Chap. 5.] THE ALO^. 223 



ments which produce that effect, that is at the same time a 

 good stomachic, and does not exercise the slightest noxious 

 influence upon the stomach. It is taken in doses of one 

 drachma, and, in cases of derangement of the stomach, it is 

 administered two or three times a day, in the proportion of 

 one spoonful to two cyathi of warm or cold water, at intervals, 

 according to the nature of the emergency. As a purgative it 

 is mostly taken in doses of three drachmae ; and it operates 

 still more efficaciously, if food is eaten directly afterwards. 

 CFsed with astringent wine, it prevents^^ the hair from falling 

 off, the head being rubbed with it the contrary way of the 

 hair, in the sun. Applied to the temples and forehead with 

 rose oil and vinegar, or used as an infusion, in a more diluted 

 form, it allays head-ache. It is generally agreed that it is 

 remedial for all diseases^^ of the eyes, but more particularly for 

 prurigo and scaly eruptions of the eye-lids ; as also for marks 

 and bruises, applied in combination with honey, Pontic honey 

 in particular. 



It is employed, also, for affections of the tonsillary glands and 

 gums, for all ulcerations of the mouth, and for spitting of 

 blood, if not in excess — the proper dose being one drachma, 

 taken in water or else vinegar. Used by itself, or in combination 

 with vinegar, it arrests haemorrhage, whether proceeding from 

 wounds or from other causes. In addition to these properties, it 

 is extremely efficacious for the cure of wounds, producing 

 cicatrization very rapidly : it is sprinkled also upon ulcerations 

 of the male organs, and is applied to condylomata and chaps 

 of the fundament, either in common wine, raisin wine, or by 

 itself in a dry state, according as a mollifying or restrictive 

 treatment is required. It has the effect, also, of gently 

 arresting haemorrhoidal bleeding, when in excess. In cases of 

 dysentery, it is used as an injection, and where the digestion 

 is imperfect it is taken shortly after the evening meal. For 

 jaundice, it is administered in doses of three oboli, in 

 water. As a purgative for the bowels, it is taken in pills, with 

 boiled honey or turpentine. It is good also for the removal of 

 hangnails. When employed in ophthalmic preparations, it is 

 first washed, that the more gravelly portions of it may subside ; 



^5 There is no foundation, Fee says, for this statement. 

 36 It would appear that it is still employed iu India for this purpose, 

 but it is no longer used in Europe. 



