875The female, or black, mandrake.
875The female, or black, mandrake.
876See B. xx. c. 85.
876See B. xx. c. 85.
877The 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.
877The 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.”
878“Pestis est.”
879In the same way that chloroform is now administered.
879In 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 Philopœmen, 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.
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 Philopœmen, 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.
881He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter into a description of poisons.
881He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter into a description of poisons.
882Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with impunity.
882Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with impunity.
883See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
883See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
884A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks.
884A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks.
885Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when the milk is in excess.
885Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when the milk is in excess.
886By causing those organs to waste away.
886By causing those organs to waste away.
887The province of Asia Minor.
887The province of Asia Minor.
888“Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Small samphire, or sea fennel.
888“Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Small samphire, or sea fennel.
889Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago Europæa of Linnæus, Leadwort, or French dittander.
889Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago Europæa of Linnæus, Leadwort, or French dittander.
890See B. xx. c. 85.
890See B. xx. c. 85.
891“Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin thinks.
891“Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin thinks.
892Or “smoke-plant;” so called from its smell, which resembles that of smoke or soot.
892Or “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.
893“Pedes gallinacei.” Identified by Fée with the Corydalis digitata of Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of Fumitory.
894Identified by Fée with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have also been mentioned.
894Identified by Fée with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have also been mentioned.
895The Acorus calamus of Linnæus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling flag. See B. xii. c. 48.
895The Acorus calamus of Linnæus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling flag. See B. xii. c. 48.
896See B. xxi. c. 19.
896See B. xxi. c. 19.
897“Utribus.”
897“Utribus.”
898See B. xv. c. 7.
898See B. xv. c. 7.
899Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith,Flor. Brit., Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort.
899Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith,Flor. Brit., Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort.
900Identified by Littré with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by Fée with the Cotyledon serrata of Linnæus, Saw-toothed navel-wort.
900Identified by Littré with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by Fée with the Cotyledon serrata of Linnæus, Saw-toothed navel-wort.
901“Sordidis.”
901“Sordidis.”
902“Always living.”
902“Always living.”
903“Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum tectorum of Linnæus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.
903“Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum tectorum of Linnæus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.
904Called “geisa” in Greek.
904Called “geisa” in Greek.
905“Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.”
905“Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.”
906Fée 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.
906Fée 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.”
907“Spring blossoming.”
908“Blossoming like gold.”
908“Blossoming like gold.”
909“The same all the year.”
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.”
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.”
911This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.”
911This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.”
912See c. 19 of this Book.
912See c. 19 of this Book.
913See c. 100 of this Book.
913See 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.
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.
915See B. xxiv. c. 35.
915See B. xxiv. c. 35.
916See c. 19 of this Book.
916See c. 19 of this Book.
917See c. 54 of this Book.
917See c. 54 of this Book.
918See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70.
918See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70.
919“Ozænam.”
919“Ozænam.”
920See c. 11 of this Book.
920See c. 11 of this Book.
921See c. 28 of this Book.
921See c. 28 of this Book.
922See c. 73 of this Book.
922See c. 73 of this Book.
923See c. 92 of this Book.
923See c. 92 of this Book.
924Identified 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.
924Identified 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.
925Sec B. xxiv. c. 80.
925Sec B. xxiv. c. 80.
926Ἔαρι γέρων, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.”
926Ἔαρι γέρων, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.”
927“Spinæ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.”
927“Spinæ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.”
928It may possibly have been so called from the Acanthis, or goldfinch, that bird being fond of groundsel.
928It 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.
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.
930Sprengel 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.
930Sprengel 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.
931See c. 50 of this Book.
931See c. 50 of this Book.
932Or “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.
932Or “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.
933This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs formed by the leaves.
933This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs formed by the leaves.
934He 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.
934He 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.”
935“Frog-plant.”
936“Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us.
936“Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us.
937Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.
937Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.
938Identified 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.”
938Identified 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.”
939Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus muricatus of Linnæus.
939Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus muricatus of Linnæus.
940Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by Fée with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linnæus, the Water crowfoot. The Ranunculi are all active poisons.
940Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by Fée with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linnæus, the Water crowfoot. The Ranunculi are all active poisons.
941A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any one ever made the trial of its efficacy.
941A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any one ever made the trial of its efficacy.
942Or scrofula.
942Or scrofula.
943See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5.
943See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5.
944See c. 90 of this Book.
944See c. 90 of this Book.
945See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.
945See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93.
946“Stigmata.”
946“Stigmata.”
947See c. 94 of this Book.
947See c. 94 of this Book.
948See end of B. xx.
948See end of B. xx.
949See end of B. xiv.
949See end of B. xiv.
950See end of B. xii.
950See end of B. xii.
951See end of B. xx.
951See end of B. xx.
952See end of B. xx.
952See end of B. xx.
953See end of B. vii.
953See end of B. vii.
954For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.
954For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus, see end of B. xviii.
955See end of B. iii.
955See end of B. iii.
956See end of B. xi.
956See end of B. xi.
957See end of B. ii.
957See end of B. ii.
958See end of B. v.
958See end of B. v.
959See end of B. xx.
959See end of B. xx.
960See end of B. ii.
960See end of B. ii.
961See end of B. viii.
961See end of B. viii.
962See end of B. xix.
962See end of B. xix.
963See end of B. viii.
963See end of B. viii.
964See end of B. vii.
964See end of B. vii.
965See end of B. xxi.
965See end of B. xxi.
966See end of B. xxi.
966See end of B. xxi.
967A 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 centuryB.C.
967A 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 centuryB.C.
968See end of B. xxi.
968See end of B. xxi.
969See end of B. xxi.
969See end of B. xxi.
970See end of B. iv.
970See end of B. iv.
971See end of B. xxi.
971See end of B. xxi.
972See end of B. xxi.
972See end of B. xxi.
973See end of B. xxi.
973See end of B. xxi.
974See end of B. vii.
974See end of B. vii.
975See end of B. xx.
975See end of B. xx.
976See end of B. xx.
976See end of B. xx.
977See end of B. xx.
977See end of B. xx.
978See end of B. xii.
978See end of B. xii.
979See end of B. xv.
979See end of B. xv.
980See end of B. xii.
980See end of B. xii.
981See end of B. xx.
981See end of B. xx.
982See end of B. xx.
982See end of B. xx.
983See end of B. xx.
983See end of B. xx.
984See end of B. xx.
984See end of B. xx.
985See end of B. xx.
985See end of B. xx.
986See end of B. xx.
986See end of B. xx.
987See end of B. xx.
987See end of B. xx.
988See end of B. xx.
988See end of B. xx.
989See end of B. vii.
989See end of B. vii.
990See end of B. xx.
990See end of B. xx.
991See end of B. xx.
991See end of B. xx.
992See end of B. xii.
992See end of B. xii.
993See end of B. xi.
993See end of B. xi.
994See end of B. xii.
994See end of B. xii.
995See end of B. xx.
995See end of B. xx.
996See end of B. xii.
996See end of B. xii.
997See end of B. xx.
997See end of B. xx.
998See end of B. xx.
998See end of B. xx.
999See end of B. xx.
999See end of B. xx.
1000See end of B. xx.
1000See end of B. xx.
1001See end of B. xx.
1001See end of B. xx.
1002See end of B. xx.
1002See end of B. xx.
1003See end of B. xii.
1003See end of B. xii.
1004See end of B. xx.
1004See end of B. xx.
1005See end of B. xx.
1005See end of B. xx.
1006See end of B. xix.
1006See end of B. xix.
1007See end of B. xx.
1007See end of B. xx.
1008See end of B. xx.
1008See end of B. xx.
1009See end of B. xx.
1009See end of B. xx.
1010Probably as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, the leprosy of the middle ages.
1010Probably as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, the leprosy of the middle ages.
1011The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.
1011The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.
1012Meaning the people of Italy.
1012Meaning the people of Italy.
1013It 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.”
1013It 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.”
1014Asia Minor.
1014Asia Minor.
1015“Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was known in Asia from the very earliest times.
1015“Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was known in Asia from the very earliest times.
1016This 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.
1016This 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.
1017“Osculi”, “kissing;” a nauseous and silly practice, still adhered to, between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe.
1018Upwards of £1500.
1018Upwards of £1500.
1019A.U.C.590.
1019A.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.”
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.”
1021Consul,A.U.C.819.
1021Consul,A.U.C.819.
1022Consul,A.U.C.816.
1022Consul,A.U.C.816.
1023Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more like chancre than carbuncle.
1023Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more like chancre than carbuncle.
1024In B. xx. c. 52.
1024In B. xx. c. 52.
1025Supposed, 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.
1025Supposed, 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.
1026Fée thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to those between the fingers which are known asfourchesby 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 calledGumrethaby the Talmudists.
1026Fée thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to those between the fingers which are known asfourchesby 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 calledGumrethaby the Talmudists.
1027“Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.
1027“Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.
1028See B. xxix. c. i.
1028See B. xxix. c. i.
1029See end of B. xx.
1029See end of B. xx.
1030See B. xxix. c. 3.
1030See B. xxix. c. 3.
1031See B. xxix. c. 5.
1031See B. xxix. c. 5.
1032See end of B. vii.
1032See end of B. vii.
1033“Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a carriage drawn by horses.
1033“Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a carriage drawn by horses.
1034See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable length, in the Florida, B. iv.
1034See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable length, in the Florida, B. iv.
1035Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.
1035Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.