ARAB USES OF THE DATE 109 



Herodotus mentions* that the ancient Egyptians 

 used this beverage for washing out the ventral cavity 

 of an intended mummy; and Ibn Awam declares 

 that, spiced with myrtle and cummin, it is unequaled 

 for ridding the hen roost of lice. 1 may add, finally, 

 that lately it has been advertised in Europe as a 

 cure for tuberculosis. 



♦Herodotus (c. 450 B. C). Book H, chapter S6. 



