Chap. 67.] 
GUM ACACIA. 
43 
astringent properties of them all, is calorific also in its effects. 
Still, however, the gum of the plum, cherry, and vine is 
greatly preferred : all which kinds, applied topically, are pro- 
ductive of astringent and desiccative effects, and, used with 
vinegar, heal lichens upon infants. Taken in must, in doses 
of four oboli, they are good for inveterate coughs. 
It is generally thought that gum, taken in raisin wine, 
improves the complexion,^^ sharpens the appetite, and is 
good for calculi**^ in the bladder. It is particularly useful too 
for wounds and affections of the eyes. 
CHAP. 65. (12.) THE EGYPTIAN OR AEABIAN THOEN : FOUR 
REMEDIES. 
"When speaking^^ of the perfumes, we have descanted upon 
the merits of the Egyptian or Arabian thorn. This, too, is of 
an astringent nature, and acts as a desiccative upon fluxes of 
all kinds, discharges of blood from the mouth, and excessive 
menstruation; for all which purposes the root is still more 
efficacious. 
CHAP. 66. — THE WHITE THORN : TWO REMEDIES. THE ACANTHION ; 
ONE REMEDY. 
The seed of the white thorn is useful as a remedy for the 
stings of scorpions, and a chaplet made of it, is good for head- 
ache. Similar to this plant is that known to the Greeks as 
the acanthion though it is much smaller in the leaf, which 
is pointed at the extremity, and covered with a down like a 
cobweb in appearance. This downy substance is gathered in 
the East, and certain textures are made of it similar to those 
of silk. An infusion of the leaves or root of this plant is taken 
for the cure of opisthotony. 
CHAP. 67. GUM ACACIA I EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. 
Gum acacia is produced also from the white and black^^ 
Fee remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic. 
Gum is of no use whatever in such a case. 
In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the 
Acacia Nilotica of Linnaeus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia ; 
for which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt. 
6^ The Onopordum acanthium of Linnaeus, the cotton-thistle, or woolly 
thistle. 
The Mimosa Nilotica of Linnaeus ; see B. xiii. c. 19. Fee seems in- 
clined to identify the white thorn with the Crateegus oxyacantha of Liu- 
