ARAB USES OF THE DATE 199 



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 II. chapter 86. 



