[1609] See B. xxxiii. c. [21], and B. xxxvi. c. [13].
[1610] See B. xxxiii. c. [37].
[1611] “Æris flos.” Ajasson makes some correct remarks upon the difference between the “scoria” and the “flower” of the metal. The former may be considered as consisting of the metal, mixed with a certain proportion of heterogeneous matter, which has been separated during the fusion of the ore, while the latter consists of the pure metal in a state of mechanical division.—B.
[1612] From the Greek λεπὶς, “husk,” or “scale.”
[1613] Ajasson describes this substance as consisting merely of the pure metal in a state of minute mechanical division; it would appear, therefore, to be scarcely, if at all, different from the articles described in the last Chapter. The word Στόμωμα means a “hard substance,” or “hard scales,” therefore the application of this term to a substance like down, “lanugo,” is perhaps not very appropriate.—B.
[1614] Beckmann comments at some length on this passage; Vol. I. p. 328. Bohn’s Edition.
[1615] “Seplasiæ.” The druggists dwelling in the Seplasia. See B. xxxiii. c. [58].
[1616] In Chapters [22] and [23], as applied to Cadmia and Cyprian copper, respectively.—B.
[1617] “Ærugo.” The researches of modern chemists have ascertained the composition of verdigris to be a diacetete of copper; the sesquibasic acetate and the triacetate are also to be considered as varieties of this substance; we have an exact analysis of these salts in the “Elements” of the late Dr. Turner, the Sixth Edition, edited by Professor Liebig and Mr. W. Turner, pp. 931, 2. Most of the processes described in this Chapter are mentioned by Dioscorides.—B. See also Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 171, et seq., Bohn’s Edition.
[1618] According to Brotero, this is the process generally adopted in France, in preference to the employment of vinegar in a pure state.—B.