BOOK XXVII. V. 17-V1. 21 



head being thoroiighly rubbed in the contrary way 

 to the hair. It relieves headache if it is apphed in 

 vinegar and rose oil to the temples and forehead, or a 

 more dilute solution may be poured over them. All 

 eye troubles, it is agreed, are cured by the aloe, 

 but it is specific for itch and scahness of the eye- 

 lids ; " it is also good, apphed with honey, especially 

 Avith Pontic honey , for marks and bruises ; for diseased 

 tonsils or gums, for all sores in the mouth, and for 

 spitting of blood, the dose is a drachma, taken in 

 water if the spitting is not excessive, and in vinegar 

 if it is. Haemorrhage due to wounds also, or to any 

 other cause, it arrests if used by itself or in vinegar. 

 In other ways too it is very useful for wounds, as it 

 promotes cicati*ization. It is also sprinkled on 

 ulcerated male genitals, condylomata and chaps of 

 the anus, sometimes in wine, in raisin wine, or else 

 dry by itself, according as the treatment may need 

 mild measures or coercive. It also gently arrests 

 excessive bleeding from haemorrhoids. For dysen- 

 tery it is injected, and for indigestion it is taken in 

 drink shortly after the evening meal. For jaundice 

 the dose is three oboh in water ; for internal purgings 

 pills also are swallowed made up with boiled honey or 

 turpentine resin. It removes hangnails ; for eye 

 preparations it is washed, to let the most gi'itty parts 

 settle, or else it is roasted in an earthen vessel and 

 occasionally stirred with a feather so that the 

 roasting may be even throughout. 



VI. Alcea has leaves hke those of the vervain Akea. 

 called aristereon, three or four stems covered with 

 leaves, flowers hke a rose, and white roots, six at 

 most, a cubit long, and slanting. It grows in a soil 



" Professor Andrews thinks " cheeks." 



401 



