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CHAP. 11.—AMBROSIA, BOTRYS, OR ARTEMISTA: THREE REMEDIES.

Ambrosia is a vague name, which has fluctuated between various plants: there is one,1 however, which has been more particularly designated by this appellation, a branchy, shrublike plant, with a thin stem, some three palms in height; the root of it is one third shorter, and the leaves, towards the lower part of the stem, resemble those of rue. Its diminutive branches bear a seed which hangs down in clusters, and has a vinous smell: hence it is that by some persons the plant is called "botrys,"2 while to others it is known as "artemisia." The people of Cappadocia use it for garlands. It is employed in medicine as a resolvent.

1 Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linnæus, the Sea ambrosia.

2 The "cluster" plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book.

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