'Where soft marjoram enfolds him, breathing upon him with flowers and shade.' This herb, moreover, is suited to ointments: whence too 'amaracus' drew its name from the boy of a certain king, who, having fallen by chance while carrying ointments, created a new and most pleasing odor from the mixture. The hyacinth is an herb having a purple flower. It drew its name, moreover, from a certain noble boy who was found slain among the purple flowers in the woodland glades; and the mischance of a boy's death gave the herb its name. It is, moreover, like the bulb in root and flower, holding back boys from puberty.
The narcissus is an herb which has a name imposed by fable from a certain boy whose limbs were changed into this flower, which both preserves the name of Narcissus in its appellation and retains the ornament of beauty in the whiteness of its leaves. The rose (rosa) is named from the appearance of its flower, because it is red with a ruddy color. The lily is an herb of milky flower, whence too it is named, as it were 'liclia'; and though its whiteness is in its petals, yet the appearance of gold shines within. The violet (viola) received its name from the force (vim) of its odor. Of it there are three kinds: purple, white, and yellow. The acanthus is an Egyptian herb, always leafy, full of thorns, with a flexible shoot; in imitation of which cloth is ornamented by art, which is called 'acanthina'; and it is called 'acanthis.' Ivy (hedera) is so called because in creeping it clings (adhaereat) to trees.
Of which Virgil says: 'The ivy creeping for you among the victorious laurels.' Others say that ivy (hedera) is so called because in ancient times, above an abundance of milk, it was offered by the ancients as food for kids (haedi). Ivy-plants are natural indicators (PHYSIKOS) of cold ground. For it is an antidote to drunkenness, if one who has drunk is crowned with ivy. They relate that hellebore (elleborum) grows in greatest quantity in Greece around a certain river Elleborus, and is thence named by the Greeks. The Romans call this by another name, 'veratrum,' because, when taken, it brings a disturbed mind back to health. There are two kinds: white and black. Acone is a harbor of Bithynia which is so notorious for the production of evil grasses that we name harmful herbs 'aconita' from there.
For poisons (toxica) are so called because they are pressed out from yew trees (arbores taxeae), especially among the Cantabri. Euphorbium is so called because its juice sharpens the sight of the eyes. Its power is so great that, laid upon tough meats, it compels them to be cooked more quickly. It grows in many places, but most abundantly in Mauretania. Laser is an herb growing on Mount Oscobagus, where the river Ganges also rises; whose juice was first called 'lacsir,' since it flows in the manner of milk (lac), then by the derivation of use it was named 'laser.' This is also called by some 'Cyrenaic opium,' since it grows near Cyrene too. Aloe is an herb of most bitter juice. Panaces is an herb of fragrant odor;
with a stalk like the giant fennel, from which flows a juice called 'opopanax,' saffron-colored and oily, of heavy and most bitter odor. Galbanum. Dicte is a mountain of Crete, from which the herb 'dittany' (dictamnum) received its name, on account of which in Virgil the wounded hind ranges the Dictaean glades. For it is of such power that it expels iron from the body and shakes out arrows; whence too wild beasts struck by an arrow, by feeding on it, cast out the arrows sticking in their bodies. Some of the Latins call this 'pennyroyal of Mars,' on account of shaking out the weapons of war. The mandrake (mandragora) is so called because it has sweet-smelling apples, of the size of the Matian apple: whence too the Latins call it 'earth-apple.' The poets call this ANTHROPOMORPHON, because it has a root resembling the form of a man.
Its bark, mixed with wine, is given to drink to those whose body must be cut for the sake of treatment, so that, put to sleep, they may not feel the pain. There are two species of it: the female, with leaves like the lettuce, producing apples in the likeness of plums; but the male has leaves like the beet. The poppy (papaver) is a sleep-bringing herb; of which Virgil says: 'the poppies steeped in Lethean sleep': for it induces slumber in the languid. One kind of it is common, another wild, from which flows the juice which they call 'opion' (opium). The colocynth (colocynthis) is a wild gourd and vehemently bitter, which like the gourd stretches its tendrils along the ground. It is called 'colocynthis,' moreover, because it is of round fruit and of leaves like the common cucumber.
The Greeks call it 'centaurea' (centaury) because it is said to have been discovered by Chiron the Centaur. The same is also called LIMNESIOS, because it grows in moist places. The same is also called 'gall of the earth' (fel terrae) on account of its bitterness. Glycyrrhiza (licorice) is so called in Greek because it has a sweet root; for GLYKY in Greek means 'sweet.' The same is called ADIPSOS, because it quenches the thirst of those who thirst. Dracontea (dragonwort) is so named because its stalk is variegated in the manner of a snake, and imitates the likeness of a dragon, or because the viper fears that herb. Chelidonia (celandine) is so called either because it seems to burst forth at the arrival of the swallows (hirundines), or because, if the eyes are taken away from the young of swallows, their mothers are said to heal them from this herb.
The heliotrope (heliotropium) received its name first because it flowers at the summer solstice, or because it turns its leaves around, wheeled by the movements of the sun. Whence too it is called by the Latins 'solsequia' (sun-follower). For at the rising of the sun it opens its flowers, and again closes them when the sun has set. It is the same which the Latins call 'wild endive.' This is also 'verrucaria,' because it removes warts (verrucae) when drunk in water, or wipes them away when placed in a poultice. The cinquefoil (pentaphyllon) is named from the number of its leaves; whence too the Latins call it 'quinquefolium' (five-leaf); an herb so pure that it used to be applied by the gentiles for purification and to temples. Hyssop (hyssopum) is an herb suited to purging the lungs. Whence too in the Old Testament lambs were sprinkled by little bundles of hyssop with blood, whoever wished to be cleansed.
It grows clinging to rocks, holding to the stone by its roots. Rhubarb (reubarbarum), or 'reuponticum,' is so named: the former is that which is gathered beyond the Danube in barbarian soil, the latter that which is gathered around Pontus. 'Reu,' moreover, is so called because it is a root; as it were 'barbarian root,' as it were 'Pontic root.' Henbane (hyoscyamos) is so called by the Greeks, and by the Latins 'chalice-herb' (herba calicularis), because its little cups grow in the figure of goblets (cantari), as is that of the pomegranate, whose mouths are serrated, having within seeds like the poppy. This herb is also called 'insane,' because its use is dangerous: indeed if it is drunk or eaten, it produces madness or a troubled image of sleep. The common people call this 'milimindrum,' because it induces alienation of the mind.
Saxifrage (saxifraga) is so called because its seed breaks (frangat) and crushes stones (saxa) in the bladder. Gentian (gentiana) took its name, as physicians relate, from its discoverer, with roots like the birthwort (aristolochia). It grows below the Alps and in Galatia of Asia. Savory (satureia) is warm and almost fiery. Whence they believe its name was given to it, because it makes men inclined to Venus. Satyrion is so called from the Satyrs on account of the burning of lust, which the common people call 'stincus'; for it rouses Venus. The same is also 'orchis,' because its root is in the manner of testicles, which the Greeks call ORCHEIS. The same is also 'leporina' (hare's herb), because it puts forth a soft stalk. The nettle (urtica) is so called because its touch burns (adurat) the body. For it is of an altogether fiery nature and by touch it scorches, whence too it causes an itching.
Mugwort (artemisia) is an herb consecrated to Diana by the gentiles, whence too it was named; for in Greek Diana is called ARTEMIS. Chamomile (chamaemelos) is so called in Greek because it has the odor of the Matian apple (melon) and is low and near the ground (chamai). Germander (chamaedrys) is so called by the Greeks because it is low and spread along the ground and small with very tiny leaves. Paeon was a certain physician, by whom the herb 'peony' (paeonia) is said to have been discovered, as Homer says. Some call this 'glycyside,' because it is of sweet taste, or 'pentorobinon' from the number of its grains; or, as others say, 'dactylos' from the likeness of fingers (digiti). It grows in the woods. Bugloss (buglossos) is so called by the Greeks because it has leaves most rough in the manner of an ox's tongue.
Which, in a wonderful manner, is recorded by the ancients as being infused in wine for the nurturing of wisdom. It is also said to furnish cheerfulness at a banquet: it is also taken in place of a vegetable. Arnoglossos, that is, 'lamb's tongue,' which by the Romans is called 'plantago' (plantain), because its sole (planta) quickly clings to the ground. Many eat this in place of a vegetable. Herpyllos, which among us is called 'serpillus' (wild thyme), because its roots creep (serpant) far. The same is also 'mother's darling,' because it moves the menses. Aristolochia (birthwort) is so called because it is most good for women in childbed (fetae). For, placed beneath after birth, it purges the womb by the benefit of its vapor. There are two kinds of this herb; of which one is called 'round birthwort,' because it has a round root;
the other 'long birthwort,' because it has a long root with branches and longer leaves; which they also call 'dactylitis,' because it is of a root as strong as a finger and long. Groundsel (erigeron) is so called by the Greeks because it grows old (senescat) in the first spring; whence too the Latins call it 'senecio.' It grows along walls. Fleawort (psyllios) is so called because it has a seed like a flea (pulex); whence too the Latins call it 'flea-herb' (herba pulicaris). Hierobotane received this name from the Greeks because it was proved suited by the gentiles for remedies and bindings of men and for the purifications of the priests. Whence too the pontiffs called it 'sagmen,' as it were 'sancimen'; this is also 'verbena,' because it is pure. Paliurus (Christ's thorn) is a most rough and thorny herb.
Struthios (soapwort), which some call 'wool-herb' (herba lanaria), because many wash wool with it. It grows in cultivated places. (Splenos is so called because it removes the spleen.) Cimicia (bug-herb) is so called on account of its likeness to a bug (cimex): whence too the Greeks have called it KORION. It grows in rough and cultivated places. Horehound (marrubium), which the Greeks call PRASION, is so named on account of its bitterness. It grows in the fields. Pennyroyal (puleium) is among the Indians more precious than pepper. Wormwood (absinthium) is a Greek name. The more esteemed is that which grows in the region of Pontus; whence too it is named 'Pontic wormwood.' Symphyton (comfrey) is so called in Greek because it has such virtue in its root that it curdles pieces of flesh scattered in a cooking-pot.
Polypodion (polypody) is an herb whose root is rough and hairy, like the polyp (polypus); from which it was derived that it should be called 'polypodion.' It grows in the soft soils of rocks, or near oaks. Polios (poley) is so called by the Greeks; by the Latins 'omnimorbia,' because it helps in many diseases (morbi). It grows on mountains and in hard places. Scammony (scammonia), which the Latins call 'acridium,' is an herb full of juice, which is gathered beneath the hollowed root: for they dig the earth in a round hollow, then the juice is caught up by snail-shells or nut-leaves placed underneath, and, dried, is carried off. It more often comes with better esteem from Mysia of Asia: contrary to this and false is that from Syria or Judaea. Daucus (carrot), with leaves like the fennel, with a stalk two spans high. Citocacia is so named because it quickly (cito) purges the belly;
which the common people corruptly call 'citocacia.' The burdock (lappa) is so called because it has a huge stalk spread along the ground. This herb is called by the Greeks PHILANTHROPOS, because it clings to the garments of men on account of its roughness. It grows beside walls. Maidenhair (capillus Veneris) is so called either because it restores hairs (capilli) fallen out after baldness (alopecia), or because it checks the flowing of the hair, or because it is of black, smooth little twigs with a sheen like hairs. It grows in watery places. Madder (rubia) is so called because its root is red (rubra), whence too it is said to color wools. Anchusa (alkanet), whose ground-up root stains the fingers: for it is of a blood-red color, whence it is also of use to painters for producing purple. Chamaeleon (pine-thistle), which is called in Latin 'viscarago' because it produces birdlime (viscum);
in which birds stick, which of their own will descend to the food. Hemlock (cicuta) is so called because in its jointed stalk it has hidden knots, like the reed (canna); just as a ditch is called 'blind' (caeca) which is hidden. This, given to drink, kills: Socrates drank this in prison and expired. Persius says: 'the dread draught of hemlock which carries off, they say.' Though this is poison to men, it makes she-goats fat. Trefoil (trifolion), which the Greeks call TRIPHYLLON, because it is of triple leaves in each single grouping. Phlomos (mullein), which the Latins call 'lamp-herb' (herba lucernaris), because it serves for lamp-wicks (lychnia). The same is also 'lucubros,' because it furnishes light to the shadows. Pyrethron (pellitory) is so called in Greek because it has a fiery (incendiosam) and gathering root.
Marshmallow (althaea) is the wild mallow, or 'malvaviscus'; but it is called 'althaea' because it rises up on high (in altum), and 'viscus' because it is glutinous. Origanum (marjoram), which is interpreted in Latin as 'colena,' because when infused it colors wine. Titimallum (spurge) took its name because it turns the tuft of its leaves, wheeled around toward the ray of the sun. For the Greeks call the sun TITAN, and a tuft MALLON; from which it came about that it should be called 'titimallum.' Of it there are seven species growing in various places. Strychnos, which is called in Latin 'salutary herb' (herba salutaris), because it soothes the burning of pains of the head and stomach. The same is also 'wolf's grape' (uva lupina), on account of its seed being like a grape. Polygonos (knotgrass), which the Latins call 'blood-herb' (herba sanguinaria), because, put into the nostrils, it moves the blood.
Ambrosia, which the Latins call wild parsley (apium silvaticum). Concerning it Virgil says (Aeneid 1.403): 'And her ambrosial locks breathed forth a divine fragrance from her head.' Apiago, so called because bees (apes) especially seek out its flowers. Purslane (Portulaca). Rosemary (Rosmarinum), which the Latins call the health-giving herb from its effect: its leaves are similar to those of fennel, rough, and spread flat upon the ground in a circle. Colocasia [the name of a herb]. Wild mint, which the Greeks call KALAMINTHE and our people commonly call catmint (nepeta), of greater potency and violent in its heat. The knot-grass (genicularis) is strewn beneath to repel the force of scorpions. The gladiolus, so called because it has leaves like a sword (gladius), with a stalk a cubit long and purple flowers. Mullein (Verbascum). Agaric, the root of the white vine. Calamites. Burdock (Lappa) [a kind of herb]. Lappago. Lapella. Beneola.
Orcibeta. [Satyrion.] Myrobalanum. Asphodel (Asphodelus), which the Latins call albucium from its colour. Squill (Scilla), so called because it is harmful; concerning which the superstition of the pagans says that, if it is hung whole upon the threshold, it drives away all evils. Chamaepitys (ground-pine) is so called by the Greeks because it clings to the ground and has the scent of the pine. This the Latins call cucurbitularis, because in part it recalls the scent of the gourd (cucurbita). Stavesacre (Staphysagria) grows in pleasant places. Asplenon is so called because it removes the spleen (splen); or scolopendrios, because its leaves are similar to the animal called the scolopendra. It grows on moist rocks. The bulb (Volvus) is so called because its root is rolling (volubilis) and round. Stoechas grows in the Stoechades islands; whence also it takes its name.
Cyclamen (Cyclaminos) is so called in Greek from a certain man who was called Cyclos, who first discovered the powers of this herb; or because it has a round root: for the Greeks call something round KYKLON. Its root or juice, if it is mixed with wine, makes men drunk. It grows in wooded places and fields. AMPELOS LEUKE, that is white vine (bryonia), which the Latins call the white vine, either from the quality of its colour or because its root, when crushed and rubbed upon the body, renders the skin more tender and whiter. For the juice of its berries also restores milk to dried-up breasts. AMPELOS MELAINA, that is the black vine, and the same as the wild vine (labrusca): its leaves are similar to those of ivy; it is larger than the white vine in all respects: likewise having berries which turn black when ripe, whence it took its name.
The bindweed (Viticella) is a herb named by the Latins because, like the vine, it grasps with its tendrils (which we call rings) whatever is nearest to it. The ox-eye (Bupthalmos) has a saffron-coloured flower, similar to an eye; whence it received its name from the Greeks. It has a soft stalk, with leaves similar to those of coriander. It grows beside the walls of cities. Phlomos, which the Latins call mullein (verbascum); of which one is the male, with whiter and narrower leaves, the other the female, with broader and darker leaves. The giant fennel (Ferula) is named from its pith: for Varro reports that pith to be the pith of the ferula, which the Greeks call ASPHODELON. Some say the ferula is named from striking (feriendo). For with it boys and girls are wont to be beaten: its juice is galbanum.
Papyrus (Papyrum) is so called because it is suited for fire and for tapers; for the Greeks call fire PYR. Rush (Iuncus) [so called because it clings together with joined (iunctis) roots]. The bulrush (Scirpus), with which the crops are covered, is without a knot; concerning which Ennius says (Satires 70): 'They seek in the bulrush the knot which they are wont to speak of.' And in the proverb: 'He who is an enemy seeks a knot even in a bulrush.' Fucus is a kind of herb with which cloth is dyed, so called because it counterfeits an alien colour. Whence Virgil (Eclogues 4.42): 'The wool shall learn to counterfeit colours.' Seaweed (Alga) grows in the waters, similar to a crop. Thus indeed it took its name from the coldness (algore) of the water; or because it binds the feet (alliget pedes), since it is thick, with leaves in part surmounting the water. Ulva and typhus are herbs [which] grow around springs, marshes and ponds.
Of these the ulva, that is soft seaweed and in a certain sense a fungus, is named from the moisture (uligo). But the typhus is that which puffs itself up from the water. Whence also the swelling of ambitious men who are pleased with themselves is called typhus. The sedge (Carex) is a sharp and very hard herb, similar to Spanish broom (spartum). Concerning it Virgil says (Georgics 3.231): 'And fed on the sharp sedge.' Spanish broom (Spartus) is a twiggy shrub without leaves, named from its roughness. For the coils of ropes which are made from it are rough. Grass (Gramen) is named rather from its situation, because it is in most fields: whence also the Greeks call it AGROSTIS. Although every herb may be called gramen, from the fact that it germinates (germinetur); just as robur is the bark and appearance of every wood, from the fact that it is most firm. The fern (Filix) is named from the singularity of its leaf (folium).
Finally, from a single little shoot a cubit high, once split, single leaves are produced, an intricate thing like a feather. Oats (Avena). Darnel (Lolium). Tares (Zizania), which the poets always call unlucky darnel, because it is useless and unfruitful. Hay (Faenum) is so called because by it the flame is nourished; for FOS is flame. We call a bundle of hay a manipulus (handful): and it is called manipulus because it fills the hand (manum). CHAPTER 10. ON VEGETABLES. The garden (Hortus) is named because something is always arising (oriatur) there. For while other land produces something once a year, the garden is never without fruit. The vegetable (Olus) is named from nourishing (alendo), because men were first nourished on vegetables, before they ate crops and meat. For they were nourished only on the fruits of trees and on vegetables, just as animals are on herbs.
莖（Caulis）一般指草類或蔬菜中間的嫩梗；俗稱thyrsus，因為它從地面向上攀升；由此衍生出某一特定種類的蔬菜特稱為caulis（甘藍），因為它的莖比其他蔬菜長得更茂盛，即長得更大。但這是個泛稱；因為一切嫩梗〔皆稱〕為caulis。芽（Cyma）之得名彷彿源自coma（毛髮）：因為它是蔬菜或樹木的頂端，其中蘊藏著旺盛的自然生機。錦葵（Malva）部分得名於希臘字APO TOU MALASSEIN，因為它有軟化與通利腸胃的性質。據說若有人用它的汁液混合油塗抹自己，就不會被蜜蜂螫。它的葉子與油搗碎敷在蠍子上，據信能使其麻痺。
The stalk (Caulis) is generally the middle shoot of herbs or vegetables; which is commonly called the thyrsus, because it climbs upward from the ground; from which it was derived that one particular kind of vegetable was specially called caulis (cabbage), because its stalk grows together, that is increases, more fully than the other vegetables. But it is a general name; for every shoot [is called] a caulis. The Cyma (sprout) is so called as if from coma (hair): for it is the top of vegetables or trees, in which the vigorous natural force resides. The mallow (Malva) is in part named by a Greek word, APO TOU MALASSEIN, because it has the nature of softening and loosening the belly. If anyone anoints himself with its juice mixed with oil, he is said not to be stung by bees. Its leaves crushed with oil and applied to scorpions are believed to bring on numbness.
The parsnip (Pastinaca) is named because its root is an especial food (pastus) of man: for it is pleasant in smell and delightful as food. The turnip (Rapa) is named from seizing (rapiendo), that is from grasping. It has a root larger than the napus, sweeter in taste, and a slender leaf. The navew (Napus) is named from its resemblance to the turnip, except that it is broader in leaf and somewhat sharper in the taste of its root. The affinity of the name in both cases is thence almost common, because each seed is changed by turns into the other. For the turnip in another soil, as Aemilianus says (8.2), is changed within two years into the navew; and in another soil the navew passes over into the turnip. The Napocaulis has a name compounded from two vegetables, because while it is similar in taste to the navew, it climbs up not in the root but in the stalk, like the caulis.
Mustard (Sinapis) is so called because it is similar in its leaves to navews (napis). The Greeks call it raphanum, we call it radix (radish), because the whole strains downward, while the other vegetables spring up rather at the top: if anyone stains his hands with its steeped seed, he will handle serpents with impunity. Indeed, from its very root even ivory grows white. In food too it resists poisons. For against poisons roots, nuts, lupines, citron, and parsley are of benefit; but against future poison, not against poison already taken. Whence also among the ancients they were wont to set these upon the tables before other courses. The lettuce (Lactuca) is named because it abounds with an abundance of milk (lac), or because it fills with milk the women who are nursing. This also in men restrains the practice of Venus.
The wild lettuce (Lactuca agrestis) is what we call serralia, because its back is in the fashion of a saw (serra). The endive (Intubus) is a Greek name: and it is called intubus because it is a tube within (intus tobus). The onion (Cepa) is so named because it is nothing else but only a head (caput). The Ascalonia (shallot) is named from one of the cities of Palestine which is called Ascalon, whence it was first brought. Garlic (Alium) is so called because it stinks (oleat). The Ulpicum (rocambole) is so named because it has the odour of garlic (alium). They say the kidney-bean (Phaselos) is named from Phaselus, an island of Greece, where not far off is Mount Olympus. The leek (Porrum), of which there are two kinds, the headed and the cut; the cut is small, the headed larger. Beet (Beta) among us is a kind of vegetable; among the Greeks a letter. The blite (Blitum) is a kind of vegetable of insipid taste, as it were a worthless beet. Cucumbers (Cucumeres), so called because they are sometimes bitter;
which are reported to grow sweet, if their seed is soaked in honeyed milk. Gourd (Cucurbita). Apoperes. Indeed pepo (melon), melipepo, and ocimum are Greek names, and their origin is uncertain to the Latins. The soft vegetable (Olus molle). Orach (Atriplex). Cabbage (Brassica). Alexanders (Olisatrum). Cress (Nasturcium) was named from its taste, because by its sharpness it twists the nose (nasum torqueat). Mushrooms (Fungi), so called because when dry they catch fire once received; for FOS is fire; whence also tinder is commonly called esca, because it is the fuel and nourishment of fire. Others say mushrooms are so called because certain of their kind are deadly; whence also the deceased (defuncti). The swelling of the truffle (Tuber) comes forth from the earth; and this cause gave it its name. The bulbs (Volvi) are so named because they are rolling (volubiles) and round. Asparagus, because its shoot, from which it is produced, is thorny and rough (aspera).
The caper (Capparis) seems to have taken its name from the Greeks, because it has round little heads (capitula) of seeds at its tops. Horseradish (Armoracia), that is charlock (lapsana). Lapistrus. Sorrel (Lapathia): this taken as food strengthens the stomach and represses Venus. Thistle (Carduus). Rocket (Eruca), as it were uruca, because it is of fiery power and, often taken as food, arouses the fire of Venus. There are two species of it, one common, the other wild, of sharper power; yet both stir up the practice of Venus. CHAPTER 11. ON AROMATIC VEGETABLES. Parsley (Apium) is so called because with it the apex, that is the head, of the ancient triumphant ones was crowned. Hercules moreover first wore this herb about his head: for now he displayed the poplar upon his head, now the wild olive, now parsley.
Its roots fight effectively against the snares of poisons. Of this kind are petroselinon, hipposelinon and oleoselinon. Petroselinon (rock parsley) is so named because it is similar to parsley and grows on rocks (petris) and steep mountains. This we might call petrapium; for SELINON in Greek means parsley. But the Macedonian is the choicest and most esteemed, sweet in taste and aromatic in smell. Hipposelinon (horse parsley) is so called because it is hard and harsh. Oleoselinon, because it is softer in leaf and tender in stalk. The Latins call it fennel (Feniculum) because the juice of its stalk or root sharpens the sight: its power is reported to be such that serpents by tasting it lay aside their yearly old age. This vegetable the Greeks call MARATHRON. Lovage (Ligusticum) received its name from a region.
For it grows mostly in Liguria, with an aromatic smell and a sharp taste. The Greeks say ANESON, or, as the Latins, anesum (anise), a herb known to all, most keenly fervent, and diuretic. Dill (Anethum). Cumin (Cyminum). Coriander (Coriandrum) is taken from a Greek name, because they call it KORION. Its seed given in sweet wine renders men more prone to Venus; if you give it beyond measure, it fosters madness. It is also reported that grey hairs are dyed with coriander. Southernwood (Abrotanum). Chervil (Caerefolium). Rue (Ruta) is so called because it is most fervent. Of it one is wild and of sharper power; but both are proven to be most fervent. That this repels poisons the weasels teach, which, when they have fought with a serpent, arm themselves with its food. Sage (Salvia).
Elecampane (Inula), which the country folk call ala, with an aromatic root, of the highest fragrance with a slight sharpness. Mint (Menta); of it there are six kinds.