Chapter 40: of this Book (2)

[2586] Supposed by Thiersch to have been the same person as the statuary mentioned in B. xxxiv. c. 19.

[2587] A risk that is now obviated, if, indeed, there is such a risk, by the use of revolving lights and coloured lights.

[2588] See B. v. c. 9.

[2589] The site of this labyrinth has not been traced, but Sir G. Wilkinson is inclined to think that it was at Howarah el Soghaïr in the Faiöum.

[2590] Similar, probably, to the one at Hampton Court.

[2591] Most modern writers, and some of the ancients, have altogether denied the existence of the Cretan Labyrinth; but, judging from the testimony of Tournefort and Cockerell, it is most probable that it really did exist, and that it was a vast natural grotto or cavern, enlarged and made additionally intricate by human ingenuity. There are many caverns of this nature in Crete, and one near Gortyna, at Hagios-Deka, is replete with galleries and intricate windings similar to those ascribed to the Labyrinth of Dædalus.

[2592] See Chapter 13 of this Book. He is surprised that the people of Egypt, a country which abounded in exquisite marbles, should have used that of another country in preference to their own.

[2593] As to the meaning of this word, see B. v. c. 9.

[2594] See Chapter 5 of this Book.

[2595] “Ulnæ.” See Introduction to Vol. III.

[2596] The ἄρουρα was a Greek square measure, containing 2500 square feet.

[2597] See Chapter 11 of this Book.

[2598] As to the meaning of this word, see Chapter 4 of this Book, page 317, and Note 2429.

[2599] “Circummon” is a more common reading.

[2600] Or acacia. See B. xxiv. c. 65.

[2601] Welcker remarks that it is uncertain whether this Labyrinth was erected as a temple of the Cabiri, or whether it had any connection with the art of mining.

[2602] Smilis lived, probably, 200 years before Rhœcus and Theodorus, and was a native of Ægina, not Lemnos. Sillig, however, is inclined to think that there were _two_ artists of this name; the elder a contemporary of Dædalus, and the maker of several wooden statues.

[2603] See B. xxxv. c. 43.

[2604] See B. iii. c. 8.

[2605] A round, broad-brimmed hat, such as we see represented in the statues of Mercury.

[2606] Where two brazen vessels were erected on a column, adjoining to which was the statue of a boy with a whip; which, when agitated by the wind, struck the vessels, and omens were drawn from the tinkling noise produced, significant of future events, it was supposed.

[2607] A building like this, as Niebuhr says, is absolutely impossible, and belongs to the “Arabian Nights.” The description in some particulars resembles that of a Chinese pagoda.

[2608] Probably of Babylon, which were built on terraces raised on arches.

[2609] His meaning is, that it was built upon arches.

[2610] Asia Minor.

[2611] The Hotel de Ville at Brussels is said to have been built upon a stratum of hides.

[2612] See Chapter 4 of the present Book. Sillig, in his “Dictionary of Ancient Artists,” suggests a reading which would make the passage to mean that Scopas was jointly architect with Chersiphron. The latter, however, was _not_ the architect of the _second_ temple at Ephesus, but flourished nearly four hundred years before.

[2613] Strabo says that, in conjunction with his son Metagenes, he began the _first_ Temple at Ephesus. Thiersch is of opinion that he lived about the first Olympiad, He is mentioned also in B. vii. c. 38.

[2614] “Epistylia.” See B. xxxv. c. 49.

[2615] Which must have been above the bags and at the summit of the inclined plane.

[2616] See B. v. c. 40.

[2617] “Lapis Fugitivus.”

[2618] A public place where the Prytanes or chief magistrates assembled, and where the public banquets were celebrated.

[2619] Or “Narrow” gate, apparently. Dion Cassius, B. 74, tells a similar story nearly, of seven towers at Byzantium, near the _Thracian Gate_; and “Thracia” is given by the Bamberg MS. It is most probable that the two accounts were derived from the same source.

[2620] Ἑπτάφωνον, “seven times vocal.” Plutarch also mentions this portico.

[2621] Βουλευτήριον, the “senate house” or “council-chamber.”

[2622] It was the most ancient of the bridges at Rome, and was so called from its being built upon “sublices,” or wooden beams. It was originally built by Ancus Martius, and was afterwards rebuilt by the Pontifices or pontiffs. We learn from Ovid, Fasti, B. v. l. 621, that it was still a wooden bridge in the reign of Augustus. In the reign of Otho it was carried away by an inundation. In later times it was also known as the Pons Æmilius, from the name of the person probably under whose superintendence it was rebuilt.

[2623] See B. xxxiv. c. 11.

[2624] L. Æmilius Paulus, who was consul with C. Marcellus, A.U.C. 703. His Basilica, a building which served as a court of law and as an exchange, was erected in the Eighth Region of the City, at the cost of 1500 talents; which were sent to him by Cæsar, Plutarch says, as a bribe to gain him over from the aristocratical party. It was surrounded with an open peristyle of columns of Phrygian marble.

[2625] “Diribitorium.” See B. xvi. c. 76.

[2626] Scribonius Libo, who was Ædile during the consulship of Cicero.

[2627] “Mound,” or “Terrace.” See B. iii. c. 9, where it is ascribed to Tarquinius Superbus; but Strabo seems to attribute its foundation to Servius Tullius.

[2628] Thebes, in Egypt. See Chapter 20 of this Book.

[2629] A.U.C. 721. He alludes probably to the cleansing of the sewers beneath the city, which took place, Dion Cassius informs us, in the ædileship of Agrippa.

[2630] As Hardouin remarks, the story of the Milesian Virgins, as related by Aulus Gellius and Plutarch, is very similar.

[2631] A.U.C. 676.

[2632] Caligula. The Palace of Caligula was situate on the Palatine Hill] that of Nero extended from the Palatine Hill to the Esquiline, nearly the whole of which was covered by it. It was left unfinished by Nero, but the Emperor Otho completed it. Martial, Spectac. Ep. 2, speaks in terms of indignation of there being now “but one house in all the City;” but, unfortunately, he gives utterance to it with a view of flattering Domitian.

[2633] Whence its name, “Aurea,” the “golden” Palace.

[2634] “Sellaria.”

[2635] By this mode of expression, he probably means that they were “birds of a feather”—one as bad as the other.

[2636] His mother, Metella Cæcilia, became the wife of Sylla.

[2637] He forgets the Pyramids and the Labyrinth of Egypt, which he has so recently described.

[2638] See B. xvii. c. 1, and Chapter 3 of the present Book. L. Crassus is the person alluded to.

[2639] “Four” is the number mentioned in B. xvii. c. 1.

[2640] In Chapter 2 of this Book.

[2641] In B. xxxiv. c. 17.

[2642] “Cavea.” The place where the spectators sat, much like the “pit” of our theatres.

[2643] See B. xxxiii. c. 19.

[2644] “Choragio.”

[2645] He was defeated and slain in Africa by Juba and P. Attius Varus.

[2646] And, consequently, of more strict manners, and more strict morals.

[2647] “Tabulis.” The wooden frames, probably, which formed the margin of one side of each theatre, and which, when they were brought together, would make a diameter running through the circle which they formed. Hardouin thinks that these theatres are alluded to in Virgil, Georg. B. III. l. 22, _et seq._

[2648] In allusion, probably, to the addresses delivered by Curio, when tribune, from the Rostra, in favour of Cæsar.

[2649] “Pensiles.” Pliny not improbably intends a pun here, this word meaning also “suspended,” or “poised”—in reference, probably, to their suspension on the pivots in Curio’s theatres.

[2650] Between Cæsar and Pompey, which he is supposed to have inflamed for his own private purposes.

[2651] He was prætor B.C. 144; and, in order that he might complete his aqueduct, his office was prolonged another year.

[2652] This aqueduct was begun by Appius Claudius Cæcus, the censor, and was the first made at Rome; B.C. 313.

[2653] See B. iii. c. 17. It was commenced by M. Curius Dentatus, B.C. 273, the water being brought a distance of 43 miles. It was afterwards known as the “Anio Vetus,” to distinguish it from another aqueduct from the same river, mentioned in this Chapter, and called the “Anio Novus.” The former was constructed of Peperino stone, and the water-course was lined with cement. Considerable remains of it are still to be seen.

[2654] The Aqua Tepula was constructed B.C. 127; so that it is doubtful if Pliny is not here in error.

[2655] The Aqua Marcia was brought a distance of upwards of 60 miles, from the vicinity of Sublaqueum, now Subiaco, and was of such elevation that water could be supplied to the loftiest part of the Capitoline Hill. A considerable number of the arches are still standing. In the vicinity of the city it was afterwards united with the Aqua Tepula and the Aqua Julia; the watercourse of the last being above that of the Aqua Tepula, and that above the course of the Aqua Marcia. See B. xxxi. cc. 24, 25.

[2656] See B. xxxi. cc. 24, 25.

[2657] See B. xxxi. c. 25.

[2658] See end of B. iii.

[2659] Victor mentions 856 public baths at Rome.

[2660] Caligula.

[2661] Anio Novus.

[2662] Nero.

[2663] See B. ii. c. 106, and B. iii. c. 17. In order to check the sudden rise of its waters, a design was entertained by Julius Cæsar to construct a subterranean canal from the lake into the valley of the Liris, which, unfortunately, was frustrated by his death. Claudius, however, executed the work, by cutting a gallery upwards of an English mile and a half through the limestone rock; a work which, according to Suetonius, occupied thirty thousand workmen continually for eleven years. On opening it with a mock naval combat, an accident happened in which many persons lost their lives, and Claudius himself but narrowly escaped. The emissary answered its purpose for some time, and, though Nero suffered the works to fall into decay, they were repaired by Hadrian. In the middle ages, however, the work fell in, and has not since been restored.

[2664] See B. iii. c. 9.

[2665] “Magnes.”

[2666] In Chapter 23 of this Book.

[2667] “Iron earth;” from σίδηρος, “iron.” The magnet, or loadstone itself, is an oxide of iron, known as Oxidulated iron, or Ferroso-ferric oxide; sometimes in combination with quartz or alumine.

[2668] From Heraclea, in Lydia, or in Thessaly, according to some accounts. It is not improbable, however, that it was so called after “Heracles,” or Hercules, on account of its powerful influence upon iron ores.

[2669] Isidorus says, “India,” in B. 16 of the “Origines.”

[2670] See the list of authors at the end of this Book.

[2671] Varieties, no doubt, of oxide of iron.

[2672] An absurd distinction, as Ajasson remarks; based, probably, on Eastern notions, and with reference to the comparative powers of attraction.

[2673] From αἷμα, “blood.” He alludes to Specular iron, red ochre, or red hematite, another oxide of iron.

[2674] Sometimes it has, but in a very slight degree.

[2675] Ajasson remarks that most probably the possessors of this pretended variety knew the distinction between the two poles of the magnet, and took care, when it was their interest to do so, to place the opposite pole towards that of the other loadstone.

[2676] It was the belief of the Duke of Noya Caraffa, that this stone was identical with Tourmaline: but, as Beckmann says, tourmaline, when heated, first attracts iron, and then repels it. Hist. Inv. Vol. I. pp. 87, 88. _Bohn’s Edition._ Ajasson is of opinion that the Theamedes was neither more nor less than the ordinary loadstone, with the negative pole presented, by designing persons, towards another magnet.

[2677] In B. ii. c. 98, and B. xx. c. 1.

[2678] See B. iv. c. 23.

[2679] See B. ii. c. 106, Vol. I. p. 137, and Note 687. There is little doubt that this was a volcanic, porous product.

[2680] From σάρξ, “flesh,” and φάγω, “to eat.” See B. ii. c. 98. Ajasson identifies it with Alunite, or Alum stone, in its several varieties.

[2681] Both of them varieties of calcareous tufa, Ajasson thinks.

[2682] Or Sarcophagus: see the preceding Chapter.

[2683] Democritus, amongst the ancients, and Savonarola and Cardan, in more recent times, have attributed to stones the powers of reproduction. Vivès speaks of certain diamonds which conceive and fructify; and Avicenna speaks of the selenite or moon-stone of Arabia, which, when suspended from a tree, generates other stones of a similar nature. Tournefort also entertained similar opinions.

[2684] Fossil teeth of mammiferæ, probably.

[2685] Fossil animal remains, no doubt.

[2686] Cneius Pompeius. See B. iii. c. 3.

[2687] “Palmati.” This is more probably the meaning, than the “human palm,” as Littré renders it. They were fossil impressions of leaves, in all probability.

[2688] See Chapter 43 of this Book: also B. iv. cc. 7, 8.

[2689] Stones so called, possibly, from being found in the vicinity of Cora in Italy: See B. iii. c. 9. These stones are also mentioned by Isidorus, Orig. B. xvi. c. 4.

[2690] Identified by Ajasson and Desfontaines? with Quartz molar agate, very abundant in this volcanic region of Italy.

[2691] “Molares.” “Millstone.”

[2692] Or Serpentine. See Chapter 11 of this Book.

[2693] Not the Pyrites of modern Mineralogy, combinations of sulphur with various mineral ores.

[2694] The Greek for “fire” being πῦρ.

[2695] Sulphate of copper, probably, our Chalcopyrite, or yellow copper pyrites.

[2696] See B. v. c. 35.

[2697] Or “quick,” “vivos.” Ajasson identifies these with the quartz agates that form our gun-flints, a Chalcedonic variety of Silica.

[2698] Amadue, or German tinder.

[2699] Fossil shells of oysters and bivalve mollusks, combined, probably, with Fahlunite or Hydrous Iolite.

[2700] This is the most delicate variety of Asbestus, a kind of Hornblende: it presents the lustre of satin. As to Asbestus, see B. xix. c. 4, where Pliny has evidently taken it to be a vegetable production.

[2701] See B. xxxv. c. 52.

[2702] “Earthy” stone. These are either nodules of iron-stone, hollow in the centre, or else round, inorganic masses, hollow, and lined with crystals within. These latter are mostly of a silicious nature.

[2703] It was, probably, a yellow, argillaceous earth, and it is more probable that it derived its name from μελὶ, “honey,” in consequence of its colour than by reason of its supposed sweet juices. The Mellite, Mellitite, or Honey-stone of modern Mineralogy, also known as Mellate of Alumina, has its name from its honey-yellow colour. It is found in Thuringia, Moravia, and Bohemia; but most probably was unknown in the days of Pliny.

[2704] See B. xx. cc. 6, 21.

[2705] Our jet, which somewhat resembles cannel-coal, and is found in clay soils.

[2706] See B. v. c. 28, where a place called “Gagæ” is mentioned. In Note 3900 to that Chapter, “gagates” is erroneously rendered “agate.”

[2707] See B. v. c. 26.

[2708] This comparison is not inapt, as it is closely akin to Lignite, or brown coal.

[2709] A bituminous and animal odour, Ajasson says, quite peculiar to itself.

[2710] He has borrowed this erroneous assertion, probably, from Nicander, who, with Pliny, says the same of the “Thracian stone,” which has not been identified, but is supposed to have been a sort of coal. See B. xxxiii. c. 30.

[2711] This is, probably, the meaning of “sonticus morbus,” a disease, which, according to the jurists, excused those affected with it, from attending in courts of justice.

[2712] Albertus Magnus, De Mineral. B. ii., says that if it is given in water to a female, it will have a diuretic effect immediately, if she is not in a state of virginity, and that the contrary will be the case if she is.

[2713] See B. xxx. c. 5. According to Dalechamps, this was practised by placing the jet upon a hatchet at a red heat.

[2714] “Stone-macerater.” From τήκω, to “macerate,” and λιθὸς, “a stone.”

[2715] Dioscorides says that it was found in Cappadocia also; and both he and Galen attribute to it certain medicinal properties. It was used either for colouring, or else, like fuller’s earth, for taking the grease out of wool and cloth. Ajasson is inclined to think that it was either a volcanic scoria or a Peperite, also of volcanic origin.

[2716] Or “blood-stone,” mentioned already in Chapter 25 of this Book.

[2717] He is evidently speaking here of the red peroxide of iron.

[2718] Vermilion. See B. xxxiii. c. 37.

[2719] Literally, “split” stone; so called, probably, from its laminated form. Ajasson identifies it with yellow or brown iron ore, known in Mineralogy as Limonite, or Brown Hematite.

[2720] “Explendis oculorum lacunis.”

[2721] Mentioned in Chapter 25 of this Book.

[2722] Mentioned also in Chapter 25. Probably Red peroxide of iron, in a massive form.

[2723] “All-serviceable,” or “all-heal.”

[2724] “Man-subduing.”

[2725] The colour of Specular iron, or red peroxide of iron, being of a dark steel-grey or iron-black, this is probably another variety of it. Ajasson thinks that it includes compact or massive red oxide of iron, and scaly red iron, or red iron froth, which leaves red marks upon the fingers.

[2726] See Chapter 11 of this Book. Its alleged attraction of silver and copper is fabulous, no doubt.

[2727] This is probably the Limonite, or Hydrous peroxide of iron, mentioned in the preceding Chapter. See Note 2719 above.

[2728] Identified by Ajasson with Red ochre, or Reddle, a red peroxide of iron, used for red crayons in drawing.

[2729] “Liver-stone.” Not to be confounded with the Hepatite of modern Mineralogy, or Sulphate of Barytes.

[2730] “Spleen-stone.”

[2731] See B. xxxv. c. 14.

[2732] Identified by Ajasson with Laminated protoxide of iron. It has probably an affinity to the variety noticed above, in Notes 2719 and 2727.

[2733] Owing solely, in all probability, to its name, “blood-stone.”

[2734] Ajasson is at a loss to know whether this is our Anthracite, a non-bituminous coal, or some kind of bituminous coal. Delafosse takes it to be pit-coal.

[2735] Or “eagle-stone.” It is a Geodes, mentioned in Chapter 23 of this Book, a globular mass of clay iron-stone. Sometimes it is hollow within, and sometimes it encloses another stone, or a little water, or some mineral dust.

[2736] Chapter 4.

[2737] See B. iv. c. 2.

[2738] A kind of pumice, Ajasson thinks, or porous feldspathic scoria from volcanos.

[2739] In B. xxxv. c. 53.

[2740] In Chapter 37 of this Book.

[2741] See B. xxiii. cc. 45, 80.

[2742] Probably of a similar nature to the Samian stone.

[2743] Pumice is still used as the basis of a dentifrice, but it destroys the enamel of the teeth.

[2744] See Note 2739 above.

[2745] Or “temples of the Muses:” evidently grottos in the present instance.

[2746] In allusion to the line, “Aridâ modo pumice expolitum”—“Just polished with dry pumice-stone.” Ep. I. l. 2. Both the backs of books and the parchment used for writing were rubbed with pumice.

[2747] Sec B. v. c. 36.

[2748] See B. xxxiv. c. 22.

[2749] Hist. B. ix. c. 18.

[2750] As a preventive of vomiting.

[2751] “Musta.” Grape-juice in the process of being made into wine.

[2752] Delafosse suggests that this may have been grey-spotted granite. The name is doubtful, as “Edesian” and “Ephesian” are other readings.

[2753] In Chapter 13 of this Book.

[2754] “Golden stone.” A variety, perhaps, of the Thebaic stone with gold spots, mentioned in Chapter 13 of this Book.

[2755] Possibly so called from Χάλαζα, “hail,” it being, perhaps, a granite with spots like hailstones.

[2756] Sec Chapters 11 and 33 of this Book.

[2757] In consequence of its extreme hardness.

[2758] Phœnician stone and Tænarian stone do not appear to have been identified. Parian stone may probably have been white Parian marble.

[2759] See Chapter 12 of this Book.

[2760] Serpentine. See Chapters 11 and 30.

[2761] See B. iv. cc. 22, 23.

[2762] Ajasson identifies it with Ollar stone, talc, or soap-stone, a hydrous silicate of magnesia, and nearly allied to the Ophites of Chapters 11 and 30.

[2763] He being a native of that part of Italy.

[2764] The Green Colubine Ollar stone; or soap-stone of Italy.

[2765] See B. iii. c. 21.

[2766] Identified by Brotero with our Free-stone or grit-stone.

[2767] So called from its resemblance to the spots on a peacock’s tail. He alludes, probably, to the mode of roofing with tiles cut in the form of scales, still much employed on the continent, and in Switzerland more particularly.

[2768] Or “Mirror-stone.” Transparent Selenite or gypsum; a sulphate of lime.

[2769] Now Segorba, in Valentia.

[2770] Ajasson is of opinion that various kinds of mica and talc are the minerals here alluded to.

[2771] From φεγγὸς, “brightness.” Beckmann is of opinion that this was a calcareous or gypseous spar (Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 66); but Ajasson seems to think that it was very similar to Parian marble, which was sometimes called by this name.

[2772] This is more likely to apply to a white marble than to a calcareous or gypseous spar. Suetonius says, c. 14, that Domitian, when he suspected that plots were forming against him, caused the porticos in which he walked to be lined with Phengites, which by its reflection showed what was going on behind his back.

[2773] See B xviii. c. 2.

[2774] See Chapter 24 of this Book.

[2775] Beckmann says, in reference to this passage, supposing that a kind of _spar_ is meant by the word _phengites_—“It is probable that the openings of the walls of the building where the windows used to be, were in this instance filled up with _phengites_. which, by admitting a faint light, prevented the place from being dark, even when the doors were shut.”— Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 66. _Bohn’s Edition._

[2776] In Chapter 10 of this Book.

[2777] See B. v. cc. 22, 35, for two places of this name.

[2778] A Celtic word, probably.

[2779] See B. iii. c. 2.

[2780] Identical, probably, with the Tufa of modern Mineralogy, which thence derives its name, a Carbonate of lime.

[2781] Thus reversing the order of things with the Romans, who put the lime on their houses, and the pitch in their wines. See B. xiv. cc. 3, 24, 25.

[2782] See B. xiv. c. 24.

[2783] A white tufa, Vitruvius says, B. i. c. 7.

[2784] It was in reference, possibly, to this stone that Cicero made the remark, mentioned in Chapter 5 of this Book; the heat of Chios being so great, perhaps, that the Tiburtine stone could not have endured it.

[2785] A general name for Silica, Flint, or Quartz, and the several varieties.

[2786] See B. iii. c. 8.

[2787] See B. ii. c. 96, B. iii. c. 9, and B. xiv. c. 8.

[2788] Ajasson thinks that Travertine is meant; a tufa, or carbonate of lime, which is common in Tuscany.

[2789] “Built of stones of equal size.”

[2790] “Built of stones of unequal sizes.”

[2791] “Filled up work,” apparently.

[2792] The reading is very doubtful here: for the word seems to mean, in Greek, “From one wall to another.” “Diamicton”—“Mixed up,” is another reading.

[2793] Where the outer face of each stone forms an exact square; the pointings consequently having a netlike or reticulated appearance.

[2794] The vertical pointings or junctures lying one over the other.

[2795] De Re Rust. c. 38.

[2796] See Chapters 29 and 30 of this Book.

[2797] To which Pozzuolane belongs.

[2798] For making mortar.

[2799] Pounded marble mixed with quicklime.

[2800] “Lacte et croco” appears to be a preferable reading to “late e croco,” as given by the Bamberg MS.

[2801] It seems difficult to understand whether by the word “spiræ” he means astragals, or bases. It would almost appear, by the use of the word “subditæ,” that it is “bases” for the shafts. It is just possible, however, that the meaning may be that the “spiræ” were placed _beneath_ the capitals which were added.

[2802] A different thing altogether from the Maltha or Pissasphalt of B. ii. c. 108. Festus describes it as a mixture of pitch and wax; and Palladius, in B. i. c. 17, speaks of it as being composed of tar, grease, and lime boiled; and in c. 35 he describes Maltha caldaria as a mixture of hammoniacum, figs, tow, tar, and melted suet. It was probably a general name for several kinds of cement. Heineccius says that it was employed for sealing, but on what authority does not appear. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 141. _Bohn’s Edition._

[2803] This is perhaps the meaning of “duplici lenimento.” The reading, however, is doubtful.

[2804] The name now given to Sulphate of lime, including the varieties of Alabaster and Selenite. Plaster of Paris is prepared from it.

[2805] The method of preparing plaster of Paris.

[2806] See B. iv. c. 3.

[2807] See B. iv. c. 3.

[2808] The same thing, strictly speaking. See Chapter 12 of this Book.

[2809] See Chapter 45 of this Book.

[2810] See B. vii. c. 46.

[2811] Dioscorides says, B. v. c. 134, that, taken internally, it produces suffocation.

[2812] “Lithostrota.”

[2813] His age and country are unknown.

[2814] “The house that has no sweeping.”

[2815] “Subtegulanea.”—“Undercover;” in contradistinction to the “subdialia” of next Chapter.

[2816] “Pavimentum,” from “pavio,” to “beat down.”

[2817] “Scutulatum.”—Having figures in the shape of a lozenge or rhombus.

[2818] The line is,

“Arte pavimenti atque emblemate vermiculato;”

literary compositions being compared by him to the artificial construction of a pavement.

[2819] “Subdialia;” more literally, “open-air pavements.”

[2820] Or “kernel;” so called because it lay in the middle. Vitruvius says that it was composed of one part lime, and three parts pounded pottery.

[2821] “Quercus.”

[2822] “Spicata testacea.” These pavements were probably so called because the bricks were laid at angles to each other (of about forty-five degrees), like the grains in an ear of wheat; or like the spines projecting from either side of the back-bone of a fish.

[2823] “Lithostrota.”

[2824] In Chapter 24 of this Book.

[2825] See B. v. c. 17.

[2826] See B. v. c. 19.

[2827] A mineral alkali, Beckmann thinks; for it could not possibly be our saltpetre, he says. See B. xxxi. c. 46.

[2828] Beckmann discredits this story, because sand, he says, is not so easily brought to a state of fusion. Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 496. _Bohn’s Edition._

[2829] “Magnes lapis.” See B. xxxiv. c. 42, and Chapter 25 of this Book. Beckmann is of opinion that an ore of Manganese is meant, a substance which has a resemblance to the magnet, and is of the greatest utility in making glass. Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 237.

[2830] This appears to be the meaning of “Quoniam in se liquorem vitri quoque ut ferrum trahere creditur.”

[2831] In the description given by Isidorus in the “Origines,” which in other respects is similar, these words are omitted, and it is possible that they are a gloss by some one who was better acquainted with the Old Testament than with Pliny. On the other hand, as Sillig remarks, the Phœnicians may, at an early period, have imported into Greece a substance which they called “nitre of Ophir.”

[2832] See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 84.

[2833] “Excogitaverat.” Beckmann would seem to give this word the force only of “thought of,” for he gives it as his opinion that attempts were made at Sidon to form glass mirrors, but that the experiments had not completely succeeded. “Had this invention formed an epoch in the art of making mirrors, Pliny, in another place (B. xxxiii. c. 45), where he describes the various improvements of it so fully, would not have omitted it: but of those experiments he makes no further mention.” He also expresses an opinion that the Sidonian mirrors consisted of dark-coloured glass, resembling obsidian stone.”—Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 69, 70. _Bohn’s Edition._

[2834] Knowles says, in his _Turkish History_, p. 1273, that in 1610, among other rare presents sent to the King of Spain from the Sophy of Persia, there were six drinking-glasses, made of malleable glass so exquisitely tempered that they could not be broken.

[2835] Dion Cassius and Suetonius tell a similar story; and, according to one account, Tiberius ordered the artist to be put to death.

[2836] This reading is doubtful. It would appear to mean “stone handled.” Another reading is “pterotos,” “with winged handles.”

[2837] Volcanic glass, feldspar in a more or less pure state, our Obsidian, is probably meant; a word derived from the old reading, Obsidius, corrected by Sillig to _Obsius_.

[2838] He is speaking of the stone, not the glass that resembled it.

[2839] A thing very difficult to be done, as Beckmann observes, by reason of its brittleness.

[2840] The present Portugal.

[2841] “Blood-red” glass.

[2842] See B. xxxvii. cc. 7, 8, 11. This glass was probably of an opal colour, like porcelain.

[2843] This passage is commented upon by Beckmann, Vol. II. p. 75, in connexion with a similar passage in Isidorus, Orig., which is probably corrupt.

[2844] See B. xxxvii. c. 10. He was not aware, apparently, that in such case they act as convex burning-glasses, and that ice even may be similarly employed.

[2845] This is, probably, the meaning of “in guttas;” a new reading, which is only found in the Bamberg MS.

[2846] See B. xxxiv. c. 2.

[2847] See B. xxxiv. c. 47.

[2848] “Improba” seems to be used here in much the some sense in which Virgil has said “Labor improbus”—“Unremitting labour.”

[2849] He alludes, probably, to eclipses of the sun.

[2850] Acacia charcoal is still recommended as a valuable tonic, and as good for internal ulcerations and irritations of the mucous membrane.

[2851] In B. xxvi. c. 4.

[2852] “Querneus.”

[2853] It is much more likely that he was the son of Tarquin himself, who not improbably, if indeed there ever was such a person, invented the story, to escape the wrath of Queen Tanaquil. This absurd story is mentioned also by Ovid, Arnobius, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

[2854] See B. iii. c. 9, and B. xix. c. 4.

[2855] See end of B. ii. L. Cælius Antipater.

[2856] See end of B. ii.

[2857] Probably Sulpicius Galba, who devoted his time to literary pursuits, and rose to no higher office than the prætorship, He was grand-father of the Emperor Galba, and wrote a historical work.

[2858] Another reading is “Ictius,” but nothing is known of either.

[2859] See end of B. ii.

[2860] See end of B. ii.

[2861] See end of B. ii.

[2862] See end of B. ii. and end of B. xviii.

[2863] See end of B. vii.

[2864] See end of B. xvi.

[2865] See end of B. ii. and end of B. xviii.

[2866] See end of B. vi.

[2867] See end of B. iii.

[2868] See end of B. xvi.

[2869] See end of B. iii.

[2870] See end of B. xxxiii.

[2871] See end of B. v.

[2872] See end of B. viii.

[2873] All that we know of him is, that he wrote on Precious Stones. Apollonius Dyscolus mentions an author who wrote on the same subject, whose name was “Tacus;” and possibly the same person is meant.

[2874] Mentioned in this and the next Book, as a writer on Precious Stones.

[2875] Cornelius Alexander. See end of B. iii.

[2876] See end of B. xxx.

[2877] See end of B. xx.

[2878] See end of B. vii.

[2879] See end of B. ii.

[2880] A Sicilian author of the time of Alexander. In his “Sacred History,” he interpreted the legends of the popular religion as based upon historical facts, and taught that the gods of Mythology were only deified men. His system has been compared with the rationalism of some German theologians, and Euhemerists were still to be found at the close of last century. Diodorus Siculus, Polybius, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus have followed in his track; and the poet Ennius translated his work, which is now lost.

[2881] A Greek writer on Egypt. He is often quoted by Stephanus Byzantinus, who says that he was not much younger than Plato. He is mentioned as a writer on the Pyramids of Egypt, in Chapter 17 of this Book.

[2882] See end of B. xii.

[2883] See end of B. ii.

[2884] From the mention made of him in Chapter 17 of this Book, he must have lived in the first century before, or the first century after Christ.

[2885] Possibly Antisthenes of Rhodes, a historian who lived about 200 B.C.

[2886] Possibly the author mentioned by Athenæus, B. xv. as having written on Egypt. He is mentioned in Chapter 17 of this Book.

[2887] Hardouin thinks that he is the same person as Hermateles, mentioned by Tertullian, _De Spectaculis_, c. 8, as having written on Obelisks.

[2888] A native of Naucratis, in Egypt, who wrote a work on that country, mentioned by Athenæus, and some Poems.

[2889] In B. xxxiii. c. 4.

[2890] This being imposed as a punishment on him, in remembrance of his sacrilegious crimes, when released by Jupiter from the rock. Prometheus and Vulcan, as Ajasson remarks, are personifications of fire, employed for artistic purposes.

[2891] See B. xxxiii. c. 6.

[2892] For ultimately, Oroetes, the satrap of Sardes, contrived to allure him into his power, and had him crucified, B.C. 522. Fuller, in his _Worthies_, p. 370, tells a very similar story of the loss and recovery of his ring by one Anderson, a merchant of Newcastle-on-Tyne; and Zuinglius gives a similar statement with reference to Arnulph, duke of Lorraine, who dropped his ring into the Moselle, and recovered it from the belly of a fish.

[2893] See Chapter 23. According to Herodotus, Pausanias, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Suidas, the stone was an emerald; and Lessing thinks that there was no figure engraved on it. See Chapter 4 of this Book. Without vouching for the truth of it, we give the following extract from the _London Journal_, Vol. xxiii. No. 592. “A vine-dresser of Albano, near Rome, is said to have found in a vineyard, the celebrated ring of Polycrates.—The stone is of considerable size, and oblong in form. The engraving on it, by Theodore of Samos, the son of Talikles, is of extraordinary fineness and beauty. It represents a lyre, with three bees flying about; below, on the right, a dolphin; on the left, the head of a bull. The name of the engraver is inscribed in Greek characters. The upper surface of the stone is slightly concave, not highly polished, and one corner broken. It is asserted that the possessor has been offered 50,000 dollars for it.”

[2894] “Achates.” A variegated chalcedony. It was probably what is called, from its radiated streaks, a _fortification agate_. See Chapter 54 of this Book.

[2895] Ajasson remarks that there can be little doubt that Nature had at least been very extensively seconded by Art.

[2896] “Choraules.” One who accompanies the chorus on the pipe or flute.

[2897] “Smaragdus.”

[2898] One of the Danaïdes.

[2899] This is said with reference to the one in the Temple of Concord, mentioned in Chapter 2.

[2900] But see Exodus xxvii. 9, _et seq._, where it is shown that the practice existed many hundreds of years before.

[2901] See B. vii. c. 38; where marble is the substance named. There are still two gems in existence said to have been engraved by this artist; but by some they are thought to be spurious.

[2902] There are many precious stones with his name, still extant: but only six appear to have been really engraved by him.

[2903] This signet is mentioned also by Plutarch and Valerius Maximus.

[2904] See B. iii. c. 4.

[2905] The younger Africanus. This circumstance is mentioned in the Epitome of Livy, B. xlviii.

[2906] See B. xxxiii. c. 5, and end of Book ix.

[2907] In reference to the ambiguous part which he acted, Ajasson thinks, in the early part of his career.

[2908] In reference to the story of Œdipus and the Sphinx.

[2909] A Greek word, signifying a “repository of kings.”

[2910] See B. xxxvi. c. 24.

[2911] The sister of Augustus.

[2912] See B. xxxiii c. 53.

[2913] See B. xxxiv. c. 8.

[2914] “Acta.”

[2915] Chapter 7.

[2916] A.U.C. 693.

[2917] 30th of September.

[2918] “Alveum lusorium.”

[2919] Probably meaning a shrine dedicated to the Muses.

[2920] See B. ii. c. 78, and B. vii. c. 60.

[2921] That of Africa.

[2922] See B. vii. c. 27.

[2923] As was the case, after the murder of Pompey in Egypt.

[2924] Caligula.

[2925] Modern writers differ as to the material of which these vessels were composed. Some think that they were of variegated glass, and others of onyx; but the more general opinion is, that they were Chinese porcelain, and we have the line in Propertius, B. iv. El. 5, l. 26. “And murrhine vessels baked on Parthian hearths.” Ajasson is of opinion, from the description given by Pliny, that these vessels were made of Fluor spar, or fluate of lime. “Myrrhine” is another reading of the word.

[2926] “Ante hos annos.” Sillig is of opinion that the reading here should be “L. Annius,” and that L. Annius Bassus, who was Consul suffectus in the year 70 A.D., is the person referred to; or possibly, T. Arrius Antoninus, who was Consul suffectus, A.D. 69.

[2927] The Gardens of Nero, in the Fourteenth Region of the City.

[2928] He had been formerly a sharer in the debaucheries of Nero. Tacitus called him “Caius.”

[2929] See B. vi. cc. 27, 28, 32.

[2930] Ajasson is of opinion that this passage bears reference to crystallization. Both he and Desfontaines see in the present Chapter a very exact description of Fluor spar; and there is certainly great difficulty in recognizing any affinity between murrhine vessels, as here described, and porcelain.

[2931] “Abacus.”

[2932] In the preceding Chapter.

[2933] Meaning that they are semitransparent, Ajasson thinks. One great characteristic of Fluor spar is its being subtranslucent.

[2934] This would appear to be the meaning here of “sales.” See p. 396.

[2935] One of the grounds, Ajasson says, on which may be based the opinion that they were artificial.

[2936] Colourless crystals, quartz, or rock crystal; called “white stone” in jewellery.

[2937] See B. xxxvi. c. 45. This was a very general opinion of the ancients with respect to crystal.

[2938] Κρύσταλλος, from κρύος, “cold.”

[2939] See B. v. c. 29.

[2940] In Caria, see B. v. c. 29.

[2941] The Island “of the dead.” Brotero supposes it to be the island of Maceira.

[2942] See B. vi. c. 34. As Ajasson remarks, there could be no snow or ice here.

[2943] See B. iv. c. 35.

[2944] Dioscorides attributes the hardening of crystal to the action of the sun.

[2945] “Its shape is rhombohedral, and hemihedral in some of its modifications. The planes on the angles between the prism and pyramidal terminations, incline sometimes to the right, and sometimes to the left, and the crystals are termed right and left-handed crystals.”—Dana, _System of Mineralogy_, Art. _Quartz_.

[2946] Ajasson remarks that blocks have been found in Switzerland, weighing above eight hundred pounds.

[2947] Forty-eight sextarii. See Introduction to Vol. III.

[2948] This “vomica,” Ajasson says, is either water, azote, rarified oxygen, or water in combination with naphtha.

[2949] “Centra,” knots, or flaws. See B. xvi. c. 76, where he speaks of the “centra” in marble. See also Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 471. _Bohn’s Edition._

[2950] “Sale.” See Note 2934 above.

[2951] “Without flaw.”

[2952] See B. xxxvi. c. 67.

[2953] “Succinum.” It is of vegetable origin, and, according to Göppert, was originally the viscous resin of a tree named by him _Pinites succinifer_.

[2954] It is used by men, more particularly, at the present day, as a mouthpiece for pipes.

[2955] As to the _vegetable_ origin of amber, there is no doubt that the ancients were right.

[2956] Most probably from ἥλιος, the “sun.” Phaëthon was fabled to have been the son of Apollo. See the story in Ovid’s Met. B. ii. l. 340, _et seq._

[2957] Where amber was not to be found.

[2958] In reality, these “Amber Islands” were situate at the mouth of the Vistula, into which the Radanus discharged itself; a river whose name was afterwards confounded with “Eridanus,” the ancient name of the Padus, or Po. See B. iv. cc. 27, 30, as to the produce of amber in the Baltic.

[2959] Another reference to its vegetable origin.

[2960] De Lapid. n. 53.

[2961] In confirmation of this, Ajasson remarks that amber is found at Saint Paulet in the Department Du Gard, and at Aix, in the Department of Bouches-du-Rhône, regions not very distant from the territory of ancient Liguria.

[2962] It has been supposed by some that this in reality was Tourmaline, and Woodward has identified it with Belemnites. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 86. _Bohn’s Edition._ See further as to “Lyncurium,” B. viii. c. 57, and Chapter 13 of this Book.

[2963] See B. iv. c. 28.

[2964] See B. iv. c. 27.

[2965] Said in reference to the electric spark, Ajasson thinks.

[2966] In Hebrew, this word means “a stone.”

[2967] From the Greek ἁρπάζω, “to drag.”

[2968] See B. x. c. 38.

[2969] All this is based, Ajasson thinks, upon the stories of Hindoo mythology.

[2970] The old reading is “Osericta:” Ajasson identifies it with the island of Oësel in the Baltic.

[2971] See B. x. c. 38.

[2972] See B. iv. cc. 27, 30, and the Notes.

[2973] See B. iv. c. 30.

[2974] It is just possible that the Pinites succinifer may have still existed, to some extent, eighteen hundred years ago. See Note 2953 above.

[2975] From “succus,” “juice.”

[2976] Goitre, for example.

[2977] The projecting part in the Circus or Amphitheatre, next the arena, and immediately in front of the place occupied by the emperor and nobles.

[2978] The knots, probably, were adorned with studs or buttons of amber.

[2979] “Libitina.” Meaning the litters on which the slain gladiators were carried away from the arena.

[2980] Martial has three Epigrams on Insects enclosed in amber; B. iv. Ep. 32 and 59, and B. vi. Ep. 15.

[2981] These so-called kinds or varieties are mostly accidental variations only in appearance.

[2982] Which is perceptible on its being rubbed: in some cases the odour of amber is very fine, in others it is perfectly fetid; though in the latter case, as Ajasson remarks, it is doubtful whether it may be considered to be genuine amber.

[2983] “Lini.” Salmasius suggests “pini,” “pith of pine.”

[2984] “Golden amber.” Brotero thinks that this must have been Hyacinth or Zirconite of a yellowish white colour. Ajasson says that the description would equally apply to Idocrase, Meionite, or Harmotome.

[2985] See Note 2962, above. Brotero identifies it with orange-coloured Hyacinth; Ajasson and Desfontaines with Tourmaline. Ajasson suggests, also, that the first syllabic in its name—_Lync_, may have been derived from the Sanscrit _Lanka_, the name of Ceylon, one of the localities where the Tourmaline is chiefly found.

[2986] Ajasson thinks that Rubellite or Red Tourmaline is here alluded to.

[2987] This is the case with tourmaline when subjected to heat.

[2988] We may here remark, that throughout this Book, in all cases where there is any doubt as to the identification of the substance, the ancient name is retained. Hence our words “adamant” and “diamond.” If Pliny means the latter, which is doubtful, it still maintains the rank here assigned to it. The word “adamas” is supposed to be derived from the Greek ἀ, privative, and δαμάω, “to subdue,” it being supposed to be invincible by fire. The diamond is pure carbon crystallized, and is thought to have been of vegetable origin. Dana has the following remarks upon the word “adamas.”—“This name was applied by the ancients to several minerals differing much in their physical properties. A few of these are quartz, specular iron ore, emery, and other substances of rather high degrees of hardness, which cannot now be identified. It is doubtful whether Pliny had any acquaintance with the real diamond.”—_System of Mineralogy_, Art. _Diamond_. We may also add, from the same authority, that the method of polishing diamonds was first discovered in 1456, by Louis Berquen, a citizen of Bruges, previous to which time the diamond was only known in its native uncut state.

[2989] This statement cannot apply to the “diamond” as known to us, though occasionally grains of gold have been found in the vicinity of the diamond.

[2990] Ajasson is of opinion that the Æthiopia here mentioned is in reality India, and that the “Temple of Mercury” means the _Brahmaloka_, or Temple of Brahma.

[2991] The diamond, as known to us, is octahedral.

[2992] Though found in comparative abundance in India, the diamond is not found in Arabia.

[2993] This is not the case with the diamond; for on being struck under such circumstances, it will break.

[2994] In reality, the diamond will burn, and, at a temperature of 14° Wedgewood, is wholly consumed, producing carbonic acid gas.

[2995] See Note 2988, above.

[2996] “Millet-seed.”

[2997] Ajasson says, that no doubt this adamas was Adamantine, or limpid Corundum.

[2998] Ajasson suggests that this may have been Dichroite, or Cordierite, known also as Iolite, or Water sapphire.

[2999] Possibly the Siderite, sparry iron, or spathic iron of modern Mineralogy. Ajasson is inclined to think that it is Corundum, of a dark hue.

[3000] See B. xx. c. 1, B. xxviii. cc. 23, 41, and B. xxxii. c. 12.

[3001] Brotero thinks that this was a story invented by the dealers, with a view of concealing the real method of breaking the stone.

[3002] Said, probably, with reference to the rank, nauseous smell of the he-goat.

[3003] This is true with reference to the diamond, and, in a less degree, several other crystalline substances, emery and quartz, for example.

[3004] Ajasson remarks, that if the diamond is placed in the magnetic line or current of the loadstone, it attracts iron equally with the loadstone, and consequently neutralizes the attractive power of the loadstone in a considerable degree.

[3005] The reading is very doubtful here. This word, as it is here given, would appear to be derived from the Greek ἀ privative, and ἄγχομαι, “to strangle oneself,” and to mean, “preventive of suicide.”

[3006] See B. iv. c. 27, and Chapter 11 of this Book.

[3007] At the present day the ruby is next in esteem to the diamond.

[3008] Chapter 54, _et seq._

[3009] The Emerald, and various other green precious stones, were included under this name.

[3010] “Virentes” seems a very preferable reading to “silentes,” as given by the Bamberg MS.

[3011] The emerald is supposed to derive this colour from a minute portion of oxide of chrome.

[3012] Engraved emeralds are but seldom found among collections of ancient gems. In 1593, there was one found in the tomb of Maria, daughter of Stilicho, in the Vatican, with the head of Honorius, her husband, engraved upon it.

[3013] “It may here be objected that real emeralds are too small to admit of being used as mirrors; but the ancients speak of some sufficiently large for that purpose, and also of artificial ones; so that we may with certainty conclude, that they classed among the emeralds fluor spar, green vitrified lava, or the green Icelandic agate, as it is called, green jasper, and also green glass.”—Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 67. _Bohn’s Edition._ It has also been suggested, with reference to this passage, that Nero was short-sighted, and that this emerald was formed like a concave lens. The passage, however, will hardly support such a construction. Ajasson thinks that it must have been a Dioptase or Siberian emerald; or else a green Corundum.

[3014] Ajasson is of opinion that the Dioptase, Siberian emerald, or Malachite emerald is meant.

[3015] Ajasson thinks that this may be the Dioptase or Achirite of Chinese Bucharia; and that the merchant Achir Mahmed, from whom it takes its name, was by no means the first to introduce it, or to circulate his wonderful stories as to its formation.

[3016] See B. ii. cc. 47, 48, and B. xviii. c. 74.

[3017] Mount Zalora. in Upper Egypt, still produces emeralds, and was probably the only locality of the _genuine_ stone that was known to the ancients.

[3018] “Cetarias.”

[3019] Ajasson remarks that the greater part of the defects here described belong in reality to the Dioptase.

[3020] “Sal.” See Chapters 8, 10, 22, and 37, of this Book.

[3021] Ajasson is of opinion that Diallage is here meant, known also by the names of Bronzite, schillerspath, schillerstein, and omphasite.

[3022] See B. iv. c. 11.

[3023] “In sole” seems a preferable reading to “in solo,” “on the ground,” as given by the Bamberg MS.

[3024] See Chapter 39 of this Book; where it will be shown that this probably is not the modern Sapphire.

[3025] Ajasson suggests that these may have been Quartz agates of the dendritic or arborized kind.

[3026] He probably alludes here to some variety of the Chalcedony or Opal quartz.

[3027] Said with reference to Chrysoprase, Ajasson thinks; a leek-green chalcedony, coloured by nickel.

[3028] Probably the Cacholong of modern mineralogy, a variety of opal, nearly opaque, and of a porcelain or bluish white colour.

[3029] Ajasson and Brotero identify this with milk-white chalcedony; but on what authority, does not appear.

[3030] See B. iv. c. 8.

[3031] Supposed by Ajasson to be the Euclase, a brittle green stone, composed of silica, alumina, and glucina. Haüy gave it this name from the Greek words εὖ, “easily” and κλάω, “to break.” According to Dana, however, Euclase was first brought from Peru: if such is the fact, we must, perhaps, look for its identification in Epidote, a green silicate of alumina.

[3032] “Brazen smaragdus.” It was probably Dioptase, combined with copper Pyrites. See Notes 3013, 3014, and 3015, above.

[3033] With reference to this statement and the others in this Chapter, Ajasson remarks that these stones can have been nothing but prases, green jaspers, fusible spaths, emerald quartz, and fluates of lime.

[3034] Herodotus mentions this smaragdus and the temple, B. ii. c. 44, as having been seen by himself.

[3035] “Iaspis.” See Chapter 37 of this Book.

[3036] Meaning “the conqueror of many,” probably; in reference to his contentious disposition. See end of B. xxx.

[3037] The Beryl and the Emerald are only varieties of the same species, the latter owing its colour to oxide of chrome, the former to oxide of iron.

[3038] The best Beryls are found in Siberia, Hindostan, Brazil, and the United States.

[3039] The crystals are naturally hexagonal.

[3040] Hence the name of the sky-blue, or mountain-green beryl, _aquamarine_.

[3041] Or “golden beryl,” The modern Chrysoberyl is altogether a different stone from the one here described, which probably is identical with Chrysoprase or leek-green Chalcedony, the stone next mentioned.

[3042] “Leek-green and gold.”

[3043] “Sky-coloured.”

[3044] The largest specimen of Beryl known, belonged to Don Pedro. It was not cylindrical in form, but shaped like the head of a calf, and weighed 225 ounces troy.

[3045] Which is the case.

[3046] In Chapter 18 of this Book.

[3047] “Pterygia.”

[3048] In the Uralian Mountains, for example.

[3049] Opals are hydrated silica, the amount of water varying.

[3050] On the contrary, precious Opal is found in Hungary, at Frankfort, and in Honduras, and other varieties in numerous parts of the world, including the East Indies.

[3051] See Chapter 25 of this Book.

[3052] See B. xxxv. c. 28.

[3053] The largest opal known is in the Imperial cabinet at Vienna. It is the size of a man’s fist, and weighs 17 ounces, but is full of fissures.

[3054] See Carm. 53 of the Poems of Catullus.

[3055] A.U.C. 788.

[3056] See B. viii. c. 47. He alludes to the story of the Beaver.

[3057] See B. xxii. c. 29.

[3058] This is the case with _common_ opal, as distinguished from _precious_ opal.

[3059] “Lovely youth.”

[3060] Said ironically. There is a somewhat similar remark in B. xxxiii. c. 12.

[3061] A mixture of brown-red and white chalcedony.

[3062] From the Greek Σάρδιον, “sard,” and ὄνυξ, a “finger nail.”

[3063] His meaning seems to be that it does not present the bright transparent red of the Indian Sarda or Carnelian. See Chapter 31 of this Book.

[3064] “Quâdam spe.” _Un soupçon_, as the French would say.

[3065] This would appear, from the description, to be an Agate, or variegated Chalcedony.

[3066] He probably intends to include the Sarda or Carnelian here.

[3067] A variety, probably, of common Chalcedony.

[3068] See B. ix. cc. 74, 88, and B. xxxii. c. 53.

[3069] “Fæculentæ,” of the colour of wine-lees.

[3070] So called from ὄνυξ, a “finger-nail.” It is a variety of the Chalcedony, resembling Agate, but the colours are arranged in flat horizontal planes.

[3071] See B. xxxiv. c. 22, and B. xxxvi. c. 12.

[3072] It is pretty clear that the Onyx of Pliny included not only our Onyx, but several other varieties of the Chalcedony.

[3073] “Igniculos.”

[3074] “Carnosas.” It is somewhat doubtful whether our Carnelian, or Cornelian, take its name from this word, or from “cornus,” a cornel-berry.

[3075] See Chapter 31.