COMMENTARY. The root of the _Dipsacus fullonum_, or manured teasel, is praised by Dioscorides as an application to fissures and fistulæ of the anus, and it held a reputation in these cases down to a late period. See Rutty (Mat. Med. 168.) Dioscorides further mentions its use as an amulet in quartans, for which also it was long celebrated; for our Quincy speaks of “the superstition of some people of his day in using it as a charm against agues.” (Complete Dispensatory, 117.) For the Arabians, see particularly Serapion (c. 106) and Ebn Baithar. It is not noticed by Hippocrates nor Celsus. Δορύκνιον, Dorycnium, _Shrub Trefoil (?)_, is of a similar temperament with the poppy and mandragora, that is, immoderately cold. When taken in a small quantity it occasions torpor, and in larger doses it proves fatal. * * * * * COMMENTARY. In the Fifth Book we have stated the difficulty of determining what it was. Authorities are divided between the _Convolvulus Dorycnium_ L. (Angl. Shrubby Bindweed), the _Solanum Sodomæum_, and _Atropa Belladonna_. Dioscorides says of it that it is soporific, and when taken in large doses proves fatal; he adds, some affirm that the seed of it is sought after for philtres, or love potions. (iv, 75.) Galen gives nearly the same account of it under the name of _Dorycnidium_. The Arabians would appear not to have admitted it into the Mat. Med., for the Doronicon of Serapion is a different plant. (c. 335.) Δρακόντιον, Dracontium, or Dracunculus, _Dragon-herb_, somewhat resembles the Wake-robin (Arum), but is more acrid and bitter than it, and also hotter, and consists of more subtile particles. It has also some astringency. The root of it, therefore, when taken in a potion cleanses the bowels, and is an excellent application to malignant ulcers; and the leaves in like manner. But the fruit of it is stronger. * * * * *