BOOK XXVII. ciii. 126-CV. 130 



CIII. Polyrrhizon has leaves like those of myrtle, PoiyrrMion. 

 and many roots These are pounded and given in 

 wine for snake bite. They are also of benefit when I 



quadrupeds are bitten. 



CIV. Proserpinaca is a common plant, and an Proser- 

 excellent remedy for scorpion stings. It also, they ''"""^''' 

 say, when thoroughly crushed and mth the addition 

 of brine and sprats-oil," makes an excellent remedy 

 for quinsy ; moreover, however tired one may be, 

 even so weary as to lose ones voice, to put it under 

 the tongue is said to dispel the fatigue ; also that to 

 swallow it results in healthful vomiting. 



CV. Rhecoma is imported from the regions beyond nhecoma. 

 Pontus. The root resembles dark costus, but is 

 smaller and a httle redder, without smell but vAth a 

 hot, astringent taste. When pounded it also is of a 

 wine-hke colour, but incHning to saffron. Used as 

 Hniment it reduces gatherings and inflammations, 

 and heals wounds ; in raisin wine it reHeves eye- 

 fluxes ; ^^dth honey it removes dark bruises, and in 

 vinegar other livid marks. Powdered it is sprinkled 

 over maHgnant sores ; for spitting of blood a drachma 

 by weight is taken in water ; for dysentery too and 

 coeHac disease, should no fever be present, it is given 

 in wine, but where there is fever, in water. It is 

 easier to pound if it is steeped the night before. Its 

 decoction too is given, to be drunk in double 

 doses, for ruptures, sprains, bruises, and tumbles frora 

 a height. Should there be pains in the chest, a Httle 

 quantity of pepper and myrrh is added ; should 

 the stomach be relaxed, it is taken in cold water; 

 so also for chronic cough and spitting of pus, Hke- 

 wise for Hver complaints, spleen complaints, sciatica, 

 kidney ti-oubles, asthma, and orthopnoea. Rough- 



469 



