PEDANIUS DIOSCORIDES OF ANA-

ZARBUS, ON MEDICAL MATTERS, BOOK III

In the books preceding this one, most dear Areius, we have handed down knowledge concerning aromatics, oils, ointments, and trees and the fruits and resins original: "dakryon," literally "tears," referring to the sap or gum that weeps from trees derived from them, as well as animals, grains, vegetables, and those herbs possessing a sharp pungency. In this present third book, we shall proceed to cover roots, extracted juices, herbs, and seeds that are leafy and medicinal.

A botanical illustration of the Agarikon (Larch Agaric fungus). It is depicted as a central stalk with dark green, needle-like foliage branching out on both sides, resembling a conifer branch. The base consists of a large, rounded, light-brown bulbous structure with small dark circular markings (representing pores or the texture of the fungus). Several fibrous roots extend from the bottom into the soil.

AGARIC original: "Agarikon," identified as the fungus Laricifomes officinalis is brought to us as a root that resembles silphium a famous, now likely extinct, medicinal plant of the ancient world in appearance. When broken, its inner surface is as white as milk; its color is entirely white. There is a male and a female variety; the female differs by having a fibrous, hair-like structure within, while the male is rounded and uniform throughout. In taste, both are similar: at first they are sweetish, but then a bitterness follows quickly. It grows in the Agarian region of Sarmatia an ancient territory encompassing parts of modern-day Ukraine and Russia on decaying trees. Some people, in their ignorance, claim this is a root, while others say it is a type of fungus that grows upon the trees. It also grows in Galatia in Asia and in Cilicia upon the cedar trees. Its medicinal power is astringent and warming; it is effective for colic original: "strophous," referring to twisting intestinal pains and for raw humors original: "omotetas," referring to indigestion or the presence of undigested matter in the body.