the case of the rubber-producing shrub of this region 
called guayule (Parthenium argentatum A.Gray). Guay- 
ule is resolved into hua, a prefix denoting magnitude, 
and yoll, thus suggesting that the name means a large 
herb with a narcotic smell." With the etymology of 
Reko, the confusion between the Mexican word piule 
(page 67) and peyote has been explained as the result of 
common etymology. 
This derivation, having only recently appeared in a 
publication in the English language (27), has not received 
wide attention in America. There is some doubt as to 
the validity of certain phonetic changes involved in this 
etymology in the minds of American Uto-Aztecan lin- 
guistic experts. However, in view of the apparent con- 
firmation it has received from botanical sources, it would 
seem amore logical explanation than the Molina etymol- 
ogy, and, as such, deserves further linguistic examination. 
The diminutive peyotillo (peotillo) signifies similarity 
in appearance to Lophophora Williamsii. Under this name 
are grouped such succulents as Dolichothele longimamma 
Britton & Rose, Solisia pectinata Britton & Rose, and 
Pelyciphora aselliformis Ehrenb. (8). 
2, Mescal. 
A name now almost as universally used as peyote is 
mescal (mezcal), The dried tops of the cactus are sold 
under the name mescal buttons as well as under the name 
peyote buttons, since, on drying, they shrink to the size 
and shape of large coat-buttons. They are also, though 
never correctly, called mescal beans. 
The origin of the term mescal is found directly in the 
Aztec word tor 4 gave-brandy—meacalli. As applied to 
Lophophora Williamsu, the origin is probably due to a 
confusion of peyote with the alcoholic beverage prepared 
from the Juice of Agave spp. This confusion, no doubt, 
[67] 
