CHAP. 55.—SANDARACH; ELEVEN REMEDIES.
We have already mentioned nearly all the properties of sandarach.[1747] It is found both in gold-mines and in silver-mines. The redder it is, the more pure and friable, and the more powerful its odour, the better it is in quality. It is detergent, astringent, heating, and corrosive, but is most remarkable for its septic properties. Applied topically with vinegar, it is curative of alopecy. It is also employed as an ingredient in ophthalmic preparations. Used with honey, it cleanses the fauces and makes the voice more clear and harmonious. Taken with the food, in combination with turpentine, it is a pleasant cure for cough and asthma. In the form of a fumigation also, with cedar, it has a remedial effect upon those complaints.[1748]
CHAP. 56.—ARRHENICUM.
Arrhenicum,[1749] too, is procured from the same sources. The best in quality is of the colour of the finest gold; that which is of a paler hue, or resembling sandarach, being less esteemed. There is a third kind also, the colour of which is a mixture of that of gold and of sandarach. The last two kinds are both of them scaly, but the other is dry and pure, and divides into delicate long veins.[1750] This substance has the same virtues as the one last mentioned, but is more active in its effects. Hence it is that it enters into the composition of cauteries and depilatory preparations. It is also used for the removal of hangnails, polypi of the nostrils, condylomatous tumours, and other kinds of excrescences. For the purpose of increasing its energies, it is heated in a new earthen vessel, until it changes its colour.[1751]
Summary.—Remedies, one hundred and fifty-eight. Facts, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and fifteen.
Roman Authors quoted.—L. Piso,[1752] Antias,[1753] Verrius,[1754] M. Varro,[1755] Cornelius Nepos,[1756] Messala,[1757] Rufus,[1758] the Poet Marsus,[1759] Bocchus,[1760] Julius Bassus[1761] who wrote in Greek on Medicine, Sextus Niger[1762] who did the same, Fabius Vestalis.[1763]
Foreign Authors quoted.—Democritus,[1764] Metrodorus[1765] of Scepsis, Menæchmus[1766] who wrote on the Toreutic art, Xenocrates[1767] who did the same, Antigonus[1768] who did the same, Duris[1769] who did the same, Heliodorus[1770] who wrote on the Votive Offerings of the Athenians, Pasiteles[1771] who wrote on Wonderful Works, Timæus[1772] who wrote on the Medicines derived from Metals, Nymphodorus,[1773] Iollas,[1774] Apollodorus,[1775] Andreas,[1776] Heraclides,[1777] Diagoras,[1778] Botrys,[1779] Archidemus,[1780] Dionysius,[1781] Aristogenes,[1782] Democles,[1783] Mnesides,[1784] Xenocrates[1785] the son of Zeno, Theomnestus.[1786]