200 PLIXY'S KATURAL HISTORY. 



force to detach them. The best is that which comes from 

 the manufactories of Cyprus, its characteristics being, that 

 when broken, it sparkles like gold, and when triturated, it 

 presents a sandy or earthy appearance, like chuleitis. Misy 

 is used in the process of refilling gold. Mixed with oil of 

 roses, it is used as an injection for suppurations of the ears, 

 and, in combination with wool, it is applied to ulcers of the 

 head. It also removes inveterate granulations of the eye-lids, 

 and is particularly useful for affections of the tonsils, quinsy, 

 and suppurations. For these maladies, sixteen drachmas 

 should be mixed with one semiscxtarius of vinegar, and boiled 

 with the addition of some honey, until it becomes of a viscous 

 consistency; in which state it is applicable to the different 

 purposes above mentioned. When its action is wanted to be 

 modified, a sprinkling of honey is added, A fomentation of 

 niisy and vinegar removes the callosities of iistulous ulcers ; 

 it also enters into the composition of eye-salves. It arrests 

 haemorrhage, prevents the spreading of serpiginous and putrid 

 ulcers, and consumes fleshy excrescences* It is particularly 

 useful for diseases of the male generative organs, and acts as 

 a check upon menstruation. 



CHAP. 32. cHALCANxnra, OB SHOEMAKERS* BLACK : SIXTEEN 



REMEDIES. 



The Greeks, by the name 23 which they have given to it, 

 have indicated the relation between shoemakers 9 black 21 and 

 copper ; for they call it " chalcanthum." 35 . Indeed there is no 

 substance* 5 so singular in its nature. It is prepared in Spain, 

 from the water of wells or pits which contain it in dissolu- 

 tion. This water is boiled with an equal quantity of puro 

 water, and is then poured into large wooden reservoirs. 



XaXcov aVOoc. " Flower of copper." IJ. 



51 '* Atrumcntuni sutorium." It was thus called from its being used 

 for colouring leather. Under this name he probably includes green 

 Titriol, or sulphate of the protoxide of iron, and blue Titriol, or sulphate, 

 and hydro-trisulphnte of copper, the former of which is, properly, our 

 copperas. See lieckniann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 181, it. teg. liuhns Edi- 

 tion. See also Note 10 above. 



25 In reality, the " chalcanthum" of Dioscoridcs was the small scales 

 separated from molten copper by the application of water. See Chapters 

 24 and 25 above. 



25 Of this kind, probably. &JC Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 182. 



