Latin Texts & Translations

The larger cedar, known as the "cedrelates," ^[Note] produces a pitch called "cedria," which is very useful for tooth-ache, it having the effect of breaking ^[Note] the teeth and extracting them, and so allaying the pain. We have already ^[Note] stated how the juices of cedar are extracted, so remarkably useful for seasoning books, ^[Note] were it not for the head-ache they produce. This extract from the cedar preserves ^[Note] the bodies of the dead uncorrupted for ages, but exercises a noxious effect upon the bodies of the living-singular that there should be such a diversity in its properties, taking away life from animated

beings, and imparting a sort of life, as it were, to the dead! It injures clothing also and destroys ^[Note] animal life. It is for this reason that I cannot recommend it to be taken internally for the cure of quinzy and indigestion, though there are some who advise it: I should be greatly in dread too, to rinse the teeth with it, in combination with vinegar, for tooth-ache, or to use it as an injection for the ears in cases of hardness of hearing, or for worms in those organs. There is one very marvellous story told about it—if the male organs, they say, are rubbed with it just before the sexual congress, it will effectually prevent impregnation. ^[Note]

Still, however, I should not hesitate to employ it as a friction for phthiriasis or porrigo. It is strongly recommended also, in raisin wine, as an antidote to the poison of the sea- share, ^[Note] but I should be more ready to use it as a liniment for elephantiasis. Some authors have prescribed it as an ointment for foul ulcers and the fleshy excrescences which grow in them, as also for spots and films on the eyes; and have recommended it to be taken, in doses of one cyathus, for. ulcerations of the lungs, and for tapeworm.

There is an oil extracted from this pitch, known as "pisselæpon," ^[Note] the properties of which are of increased activity for all the purposes before-mentioned. It is a well-known fact that the saw-dust of cedar will put serpents to flight, and that a similar effect is produced by anointing the body with the berries ^[Note] bruised in oil.