12 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV. 



CHAP. 16. SPONDYLIUM I SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. 



At the same time we have also spoken 71 of spondylium ; an 

 infusion of which is poured upon the head in cases of phrenitis 

 and lethargy, and of head-ache of long standing. Combined 

 with old oil, it is taken in drink for affections of the liver, 

 jaundice, epilepsy, hardness of breathing, and hysterical 

 suffocations, maladies for which it is equally serviceable in the 

 shape of a fumigation. It relaxes the bowels, and with rue it 

 is applied to ulcers of a serpiginous nature. The juice which 

 is extracted from the blossom is a most useful injection for 

 suppurations of the ears ; but the moment it is extracted it 

 should be covered up, as flies and other insects of a similar 

 nature are remarkably fond of it. 



Scrapings of the root, introduced into the interior of fistulas, 

 have a caustic effect upon their callosities ; and they are some- 

 times used, in combination with the juice, as an injection for 

 the ears. The root itself also is prescribed for jaundice, and 

 for diseases of the liver and uterus. If the head is rubbed 

 with the juice, it will make the hair curl. 72 



CHAP. 17. SPHAGNOS, SPHACOS, OR BRYON I FIVE REMEDIES. 



Sphagnos, sphacos, or bryon, grows, as we have already 73 

 stated, in Gaul. A decoction of it, employed as a sitting-bath, 

 is useful for affections of the uterus : mixed with nasturtium, 

 and beaten up in salt water, it is good for the knees and for 

 swellings in the thighs. Taken in drink with wine and dried 

 resin, it acts very powerfully as a diuretic. Pounded in wine 

 with juniper berries, and taken in drink, it draws off the water 

 in dropsy. 



CHAP. 18. THE TEREBINTH : SIX REMEDIES. 



The leaves and root of the terebinth 74 are used as applica- 



71 In B. xii. c. 58. It is no longer used in medicine, though possessed 

 of properties of considerable energy. Fee says that most of the assertions 

 here made respecting it are unfounded. 



72 An absurdity, Fee remarks. 



73 In B. xii. c. 50. Various lichens probably were called by this name. 

 No use is made of them in modern medicine. 



74 See B. xiii. c. 12. The leaves and root of the terebinth or turpentine- 

 tree have some medicinal properties, owing to their resin or essential oil; 

 but no use is made of them in modern medicine. 



