SAGE. 1()7 



The leaves infused in water blacken it like 

 tea ; and ink may be made with the same, as 

 well as with galls. 



All the species of sage have the nature of 

 the Quercus, whence they are binding, excite 

 the spirits, and move the nerves ; from which 

 they are thought a good remedy in a laxness 

 and inertness of the nerves. A conserve of 

 sage is very proper for a weakness of the 

 stomach in women ; for those who have for 

 years together laboured under an infirmity or 

 debility of the stomach, are benefited by 

 taking half a dram of the conserve.* 



Tournefort informs us, that he has seen in 

 the Levant, large galls growing on the sage, 

 which is caused by the wounds made on the 

 plant by the biting of insects : these galls 

 are sold in the markets, to preserve with 



sugar. 



Coles recommends the planting of rue 

 among the. sage, to keep toads away from 

 this plant ; this reptile having as much aver- 

 sion to the former vegetable as predilection 

 for the latter. 



" Salvia cum Ruta faciimt tibi pocula tuta." 



The following ancient verse particularly 



* Hist. Plant, adscript. Boerhaave. 



