46 FLORA HOMCGOPATHICA. 
Dioscorides, in describing the 2:Aguv, says that it grows in Syria, 
Armenia, Media, and Lybia; and Pliny—* For a long time 
past the only Laser (by which name this genus was called) 
brought to us, is that which is produced abundantly in Persia, 
Media, and Armenia, but it is far inferior to the Cyrenaic.” 
It is probable that this Laser described by Pliny is the Asafcetida 
of modern times. Serapion also gives a long account of it 
under Assa, and likens it to Ssguv; and Avicenna records two 
kinds—the one fetid, the other odoriferous. Dioscorides (liber 
iii. cap. xciy.), in describing the 2:guv, vaunts its powers most 
highly ; mixed with various ingredients, it prevents suffusion 
in inflammation of the eyes, cures toothaches, the bites of mad 
dogs, and wounds of scorpions. Mixed with ruta, it relieves 
carbuncles ; and with other substances, cures sarcoma, polypus, 
tetanus, and opisthotonos; is an excellent gargle in sore 
throat; helps the catamenia, etc. He also describes another 
plant, Nagdné, or Ferula (from ferula, a cane), which he recom- 
mends as most useful in hemoptysis ceeliacis, and, when given 
in wine, as a remedy against the bites of vipers. : 
Pliny (Holland’s Translation, book xix.) says that “ Laserpi- 
tium was discovered first in the province of Barbarie Cyrenaica. 
The juice or liquor drawn from this herb they call Laser; a drug 
so magnified, of such singularity and use in physicke especially, 
that it was sold by weight, and a drachm of which cost a Roman 
er For some years this plant is not to be found in Cyre- 
naica, 
grows in Persia.” 
t was so prized, that by great good fortune the consuls 
