[1325] This, probably, is not conformable to modern notions on the subject.
[1326] From the Greek σομφὸς, porous, spongy, or hollow.
[1327] It is supposed by some naturalists that this gourd is the variety Pyxidaris of the Cucurbita pepo of Linnæus, the Colocynthis amara of C. Bauhin. Fée remarks, however, that this designation is arbitrary; as this plant never grows wild in Europe, and its pulp is so bitter, that instead of proving beneficial to the stomach, it would cause vomiting. From the fact of its comparison to the human finger, he doubts if it really was one of the Cucurbitæ at all.
[1328] The Cucumis colocynthus of Linnæus, or Coloquintida, so remarkable for its bitterness.
[1329] It is an extremely drastic, and indeed violent purgative.
[1330] Recurring at stated times. The absurdity of this statement does not require discussion.
[1331] The cultivated cucumber, Fée says.
[1332] Or “aposthumes,” a kind of abscess, probably.
[1333] “Ignis sacer,” literally “sacred fire.” It is sometimes called “St. Anthony’s fire.” Celsus, in describing it, distinguishes it, however, from erysipelas, and divides it into two kinds.
[1334] On the contrary, Fée says, the pulp of the gourd is tough and leathery, extremely insipid, and destitute of any salutary qualities.