CHAP. 77.—THE LEUCE, MESOLEUCON, OR LEUCAS: THREE REMEDIES.
Leuce,[1932] a plant resembling mercurialis,[1933] has received its name[1934] from the circumstance that a white line runs through the middle of the leaf; for which reason also, some give it the name of “mesoleucon.”[1935] The juice of this plant is curative of fistula, and the plant itself, bruised, is good for carcinomata. It is probably the same plant as that called “leucas,” so remarkably efficacious for the venom of all kinds of marine animals. Authors have not given a description of it, beyond telling us that the wild leucas has larger leaves than the other, and has properties more strongly developed: they state also that the seed of the cultivated kind is the more acrid of the two.
CHAP. 78.—THE LEUCOGRAPHIS: FIVE REMEDIES.
I have not found a description given by any writer of the leucographis;[1936] a thing I am the more surprised at, as they tell us that it is good for the cure of spitting of blood, taken in doses of three oboli with saffron; as also that it is useful for cœliac affections, applied beaten up in water, and in cases of excessive menstruation. They state also that it enters into the composition of ophthalmic preparations, and that it fills up ulcers on the more tender parts of the body with new flesh.
CHAP. 79. (12.)—THE MEDION: THREE REMEDIES.
The medion[1937] has leaves like those of the cultivated seris,[1938] a stem three feet in length, and a large, round, purple flower, at its extremity. The seed is diminutive, and the root half a foot in length: it grows upon umbrageous, sheltered rocks. The root, taken in doses of two drachmæ with honey, arrests the catamenia, the electuary being used for some days. The seed, too, is administered in wine for a similar purpose.
CHAP. 80.—THE MYOSOTA OR MYOSOTIS: THREE REMEDIES.
The myosota[1939] or myosotis is a smooth plant, throwing out from a single root numerous hollowed stems, of a somewhat reddish colour; and bearing at the lower extremities swarthy, narrow, oblong leaves, sharp on the back, arranged in pairs at regular distances, and springing from delicate branches attached with axils to the main stems. The flower is blue, and the root, a finger in length, is provided with numerous filaments like hairs. This plant possesses certain septic and ulcerating properties, and hence is used for the cure of fistula of the eye. The Egyptians say that if upon the morning of the twenty-eight day of their month Thoth, a day which generally falls in our month of August, a person rubs himself with the juice of this plant before speaking to any one, he will be sure to have no diseases of the eyes all that year.
CHAP. 81.—THE MYAGROS: ONE REMEDY.
The myagros[1940] is a ferulaceous plant, with leaves like those of madder: the seed is of an oily nature—indeed, an oil is extracted from it. Ulcerations of the mouth are cured by rubbing them with the juice of this plant.