Chap. 20.] ASCYRON. 229 



consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being applied simul- 

 taneously. The leaves give relief also in hiccup. This plant 

 should never be given to females, being productive of sterility. 



CHAP. 18. THE ASCLEPIA8 : TWO EEMEDIES. 



The asclepias 65 has leaves like those of ivy, 66 long branches, 

 and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a 

 strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca: 67 

 it is found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are 

 used for the cure of griping pains in the bowels, and of 

 stings inflicted by serpents, either taken in drink or applied 

 topically. 



CHAP. 19. THE ASTER OR BUBONION : THREE REMEDIES. 



The aster 68 is called " bubonion" by some, from the circum- 

 stance of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the 

 groin. It has a diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or 

 three in number ; and at the summit it is surmounted with small 

 radiated heads, like stars. This plant is taken also in drink 

 as an antidote to the venom of serpents : but if required for 

 the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended that it 

 should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the 

 body near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an 

 amulet, for sciatica. 



CHAP. 20. ASCYRON AND ASCrROlDES I THREE REMEDIES. 



Ascyron 69 and ascyroides are plants similar to one another, 

 and to hypericon 70 as well, except that the plant known as 



65 Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnaeus, the Common white- 

 flower swallow-wort ; though Fee considers it somewhat doubtful. 



66 Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance. 



67 See B. xviii. c. 44. 



68 Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but Fee adopts the opinion 

 of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster araellus of Linnaeus, the 

 Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the Inguinalis, men- 

 tioned in B. xx vi. c. 59. 



69 Identified by Fee and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androssemum 

 of Linnaeus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littre gives as the 

 synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnaeus, the Perforated St. John's 

 wort ; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli 

 think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linnaeus. 



70 See B. xxvi. c. 53. 



