COMMENTARY. Although Dioscorides has described this plant with more than his wonted accuracy, there is still some uncertainty regarding it, some holding it to be the _Leontice Leontopetalon_, and others the _Corydalis bulbosa_. The latter would appear to agree better in character with the description of Dioscorides than the other. See Lindley (Veg. King. 436.) The other authorities treat of it in very general terms, like our author, except Oribasius, who gives a pretty minute description of it, like Dioscorides. It is noticed by Ebn Baithar (ii, 186), who, however, does not supply much additional information. Dr. Sontheimer sets it down for the _Leontice Leontopetalon_. Λεπίδιον, Lepidium, _Pepperwort_ (by some called Iberis), belongs to the fourth order of calefacients, being like the cress in powers, but less desiccative. * * * * * COMMENTARY. Our author’s account of this plant (which is _Lepidium latifolium_, Pepperwort) is mostly taken from Galen. Dioscorides says it is made into a pickle with milk, and that the power of its leaves is acrid and ulcerative, and hence it is used in a cataplasm for sciatica. He says further of it, that it is also applicable in diseases of the spleen, removes leprosy, and that its root _would seem_ to soothe pains of the teeth when appended to the neck as an amulet. (ii, 205.) It is to be remarked that Dioscorides always speaks of the virtues of amulets in ambiguous terms. It is described by the Arabians under the name of _Sitarig_ or _Scitaragi_. See Rhases (Contin. l. ult. i, 655) and Avicenna (ii, 2, 657.) Avicenna’s description of it is somewhat confused, and cannot be easily reconciled with that of Dioscorides, but with regard to its medicinal virtues, they are quite agreed. Bimasuy, one of Rhases’s authorities, says of it, that its seed is like the seed of nasturtium, but not so heating. Beckmann mentions that the _Lepidium latifolium_ was at one time used as a kitchen vegetable, and was called, in England, _poor man’s pepper_. (Hist. of Invent.) Λεπὶς, Squama, _Flake_; all kinds are strongly desiccative and astringent, and pungent in no inconsiderable degree. But the squama æris (_Flakes of copper_) is more desiccative, consists of more subtile particles, and has also some verdigris, more especially that from Cyprian nails, which is hence called clavaris. The squama ferri is possessed of more astringency, and still more that which is formed from the edge of sharp instruments, called stomoma, hence it is better for ill-conditioned ulcers. But the squama æris cleanses and melts down flesh more. * * * * *