Various species of this plant were known to the ancients. Its type is supposed to be the _Lactuca quercina_, or the _Lactuca scariola_; both of Asiatic origin. Many powerful effects were formerly attributed to its use. It was considered as producing sleep, and recovery from intoxication; it was in consequence of this belief that this salad was served up after meals. Thus Martial tells us, Claudere quae coenas Lactuca solebat avorum, Die mihi cur nostras inchoat illa dapes. Columella thus describes its properties: Jamque salutari properet Lactuca sapore Tristia quae relevet longi fastidia mori. This belief in its narcotic qualities induced the ancients to esteem it as an aphrodisiac: the Pythagoreans had therefore named it [Greek: eunouchion]; and Eubulus calls it the food of the dead, _mortuorum cibum_. Venus covered the body of her beloved Adonis with lettuce-leaves to calm her amorous grief; and vases, in which they were planted, were introduced in the Adonian festivals. Galen, who had faith in its powers, called it the herb of sages, and in his sleepless nights sought its influence by eating it at supper. It was also frequently put under the pillow of the rich to lull them to repose. Its cooling qualities were so much dreaded by the Roman gallants, that its use was abandoned; but Augustus's physician, Antonius Musa, having calmed by its prescription his master's uneasiness in a hypochondriac attack, lettuce recovered its popularity: a statue was erected to the doctor, and salad once more became the fashion, although the prejudices against it could not be removed. Lobel informs us that an English nobleman, who had long wished for an heir, but in vain, was blessed with a numerous family by leaving off this Malthusian vegetable. MEDICAL FEES. Such is the perversity of our nature, that the remuneration given with the greatest reluctance is the reward of those who restore us, or who conscientiously endeavour to restore us to health. The daily fees, it is true, are not handed with regret, for the patient is still suffering; but if they were to be allowed to accumulate to a considerable amount, they would be parted with, with a lingering look. The lawyer's charges for a ruinous litigation, the architect's demands for an uncomfortable house, are freely disbursed, though if exorbitant they may be taxed; but the doctor's--a guinea a visit!--is sheer extortion. 'Send for the apothecary: the physician merely gives me advice; the apothecary will send me plenty of physic: at any rate I shall have something for my money.'