Chap. 40.] GALL. 327 



cured, it being then boiled again and again, until the rank 

 smell has totally disappeared. 



Many persons recommend that the fat of bulls, lions, pan- 

 thers, and camels, in particular, should be thus prepared. As 

 to the various uses to which these substances are applied, we 

 shall mention them on the appropriate occasions, 



CHAP. 39. MAEUOW. 



Common too, to all these animals, is marrow ; a substance 

 which in all cases is possessed of certain emollient, expletive, 

 desiccative, and calorific properties. The most highly esteemed 

 of all is deer's marrow, the next best being that of the calf, and 

 then that of the goat, both male and female. These substances 

 are prepared before autumn, by washing them in a fresh state, 

 and drying them in the shade ; after which they are passed 

 through a sieve, and then strained through linen, and put by 

 in earthen pots for keeping, in a cool spot. 



CHAP. 40. GALL. 



But among the substances which are furnished in common 

 by the various animals, it is the gall, we may say, that is the 

 most efficacious of all. The properties of this substance are of 

 a calorific, pungent, resolvent, extractive, and dispersive nature. 

 The gall of the smaller animals is looked upon as the most 

 penetrating ; for which reason it is that it is generally con- 

 sidered the most efficacious for the composition of eye-salves. 

 Bull's gall is possessed of a remarkable degree of potency, 

 having the effect of imparting a golden tint to the surface 

 of copper even and to vessels made of other metals. Gall in every 

 case is prepared in the following manner : it is taken fresh, 

 and the orifice of the vesicle in which it is contained being tied 

 fast with a strong linen thread, it is left to steep for half 

 an hour in boiling water ; after which it is dried in the shade, 

 and then put away for keeping, in honey. 



That of the horse is condemned, being reckoned among the 

 poisons only. Hence it is that the Flamen^^ of the Sacrifices 

 is not allowed to touch a horse, notwithstanding that it is the 



^- Or Flaraen Dialis. Festus gives another reason : lest the Flamen 

 Bhould travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties. 



