99. Chap. 99. (17.)-Coracesta And Callicia.

CHAP. 99. (17.)—CORACESTA AND CALLICIA.

While I am treating of plants of a marvellous nature, I am induced to make some mention of certain magical plants—for what, in fact, can there be more marvellous than they? The first who descanted upon this subject in our part of the world were Pythagoras and Democritus, who have adopted the accounts given by the Magi. Coracesta[1] and callicia, according to Pythagoras, are plants which congeals[2] water. I find no mention made of them, however, by any other author, and he himself gives no further particulars relative to them.

1. Dalechamps considers these appeilations to mean the "virgins' plant," and the "plant of beauty."

2. The Cissampelos Pareira, as already stated, abounds in mucilage such a degree, as to impart a consistency to water, without impairing its transparency. See c. 72 of this Book.