The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)

by the Elder Pliny

CHAP. 35.—REMEDIES FOR INCONTINENCE OF URINE. THE OPHIDION: ONE REMEDY.

The flesh of hippocampi,[308] grilled and taken frequently as food, is a cure for incontinence of urine; the ophidion,[309] too, a little fish similar to the conger in appearance, eaten with a lily root; or the small fry found in the bellies of larger fish that have swallowed them, reduced to ashes and taken in water. It is recommended, too, to burn[310] African snails, both shells and flesh, and to administer the ashes with wine[311] of Signia.