Spear of Achillês. Telephos, son-in-law of Priam, opposed the Greeks in their voyage to Troy. A severe contest ensued, and Achillês with his spear wounded the Mysian king severely. He was told by an oracle that the wound could be cured only by the instrument which gave it; so he sent to Achillês to effect his cure. The surly Greek replied he was no physician, and would have dismissed the messengers with scant courtesy, but Ulysses whispered in this ear that the aid of Telephos was required to direct them on their way to Troy. Achillês now scraped some rust from his spear, which, being applied to the wound, healed it. This so conciliated Telephos that he conducted the fleet to Troy, and even took part in the war against his father-in-law.

Probably Telephos was cured by the plant called Achillea (milfoil or yarrow), still used in medicine as a tonic. "The leaves were at one time much used for healing wounds, and are still employed for this purpose in Scotland, Germany, France, and other countries." Achillês (the man) made the wound, achillês (the plant) healed it.

Milfoil is called Achilea from Achillês, who was taught botany by Chiron. Linnæus recommends it as a most excellent vulnerary and stiptic.