Chap. 119.] 
DaCTYLOS. 
73 
useful for wounds inflicted by dragons.^^ There are some 
authorities which give the following prescription for the cure 
of scrofulous sores and inflamed tumours : — From one, two, 
or three stems, as many as nine joints must be removed, 
which must then be wrapped in black wool with the grease in 
it. The party who gathers them must do so fasting, and must 
then go, in the same state, to the patient's house while he is 
from home. When the patient comes in, the other must say to 
him three times, I come fasting to bring a remedy to a fast- 
ing man;" and must then attach the amulet to his person, re- 
j peating the same ceremony three consecutive days. The 
variety of this plant which has seven^^ joints is considered a 
most excellent amulet for the cure of head-ache. For excru- 
ciating pains in the bladder, some recommend a decoction of 
gramen, boiled down in wine to one half, to be taken imme- 
diately after the bath. 
CHAP. 119. DACTYLOS ; FIVE EEMEDIES. 
There are some authorities who mention three varieties of 
the pointed gramen. That which has at the extremity five'*^ 
points at the utmost, is called dactylos.'* Twisting these 
points together, persons introduce them into the nostrils and then 
withdraw them, with the view of preventing hsemorrhage. 
The second kind, which resembles aizoon,*^ is employed with 
axle-grease for whitlows and hangnails, and for fleshy excres- 
cences upon the nails : this also is called dactylos," because 
it is so useful as a remedy for diseases of the fingers. 
The third^^ kind, which is also known as dactylos,'' is more 
diminutive, and is found growing upon walls or tiles. It has 
certain caustic properties, and arrests the progress of serpigi- 
nous ulcers. By placing a wreath of gramen round the head, 
bleeding at the nose is stopped. In Babylonia, it is said, the 
gramen'^^ which grows by the wayside is fatal to camels. 
" Draconum." A peculiar kind of serpent. See Lucan's Pharsalia, 
B. ix. 11. 727-8. ^- No such variety is known. 
*3 Fee is somewhat at a loss as to its identity, but thinks that it may be 
the Panicum sanguinale of Linnjeus, or possibly the Cynodon dactyloo. 
See B. xix. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 102. Possibly a Sedum orhouseleek, 
Fee thinks ; certainly not a grass. 
^5 Fee queries whether this may not be the Poa rigida of Linnaeus, haid 
meadow-grass. 
An Euphorbia, Fee thinks. 
