BOOK XXII. XXI. 47-xxiv. 50 



their kinds are an antidote to the sting of the 

 scorpion. 



XXII. Hartshorn is a longish plant with fissures." iiarfshorn 

 Sometimes it is cultivated, because its root, roasted 



in hot ashes, is a splendid remedy for coeliac 

 complaints. 



XXIII. Alkanet too has a useful root, which is of Aii.anei 

 the thickness of a finger. It is split into small divi- lincioria) 

 sions Hke the papyrus, and stains the hands the 

 colour of blood ; it prepares wools for costly colours.** 

 Applied in wax ointment it heals ulcerous sores, 

 especially those of the aged, and also burns. In- 

 soluble in water, it dissolves in oil, and this is the 



test of genuineness. A drachma of it is given to 

 be taken in wine for pains in the kidneys, or if there 

 be fever. in a decoction of behen nut ; also for 

 affections of the liver and spleen and for violent 

 bihousness. It is appUed in vinegar to leprous sores 

 and freckles. The pounded leaves, with honey and 

 meal, are appHed to sprains, and doses of two drach- 

 mae in honey wine check looseness of the bowels. 

 Fleas are said to be killed by a decoction of the root 

 in water. 



XXIV. There is also another plant, which being 

 like alkanet is called bastard alkanet, though some 

 call it echis '^ or doris ^ or by many other names ; it 

 is more downy than the other and less fleshy, the 

 leaves are thinner and more flabby. The root in 

 oil does not give out a red juice, by which test it is 

 distinguished from true alkanet. The leaves or 

 seed taken in drink are a very sure antidote to snake 

 bite. The leaves are applied to stings and bites, and 

 their strong smell keeps snakes away. A draught 

 too is made from the plant for affections of the spine. 



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