264. Terra sigilata, terra Sarasenica, argentaria: i.e. the sealed earth; other people call it Saracen earth; it is cold and dry, and it is like a stone with a seal on it in the form of a cross. It has a strong retentive virtue. If a little of the powder of this earth be mixed with white of egg and put on the forehead, it will stop the flux of blood from the nose. If the same powder together with the juice of shepherd's purse be put in the nose, it will stop the same flux. If a plaster of the same powder together with oil of roses, white of egg, and vinegar be put on the navel, it will stop every flux of the abdomen. If the same plaster be put on the upper part of the stomach, it will stop vomiting. If the same plaster be put on the joints, it will stop the flow of rheum to them. Against swelling of the feet, ragwort may be boiled in wine and the same powder be put in it, and it will help them. If the same powder be put in warm water and rubbed on the head after it has been washed, it will make one's hair fine, with a good colour.