144 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



Dioscorides states ' ' that twelve pennyweight of the seed 



drunke in wine is a counterpoison against deadly medicines, or 



the poison of wolfsbane, mushroom or toadstools, the biting 



of serpents, stinging of scorpions, bees, hornets, and wasps. 



That the weesell, when it is to fight with the serpent, she 



armeth herself by eating Rue, against the might of the serpent 

 (Gerarde). 



Rue was formerly called the Herb of Grace, from its being 



used in bunches by the priests to sprinkle holy water over the 

 people. 



Alston {Led. on Mat Med.) remarks : u It is said to be hated 

 by toads, wherefore it is planted amongst sage ; hence ' Salvia 

 cum ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta/ as some apply it. It inflames 

 and ulcerates the skin like horse-radish ; hence outwardly is a 

 remarkable drawer, detergent, etc., and inwardly is commended 

 for small-pox, measles, and lethargy. It is said to be a prin- 

 cipal ingredient in King Mithridates' antidote, accord?™"- *" ^* 

 receipt found with him when conquered by Pompey." 



As a medicine it was formerly used as an anthelmintic. 

 Boerhaave, in speaking of it, says, " What medicine can be 



cc 



* Shakespeare makes mention of Rue in many of his works. 



Here did she drop a tear ; here in this place 

 I'll set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace ; 

 Rue even for ruth, here shortly shall be seen, 

 In the remembranee of a weeping queen." 



Richard II. 



" Reverend sirs, 

 For you there's rosemary and rue, these keep, 

 Seeming a favour all the winter long ; 

 Grace and remembrance be to you both." 



Winter's Tale. 



"There's rue for you, and here's some for me ; one may call it herb of grar 

 o' Sundays."— Hamlet. 



u She was the sweet marjoram of the salad, or rather the herb atmni»->AB 9 * 

 Well that Ends Well. 



