NOME XXI. BITUMINOUS ROCKS. 151 



ground, to prevent any accident by fire, of which 

 it is extremely susceptible. 



" There is also a white naptha on the penin- 

 sula of Apcheron, of a much thinner consistency; 

 but this is found only in small quantities. The 

 Russians drink it both as a cordial and a medi- 

 cine, but it does not intoxicate : if taken inter- 

 nally, it is said to be good for the stone, as also 

 for disorders of the breast, and in venereal cases, 

 and sore heads ; .to both the last the Persians are 

 very subject. Externally applied, it is of great 

 use in scorbutic pains, gouts, cramps, &c. ; but 

 it must be put to the part affected only ; it pene- 

 trates instantaneously into the blood, and is apt 

 for a short time to create great pain. It has 

 also the property of spirits of wine, to take out 

 greasy spots in silks or woollens ; but the remedy 

 is worse than the disease, for it leaves an abomi- 

 nable odour. They say it is carried into India 

 as a great rarity; and, being prepared as a 

 japan, is the most beautiful and lasting of any 

 that has yet been found. Not far from hence 

 are also springs of hot water, which boil up 

 in the same manner as the naptha, and very 

 thick, being impregnated with a blue clay; 

 but it soon clarifies. Bathing in this warm 

 water is found to strengthen and procure a good 



