[1315] See B. xix. c. [23]. It is but little appreciated for its medicinal properties by the moderns. Emulsions are sometimes made of the seeds, which are of an oily nature. Fée says that the French ladies esteem pommade of cucumber as an excellent cosmetic; which is, however, an erroneous notion.
[1316] The combination of cummin with cucumber seed is in opposition, Fée remarks, with their medicinal properties, the one being soothing, and the other moderately exciting.
[1317] As to the several varieties of the pumpkin or gourd, known under this name, see B. xix. c. [24].
[1318] Dioscorides states to the same effect, and, as Fée thinks, with a probability of being correct.
[1319] “Smegmata.”
[1320] This assertion, Fée says, is utterly untrue.
[1321] From ἐπί, “upon,” and νὺξ, “night.” These are red or whitish pustules, accompanied with sharp pains, which appear on the skin at night, and disappear in the day-time. See c. [21].
[1322] Or “many-legs.” See B. xxix. c. 39. Probably one of our millepedes or centipedes: though Fée suggests that it may have been a large caterpillar.
[1323] From σηπεῖν, “to rot.”
[1324] This, Fée says, is untrue: but it is hard to say on what grounds he himself asserts that the smell of the cucumber is faint, and almost nauseous.