[112] φιάλη. A broad flat pan used for sacrificial purposes.
[113] There is some muddle here, probably due to Hippolytus not having any practical acquaintance with the tricks described. The smoke of nut-galls would hardly make the writing visible. On the other hand, letters written in milk will turn brown if exposed to the fire without the application of any ash.
[114] A sauce made of brine and small fish.
[115] See the roughly-drawn vignettes usual in magic papyri, e. g. Parthey, Zwei griechische Zauberpapyri, Berlin, 1866, p. 155; Karl Wessely, Griechische Zauberpapyri von Paris und London, Vienna, 1888, p. 118.
[116] τὰς φρένας. One of Hippolytus’ puns.
[117] Hebrew was used in these ceremonies, because they were largely in the hands of the Jews. See Forerunners and Rivals of Christianity, II, pp. 33, 34, for references.
[118] ἠχεῖ. Particularly appropriate to the striking of a metal disc.
[119] The book of course was a long roll of parchment, the inner coils of which could be drawn out as described.
[120] ὀρυκτῶν ἁλῶν. Cruice translates fossil salts. Does he mean rock-salt?
[121] τὸ ἰνδικὸν μέλαν. Either indigo dye or pepper. Cayenne pepper put in the flame might have a startling effect on the audience.