Saffron Bags (Vol. ii., p. 217.).—In almost all old works on Materia Medica the use of these bags is mentioned. Quincy, in his Dispensatory, 1730, p. 179., says:—
"Some prescribe it (saffron) to be worn with camphire in a bag at the pit of the stomach for melancholy; and others affirm that, so used, it will cure agues."
Ray observes (Cat. Plant. Angl., 1777, p. 84.):
"Itemque in sacculo suspenditur sub mento vel gutture ad dissipandam sc. materiam putridam et venenatam, ne ibidem stagnans, inflammationen excitet, ægrotumque strangulet."
The origin of the "saffron bag", is probably to be explained by the strong aromatic odour of saffron, and the high esteem in which it was once held as a medicine; though now it is used chiefly as a colouring ingredient and by certain elderly ladies, with antiquated notions, as a specific for "striking out" the measles in their grandchildren.
ת. א.
Milton's "Penseroso" (Vol. ii, p. 153.).—H.A.B. desires to understand the couplet—
"And love the high embower'd roof,
With antique pillars massy proof."
He is puzzled whether to consider "proof" an adjective belonging to "pillars," or a substantive in apposition with it. All the commentators seem to have passed the line without observation. I am almost afraid to suggest that we should read "pillars'" in the genitive plural, "proof" being taken in the sense of established strength.