Chap. 7.] PROPERTIES OF TliE HUMAN SPITTLE. 289 



in a similar manner, too, we repel fascinations, and the evil 

 presages attendant upon meeting a person who is lame in the 

 right leg. We ask pardon of the gods, by spitting in 77 the 

 lap, for entertaining some too presumptuous hope or expecta- 

 tion. 78 On the same principle, it is the practice in all cases 

 where medicine is employed, to spit three times on the ground, 

 and to conjure the malady as often ; the object being to aid the 

 operation of the remedy employed. It is usual, too, to mark 

 a boil, when it first makes its appearance, three times with 

 fasting 79 spittle. What we are going to say is marvellous, 

 but it may easily be tested M by experiment : if a person re- 

 pents of a blow given to another, either by hand or with a 

 missile, he has nothing to do but to spit at once into the palm 

 of the hand which has inflicted the blow, and all feelings 8l of 

 resentment will be instantly alleviated in the person struck. 

 This, too, is often verified in the case of a beast of burden, 

 when brought on its haunches with blows; for upon this remedy 

 being adopted, the animal will immediately step out and mend 

 its pace. Some persons, however, before making an effort, spit 

 into the hand in manner above stated, in order to make the 

 blow more heavy. 82 



We may well believe, then, that lichens and leprous spots 

 may be removed by a constant application of fasting spittle ; 

 that ophthalmia may be cured by anointing, as it were, the 

 eyes every morning with fasting spittle ; that carcinomata 

 may be effectually treated, by kneading the root of the plant 

 known as "apple of the earth," 83 with human spittle; that 

 crick in the neck may be got rid of by carrying fasting spittle 

 to the right knee with the right hand, and to the left knee 

 with the left ; and that when an insect has got into the ear, it 



77 "In sinum." 78 See Juvenal, Sat. v. 1. 112. 



79 Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate of 

 soda and potash ; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be in- 

 finitely small. 



80 A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He 

 would seem to imply it. 



81 " Levatur illico in percusso culpa." 



82 This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to use strong 

 exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as Ajasson remarks. 



83 " Malum terrae." See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. Littre 

 translates *' malum," " apple," in the former passage ; but here he calls it 

 44 curse of the earth." 



VOL. V. U 



