518 PLINY'S NATUBAL HISTOET. [Hook XXIII. 



by some authorities, to take ten of the berries in drink, for 

 the sting of the scorpion ; and in cases of relaxation of the 

 uvula, to boil a quarter of a pound of the berries, or leaves, 

 in three sextarii of water, down to one third, the decoction 

 being used warm, as a gargle. For head-ache, also, it is re- 

 commended to bruise an uneven number of the berries in oil, 

 the mixture being warmed for use. 



The leaves of the Delphic laurel 66 bruised and applied to the 

 nostrils from time to time, are a preservative 67 against conta- 

 gion in pestilence, and more particularly if they are burnt. 

 The oil of the 68 Delphic laurel is employed in the preparation 

 of cerates and the medicinal composition known as "acopum," 69 

 and is used for fits of shivering occasioned by cold, for the 

 relaxation of the sinews, and for the cure of pains in the side 

 and the cold attacks in fevers. 70 Warmed in the rind of a 

 pomegranate, it is applied topically for the cure of ear-ache, A 

 decoction of the leaves boiled down in water to one third, used 

 as a gargle, braces the uvula, and taken in drink allays pains 

 in the bowels and intestines. The more tender leaves, bruised 

 in wine and applied at night, are a cure for pimples and 

 prurigo. 



The other varieties of the laurel possess properties which 

 are nearly analogous. The root of the laurel of Alexandria, 71 

 or of Mount Ida, 72 accelerates delivery, being administered in 

 doses of three denarii to three cyathi of sweet wine ; it acts 

 also as an emmenagogue, and brings away the after-birth. 

 Taken in drink in a similar manner, the wild laurel, known as 

 " daphnoides " and by the other names which we have men- 

 tioned, 73 is productive of beneficial effects. The leaves of it, 

 either fresh or dried, taken in doses of three drachmae, in 

 hydromel with salt, act as a purgative 74 upon the bowels. 



66 The Laurus nobilis of modern botany. 



67 A statement, Fee says, that is altogether illusory. 



68 Of the berries, Fee thinks. 



69 See c. 45 of this Book; also B. xxvii. c. 13. 



70 Fee thinks that this oil, in conjunction with adipose substances, might 

 be useful for the treatment of rheumatic affections. 



71 The Ruscus hypophyllum of Linnasus. It is quite inodorous, Fee 

 says, and has no analogous properties whatever with the next-mentioned 

 pfent. 



72 See B. xv. c. 39. 73 In B. xv. c. 39. 



74 The peasantry of France, Fee says, still use as a purgative the berries 



