MANDRAGORA

A herb of fabu lous character, concerning which there existed many singular superstitions. The herb mentioned in Genesis, ch. xxx., which our translation renders mandrake, was, probably, some flower or root to which common belief attached value as a philter. The mandrake of modern as well as cla ical superstition is a herb supposed to have a resemblance to the shape of a man. Those who tear it from the ground are obliged to do so with peculiar ceremonials (according to some, docs must be employed to do so, which die instantly after): shrieks nnd groans tire heard to i ue from it, which have the power of injuring the unwary person who hears them. Its favourite habitat was believed to be tile ground under a gallows on which a criminal was hanging. When plucked, it was said to be useful in conjurations, for the transformation of men or beasts; nnd was also believed to enable the po e or to acquire riches at play, and to discover hidden treasures. (Encyc. Metropol.) [s. 727]