2. The name of two physicians, saints and martyrs, the first of whom was born of an equestrian family in Mauritania. After devoting some years to the study of sacred and profane literature, he finally embraced the medical profession, not for the sake of gain, but merely that he might be useful to mankind. He spent some time in Asia Minor, where he exercised his profession gratuitously, and used to endeavour to convert his patients to Christianity. He then went to Sardinia during the persecution against the Christians under Hadrian, about A. D. 120, where he is said to have been cruelly tortured, and at last miraculously delivered by being taken up into heaven. His memory is celebrated by the Romish church on the 13th of December.