The myrrhis,[377] otherwise known as the myriza or myrrha, bears a strong resemblance to hemlock in the stem, leaves, and blossom, only that it is smaller and more slender: it is by no means unpleasant to the palate. Taken with wine, it acts as an emmenagogue, and facilitates parturition: they say too that in times of pestilence it is very wholesome, taken in drink. It is very useful also for phthisis, administered in broth. It sharpens the appetite, and neutralizes the venom of the phalangium. The juice of this plant, after it has been macerated some three days in water, is curative of ulcers of the face and head. CHAP. 98.—THE ONOBRYCHIS: THREE REMEDIES. The onobrychis[378] has leaves like those of the lentil, only somewhat[379] longer; the blossom is red, and the root small and slender. It is found growing in the vicinity of springs. Dried and reduced to powder, and sprinkled in white wine, it is curative of strangury, and arrests looseness of the bowels. The juice of it, used as a friction with oil, acts as a sudorific. CHAP. 99. (17.)—CORACESTA AND CALLICIA. While I am treating of plants of a marvellous nature, I am induced to make some mention of certain magical plants—for what, in fact, can there be more marvellous than they? The first who descanted upon this subject in our part of the world were Pythagoras and Democritus, who have adopted the accounts given by the Magi. Coracesta[380] and callicia, according to Pythagoras, are plants which congeal[381] water. I find no mention made of them, however, by any other author, and he himself gives no further particulars relative to them. CHAP. 100.—THE MINSAS OR CORINTHIA: ONE REMEDY. Pythagoras gives the name of minsas[382] too, or corinthia, to another plant; a decoction of which, used as a fomentation, will effect an instantaneous cure of stings inflicted by serpents, according to him. He adds too, that if this decoction is poured upon the grass, and a person happens to tread upon it, or if the body should chance to be sprinkled with it, the result is fatal beyond all remedy; so monstrously malignant are the venomous proporties of this plant, except as neutralizing other kinds of poison. CHAP. 101.—THE APROXIS: SIX REMEDIES. Pythagoras makes mention, too, of a plant called aproxis, the root of which takes fire[383] at a distance, like naphtha, of which we have made some mention, when speaking[384] of the marvellous productions of the earth. He says too, that if the human body happens to be attacked by any disease while the cabbage[385] is in blossom, the person, although he may have been perfectly cured, will be sensible of a recurrence of the symptoms, every time that plant comes into blossom; a peculiarity which he attributes to it in common with wheat, hemlock, and the violet.