Latin Texts & Translations

For the cure of scrofula ^[Note] plantago is employed, chelidonia ^[Note] mixed with honey and axle-grease, cinquefoil, and root of per-

solata ^[Note]—this last being applied topically, and covered with the leaf of the plant—artemisia, ^[Note] also, and an infusion of the root of mandragora ^[Note] in water. The large-leaved sideritis, ^[Note] cleft by the left hand with a nail, is worn attached as an amulet: but after the cure has been effected, due care must be taken to preserve the plant, in order that it may not be set again, to promote the wicked designs of the herbalists and so cause the disease to break out afresh; as sometimes happens in the cases already mentioned, ^[Note] and others which I find stated, in reference to persons cured by the agency of artemisia or plantago.

Damasonion, ^[Note] also known as alcea, is gathered at the summer solstice, and applied with rain-water, the leaves being beaten up, or the root pounded, with axle-grease, so as to admit, when applied, of being covered with a leaf of the plant. The same plan is adopted also for the cure of all pains in the neck, and tumours on all parts of the body.