BOOK XXX\ . Lvi. 194-LV11. 19 



dissolves very quickly in vvater, and likevvise dissolved 

 in milk it is used for touching up the whitewash on 

 plastered walls. Pnigitis, or ' suifocating ' earth 

 closely resembles that of Eretria, only it is in larger 

 lumps and is sticky. It produces the same effect 

 as Cimolian earth, although it is less powerful. 

 Ampehtis or ' vine ' earth is very like bitumen. 

 The test for it is whether it dissolves when oil is put 

 in it, like wax, and whether when roasted it retains 

 a blackish colour. It is used for an emollient and 

 dissipant, and is added to drugs for these purposes, 

 especially in the case of eye-lash beautifiers and for 

 hairdyes. 



LVil. There are several sorts of white earth. 

 Among them there are two sorts of Cimolian earth" 

 that concern doctors, one bright white and one 

 incHning to purple. Either is effective for dispelling 

 tumours, and, with vinegar added, for stopping 

 fluxes. They also check swellings and inflammation 

 of the parotid glands, and applied as a Hniment, 

 troubles of the spleen and pimples ; while if foam- 

 soda ^ and oil of cypros '^ and vinegar are added, 

 they cure swollen feet, provided the treatment is 

 applied in the sun, and the uppHcation is washed oif 

 again with salt water six hours later. A mixture 

 of this earth with oil of cypros and wax is good for 

 swellings of the testicles. Cretaceous earth also 

 possesses cooHng properties, and appHed in a Hni- 

 ment it stops immoderate sweating, and Hkewise 

 taken in wine while in a bath it removes pimples. 

 The kind from Thessaly is most esteemed, but it is 

 also found in the neighbourhood of Bubo in Lycia. 

 Another use also made of Cimolus earth is in regard 

 to cloth. The kind called Sarda. which is brought 



405 



Asphaltit 

 deposit. 



Cimolian 

 earths. 



