INTRODUCTION. 29 
the name of Emilius Macer, a Roman poet, the 
_ contemporary of Virgil, Ovid, and Tibullus, and 
who wrote upon similar subjects, but whose works 
have perished. From this poem much of what 
relates to plants is taken. Above sixteen articles, 
containing about forty lines, are borrowed from it 
verbatim et literatim. Other lines are occasionally 
introduced, together with the substance of other 
parts. 
Though much of this work, derived from the 
fanciful doctrines of the Arabian physicians, is now 
become obsolete, on account of the more extensive 
knowledge of modern times, and though many of the 
Virtues attributed to meats, drinks, and herbs, are 
imaginary, yet it is but justice to observe, that the 
greater part of the general rules, being founded in 
good sense and experience, are truly excellent, are 
calculated for all ages and climates, and form an 
useful compendium of practical directions for securing 
4 sound mind in a sound body. 
The professed object of a poem, which was not 
designed for physicians, but for an unlearned sove- 
® Fabric. Med. et inf. Latin, etc. It is entitled Macer de 
Virtutibus Herbarum, I have used Ranzovius’s edition, 
| Lipsie, 1590. Scaliger says of him, neque poeta, neque bonus 
Medicus, neque sincerus versificator. 
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