[1372] Or “wild.” See B. xix. c. [27].
[1373] This seed, Fée says, is an energetic excitant, and certainly would not be found suitable for any of the purposes here mentioned by Pliny; though equally recommended for them by Galen, Dioscorides, and in Athenæus.
[1374] Tetanus, or contraction of the muscles, in which the head is twisted round or stretched backwards.
[1375] “Axungia;” properly swine’s grease, with which the axle-trees of chariots were rubbed. See B. xxviii. c. 9.
[1376] Diphilus of Siphnos, as quoted in Athenæus, B. ix. c. 3, states that the ancients employed this plant as a philtre, for which reason it was called by some persons φίλτρον.
[1377] “Posca.” This was the ordinary drink of the lower classes at Rome, as also the soldiers when on service, and the slaves. “Oxycrate” is the scientific name sometimes given to vinegar and water.
[1378] Πολλὰ Σύρων λάχανα. Similar to our proverb, probably, “There is more corn in Egypt.”
[1379] The Daucus visnaga of Linnæus, the Daucus gingidium of Sprengel, the Visnagha, or Bisnagha of other botanists. It is also known as the “wild carrot,” or “French carrot.”
[1380] Or “erratic.”