A third kind of panaces is surnamed “chironion,” from him[571] who first discovered it. The leaf is similar to that of lapathum, except that it is larger and more hairy; the flower is of a golden colour, and the root diminutive. It grows in rich, unctuous soils. The flower of this plant is extremely efficacious; hence it is that it is more generally used than the kinds previously mentioned. CHAP. 14.—THE PANACES CENTAURION OR PHARNACION: THREE REMEDIES. A fourth kind of panaces, discovered also by Chiron, is known by the additional name of “centaurion:”[572] it is also called “pharnacion,” from King Pharnaces, it being a matter in dispute whether it was really discovered by Chiron or by that prince. It is grown from seed,[573] and the leaves of it are longer than those of the other kinds, and serrated at the edge. The root, which is odoriferous, is dried in the shade, and is used for imparting an aroma to wine. Some writers distinguish two varieties of this plant—the one with a smooth leaf, the other of a more delicate form. CHAP. 15.—THE HERACLEON SIDERION: FOUR REMEDIES. The heracleon siderion[574] is also another discovery of Hercules. The stem is thin, about four fingers in length, the flower red, and the leaves like those of coriander. It is found growing in the vicinity of lakes and rivers, and is extremely efficacious for the cure of all wounds made by iron.[575] CHAP. 16.—THE AMPELOS CHIRONIA: ONE REMEDY. The ampelos Chironia[576] also, which we have already[577] mentioned when speaking of the vines, is a discovery due to Chiron. We have spoken too, on a previous occasion,[578] of a plant, the discovery of which is attributed to Minerva. CHAP. 17.—HYOSCYAMOS, KNOWN ALSO AS THE APOLLINARIS OR ALTERCUM; FIVE VARIETIES OF IT: THREE REMEDIES. To Hercules also is attributed the discovery of the plant known as the “apollinaris,” and, among the Arabians, as the “altercum” or “altercangenum:” by the Greeks it is called “hyoscyamos.”[579] There are several varieties of it; one of them,[580] with a black seed, flowers bordering on purple, and a prickly stem, growing in Galatia. The common kind[581] again, is whiter, more shrublike, and taller than the poppy. The seed of a third variety is similar to that of irio[582] in appearance; but they have, all of them, the effect of producing vertigo and insanity. A fourth[583] kind again is soft, lanuginous, and more unctuous than the others; the seed of it is white, and it grows in maritime localities. It is this kind that medical men employ, as also that with a red seed.[584] Sometimes, however, the white seed turns of a reddish colour, if not sufficiently ripe when gathered; in which case it is rejected as unfit for use: indeed, none of these plants are gathered until they are perfectly dry. Hyoscyamos, like wine, has the property of flying to the head, and consequently of acting injuriously upon the mental faculties.