BOOK XXII. XVI. 38-xix. 42 



the leaves with axle-grease disperse scrofulous 

 swelHngs, or, if they have suppurated, cause them to 

 clear up and new flesh to be formed. 



XVII. Association has given its name to the 

 scorpion plant. For it has seed that resembles the 

 tail of the scorpion, but only a few leaves. It has 

 moreover power over the creature of the same name. 

 There is also another kind, with the same name and 

 properties, that is leafless, with the stem of asparagus, 

 having on its head the sharp point which has given 

 the plant its name. 



XVIII. Leucacantha, also called phyllos, ischas, 

 or polygonatum, has a root Hke that of cypirus, which 

 when chewed relieves tooth-ache ; pains also in the 

 sides and loins, as Hicesius teaches, the seed or juice 

 being taken in drink, and the dose being eight 

 drachmae. The same plant is used for the cure of 

 ruptures and convulsions. 



XIX. Helxine, callcd by some perdicium" (pai'- Heixjnean 

 tridge plant) because partridges are particulai-ly 

 fond of eating it, by others sideritis, and by a few 

 people parthenium, has leaves that resemble partly 

 those of the plantain and partly those of horehound, 

 stalks small, close together and reddish in colour, 

 and, in bur-shaped heads, seeds that cHng to the 

 clothes. Hence is derived, some hold, the name 

 helxine.'' The characteinstics, however, of the 

 genuine helxine I have described in the preceding 

 book,<^ but this helxine dyes wool, cures erysipelas, 

 every kind of tumour or boil, burns and superficial 

 abscesses. Its juice with white-lead cures also 

 incipient sweHing of the throat, and a draught of a 

 cyathus cures chronic cough and aH complaints in 

 moist parts, Hke the tonsils ; with rose oil it is good 



321 



perdiciiim. 



