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THE LIGN ALOES, LIGNUM ALOES, ALOE WOOD, OR 
AGALLOCHUM OF THE ANCIENTS. 
Aloe-wood, or Lign Aloes, is mentioned by Herodotus and several other ancient 
writers, as a substance of the greatest value ; it emits a fragrance, which in the East 
is more highly esteemed than that of any other known plant ; it was, therefore, at a 
very early age made use of to perfume the clothing and apartments of all persons of 
distinction, especially as the scent is by no means evanescent, but will endure 
undiminished for years. The wood also admits of a high polish, and in that state 
exhibits the most beautiful graining ; this, in connection with its rich perfume, 
rendered it a suitable substance in which to set the most precious gems ; for this 
purpose it was carved into all manner of fantastic forms, to suit the fancies of the 
purchasers, and was worn in the head-dresses, or other parts of the persons of both 
sexes, when in full costume. 
It was also nearly as much esteemed for medicinal purposes, as for its fragrance, 
being considered stimulant, cordial, cephalic, corroborant, and a certain remedy against 
vertigo and paralysis ; in fact it only yielded in value to the famous balsam of Gilead 
(Balsamodendron Gileadensis). Although these properties were no doubt greatly 
exaggerated, and some of them were altogether fanciful ; yet it no doubt possesses 
some medicinal qualities, and at one time found its way into the “ Materia Medica ” of 
our own country ; and was said to be successfully prescribed by some continental 
physicians, in cases of gout and rheumatism. It has, however, long since fallen into 
disuse, perhaps from being superseded by other medicines of more active and potent 
properties. 
It was also one of the substances which, in Eastern nations, was burnt as incense 
on high festivals to propitiate the Gods ; and even in the present day, it is much 
used in connection with other fragrant substances, by the Moors and Chinese, for 
the same purpose. 
On these several accounts it sold at a very high price. Some of the ancient 
writers tell us, that it could only be purchased in their day, for its weight in gold. 
And Herodotus mentions, that it was once deemed of more value than gold. Of 
course many fables were in circulation as to the origin of so estimable a commodity, 
all tending to point out the extraordinary difficulty with which the article was 
obtained. 
Respecting the tree which produces this fragrant substance, there has always 
been a difficulty in defining, arising from the imperfect knowledge the ancients 
possessed of Botany, and the very meagre descriptions, which were furnished by 
them to succeeding generations. In the present day two plants, both natives of 
the East Indies, one growing in the hot plains, and requiring stove heat, the other 
growing on the highest mountains, and only needing the temperature of the 
greenhouse, claim this distinction. It is not easy to tell which of these has the 
