the Nardus Indie a ^ or Spikenard. 291 
being ambiguous. The roots of this fpecimen are very fmall, 
and poffefs lenfible qualities inferior to the reft of the plant ; 
yet it is mentioned in the account above recited, that the virtues 
refide principally in the bujky roots. It is evident, that by the 
huiky roots mud here be meant the lower parts of the ftalks 
and leaves where they unite to the roots ; and it is probably a 
flight inaccuracy of this kind that has given occafion to the 
ambiguity that occurs in the ancient accounts. 
With regard to the virtues of this plant, it was highly valued 
anciently as an article of luxury as well as a medicine. The 
favourite perfume which was ufed at the ancient baths and 
feafts was the Unguentum nardinum ; and it appears, from a 
paflage in Horace, that it was fo valuable, that as much of it 
as could be contained in a fmall box of precious ftone was con-* 
fidered as a fort of equivalent for a large veflel of wine, and a 
h and ib me quota for a gueft to contribute at an entertainment, 
according to the cuftom of antiquity : 
Nardo vinum merebere 
Nardi parvus onyx eliciet cadum . 
It may here be remarked, that as its fenfible qualities do not 
depend on a principle fo volatile as effential oil, like moft other 
aromatic vegetables, this would be a great recommendation to 
the ancients, as its virtues would thereby be more durable, and 
they were not acquainted with the method of colle&ing eflen- 
tial oils, being ignorant of the art of diftillation. The fragrance 
and aromatic warmth of the Nardus depends on a fixed principle 
like that of cardamoms, ginger, and fome other fpices. I 
tried to extract the virtues of the Nardus by boiling water, by 
maceration in wine and in proof Ipirits, but it yielded them 
but fparingly and with difficulty to all thefe menfttua . 
it 
