Latin Texts & Translations

Grapes which have been preserved in wine or in must are trying to the head. Next to the grapes which have been left to hang in the air, are those which have been kept in chaff; but as to those which have been preserved among grape husks, they are injurious ^[Note] to the head, the bladder, and the stomach,

though at the same time they arrest looseness of the bowels, and are extremely good for patients troubled with spitting of blood. When preserved in must, they are worse even in their effects than when kept among husks; boiled ^[Note] must, too, renders them injurious to the stomach. It is the opinion of medical writers, that grapes kept ^[Note] in rain-water are the most wholesome of all, even though they are by no means agreeable eating; for the benefit of them is particularly experienced in burning pains of the stomach, biliousness arising from a disordered liver, vomiting of bile, and attacks of cholera, as also dropsy and burning fevers.

Grapes kept in earthen pots sharpen the taste, the stomach, and the appetite; it is thought, however, that they are rendered a little heavy ^[Note] by the exhalations from the husks with which they are covered. ^[Note] If vine-blossoms are given to poultry, mixed with their food, they will never touch the grapes. ^[Note]