Latin Texts & Translations

The various kinds of must ^[Note] have different properties; some of them being black, some white, and others of intermediate shades of colour. There is a difference, too, between the kinds of must from which wine is made, and those from which raisin wine is prepared. The various degrees of care and attention on the part of the maker, render the differences that

already exist, quite innumerable; we shall therefore content ourselves with taking a general view only of their medicinal uses.

Every kind of must is unwholesome to the stomach, but of a soothing nature to the venous system. Taken off at a draught, immediately after the bath, must is fatal ^[Note] in its effects. It acts as an antidote ^[Note] to cantharides and stings inflicted by serpents, those of the hæmorrhois and the salamandra ^[Note] in particular. It is productive of head-ache, and is prejudicial to the throat, but it is good for the kidneys, liver, and inner coat of the bladder, by reason of its lubricating properties. It is particularly effectual also in cases of injuries inflicted by the insect known as the "buprestis." ^[Note]

Taken with oil as a vomit, it neutralizes the bad effects of opium, ^[Note] milk that has curdled upon the stomach, hemlock, dorycnium, ^[Note] and other poisons. ^[Note] For all these purposes, however, white must is not so efficacious, while must prepared from raisins of the sun has a more pleasant flavour, and is productive of a less degree of oppression to the head.