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[FN#119] The Arab "Banj" and Hindu "Bhang" (which I use as most

familiar) both derive from the old Coptic "Nibanj" meaning a

preparation of hemp (Cannabis sativa seu Indica); and here it is

easy to recognise the Homeric "Nepenthe." Al-Kazwini explains the

term by "garden hemp (Kinnab bostani or Shahdanaj). On the other

hand not a few apply the word to the henbane (hyoscyamus niger)

so much used in mediaeval Europe. The Kamus evidently means

henbane distinguishing it from Hashish al harafish" = rascals'

grass, i.e. the herb Pantagruelion. The "Alfaz Adwiya" (French

translation) explains "Tabannuj" by "Endormir quelqu'un en lui

faisant avaler de la jusquiame." In modern parlance Tabannuj is =

our anaesthetic administered before an operation, a deadener of

pain like myrrh and a number of other drugs. For this purpose

hemp is always used (at least I never heard of henbane); and

various preparations of the drug are sold at an especial bazar in

Cairo.