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CHAP. 52.—THE EBONY: FIVE REMEDIES.

The ebony-tree1 does not grow in Egypt even, as we have already stated, and it is not our intention to speak here of the medicinal properties of the vegetable productions of foreign climates. Still, however, the ebony must not be omitted, on account of the marvels related of it. The saw-dust of this wood, it is said, is a sovereign remedy for diseases of the eyes, and the pulp of the wood, rubbed upon a whetstone moistened with raisin wine, dispels all films which impede the sight. The root too, they say, applied with water, is curative of white specks in the eyes, and, with the addition of root of dracunculus,2 in equal proportions, and of honey, of cough. Medical men reckon ebony also in the number of the caustics.3

1 See B. xii. c. 8. Desfontaines is inclined to identify the tree here spoken of with the Diospyros ebenaster of Kœnig.

2 See c. 91 of this Book; the Artemisia dracunculus of Linnæus.

3 "Erodentia." Fée remarks upon the singularity, that with this property attributed to it, it should be recommended for diseases of the eves.

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