2174See end of the present Book.
2174See end of the present Book.
2175Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”
2175Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”
2176Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.
2176Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.
2177This 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.
2177This 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.
2178Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.
2178Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.
2179Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.
2179Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.
2180The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.
2180The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.
2181Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here should be omitted.
2181Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here should be omitted.
2182See B. xv. c. 5.
2182See B. xv. c. 5.
2183“Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax.
2183“Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax.
2184Properly, “poppy juice.”
2184Properly, “poppy juice.”
2185Or “clara lectio,” “reading aloud,” as Celsus calls it, recommending it for persons of slow digestion.
2185Or “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.
2186“Gestatio.” Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by horses, or in a litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7.
2187See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is still recommended for consumptive patients.
2187See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is still recommended for consumptive patients.
2188Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the spleen, as they are called.
2188Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the spleen, as they are called.
2189“Strigilium.”
2189“Strigilium.”
2190Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.
2190Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.
2191“Non prandentium.”
2191“Non prandentium.”
2192Callistenes 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.”
2192Callistenes 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 quâ 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.
2193“Ut in quâ 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.
2194On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness of sight.
2194On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness of sight.
2195See Ovid, Met. ix. 273,et seq.
2195See Ovid, Met. ix. 273,et seq.
2196Much more probably, because they were considered to be significant of anything but seriousness and attention.
2196Much more probably, because they were considered to be significant of anything but seriousness and attention.
2197Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.
2197Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.
2198The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.
2198The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.
2199See end of B. vii.
2199See end of B. vii.
2200In B. viii. c. 58.
2200In B. viii. c. 58.
2201A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.
2201A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.
2202This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as indicative of the health of the patient.
2202This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as indicative of the health of the patient.
2203From the Greekπτύω, “to spit.”
2203From the Greekπτύω, “to spit.”
2204“Argema.”
2204“Argema.”
2205Who had to uselant, or stale urine, in their business.
2205Who had to uselant, or stale urine, in their business.
2206At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.
2206At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.
2207This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.
2207This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.
2208Works and Days, l. 727,et seq.
2208Works and Days, l. 727,et seq.
2209The 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.
2209The 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.
2210There is probably no foundation for this assertion.
2210There 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.
2211“Rana.” He means the “rubeta” probably, or “bramble-frog,” so often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290.
2212“Salivam.”
2212“Salivam.”
2213See B. xx. c. 2.
2213See B. xx. c. 2.
2214See 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.
2214See 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.
2215Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18.
2215Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18.
2216“Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23.
2216“Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23.
2217Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid, Seneca, Quintilian, and Velleius Paterculus.
2217Possibly 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.
2218“Fascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head.
2219The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an interpolation.
2219The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an interpolation.
2220In B. vii. c. 13.
2220In B. vii. c. 13.
2221Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it.
2221Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it.
2222Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.
2222Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.
2223See the end of this Book.
2223See the end of this Book.
2224See B. vii. c. 13.
2224See B. vii. c. 13.
2225See B. vii. c. 13.
2225See B. vii. c. 13.
2226Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.
2226Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.
2227See B. viii. c. 44.
2227See B. viii. c. 44.
2228One 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.
2228One 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.
2229In B. viii. c. 44.
2229In 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.
2230“Glaucomata.” Littré considers, on the authority of M. Sichel, that “Glaucoma” and “suffusio” are different names for the same disease—cataract.
2231See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
2231See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
2232“Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig.
2232“Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig.
2233“Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greekἄτλας, “much enduring,” Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The “hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be anon sequitur.
2233“Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greekἄτλας, “much enduring,” Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The “hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be anon sequitur.
2234We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the “alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.
2234We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the “alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.
2235“Vanas species.”
2235“Vanas species.”
2236See B. xviii. c. 14.
2236See B. xviii. c. 14.
2237“Pila.”
2237“Pila.”
2238Identified by Ajasson with thechamses, or common crocodile of the Nile.
2238Identified by Ajasson with thechamses, or common crocodile of the Nile.
2239See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with thesouchosof 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.
2239See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with thesouchosof 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.
2240See B. xii. c. 51.
2240See B. xii. c. 51.
2241See B. xviii. c. 17.
2241See B. xviii. c. 17.
2242It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated its timidity.
2242It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated its timidity.
2243This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.
2243This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.
2244A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12.
2244A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12.
2245And therefore harmless.
2245And therefore harmless.
2246See B. xxii. c. 21.
2246See B. xxii. c. 21.
2247See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.
2247See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.
2248One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.
2248One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.
2249See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.
2249See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.
2250See B. xxvi. c. 62.
2250See B. xxvi. c. 62.
2251In B. viii. c. 40.
2251In B. viii. c. 40.
2252See B. viii. c. 57.
2252See B. viii. c. 57.
2253Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.
2253Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.
2254See 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.
2254See 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.
2255The “biestings.”
2255The “biestings.”
2256Amalthæa.
2256Amalthæa.
2257Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”
2257Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”
2258In B. xxv. c. 53.
2258In B. xxv. c. 53.
2259From the Greekσχιστὸν, “divided” milk, or “curds.”
2259From the Greekσχιστὸν, “divided” milk, or “curds.”
2260See B. xxi c. 105.
2260See B. xxi c. 105.
2261He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless.
2261He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless.
2262In B. xi. c. 97.
2262In B. xi. c. 97.
2263From the Greekσαπρὸν, “rotten” cheese.
2263From the Greekσαπρὸν, “rotten” cheese.
2264Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.
2264Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.
2265The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.
2265The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.
2266In 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.
2266In 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.
2267Βούτυρον, “cow cheese.”
2267Βούτυρον, “cow cheese.”
2268Qy. 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.
2268Qy. 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.
2269Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respectingoxygalais 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.
2269Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respectingoxygalais 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.
2270The 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.”
2270The 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.”
2271He has forgotten to do so, however.
2271He has forgotten to do so, however.
2272From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.”
2272From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.”
2273Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and hogs’ lard is a cure for syphilis by promoting salivation.
2273Hence 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.”
2274“Farina salsamentariæ testæ.”
2275See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
2275See B. xxxvi. c. 27.
2276“Sebum”—Suet or tallow.
2276“Sebum”—Suet or tallow.
2277Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.
2277Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.
2278The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous ceremonies.
2278The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous ceremonies.
2279This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.
2279This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.
2280See B. iv. c. 6.
2280See B. iv. c. 6.
2281His 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.
2281His 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.
2282See B. xxxiii. c. 6.
2282See B. xxxiii. c. 6.
2283See B. viii. c. 50.
2283See B. viii. c. 50.
2284In B. viii. c. 50.
2284In B. viii. c. 50.
2285Or “hundred skins.” Called themirefeuilletin French.
2285Or “hundred skins.” Called themirefeuilletin French.
2286In B. viii. c. 50.
2286In B. viii. c. 50.
2287See B. xxiv. c. 91.
2287See B. xxiv. c. 91.
2288See B. xx. c. 63.
2288See B. xx. c. 63.
2289The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnæus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.
2289The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnæus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.
2290Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.
2290Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.
2291See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.
2291See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.
2292See B. xx. c. 67.
2292See B. xx. c. 67.
2293See B. viii. c. 76.
2293See B. viii. c. 76.
2294In B. viii. c. 76.
2294In B. viii. c. 76.
2295A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical grounds.
2295A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical grounds.
2296Cloquet says that the application would be useless.
2296Cloquet says that the application would be useless.
2297In B. viii. c. 34.
2297In B. viii. c. 34.
2298Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity.
2298Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity.
2299It is no longer reckoned among the poisons.
2299It is no longer reckoned among the poisons.
2300Juice of carpathum, a substance which does not appear to have been identified; but supposed by Bruce to have been a gum calledsassa, 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.
2300Juice of carpathum, a substance which does not appear to have been identified; but supposed by Bruce to have been a gum calledsassa, 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.
2301A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now unknown.
2301A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now unknown.
2302See Chap. 21 of this Book.
2302See Chap. 21 of this Book.
2303See B. xx. c. 53.
2303See B. xx. c. 53.
2304See B. xi. c. 96.
2304See B. xi. c. 96.
2305On the contrary, cows’ biestings are highly thought of in some parts of England; and a very delicate dish is made of them, baked.
2305On 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.”
2306“Onager.”
2307See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9.
2307See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9.
2308See B. viii. c. 15.
2308See B. viii. c. 15.
2309See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75.
2309See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75.
2310See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.
2310See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14.
2311“Toxica”—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations dipped their arrows.
2311“Toxica”—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations dipped their arrows.
2312See B. xxii. c. 21.
2312See B. xxii. c. 21.
2313Or, sting-ray.
2313Or, sting-ray.
2314See B. xxix. c. 16.
2314See B. xxix. c. 16.
2315This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative of the hair.
2315This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative of the hair.
2316See B. xii. c. 37, and B. xxvi. c. 30.
2316See B. xii. c. 37, and B. xxvi. c. 30.
2317See B. xxii. c. 30.
2317See B. xxii. c. 30.
2318See B. xxv. c. 67.
2318See B. xxv. c. 67.
2319If they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that Pliny’s remedy may be of some utility.
2319If they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that Pliny’s remedy may be of some utility.
2320A cosmetic for “beautifying the eye-brows.”
2320A cosmetic for “beautifying the eye-brows.”
2321“Collyria.”
2321“Collyria.”
2322This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for “lumbulis.”
2322This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for “lumbulis.”
2323“Seers by night.”
2323“Seers by night.”
2324“Sanie.”
2324“Sanie.”
2325See B. xiv. c. 4.
2325See B. xiv. c. 4.
2326See B. xx. c. 75.
2326See B. xx. c. 75.
2327See B. xxvi. c. 31.
2327See B. xxvi. c. 31.
2328See B. xxi. c. 105.
2328See B. xxi. c. 105.
2329See B. viii. c. 66.
2329See B. viii. c. 66.
2330See 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.
2330See 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.
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.