Chap. 67.] GUM ACACIA. 43 



astringent properties of them all, is calorific also in its effects. 

 Still, however, the gum of the plum, cherry, and vine is 

 greatly preferred : all which kinds, applied topically, are pro- 

 ductive of astringent and desiccative effects, and, used with 

 vinegar, heal lichens upon infants. Taken in must, in doses 

 of four oboli, they are good for inveterate coughs. 



It is generally thought that gum, taken in raisin wine, 

 improves the complexion, 58 sharpens the appetite, and is 

 good for calculi 69 in the bladder. It is particularly useful too 

 for wounds and affections of the eyes. 



CHAP. 65. (12.) THE EGYPTIAN OR ARABIAN THORN I TOUR 



REMEDIES. 



When speaking 60 of the perfumes, we have descanted upon 

 the merits of the Egyptian or Arabian thorn. This, too, is of 

 an astringent nature, and acts as a desiccative upon fluxes of 

 all kinds, discharges of blood from the mouth, and excessive 

 menstruation; for all which purposes the root is still more 

 efficacious. 



CHAP. 66. THE WHITE THORN ! TWO REMEDIES. THE ACANTHION ; 



ONE REMEDY. 



The seed of the white thorn is useful as a remedy for the 

 stings of scorpions, and a chaplet made of it, is good for head- 

 ache. Similar to this plant is that known to the Greeks as 

 the " acanthion ;" 61 though it is much smaller in the leaf, which 

 is pointed at the extremity, and covered with a down like a 

 cobweb in appearance. This downy substance is gathered in 

 the East, and certain textures are made of it similar to those 

 of silk. An infusion of the leaves or root of this plant is taken 

 for the cure of opisthotony. 



CHAP. 67. GUM ACACIA : EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. 



Gum acacia is produced also from the white and black 62 



5S Fee remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic. 



59 Gum is of no use whatever in such a case. 



60 In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the 

 Acacia Nilotica of Linnaeus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia ; 

 for which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt, 



61 The Onopordum acanthium of Linnaeus, the cotton- thistle, or woolly 

 thistle. 



62 The Mimosa Nilotica of Linnaeus ; see B. xiii. c. 19. Fee seems in- 

 clined to identify the white thorn with the Cratsegus oxyacantha of Lin- 



