[3048] Probably because its oleaginous properties would tend to prevent imbibition and absorption, while its narcotic qualities would in some degree neutralize the strength of the wine. Almonds have a somewhat similar effect.
[3049] “Pissinum.” See B. xv. c. 7.
[3050] This is not the fact.
[3051] On the contrary, they are used at the present day as a pectoral; and many so-called pectoral sirops are prepared from them.
[3052] See B. vi. c. 37, and B. xiii. c. 9.
[3053] They have no properties, when burnt, to distinguish them from the ashes of other vegetables.
[3054] Impure metallic oxide.
[3055] “Calliblephara.”
[3056] See B. xii. cc. 46, 47.
[3057] Fée is of opinion that this is not the “myrobalanum” of B. xii. c. 46, the behen or ben nut, but the phœnicobalanus of c. 47 in that Book; and, indeed, there can be little doubt that Pliny has committed an error here in substituting one for the other.