[1620] Sulphate of lime, which, as Fée remarks, though insoluble, does not act as a poison, but causes a derangement of the digestive functions. The wines of the Romans were extensively treated with this substance, and we have seen in B. xviii. that it was used as an ingredient in their bread.
[1621] Dittander, or pepperwort: the Lepidium latifolium of Linnæus.
[1622] Or fennel-flower: the Nigella sativa of Linnæus. Fée suggests that its name, “gith,” is from the ancient Egyptian.
[1623] “Black flower.”
[1624] “Black seed.”
[1625] It is no longer used in medicine, but it is esteemed as a seasoning in the East. All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée considers to be erroneous. The action of the seed is irritating, and reduced to powder, it causes sneezing.
[1626] See B. xxv. c. 17.
[1628] The Pimpinella anisum of Linnæus.
[1629] It is still used in some countries as a seasoning with which bread and pastry are powdered.