[688] Melinum. See B. xxiii. c. 54.
[689] Cyprinum. See B. xii. c. [51]. The cyprus was the modern Lawsonia inermis.
[690] Made from the oil of bitter almonds. See B. xv. c. [7].
[691] Or “all Athenian.” We find in Athenæus, B. xv. c. 15, the composition of this unguent.
[692] From what is said by Apollonius in the passage of Athenæus last quoted, it has been thought that this was the same as the unguent called nardinum. It is very doubtful, however.
[693] Narcissinum. See B. xxi. c. 75. Dioscorides gives the composition of this unguent, B. i. c. 54.
[694] Among the stymmata, Dioscorides ranges the sweet-rush, the sweet-scented calamus and xylo-balsamum; and among the hedysmata amomum, nard, myrrh, balsam, costus, and marjoram. The latter constituted the base of unguents, the former were only added occasionally.
[695] Cinnabar is never used to colour cosmetics at the present day, from its tendency to excoriate the skin. See B. xxiii. c. 39.
[696] This is still used for colouring cosmetics at the present day. See B. xxii. c. 23.
[697] Fée remarks, that salt can be of no use; but by falling to the bottom without dissolving, would rather tend to spoil the unguent.