[1690] These wild varieties are the same in every respect as the cultivated kinds; their essential characteristics not being changed by cultivation. See further as to the Althæa or marsh mallow, at the latter end of this Chapter.
[1691] The meaning of this name appears to be unknown. “Pistolochia” is a not uncommon reading.
[1692] Mallows were commonly used as a vegetable by the ancients; and are so in China and the south of France, at the present day. The mucilaginous principle which they contain renders them emollient and pectoral; they are also slightly laxative.
[1693] The only benefit resulting from the application of mallows would be the reduction of the inflammation; the plant having no efficacy whatever in neutralizing the venom.
[1694] Sub-carbonate of lead. The mallow would have little or no effect in such a case.
[1695] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.
[1696] The same was said in the middle ages, of the virtues of sage, and in more recent times of the Panax quinquefolium, the Ginseng of the Chinese.
[1697] Q. Serenus Sammonicus speaks of the accumulation of dandriff in the hair to such a degree as to form a noxious malady. He also mentions the present remedy for it.
[1698] Some commentators have supposed this to be the Alcea rosa of Linnæus; but Fée considers this opinion to be quite unfounded.
[1699] It would be of no use whatever in such cases, Fée says.