[1560] See B. xviii. c. [17], and B. xxii. c. [67].
[1561] It is only in this case and the next, Fée says, that modern experience agrees with our author as to the efficacy of mint.
[1562] The Menta pulegium of Linnæus.
[1563] Its medicinal properties are similar to those of mint; which is a good stomachic, and is useful for hysterical and hypochondriac affections, as well as head-ache. We may therefore know how far to appreciate the medicinal virtues ascribed by Pliny to these plants.
[1564] “Ampullas.”
[1565] “Cubiculis:” “sleeping-chambers.” It was very generally the practice among the ancients to keep odoriferous plants in their bed-rooms; a dangerous practice, now held in pretty general disesteem.
[1566] Strong odours, as Fée remarks, are not generally beneficial for head-ache.
[1567] Dioscorides makes no such distinction, and botanically speaking, as Fée observes, this distinction is faulty.
[1568] See B. xiv. c. 5.
[1569] “Defunctos partus” is certainly a better reading than “defunctis partus” though the latter is the one adopted by Sillig.