Dr. Leacn’s further Observations on the Genus Melóe. 245 
I am informed by Mr. Hunneman, that this species is highly 
prized in Germany as a medicine, being considered a specific in 
hydrophobia. For this purpose it is taken by slipping a hair 
round its neck, and suspending it until it be dry ; by which means 
the oily secretion they throw out when first taken is preserved, in 
which its chief virtue is supposed to exist*. Meyer, in his ex- 
cellent Monograph on this genus, mentions its virtues as a diu- 
retic, and in curing hydrophobia: he describes also what he con- 
siders a variety, differing in the structure of the antennw; but, 
from what he says, I should be inclined to consider it as an ac- 
cidental formation, or a distinct species. ** Exemplaria (ait) in- 
veniuntur, ubi nonnisi septimo articulo antennarum fractura in- 
cipit. Hujus varietatis specimen mecum communicavit Car. Per- 
soon, quod hisce in regionibus (i.e. prope Gottingam) cepit. 
Ceteris suis proprietatibus autem haecce varietas a specie non 
differt." Meyer Monog. p. 14. te d 
The food, too, according to Meyer, consists of the leaves of 
Veratrum album, Viola, Anemone, Ranunculus, Anchusa officinalis 
and Cynoglossum officinale. | 
3. MELOE PUNCTATUS. 
M. niger, capite thoraceque profunde impresso-punctatis, elytris 
varioloso-punctatis. 
* Since writing the above 1 have been favoured with a more particular account by 
Mr. Hunneman. 
* The late King of Prussia (Frederick the Great) purchased the nostrum from the dis- 
coverer for a valuable consideration, as a specific against the bite of a mad dog; and in 
1781 it was inserted in Sect. ii. p. 25, of the Disp. Boruss. Brand. According to this 
publication, twenty-five of these animals that have been preserved in honey, are with two 
drachms of powdered black ebony, one drachm of Virginia snake-root, one ditto of lead 
filings, and twenty grains of fungus Sorbi, to be reduced to a very fine substance ; the 
whole, with two ounces of theriaca of Venice (and if necessary, with a little elder-root) to 
be formed into an electuary.” —— 
2x2 Melöe 
