Chap. 5.] 
THE ALOE. 
223 
raents which produce that effect, that is at the same time a 
good stomachic, and does not exercise the slightest noxious 
influence upon the stomach. It is taken in doses of one 
drachma, and, in cases of derangement of the stomach, it is 
administered two or three times a day, in the proportion of 
one spoonful to two cyathi of warm or cold water, at intervals, 
according to the nature of the emergency. As a purgative it 
is mostly taken in doses of three drachmae ; and it operates 
still more efficaciously, if food is eaten directly afterwards. 
Used with astringent wine, it prevents^^ the hair from falling 
off, the head being rubbed with it the contrary way of the 
hair, in the sun. Applied to the temples and forehead with 
rose oil and vinegar, or used as an infusion, in a more diluted* 
form, it allays head-ache. It is generally agreed that it is 
remedial for all diseases^^ of the eyes, but more particularly for 
prurigo and scaly eruptions of the eye- lids ; as also for marks 
and bruises, applied in combination, with honey. Pontic honey 
in particular. 
It is employed, also, for affections of the tonsillary glands and 
gums, for all ulcerations of the mouth, and for spitting of 
blood, if not in excess — the proper dose being one drachma, 
taken in water or else vinegar. Used by itself, or in combination 
with vinegar, it arrests haemorrhage, whether proceeding from 
wounds or from other causes. In addition to these properties, it 
is extremely efficacious for the cure of wounds, producing 
cicatrization very rapidly : it is sprinkled also upon ulcerations 
of the male organs, and is applied to condylomata and chaps 
of the fundament, either in common wine, raisin wine, or by 
itself in a dry state, according as a mollifying or restrictive 
treatment is required. It has the effect, also, of gently 
arresting haemorrhoidal bleeding, when in excess. In cases of 
dysentery, it is used as an injection, and where the digestion 
is imperfect it is taken shortly after the evening meal. For 
jaundice, it is administered in doses of three oboli, in 
water. As a purgative for the bowels, it is taken in pills, with 
boiled honey or turpentine. It is good also for the removal of 
hangnails. When employed in ophthalmic preparations, it is 
first washed, that the more gravelly portions of it may subside ; 
35 There is no foundation, Fee says, for this statement. 
36 xt would appear that it is still employed in India for this purpose, 
but it is no longer used in Europe. 
