Commentary. That the Fluellin or Female Speedwell (Linaria Elatine) is the elatine of the ancients has been long known and almost generally admitted. See Parkinson, Gerard, Rutty, &c. Dioscorides recommends the leaves with flour for inflammations and running of the eyes, and for dysentery. Pliny, evidently translating Dioscorides, says of the elatine, “eadem cum line semine cocta sorbitionis usu dysenteria liberat.” (H. N. xxvii, 50.) It would appear that it had been omitted by the Arabians. It held a place in our Dispensatory with its ancient character down to a late period. See Parkinson, Gerard, Quincy, Rutty, and Hill.
Ἐλαφόβοσκος,
Pabulum cervi (Parsnip?), is of heating and drying powers in the second degree, and consists of subtile particles.
Commentary. Our older herbalists and commentators are pretty well agreed in holding it to be the garden parsnip (Pastinaca sativa.) Dioscorides pronounces it to be alexipharmic, and Aëtius does the same. The other authorities treat very briefly of it. Avicenna calls the Pastinaca aphrodisiacal, and this reputation it maintained down to modern times. See Quincy.
Ἐλελίσφακος,
Salvia, Sage, is decidedly calefacient and subastringent.
Commentary. The sage (Salvia officinalis) has held a place in the Materia Medica from the earliest ages down to our times. Dioscorides calls it diuretic, emmenagogue, alexipharmic, and vulnerary. The other Greek authorities, like our author, speak more moderately in its praise. The Arabians who treat of it follow Dioscorides. See Serapion (De Simpl. 153.) In modern times it was at one period held in much esteem. See Quincy. It is retained in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia (p. 142.)
Ἑλένιον,
Inula, Elecampane (?); it is calefacient and desiccative with some recrementitious humidity. When mixed with linctuses it promotes expectoration, and it acts as a rubefacient to the parts it is applied to.