Σκορπιοειδὲς,
Scorpioides, Caterpillar, is heating in the third order, and desiccative in the second.
Commentary. We suppose it to be the Scorpiurus sulcatus, L., which is synonymous with the Scorpioides, Tournefort. Dioscorides merely recommends it as an application to the bites of scorpions. (iv, 192.)
Σκόρπιος,
Scorpius, the Scorpion; the land one, when applied raw, is a remedy for its own bite, and in like manner, when eaten roasted. The sea scorpion’s bile is useful in suffusions.
Commentary. See [Book V]. Avicenna recommends the oil of scorpions in diseases of the ear. (ii, 2, 64.) The sea-scorpion is the Cottus scorpius. Dioscorides recommends its gall in cataracts, albugo, and dimness of sight. (ii, 14.)
Σκωρία,
Recrementum, Dross; all kinds are considerably desiccative, but that of iron more than the others. This, when pulverized and boiled in vinegar, cures purulent discharges from the ears in a wonderful manner; and when taken with oxymel, proves a remedy to those who have drunk aconite. That of lead is similar to lead itself, but more astringent.
Commentary. It is called recrementum by Celsus. (v, 15.) It is the dross of a metal which is collected on the outside of the furnace while the metal is purified by heat. See Pliny (H. N. xxxiv, 27) and Matthiolus (Ad Dioscor. v, 54.) Dioscorides says of the recrementum plumbi that it has the same powers as burnt lead (v, 97), and of the recrementum ferri, that it is a remedy in cases of poisoning with aconite. (v, 94.) Celsus ranks the recrementum plumbi among the emollients. (Ibid.) Avicenna recommends the recrementum ferri as an astringent in cases of hemorrhoids and other fluxes. Like Dioscorides and our author, he says that it is an antidote to aconitum. One of Serapion’s authorities, Adamasti, says of the recrementum argenti, that it is cooling and desiccative, and useful in cardiac disease, and another, Alcanzi, says it is good for scabies and prurigo. His other extracts are from Dioscorides, Galen, and Paulus. Ebn Baithar gives an interesting exposition of this subject, but it is mostly made up from the authorities already quoted by us. (i, 348.) Rhases treats of it in like manner. (Cont. l. ult. i, 234.)