Chap. 7.] PROPERTIES OF TUE HUMAN SPITTLE. 
289 
in a similar manner, too, we repel fascinations, and the evil 
presages attendant upon meeting a person who is lame in the 
right leg. We ask pardon of the gods, hj spitting in the 
lap, for entertaining some too presumptuous hope or expecta- 
tion.''^ On the same principle, it is the practice in all cases 
where medicine is employed, to spit three times on the ground, 
and to conjure the malady as often ; the object being to aid the 
operation of the remedy employed. It is usual, too, to mark 
a boil, when it first makes its appearance, three times with 
fasting spittle. What we are going to say is marvellous, 
but it may easily be tested by experiment : if a person re- 
pents of a blow given to another, either by hand or with a 
missile, he has nothing to do but to spit at once into the palm 
of the hand which has inflicted the blow, and all feelings of 
resentment will be instantly alleviated in the person struck. 
This, too, is often verified in the case of a beast of burden, 
when brought on its haunches with blows ; for upon this remedy 
being adopted, the animal will immediately step out and mend 
its pace. Some persons, however, before making an efibrt, spit 
into the hand in manner above stated, in order to make the 
blow more heavy.^^ 
We may well believe, then, that lichens and leprous spots 
may be removed by a constant application of fasting spittle ; 
that ophthalmia may be cured by anointing, as it were, the 
eyes every morning with fasting spittle ; that carcinomata 
may be effectually treated, by kneading the root of the plant 
known as apple of the earth,"^'^ with human spittle ; that 
crick in the neck may be got rid of by carrying fasting spittle 
to the right knee with the right hand, and to the left knee 
with the left ; and that when an insect has got into the ear, it 
" "In sinum." See Juvenal, Sat. v. 1. 112. 
"'^ Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate of 
soda and potash ; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be in- 
finitely small. 
A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He 
would seem to imply it. 
" Levatur iliico in percusso culpa.'* 
^'^ This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to use strong 
exertioUc It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as Ajasson remarks. 
^3 Malum terrae." See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. Littre 
translates " malum," " apple," in the former passage ; but here he calls it 
curse of the earth." 
VOL. V. 
