Editing Citron (section)

=== Pliny the Elder ===
Citron was also described by [[Pliny the Elder]], who called it ''nata Assyria malus''. The following is from his book ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'':
<blockquote>There is another tree also with the same name of "citrus", and bears a fruit that is held by some persons in particular dislike for its smell and remarkable bitterness; while, on the other hand, there are some who esteem it very highly. This tree is used as an ornament to houses; it requires, however, no further description.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chap. 31.—The Citron-Tree |work=Perseus Digital Library |publisher=Tufts University |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D13%3Achapter%3D31}} excerpting from {{cite book |title=The Natural History. Pliny the Elder. |editor1=John Bostock |editor2=H. T. Riley |location=London |publisher=Taylor and Francis |year=1855}}</ref>

The citron tree, called the Assyrian, and by some the Median or Persian apple, is an antidote against poisons. The leaf is similar to that of the [[Arbutus|arbute]], except that it has small prickles running across it. As to the fruit, it is never eaten, but it is remarkable for its extremely powerful smell, which is the case, also, with the leaves; indeed, the odour is so strong, that it will penetrate clothes, when they are once impregnated with it, and hence it is very useful in repelling the attacks of noxious insects.

The tree bears fruit at all seasons of the year; while some is falling off, other fruit is ripening, and other, again, just bursting into birth. Various nations have attempted to naturalize this tree among them, for the sake of its medica or Persian  properties, by planting it in pots of clay, with holes drilled in them, for the purpose of introducing the air to the roots; and I would here remark, once for all, that it is as well to remember that the best plan is to pack all slips of trees that have to be carried to any distance, as close together as they can possibly be placed.

It has been found, however, that this tree will grow nowhere except in Persia. It is this fruit, the pips of which, as we have already mentioned, the [[Parthia]]n grandees employ in seasoning their [[ragout]]s, as being peculiarly conducive to the sweetening of the breath. We find no other tree very highly commended that is produced in Media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D12%3Achapter%3D7|title=Pliny the Elder, The Natural History, Book XII. The Natural History of Trees, Chap. 7. (3.)—How the Citron Is Planted.|publisher=Tufts University}}</ref>

Citrons, either the pulp of them or the pips, are taken in wine as an antidote to poisons. A decoction of citrons, or the juice extracted from them, is used as a gargle to impart sweetness to the breath. The pips of this fruit are recommended for pregnant women to chew when affected with [[qualmishness]]. Citrons are good, also, for a weak stomach, but it is not easy to eat them except with [[vinegar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D23%3Achapter%3D56|title=Pliny the Elder, The Natural History, Book XXIII. The Remedies Derived from the Cultivated Trees., Chap. 56.—Citrons: Five Observations upon Them.|publisher=Tufts University}}</ref></blockquote>