[1500] See B. xi. cc. 24, 28.
[1501] The Hyacinthus botryoides of Linnæus, most probably.
[1502] “Bulbus vomitorius.” The Narcissus jonquilla of Linnæus, the “emetic jonquil.” The bulb of the Spanish jonquil acts as a strong emetic.
[1503] Dioscorides says, more correctly, a black outer coat or peeling.
[1504] Asparagus is recognized in modern times, as exercising a strong action on the kidneys. Fée says, that according to Dr. Broussais, it is a sedative to palpitations of the heart, an assertion, the truth of which, he says, his own experience has confirmed. The root is also looked upon as diuretic.
[1505] Asparagus seed is not used in modern pharmacy, and it is very doubtful if it possesses any virtues at all.
[1506] Fée says that there is no truth in this assertion.
[1507] See B. xix. c. [42]: the Asparagus tenuifolius of Linnæus, the wild asparagus, or Corruda of the South of France.
[1508] Fée says that in the South of Europe there is a kind, known to botanists as white asparagus, with a prickly stem: he suggests that it may possibly be the same as that here spoken of.
[1509] Or fennel. Fée says that, till very recently, the roots of asparagus and of fennel were combined in medicine, forming part of the five “major aperitive” roots. The sirop of the five aperitive roots is still used, he says, in medicine.