Book III OF RABIES 265

syderitis. Whatever may be the truth about alyssum, doctors
will act wisely, in my judgment, who administer as a drink with
vinegar, or pounded, the lesser madder in cases of rabies, since
it is also good for snake—bites. And those who use syderitis
will be equally well—advised, because this plant too is wonder—
fully drying. Aetius recommends oxylapathus,'ss from the
experience of a certain old man who used to employ it both
internally and externally. I do not mean the oxylapathus
called acetosa, for that is oxalis, but, of the lapatha, the kind
that has pointed leaves and seed.