COMMENTARY. It here signifies the _Pinus sylvestris_, or Wild-pine; but it is commonly put for the _Nux Pinea_, or the cones of the _Pinus Pinea_, called in the shops _Pignoli pines_, and the seeds _pine-nuts_. Athenæus says that Theophrastus called the tree πέυκη and the fruit κῶνος. Diphilus, as quoted by the same, calls the pine-nuts nutritious, and says that they lubricate the trachea, and promote expectoration. (Deip. ii.) Galen, Serapion, and the other authorities also commend them in similar cases. Dioscorides treats of this subject in the 86th, 87th, and 88th chapters in the First Book, but not under the same head as our author. He recommends the different articles in nearly the same cases as Paulus and the other authorities. The fruit of the wild pine he commends as a demulcent in affections of the bladder and kidneys, and as a sedative in pains of the stomach. Celsus prescribes “nuclei ex pinu silvestri duodecim,” among his remedies for ulcerated kidneys. (iv, 10.) Avicenna treats of the subject under different heads, like Dioscorides, whom he closely follows. (ii, 2, 280, 301, 555, 693.) He recommends these articles in diseases of the chest and kidneys. He calls the fruit aphrodisiacal. See also Rhases (Cont. l. ult. 3, 20); Serapion (c. 63); Averrhoes (Coll. v, 42.) All speak favorably of these medicines in diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Λαγώπους, Lagopus, is possessed of desiccative powers and dries up fluxes of the belly. * * * * * COMMENTARY. This plant, the description of which is passed over by Dioscorides as being well known, may be set down among the articles of the ancient Materia Medica, which are least known to us. We may just mention regarding it, that some take it for _Trifolium arvense_, and others for _Lagurus ovatus_. Dioscorides calls it an astringent of the bowels, and mentions that it was used as an amulet in buboes. (iv, 17.) Galen, Aëtius, and Oribasius briefly notice it as a desiccative medicine. We have not been able to find this article in the Mat. Med. of the Arabians, but are aware that it may be concealed under some of their odd corruptions of the Greek terms. It seems probable that this is the _lagopyrus_ of Hippocrates. (De Ulcer.) Λάδανον, Ladanum; it is formed from the Cistus called Ladanus; the goats feeding upon it bring away upon their beard and thighs the fatter and more juicy part of the herb. Ladanum, when collected, is an excellent medicine, hot in about the second degree, and consisting of subtile particles. It is moderately emollient, discutient, and digestive; it therefore agrees with uterine affections in particular. It has also some astringency, and hence it strengthens hairs which are falling out. * * * * *