BOOK XXXV. L. 175-177 



vvorkshops. The third kiiid also is only employed 

 for one purpose, for smoking wooUens from beneath, 

 as it bestows whiteness and softness ; this sort is 

 called egula. The fourth kind is specially used for 

 making lamp-wicks. For the rest, sulphur is so 

 potent that Mhen put on the fire it detects epilepsy 

 by its smelL Anaxilaus even made a sport with it 

 by putting some in a cup of wine and placing a hot 

 coal underneath and handing it round at dinner- 

 parties, when by its reflection as it flared up it threw 

 on their faces a dreadful pallor as if they were dead. 

 Its property is calorific and concoctive,'* but it also 

 disperses abscesses on the body, and consequently 

 is used as an ingredient in plasters and poultices 

 for such cases. It is also remarkably beneficial 

 for the kidneys and loins if in cases of pain it is 

 applied to them with grease. In combination with 

 turpentine it also removes lichenous growths on the 

 face and leprosy ; so it is called harpax,^ owing to the 

 speed with which it has to be apphed, which is 

 caused bv the need for immediate removal. Used 

 as an electuarv it is good for cases of asthma, and also 

 purulent expectoration after coughing and as a 

 remedy for the sting of scorpions. Live sulphur 

 mixed with soda and pounded in vinegar and used 

 as a Hniment removes cutaneous eruptions, and also 

 eggs of lice, and in combination with vinegar mixed 

 with realgar it is useful on the eyelids. Sulphur 

 also has a place in rehgious ceremonies, for the 

 purpose of purifying houses by fumigation. Its 

 potency is also perceptible in hot springs of water, 

 and no other substance is more easily ignited, 



<» I.e. brings boils, etc, to a head. 



^ doira^ ' raparions.' from dpTra^oj, ' seize,' ' snatch.' 



