[2978] They are rich in tannin and gallic acid, and Fée states that they have been proposed as a substitute for quinine. The statements here made by Pliny, he says, in reference to their properties, are hypothetical.
[2979] “Nervosis.”
[2980] No medicinal use is now made of it, but its properties would be very similar to those of the leaves.
[2981] Impure metallic oxide. See B. xix. c. [4], and B. xxxiv. c. 52. The ashes of the branches would be an impure sub-carbonate of potass, which would act, Fée says, as a powerful irritant.
[2982] A sort of pyroligneous acid, which would have the noxious effect of throwing inward the eruptions.
[2983] This juice or tear (lacrima) Fée thinks to be the same with the Enhæmon, mentioned in B. xii. c. 38; the properties of which are quite inactive, though Dioscorides, B. i. c. 139, speaks of it as a poison.
[2984] Probably in consequence of the tannin and gallic acid, which it contains in great abundance.
[2985] Fée says that all these statements as to the medicinal properties of olives are false.
[2986] Or preserved olives. See B. xv. c. 4.
[2987] B. xv. c. 8.