[12] Chalk, or in other words, sub-carbonate of lime, and argilla, or aluminous earth combining several earthy salts, would probably neutralize the acetic acid in the wine, but would greatly deteriorate its flavour.
[13] On the contrary, lime would appear to have a great affinity for water, absorbing it with avidity, if we may use the term.
[14] More easily with water; though vinegar will do for the purpose.
[15] “Atramentum.” By this passage, Fée says, it is clearly proved that the ink of the ancients was soluble in water, and that it contained neither galls nor salts of iron. What it really was made of is still a matter of doubt; but it is not improbable that the basis of it was spodium, or ashes of ivory.
[16] “Officinas.”
[17] “In medio.” The reading is very doubtful here.
[18] This, of course, is mere exaggeration.
[19] He would seem to imply that the medical men of his age had conspired to gain an adventitious importance by imposing upon the credulity of the public, on the principle “Omne ignotum pro magnifico;” much as the “medicine-men” of the North American Indians do at the present day.
[20] He alludes to the physicians of Greece more particularly.
[21] “Imperatoribus quoque imperaverunt.”