is heating in the first degree, and desiccative in the second. It is also somewhat astringent, acrid, and bitterish. It agrees with the liver and stomach both when administered externally and internally. It is diuretic, and dries up internal defluxions. The Indian is stronger than the Syrian, and blacker.

COMMENTARY. For this article, Dr. Royle informs us that he obtained, in India, the hairy spike-like roots of _Nardostachys Jatamansi_. (Antiq. Hindoo Med. 33.) Dr. Lindley says the Nardostachys Jatamansi, or true spikenard of the ancients, is valued in India, not only for a scent, but also as a remedy in hysteria and epilepsy. (Veg. Kingd. 698.) See further, Ainslie (Mat. Ind. ii, 1, 318.) The Syrian kind was unquestionably some species of valerian, probably the _V. Hardwickii_. Our author, in the present instance, borrows from Galen, who in the main draws all his information from Dioscorides. The latter holds the spikenard to be diuretic, stomachic, hepatic, and carminative. (i, 6.) The Arabians treat fully of it, copying freely from Dioscorides. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 640); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 669); Serapion (c. 52.) Avicenna recommends it strongly in affections of the liver, and in jaundice; and calls it stomachic and deobstruent. Averrhoes joins him in giving it these characters. (Collig. v, 42.)

Νάρδος Κελτικὴ,

Nardus Celtica, _Celtic Nard_, is possessed of similar powers to the above-mentioned, but weaker, except with regard to its action on the urine; for it is hotter than the former and less astringent.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Valeriana Celtica_, or French Spikenard. Dioscorides gives an interesting description of it; and, with regard to its medicinal powers, states of it, that it is more diuretic and stomachic than the Syrian, and cures inflammations about the liver, and jaundice and flatulence of the stomach when drunk with the decoction of wormwood; in like manner, that it relieves the spleen, the bladder, and kidneys, and is alexipharmic with wine; and finally, that it is mixed with heating draughts and liniments. (i, 7.) It is the _Nardum Gallicum_ of Celsus, who assigns it a place with other aromatics in one of his antidotes. (v, 23.) Galen and the other authorities treat of it in the same general terms as our author. This species of spikenard long held a place in our Dispensatory. See Quincy (161) and Lewis (Dispensatory, ii, 125.) In the modern Greek Pharmacopœia the _Nardus_ and the _Phu_ are identified with the _Valeriana_.

Νάρδος ὀρεῖα,

Nardus Montana, _Mountain Nard_ (called also Thylacitis and Pyrites), is weaker than the aforementioned.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would seem to be the _Valeriana tuberosa_. Galen and the other authorities state briefly of it, like our author, that it is weaker than the other species already described.

Νάρθηξ,

Ferula, _Fennel-giant_; the seed is attenuant and calefacient. The inner part, while still green, is astringent; and, therefore, agrees with hæmoptysis and cæliac affections.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. All the authorities, including the older and the more recent, are agreed that it is a species of _Ferula_; and we are inclined to think that it was the _communis_, more especially as its medicinal powers agree well with those assigned to the article in question by Dioscorides. (Compare the latter, Mat. Med. iii, 81, with Gray’s Supplement to the Pharmacop. 80.) Dioscorides says, the pith of it, while green, relieves spitting of blood and cæliac affections, and is given with wine to persons bitten by vipers, and restrains bleeding from the nose when introduced as a tent; that the seed relieves tormina, and produces sweating when rubbed in with oil, but that its stems induce headache, and are prepared for pickles. (Ibid.) Our author borrows almost word for word from Galen. We have not been able to discover it in the Materia Medica of the Arabians, but can scarcely believe that it had been wholly overlooked by them. Ebn Baithar, in fact, under the head of _Kana_, sets down the descriptions of the _Narthex_ given by Dioscorides and Galen.

Νάρκη θαλασσίη,

Torpedo; when applied to the head, while still alive, in cases of headache, it procures relief to the pain, probably by its peculiar property of producing torpor; and the oil in which the living animal has been boiled, when rubbed in, allays the most violent pains of the joints. It is said to remedy prolapsus ani when applied.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Without doubt it is the _Raia Torpedo_, L., or Cramp-fish. See Artedi (Ichthy.) Frequent mention is made of this fish in the works of the ancient writers on Natural History. See in particular the poetical descriptions of Claudian (Idyll.) and Oppian (Halieut, ii.) Galen repeatedly speculates on the nature of the singular power which it possesses of stupefying every animal which touches it. He denies that it has any narcotic effect as a medicine, unless when applied alive. (De Simpl. vii.) Serapion copies his account of it. His translator renders it _Piscis stupefaciens_. (c. 437.) See Haly Abbas (Pract. ii, 49, 533.) Averrhoes compares its narcotic powers to magnetism. (Collig. v.) We have given some account of its application in this way elsewhere. See Book III, 6.

Νάρκισσος,

Narcissus, _Daffodil_; its root is possessed of desiccative powers so as to agglutinate large wounds, even to the division of tendons. It is also somewhat detergent and epispastic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There seems no reason to doubt that it is the _Narcissus poeticus_. Dioscorides says of it, that its root, when boiled and eaten or drunk, proves emetic; that triturated with honey it is a good application to burns; that in a cataplasm it agglutinates nerves that have been cut asunder; that it relieves sprains and chronic pains about the joints, in a cataplasm with honey; that it clears ephelis and alphos, with nettle-seed and vinegar; that it cleanses foul ulcers, and breaks apostemes which are difficult to ripen; and that in a cataplasm, with the flour of darnel and honey, it extracts thorns. (iv, 158.) Galen and the other Greek authorities give its virtues in brief terms, like our author. The Arabians, as they are wont, copy freely from Dioscorides and Galen. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 503); Serapion (c. 188); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 489); Ebn Baithar (ii, 552.) Rhases and Avicenna ascribe to it strong powers as an uterine medicine, stating of it that it produces delivery of the fœtus either dead or alive; that it promotes the dilatation of the mouth of the womb, and relieves pains of it. The narcissus occurs in the lists of medicines used both by Hippocrates and by Celsus. Our old herbalists, Gerard and Parkinson, repeat the characters of the narcissus given by the ancient authorities; but it has long ceased to have a place in our Dispensatory.

Νευρὰς,

Neuras (called also Poterium), is desiccative without pungency, so as even to agglutinate divided tendons. The roots have the same effects both when applied externally and when drunk.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There are few articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients which it is more difficult to determine. Sprengel conjectures that it was the _Astragalus Poterium_. Dioscorides says its roots exude tears like gum, and that they are highly beneficial in wounds of the nerves. (iii, 18.) Galen, and all the other Greek authorities that treat of it, give exactly the same account of it as Dioscorides. We have not been able to find it in the works of the Arabians. Our old English herbalists give a figure and description of it, as being a species of tragacantha. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants, 996) and Gerard (History of Plants, 1328.) It has long ceased, however, to hold a place in any Dispensatory with which we are acquainted.

Νήριον ἢ Ροδοδάφνη,

Nerium, _Rosebay_ or _Oleander_, when applied externally is possessed of discutient powers; but when taken internally it proves fatal.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Nerium Oleander_, L. We have treated of it as a poison in another place. (T. ii, 242.) That the plant actually possesses the poisonous properties ascribed to it by the ancients is now very well ascertained. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 600.) Dioscorides assigns it a place in his Materia Medica, and says of it that its flower and leaves are destructive to dogs, asses, mules, and most quadrupeds, but are preservative of men, when drunk with wine, from the bites of reptiles, if mixed with rue; but that the weaker animals, such as goats and sheep, when they drink the decoction of it, die. (iv, 82.) Galen, like our author, in treating of this article, does little more than abridge the fuller account of it given by Dioscorides. The Arabians extend the use of this medicine to several cases in which it was not applied by the Greeks. Thus, they say of it, that its leaves form an excellent application to hard apostemes, and are good for prurigo, scabies, and desquamations, more especially the juice of them; that in the form of a plaster they are applied with advantage in chronic pains of the back and knees, and that its flower forms a sternutatory. Rhases (Cont. l. ult. iii, 31) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 522.) We have given the opinions of the Arabians respecting it as a poison in the place referred to above. There is no mention of the oleander, as far as we have been able to discover, in the works either of Hippocrates or Celsus. The term _oleander_ is derived from the Arabians. It is treated of by our recent authorities on toxicology, but has long been unknown to our Pharmacopœia.

Νυμφάια,

Nymphæa, _the Water-lily_, is possessed of desiccative powers without pungency. It, therefore, constipates the belly and its seed is desiccative. But that species which has the white root is stronger, so that when drunk with dark and austere wine, it cures the female flux. But that which has a black root is also somewhat detergent, so as to cure alphos with water, and alopecia, when rubbed in with liquid pitch.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is quite manifest that the plant here described comprehends the two well-known species of the Water-lily, now named _Nymphæa alba_ and _Nuphar luteum_. The two species, the one having a white root and the other a black, are no doubt mere varieties. Our author abridges his account of this article from Galen, who, in his turn, borrows freely from Dioscorides. (iii, 138-9.) For the Arabians, see Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 493); Serapion (De Simpl. c. 144); Avicenna (ii, 2, 508); Averrhoes (Collig. v, 42.) The Arabians administered it in the same cases as the Greeks, and also recommend the syrup for coughs and pleurisy, and say of the plant that it induces sleep and cures acute vertigo, but is debilitating. They compare the nature of the nymphæa to that of the mandragora. Though the two Water-lilies have long ceased to hold a place in our Dispensatory, they are still used medicinally by the oriental nations. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 411.)

Ξάνθιον ἢ φασγάνιον,

Xanthium, _Clutburr_, has fruit of discutient powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would seem to be the _Xanthium strumarium_, a plant of the natural order of _Ambrosieæ_. Our author takes his brief notice of it from Galen. Dioscorides gives a minute description of it, but merely mentions its being used for a dye and a cataplasm for swellings. (iv, 136.) It does not occur in the works of Hippocrates or Celsus, nor, as far as we can discover, in those of the Arabians.

Χηρὶς ἢ ξυρὶς,

Xyris, _Wild Corn-flag_, is possessed of attenuating, discutient, and attractive powers, and of truly desiccative, especially the seed, so that it is diuretic, and cures scirrhus of the spleen.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Iris fœtidissima_. It is still used medicinally in dropsy and scrofula. See Lindley (Veg. Kingd. 161) and Gray (Suppl. to the Pharmacop. 25.) Dioscorides recommends it as a vulnerary, and application to swellings and boils; and further prescribes it internally in bruises, ruptures, sciatica, and diarrhœa. Its seed, he says, is very diuretic, and reduces enlarged spleen when drunk in vinegar. (iv, 22.) Galen notices it in the same brief terms as our author. We have reason to believe that it is not wholly overlooked by the Arabians, but we cannot find it, while writing this, in their authorities on the Materia Medica, not even in the copious list of Ebn Baithar.

Ξίφιον,

Xiphium, _Bulbous Iris_; its root is possessed of attractive, discutient, and desiccative powers.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides gives such a minute description of it as clearly identifies it with the _Gladiolus communis_. He recommends it on his own authority as forming an excellent cataplasm with wine and frankincense for extracting stings and thorns, for discussing the tumour called phygethlon, and as an emmenagogue in pessaries; and says it was reported to be aphrodisiac, and a suitable draught in the intestinal hernia of children. (iv, 20.) Galen, like our author, merely states its medicinal virtues in general terms. The Arabians treat of it under the general head of _Lilium_, along with Iris. See Serapion (c. 189.) His account of it is made up entirely of extracts from Dioscorides and Galen. It is also briefly noticed by Ebn Baithar. (i, 423.) His German translator sets it down as the _Gladiolus Byzantinus_. We have not had time and patience to hunt out any other notices of it in the writings of the Arabian authorities on the Materia Medica. Its name in the barbarous translations of their works is _Kasiflon_.

Ὄη,

Sorbus, _the Service Tree_ (the fruit of which is by some called ὄα, by others οὖα, Sorba); it is possessed of astringent powers, but less than the medlar.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is the _Sorbus domestica_. All the ancient authorities recommend the fruit as an excellent astringent. Dioscorides prescribes it with this intention both in fruit and in decoction. (i, 173.) Our author’s account of it is taken pretty closely from Galen. Avicenna treats of it confusedly under the head of _Cornu vel Sorbas_. (ii, 2, 315.) Serapion treats of the _Sorba_, but does not seem to apply the name to the article we are treating of. See De Simpl. (c. 109.)

Ὀθόννα,

Othonna; some say that it is the juice of a herb growing in Arabia, where it borders with Egypt, and others that it is an Egyptian stone. It is detergent and pungent, clearing away everything that obscures the pupil.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The _Tagetes Erecta_, African or French Marigold, seems likely enough to be this herb. Regarding the stone of the same name, nothing is known for certain. Our author borrows from Dioscorides. Galen does not treat of this article at all in his work on Simples. The Arabians appear to have been ignorant of it.

Ὀινάνθη,

Œnanthe, _the Wild Vine_; ample experience has shown that the flower of the wild vine is considerably astringent, and that it acts as a tonic, particularly in affections of the belly. Dioscorides describes another having powers quite opposite to this; and hence, he says, that it expels the secundines, and cures strangury and jaundice.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The former is evidently the flower of a wild species of the _Vitis Vitifera_, L. It is still used for giving a flavour to wine. Dioscorides gives an ample account of its medicinal virtues. Its power, he says, is astringent, and hence it is stomachic and diuretic, restraining fluxes of the belly and spitting of blood; it acts beneficially when applied dry, as a cataplasm for loss of appetite and acidity of the stomach; it forms an embrocation with vinegar and rose-oil in headache; a cataplasm that restrains inflammation, when applied to recent wounds; to incipient fistula lachrymalis, and ulcers in the mouth, and spreading ulcers in the pudenda, when rubbed in with honey, saffron, rose-oil, and myrrh: it is made an ingredient of pessaries for restraining bleeding, and for defluxions of the eyes and burning of the stomach it is applied as a cataplasm with the flour of wheat and wine: when burnt upon heated coals in a shell it forms an ophthalmic application, and cures whitlow, pterygia, loose and bloody gums, with honey. (v, 5.) This account of it is copied literally by Serapion. (De Simpl. c. 35.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 723) and Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 745.) This would certainly appear to us to be the Œnanthe of Celsus, who gives it a place among the diuretics. (iii, 21.)

With regard to the herb of the same name, which, as our author remarks, is described by Dioscorides, various conjectures have been advanced. It is certain that it cannot be the _Œnanthe crocata_, but may be the _O. Pimpinelloides_. We have nothing to add to the account of its medicinal powers given by our author from Dioscorides. In fact, with the exception of Oribasius, whose description of the articles in the Materia Medica is professedly taken from Dioscorides, we are not aware that any other ancient authority has noticed it. We may mention, in conclusion, that the _Œ. Pimpinelloides_, although it has no place in our Dispensatory, is still not unknown to the collectors of drugs. See Gray (Suppl. to the Pharm. 79.) It grows in abundance on a spot in Banchory Ternan, and we have ascertained that it is not wholly innocuous even to cattle when eaten by them.

Οἶνος,

Vinum, _Wine_, belongs to the second order of heating and desiccative medicines. But that which is considerably old belongs to the third, and the sweet wine to the first.

COMMENTARY. We have treated fully of the ancient _Wines_ in Book I. For an ample enumeration of their medicinal properties, the reader is particularly referred to Pliny (H. N. xxxiii, 19 et seq.), and to Dioscorides (v, 1-16.) It being out of place for us to give a long commentary under this head, we shall merely give a succinct exposition of it from Aëtius. Wine, he says, is of the second class of calefacients; but that which is moderately old, is of the third; as in like manner the new and sweet is of the first. Their dryness is analogous to their heat. Since we find many varieties in wine, we shall describe them as briefly as we can. Of all wines, then, those which are at the same time red and thick are the most suited for the formation of blood, requiring but little change in order to be converted into blood. Next in order to these are such as are dark, sweet, and thick at the same time; then those which in colour are red and black, in consistency thick, and have some acid quality at the same time. Less than these are the white, thick, and austere, in regard to nutritive powers. But of all others the least nutritious are those which are white in colour and thin in consistency, being in so far like to water. But the sweet are sooner digested and more readily diffused over the system than the austere, being of a more heating nature, and they are more laxative of the bowels. But those which are very thick are more slowly digested and more slowly distributed; but when the stomach is strong so as to digest them properly, they furnish more food to the body than any other; and it is clear that they bind the bowels and are not of a diuretic nature, engendering a thick humour in some. And some from them have obstructions of the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and hence those become affected with dropsy or calculus who use them much, and especially old men. But of all wines, the best, and best fitted for persons in good health, and to those who are convalescent from diseases, is that which is red in colour, thin in consistence, and gently astringent. (i.)

Ὄισυπος,

Œsypum, _Unscoured Wool_, is treated of under wool.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The Œsypum was the sordes collected from wool. It was used medicinally in the Hippocratic age (De Morb. Mulier. ii), and continued to hold a place in the Materia Medica down to a late date. See Rutty’s Mat. Med. (357.) It would appear, from Dioscorides’s description of the mode of preparing it, that it was the scum collected on the surface of water by boiling wool in it. (ii, 66.) See also Pliny (H. N. xxix, 2.) The ancients used it frequently in the practice of medicine. See in particular Dioscorides (l. c.) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 355.)

Ὄλυνθοι,

Grossi Ficulnei, _Green Figs_, are possessed of acrid and discutient powers, owing to the juice which is in them. When boiled, therefore, they discuss hard swellings; but when raw they remove myrmecia and thymi.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. They are the unripe fruit of the fig tree. Dioscorides and most of the ancient authorities recommend them as a stimulant application to various tumours. Our author’s account of them is abridged from Dioscorides, who further recommends them in a cataplasm with salts and vinegar for achores, furfures, and epinyctis, and as an application to the bites of mad dogs. (i, 185.) They are the _Grossi Ficulnei_ of the Arabians, who treat of them under the general head of figs. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 276.)

Ὁλόστιον,

Holostium, is possessed of desiccative powers with astringency. Hence they use it for fractures.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. There are few articles in the Materia Medica of the ancients about which there is so much doubt. See Parkinson (Theatre of Plants), and Sprengel in Dioscor. (iv, 11.) It has been set down as the _Holosteum umbellatum_, but all upon mere conjecture. Our author here copies from Galen, who in his turn borrows from Dioscorides. We are not aware of its being described by any of the Arabian authorities, nor have we found it in any modern Dispensatory.

Ὀμφάκιον,

Omphacium is _the Juice of the Unripe Grape_, being considerably astringent and desiccative in the third degree. Hence it applies to defluxions, and especially those of the stomach.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The juice of unripe grapes is called _Agresto_ in Italy, where it is still used in affections of the throat. Dioscorides recommends it in such cases. Pliny says of it, “Prodest dysentericis, sanguinem excreantibus, anginis.” (H. N. xxiii, 4.) This is a literal translation from Dioscorides, who recommends it in these cases, and also for various others in which astringents are indicated, such as aphthæ, loose gums, fistulæ, old ulcers, spreading sores, and as an application to asperity and ulceration of the eyelids. (v, 6.) Celsus prescribes the omphacium in a variety of cases, as a cleansing medicine, (v, 5), as one that corrodes (v, 6), and as one that determines outwardly. (v, 12.) None of the other Greek authorities nor the Arabians supply any additional information of interest after Dioscorides.

Ὀνάγρα,

Onagra, _Tree Primrose_ (called also Œnothera and Œnothyris), is a sort of plant resembling a tree, the root of which, when applied as a cataplasm, proves soothing to the bites of venomous animals.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It would appear to be either the _Œnothera Onagra_, Tournefort, or the _Epilobium angustifolium_ L., Narrow-leaved Willow-herb, as Sprengel supposes. Dioscorides describes it minutely, but, like our author, merely recommends it in malignant sores. (iv, 116.) Galen strangely, as we would suppose, says of it, that its juice is of a venous nature, and of the same power as wine. As far as we have been able to discover, it is not to be found in the works of Hippocrates, Celsus, or any of the Arabians. It is worthy of remark that the _Epilobium angustifolium_, although it does not hold a place in our Mat. Med., is still known to the vendors of medicines, and retains the characters which it obtained from the ancients. See Gray (Suppl. to Pharmacop. 84.) This confirms the conjecture that the onagra is this plant. We would further mention, as confirmatory of this opinion, that the _E. angust._ has been cultivated about gardens in this country from time immemorial, so that there is every reason to believe that it had been introduced by the Romans, no doubt on account of its supposed efficacy in medicine.

Ὄνομα ἢ Ὀνομὶς,

Onosma, or Onomis, _Stone Bugloss_ (called also Phlomitis or Ononis), is acrid and bitter, and hence the leaves of it when drunk with wine kill and expel the fœtus.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. That it was a species of _Anchusa_, or one of its congeners, is obvious, from the description of it given by Dioscorides, who says, the stalk, the fruit, and the flower, are very like to the anchusa. It seems probable, then, that it was some species either of _Anchusa_ or _Lithospermum_. The _Onosma_ of Linnæus, as Sprengel justly remarks (Ad Dioscor. iii, 137), is altogether a plant of a different character. Dioscorides, like our author, says it has great powers in procuring abortion; nay, that it was alleged that if a pregnant woman walked upon the plant she would miscarry. (l. c.) It is said that Aretæus recommends it in nephritic complaints. Pseudo-Dioscor. (Euporist. ii, 112.) Galen and the other authorities who notice it, do so in nearly the same language as our author. We have not been able to discover any traces of it in the works of the Arabians.

Ὀνόβρυχις,

Onobrychis, _Cockshead_, is possessed of aromatic and discutient powers. It therefore discusses phymata, cures strangury, and proves sudorific.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides describes it as having leaves like the lentil, or a little longer, a stalk a fathom long, a purple flower, and small root, and grows in wet and uncultivated grounds. This description seems clearly to point to the _Onobrychis sativa_, a plant of the tribe _Fabaceæ_. Dioscorides holds it to be diuretic and sudorific, and discussive of tumours. (iii, 160.) It appears to have been generally used as a diuretic. Pseudo-Dioscor. (Euporist. ii, iii.) Galen gives exactly the same account of it as our author; indeed, both borrow from Dioscorides. The Arabians would appear to have rejected it from their Mat. Med. Although it has long ceased to occupy a place in the Dispensatory, the sainfoin, or cockshead, is still known to the vendors of medicines, and retains its ancient characters of being “ripening, discussive, useful in strangury.” Gray (Pharmacop. 96.) Our old herbalist, Culpeper, ascribes to it the same virtues. (Complete Herbal, 52.)

Ὄνοι,

Aselli, Millepedes, _or Slaters_; those found under water-vessels, which roll themselves into a ball when touched, are possessed of discutient and desiccative powers. Therefore, when drunk with wine they cure dysuria and jaundice, and in cases of cynanche they are rubbed in with honey: and for earache they are triturated with rose oil, and being warmed in the shell of a pomegranate are injected into the ear.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. The _Millepedes_ are thus described by Marcellus Empiricus: “In locis humidis et sordidis sub lapidibus inveniuntur bestioliæ multipedes quæ contactæ contrahuntur et rotundantur.” (De Medicamentis, c. xxxv.) They are the Porceliones of Cælius Aurelianus (i, 4), who calls them “animalia quæ humectis et aquosis locis sæpe nascuntur, a Græcis appellata onisci.” (Tard. Pass.) Almost all the ancient authorities on the Materia Medica from Dioscorides downwards, recommend them in the same cases as our author does. In fact, almost all the authorities take the characters of the millepedes from Dioscorides. (ii, 37.) See in particular Serapion (De Simpl. 4, 29), Avicenna (ii, 2, 718.) They particularly commend the use of them in jaundice. In English they are called _Slaters_ or _Cheslops_. They held a place in the Edinburgh Dispensatory until after the edition of it in 1811. In fact, the highest modern authorities testify to the medicinal virtues ascribed to them by the ancient authorities. Moses Charras, who makes frequent mention of them, says, that a volatile salt is obtained from them which is highly diaphoretic. Dr. Hill calls them aperient, attenuant, and detergent. Dr. Mead recommends them strongly for their diuretic property. He directs us to put them into wine, and afterwards to strain off the liquor, and sweeten it with honey or sugar. (_Monita et præcepta._) It would appear that they are still used in France as diuretics. In Dr. Pemberton’s edition of the London Dispensatory, 1746, it is directed to inclose them in a thin canvass cloth, and suspend them within a covered vessel over the steam of hot spirit of wine, by which they will be killed and rendered friable. Lister calls them lithontriptic.

Ὂνυχες,

Onyches, are the covers of Indian shell-fishes. These, in a fumigation, rouse those affected with uterine suffocation and epileptics. But when drunk they disorder the belly.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Dioscorides says of the Onyx, that it is the operculum of a shell-fish, like that of the Purpura, being found in India in the lakes that produce nard; and that it acquires an aromatic smell from the shell-fishes feeding on the nard; it is gathered, he adds, when the lakes are dried up by the drought; the kind brought from the Red Sea is different, being whitish and fatty; the Babylonian is black and smaller, but both form a fragrant fumigation, resembling castor somewhat in smell. He concludes with stating, regarding their medicinal properties, that both rouse persons in hysterical convulsions, and also in epileptical, when applied in fumigations; that taken internally, they soften the belly; and that the shell-fish itself, when burnt, has the same powers as the purpura and murex. (ii, 10.) Avicenna gives a very accurate account of this article under the name of _Blacte Byzantie_; but except that he does not attribute the fragrancy of the shell to the nard it feeds on, his description is nowise dissimilar to that by Dioscorides. The medicinal virtues which he assigns to it are exactly the same. (ii, 2, 78.) Serapion gives a literal translation of the chapter of Dioscorides on the _onyx_. (De Simpl. 443.) One of Rhases’s authorities says of the _Blactiæ Byzantiæ_, that they are of a hot and dry temperament, being possessed of astringency and subtilty of parts, and that they are stomachic, hepatic, emmenagogue, and cordial. (Cont. l. ult. i, 127.) From the above account of this article, it will readily be seen that it is the cover of the _Strombus lentiginosus_.

Ὄνωνις,

Ononis, _Restharrow_, has a root which is desiccative in about the third degree, but the bark of it is detergent and incisive; and hence it is lithontriptic.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. See Ἄνωνις.

Ὄξος,

Acetum, _Vinegar_, is possessed of mixed powers, namely, cold and hot, both arising from tenuity of parts; but the cold prevails over the hot. It is a desiccant of the third rank.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. It is also called γλυκάδιον, as the Scholiast on Nicander says, per euphemismum, from γλύκυς, sweet. But we are rather inclined to think that it is the diminutive of γλεῦκος, must, vinegar being the juice of the grape which has lost its strength. Hence Pliny calls it “vitium vini.” All the ancient authorities maintained that vinegar is at the same time refrigerant and discutient. Galen discusses the question regarding the nature of it at great length and with much ingenuity. (De Med. Simpl. i.) He, Pliny, and Celsus mention the fact that an effervescence is produced when it is poured on earth, meaning, no doubt, certain carbonates. Pliny and Celsus commend it in the strongest terms as an antidote to the sting of the asp. Serapion and the other Arabians copy Galen’s account of it. Symeon Seth gives an interesting abstract of the ancient opinions on this subject. Dioscorides and Avicenna recommend it as an application to ecchymosis of the face; but the latter remarks, if too long continued it renders the part yellow and weakens the sight. (ii, 2, 74.) See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 18.) These two Arabian authorities say of it, that it congeals the womb; but that a clyster of hot vinegar and salt proves soothing in the spreading ulcers of the intestines. Both the Greek and Arabian authorities commend it as an antidote in cases of poisoning with opium and cicuta. They also recommend an embrocation with vinegar and olive oil or rose oil to the head in affections of it. Dioscorides recommends vinegar for chronic coughs and orthopnœa, and also for defluxions of the throat and quinseys. (v, 21.) The Greek and Arabian authorities further agree in recommending it in erysipelas, herpes, and whitlow.

Ὀξυάκανθος,

Oxyacantha, _Evergreen Thorn_; the tree is like the wild pear in appearance and powers, having also some tenuity of parts. The fruit of it resembles myrtles.

* * * * *

COMMENTARY. Matthiolus, Dodonæus, and Sprengel agree in referring it to the _Mespilus Pyracantha_, or _Evergreen Thorn_. The commentators on Mesue make it to be the Berberis, i. e. the _Berberry_. See the Appendix to this section. Dioscorides, after giving a botanical description of it, says, with regard to its medicinal powers, that when pulverised and applied in a cataplasm it extracts thorns and prickles, and that its root is said to possess the power of occasioning abortions, when the abdomen is gently stroked or rubbed with it. (i, 122.) Galen says of it, that its root is attenuant and incisive, resembling that of myrtles; and that whether eaten or drunk it restrains all fluxes. (De Simpl. viii.) Although the similarity of names might lead us to suppose that this must be the _Spina acuta_ of the Arabians, this does not appear to be at all the case. Sec Avicenna (ii, 2, 11.)

Ὄπιον,

_Opium_, is treated of under poppy.

* * * * *