COMMENTARY. We have stated under ἀνδρόσαιμον the difficulty there is in distinguishing the different species of _Hypericum_ described by the ancients. We cannot pretend to decide whether the present article be the _androsæmum_ or the _perforatum_. Dioscorides recommends the ascyrron as an emmenagogue, in sciatica, and as an application to burns. (iii, 163.) The Arabians treat of it only as being identical either with the hypericum or the androsæmum. See Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 59); Avicenna (ii, 2. 354.) Ἀσπάλαθος, Aspalathus, _Rose-wood_, is composed of heterogeneous ingredients, having acrid and astringent powers, and hence it is desiccant. On this account it is useful for mortifications and defluxions. * * * * * COMMENTARY. We must not enter into the discussion regarding this article; suffice to say, that we have now arrived at the conclusion that it was either the _Lignum rhodium_, or a substance so near to it in qualities, that the latter came to be substituted for it. We need scarcely say, that there is great difference of opinion among the botanical authorities what tree or shrub it is which produces the _Lignum rhodium_. Upon the whole the predominence of evidence is in favour of some species of _Cytisus_. Dioscorides recommends the aspalathus when boiled in wine as a gargle in aphthæ, as an injection in spreading and impure ulcers of the genital organs (_chancres?_), in dysuria, flatulence, and other complaints. (i, 19.) Now it will be observed that the distilled oil of _Lignum rhodium_ has been recommended in similar cases by modern authorities. See Moses Charras (Royal Pharmacopœia, Chemical, iii, 1, 24.) The Arabians give the aspalathus the same characters as the Greeks. See Avicenna (ii, 2, 206); Rhases (Cont. l. ult. i, 251.) The aspalathus of Celsus (v, 24) was, no doubt, the same as that of Dioscorides. It is probably the μέλαινα ῥίζα of Hippocrates. Ἀσπάραγος, Asparagus, _the Rock Asparagus_, or _Myacanthinus_, is detergent, but of a middle temperament as to heat and cold; it is deobstruent of the kidneys and liver, especially its roots and seed. It also cures toothache. * * * * *