CHAP. 52.—THE EBONY: FIVE REMEDIES.
The ebony-tree [Note] does not grow in Egypt even, as we have
already stated, and it is not our intention to speak here of the
medicinal properties of the vegetable productions of foreign climates. Still, however, the ebony must not be omitted, on
account of the marvels related of it. The saw-dust of this
wood, it is said, is a sovereign remedy for diseases of the eyes,
and the pulp of the wood, rubbed upon a whetstone moistened
with raisin wine, dispels all films which impede the sight.
The root too, they say, applied with water, is curative of
white specks in the eyes, and, with the addition of root of
dracunculus, [Note] in equal proportions, and of honey, of cough.
Medical men reckon ebony also in the number of the caustics. [Note]
