A second kind of panaces is known by the name of “heracleon,”[569] from the fact that it was first discovered by Hercules. Some persons, however, call it “Heracleotic origanum,” or wild origanum, from its strong resemblance to the origanum of which we have already[570] spoken: the root of it is good for nothing.
CHAP. 13.—THE PANACES CHIRONION: FOUR REMEDIES.
A third kind of panaces is surnamed “chironion,” from him[571] who first discovered it. The leaf is similar to that of lapathum, except that it is larger and more hairy; the flower is of a golden colour, and the root diminutive. It grows in rich, unctuous soils. The flower of this plant is extremely efficacious; hence it is that it is more generally used than the kinds previously mentioned.
CHAP. 14.—THE PANACES CENTAURION OR PHARNACION: THREE REMEDIES.
A fourth kind of panaces, discovered also by Chiron, is known by the additional name of “centaurion:”[572] it is also called “pharnacion,” from King Pharnaces, it being a matter in dispute whether it was really discovered by Chiron or by that prince. It is grown from seed,[573] and the leaves of it are longer than those of the other kinds, and serrated at the edge. The root, which is odoriferous, is dried in the shade, and is used for imparting an aroma to wine. Some writers distinguish two varieties of this plant—the one with a smooth leaf, the other of a more delicate form.
CHAP. 15.—THE HERACLEON SIDERION: FOUR REMEDIES.
The heracleon siderion[574] is also another discovery of Hercules. The stem is thin, about four fingers in length, the flower red, and the leaves like those of coriander. It is found growing in the vicinity of lakes and rivers, and is extremely efficacious for the cure of all wounds made by iron.[575]
CHAP. 16.—THE AMPELOS CHIRONIA: ONE REMEDY.
The ampelos Chironia[576] also, which we have already[577] mentioned when speaking of the vines, is a discovery due to Chiron. We have spoken too, on a previous occasion,[578] of a plant, the discovery of which is attributed to Minerva.