490 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXI I L 



the light, however, that is produced by the oil is very dim, in 

 consequence of its extreme thickness. The leaves are applied 

 topically with vinegar for erysipelas, and fresh-gathered, they 

 are used by themselves for diseases of the mamillse and de- 

 fluxions ; a decoction of them in wine, with polenta and saf- 

 fron, is good for inflammations of various kinds. Boiled by 

 themselves, and applied to the face for three successive days, 

 they improve the complexion. 



CHAP. 42. OIL OF ALMONDS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. 



Oil of almonds is of a purgative and emollient nature ; it 

 effaces wrinkles on the skin, improves the complexion, and, in 

 combination with honey, removes spots on the face. A decoc- 

 tion of it with oil of roses, honey, and pomegranate rind, is 

 good for the ears, and exterminates the small worms that breed 

 there ; it has the effect also, of dispelling hardness of hearing, 

 recurrent tinglings and singing in the ears, and is curative of 

 head-ache and pains in the eyes. Used with wax, it cures 

 boils, and scorches by exposure to the sun ; 83 in combination 

 with wine it heals running ulcers and scaly eruptions, and 

 with melilote, condylomatous swellings. Applied by itself to 

 the head, it invites sleep. 84 



CHAP. 43. OIL OF LAUREL : NINE REMEDIES. 



As to oil of laurel, 85 the fresher and greener it is, the more 

 valuable are its properties. It is of a heating nature, and is 

 consequently applied, warm, in a pomegranate rind, for para- 

 lysis, spasms, sciatica, bruises, head-ache, catarrhs of long 

 standing, and diseases of the ears. 



CHAP. 44. OIL OF MYRTLE I TWENTY REMEDIES. 



Oil of myrtle has similar properties. 86 It is of an astringent 

 and indurative nature ; mixed with the scoria of copper, and 



83 " A sole ustis." Not coup de soleil, or " sun-stroke," as Littre renders 

 it. Oil of almonds is still a favourite ingredient in cosmetics. 



84 There is no truth, Fee says, in this assertion. 



85 Fixed oil of laurel contains a certain proportion of volatile oil, to 

 which it is indebted for the excellence of its smell. It is still used as a 

 liniment for rheumatic pains and other affections. 



86 As prepared by the ancients, it lias no analogous properties with oil of 

 laurel. Myrtle oil is no longer used in medicine. 



