The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
“Hieracium”[1623] is the name given to an eye-salve, which is
essentially composed of the following ingredients; four ounces of sal
ammoniac, two of Cyprian verdigris, the same quantity of the kind of
copperas which is called “chalcanthum,”[1624] one ounce of misy[1625]
and six of saffron; all these substances being pounded together with
Thasian vinegar and made up into pills. It is an excellent remedy for
incipient glaucoma and cataract, as also for films upon the eyes,
eruptions, albugo, and diseases of the eye-lids. Verdigris, in a
crude state, is also used as an ingredient in plasters for wounds. In
combination with oil, it is wonderfully efficacious for ulcerations of
the mouth and gums, and for sore lips. Used in the form of a cerate,
it acts detergently upon ulcers, and promotes their cicatrization.
Verdigris also consumes the callosities of fistulas and excrescences
about the anus, either used by itself, applied with sal ammoniac, or
inserted in the fistula in the form of a salve. The same substance,
kneaded with one third part of resin of turpentine, removes leprosy.
CHAP. 28. (12.)—SCOLEX OF COPPER; EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
There is another kind of verdigris also, which is called
“scolex.”[1626] It is prepared by triturating in a mortar of Cyprian
copper, alum and salt, or an equal quantity of nitre, with the very
strongest white vinegar. This preparation is only made during the
hottest days of the year, about the rising of the Dog-star. The whole
is triturated until it becomes green, and assumes the appearance
of small worms, to which it owes its name. This repulsive form is
corrected by mixing the urine of a young child, with twice the quantity
of vinegar. Scolex is used for the same medicinal purposes as santerna,
which we have described as being used for soldering gold,[1627] and
they have, both of them, the same properties as verdigris. Native
scolex is also procured by scraping the copper ore of which we are
about to speak.
CHAP. 29.—CHALCITIS: SEVEN REMEDIES.
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