Hippomarathrum, Horse Fennel; that variety which resembles the Cachrys is more desiccant than the common Fennel. It is, therefore, astringent, lithontriptic, and emmenagogue; but that species which has seed like coriander seed, is also like it in other respects, but weaker.
Commentary. There is little doubt that the former species is the Cachrys Sicula. The other is undetermined. Our author copies closely from Dioscorides (iii, 76); and the others follow his example. The modern herbalists, in like manner, borrow from Dioscorides. See Parkinson (884.)
Ἱπποπόταμος,
Hippopotamus, Sea-horse; its testicle, when dried and drunk, is a remedy for the bites of reptiles.
Commentary. This brief notice of the Hippopotamus amphibius, or Water-horse, is taken from Dioscorides (ii, 25.) Most of the other authorities have omitted it.
Ἱπποσέλινον,
Hipposelinum, Horse Parsley, has properties resembling those of parsley, but weaker.
Commentary. It is the Smyrnium Olusatrum, according to Dierbach, Stackhouse, Sprengel, and all the best authorities. Dioscorides represents it to be emmenagogue and diuretic, and as proving beneficial in rigors. (iii, 71.) Galen and the others treat of it briefly like our author. The Arabians treat of it under Selinum (Apium.)
Ἱππουρὶς,
Hippouris, Horse-tail, has astringent qualities with bitterness, and on that account it is at the same time powerfully desiccant, without pungency. It is agglutinant, therefore, of the largest wounds, and is useful in intestinal hernia, and cures defluxions when drunk with wine.