136 
to which, perhaps, this change of the surface of metals is more pro- 
perly attributable. In a yalley near to this spot, he observes, the 
substance called balsam is found, which is productive of a consi- 
derable income ; since in no other part of the world, he remarks, is 
this substance to be found, the use of which, as a remedy, is so very 
considerable. 
Those who inhabit the borders of the lake, adopt a mode, he 
says, by which, without the aid of ships, they obtain, and carry 
home, the bitumen which floats on the lake. Having tied together 
bundles of large reeds, so as to form rafts, three persons, two with 
oars, and one armed with a bow and arrows, to repel the inha- 
bitants of the opposite shore, proceed to the floating bitumen. 
Having reached the object of their voyage, they get on to the bitu- 
men, and load their rafts with pieces, resembling a soft stone, which 
they cut from it with hatchets, with which they are purposely pro- 
vided. If, whilst thus employed, any one happens to fall into the 
lake, our author informs us, that, although not a proficient at swim- 
ming, he will not sink, as would be the case in other waters, but 
floats as well as the most expert swimmer. The bitumen being 
brought ashore, is afterwards carried to Egypt, and sold for the 
purpose of embalming the dead ; for with this substance, mixed with 
various aromatics, they are able to preserve the bodies of the dead 
for a considerable time*. 
We learn from Agricolaf , that bitumen was collected, in various 
parts, in different degrees of thickness, and by different means, 
adapted to its consistence and quantity. That it is exceedingly in- 
flammable, so that any body being anointed with it, and particularly 
with that species of it called naphtha, and having fire applied to it, 
would be burnt ; water not extinguishing it, unless applied in great 
* Diodori Siculi Bibliothecie Historicae, interprete Laurentio Rhodomano. 
f De Natura Fossilium, p. 324. edit Basileae, 1559. 
