Pseudodoxia Epidemica

It is not agreeable to the constitution of this Animal, nor can we so reasonably conceive there wants a Gall: that is, the hot and fiery humour in a body so hot of temper, which Phlegm or Melancholy could not effect. [SN: Salubrium, 31°] Now of what complexion it is, _Julius Alexandrinus_ declareth, when he affirmeth that some upon the use thereof, have fallen into Feavers and Quinsies. The temper of their Dung and intestinal Excretions do also confirm the same; which Topically applied become a _Phænigmus_ or Rubifying Medicine, and are of such fiery parts, that as we read in _Galen_, they have of themselves conceived fire, and burnt a house about them. And therefore when in the famine of _Samaria_ (wherein the fourth part of a Cab of Pigeons dung was sold for five pieces of silver,) it is delivered by _Josephus_, that men made use hereof in stead of common Salt: although the exposition seem strange, it is more probable then many other. For that it containeth very much Salt, as beside the effects before expressed, is discernable by taste, and the earth of Columbaries or Dove-houses, so much desired in the artifice of Salt-petre.