COMMENTARY. We shall not enter into the discussion of disputed points respecting this article, further than to state our own opinion, that in all probability it was a native ore of carbonate of copper; but which of the species or sub-species described by modern mineralists the armenium was, we cannot venture to decide. See Cleavland’s Mineralogy (p. 570, &c.) Dioscorides, who treats of it under the name of armenium, (v, 105), compares it to chrysocolla, which it is well ascertained is that species of native carbonate of copper now described under the names of copper green and mountain green. He merely recommends it as a cosmetic when applied to the eyelashes. Serapion confounds this substance with the Lapis armeniacus, (c. 404); but Avicenna accurately distinguishes between them. (ii, 2, 56, 415.) Ἀρνάβω, Arnabo, is one of the aromatics. Hence it is mostly mixed up with ointments, being possessed of hot and dry powers in the third degree, like cassia and carpesium. Hence Posidonius says, that it may be used instead of cinnamon when it is not at hand. * * * * * COMMENTARY. This article, which is treated of only by Aëtius (xvi, 113), besides our author, has never been accurately determined. It has been supposed to be the zerumbeth, of which we will have occasion to treat more fully in another place. See the Appendix. Ἀρνόχλωσσον, Plantago, _Plantain_, both cools and dries in the second degree, being composed of a watery and a terrene substance, and having a little astringency; therefore it agrees with malignant ulcers, defluxions, and mortifications; by the symmetry of its temperament it stops hemorrhages, and agrees with most of them. For it is desiccant without being stimulant, and cooling without being narcotic. * * * * * COMMENTARY. The greater plantain of Dioscorides was probably the _Plantago major_, which, in all ages down to the present times, has been so celebrated as a vulnerary herb. Our author’s account of its virtues is taken either from Dioscorides or Galen, for, in the present instance, there is scarcely a shade of difference in opinion between these two authorities. The lesser plantain of Dioscorides is either the _lanceolata_ or _maritima_, probably the former. (ii, 152.) See Macer Floridus. Avicenna and Serapion copy word for word from Dioscorides and Galen. None of the plantains are mentioned by Hippocrates. Celsus places the “plantago” in the list of substances which are both astringent and cooling. (ii, 33.) None of the species of plantago here described occur in the modern Greek Pharmacopœia. Ἄρον, Arum, _Wakerobin_, is of the first order in heating and drying, being formed of a terrene substance that is hot and detergent. Its roots are hotter. But the dracunculus is stronger. * * * * *