[2768] Fée remarks, that the Greeks were acquainted with alica, to which they gave the name of χόνδρος; indeed, Galen expressly states that it was well known in the days of Hippocrates, who says that it is more nourishing than ptisan. Festus says that alica is so called, “quod alit,” because it nourishes the body.—See B. xviii. c. [29].
[2769] In c. 55 of this Book.
[2772] “Mel frugum.”
[2773] See B. xviii. c. [22]. It is still used in medicine in Egypt, and as a cosmetic.
[2774] Or “bad habit.”
[2775] In B. xv. c. 7. See also B. xxiii. c. [49]. Fée thinks it not unlikely that oil of sesame might have this effect. The people of Egypt still look upon this grain as an antophthalmic, but, as Fée says, without any good reason.
[2776] “Like sesame.”
[2777] Sprengel has identified this plant, the “smaller” Sesamoides of Dioscorides, with the Astragalus sesameus of Linnæus, or else with the Reseda canescens. Other naturalists have mentioned the Catananche cærulea of Linnæus, the Passerina hirsuta of Linnæus, and the Passerina polygalæofolia of Lapeyrouse. Fée is of opinion that it has not been identified.