It is also an undoubted truth, that the virtues and properties of all roots are more feebly developed, when the fruit has been allowed to ripen; and that it is the same with the seed, when incisions have been previously made in the root, for the extraction of the juice. The efficacy, too, of all plants is impaired by making habitual use of them; and these substances, if employed daily, lose equally their good or bad properties, when required to be effectual. All plants, too, have more powerful properties, when grown in soils that are cold and exposed to the north-eastern blasts, or in dry localities. CHAP. 120.—MALADIES PECULIAR TO VARIOUS NATIONS. There are certain differences, also, by no means inconsiderable, in the predispositions of the various nations of the earth. I have been informed, for instance, that the people of Egypt, Arabia, Syria, and Cilicia, are subject to tapeworm and maw-worm, while those of Thracia and Phrygia, on the other hand, are totally exempt from them. This, however, is less surprising than the fact that, although Attica and Bœotia are adjoining territories, the Thebans are troubled with these inflictions, while among the people of Athens they are unknown. Considerations of this description lead me now to turn my attention to the nature of the animated beings themselves, and the medicinal properties which are inborn in them, the most assured remedies, perhaps, for all diseases. For Nature, in fact, that parent of all things, has produced no animated being for the purpose solely of eating; she has willed that it should be born to satisfy the wants of others, and in its very vitals has implanted medicaments conducive to health. While she has implanted them in mute[2030] and inanimate objects even, she has equally willed that these, the most invaluable aids of life, should be also derived from the life of another—a subject for contemplation, marvellous in the highest degree![2031] SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, six hundred and two. ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Caius Valgius,[2032] Pompeius Lenæus,[2033] Sextius Niger[2034] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[2035] who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor,[2036] Cornelius Celsus.[2037] FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[2038] Apollodorus,[2039] Democritus,[2040] Aristogiton,[2041] Orpheus,[2042] Pythagoras,[2043] Mago,[2044] Menander[2045] who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander.[2046]