In addition to these particulars, it is a well-known fact that
for all injuries inflicted by serpents, and those even of an
otherwise incurable nature, it is an excellent remedy to apply
the entrails of the serpent itself to the wound; as also, that
persons who have once swallowed a viper's liver, boiled, will
never afterwards be attacked by serpents. The snake, too,
is not venomous, except, indeed, upon certain days of the
month when it is irritated by the action of the moon: it is a
very useful plan to take it alive, and pound it in water, the
wound inflicted by' it being fomented with the preparation.
Indeed, it is generally supposed that this reptile is possessed of
The Æsculapian snake was first brought to Rome from Epidaurus,[3] but at the present day it is very commonly reared in our houses[4] even; so much so, indeed, that if the breed were not kept down by the frequent conflagrations, it would be impossible to make head against the rapid increase of them. But the most beautiful of all the snakes are those which are of an amphibious nature. These snakes are known as "hydri,"[5] or water-snakes: in virulence their venom is inferior to that of no other class of serpents, and their liver is preserved as a remedy for the ill effects of their sting.
A pounded scorpion neutralizes the venom of the spotted lizard.[6] From this last animal, too, there is a noxious preparation made; for it has been found that wine in which it has been drowned, covers the face of those who drink it with morphew. Hence it is that females, when jealous of a rival's beauty, are in the habit of stifling a spotted lizard in the unguents which they use. In such a case, the proper remedy is yolk of egg, honey, and nitre. The gall of a spotted lizard, beaten up in water, attracts weasels, they say.
1.
2.
3. et seq. This took
place B.C.
4.
5.
6.