[1629] Brongniart is of opinion that the “sory” of Pliny is the sulphate of copper, probably with an excess of acid. He informs us that he has received a specimen of a native sulphate of copper from Cuença, in Spain, which possesses all the characteristics of “sory” as here described. He considers it more difficult to ascertain the chemical composition of “misy,” but is disposed to consider it as a mixed sulphate of iron and copper.—B.
[1630] In the next two Chapters.—B.
[1631] We have a similar account of its medicinal virtues given us by Dioscorides; Celsus also enumerates chalcitis among the corrosives, or cauteries, “quæ exedunt corpus.” He also recommends it for affections of the eyes.—B.
[1632] “Sore ointment.”
[1634] See Note [1629] above. Hardouin calls this substance “yellow copperas,” or “Roman vitriol.”
[1635] “In scrobibus.” The mineral alluded to is Chalcitis, mentioned in Chapter [29].—B.
[1636] Χαλκοῦ ἄνθος. “Flower of copper.”—B.
[1637] “Atramentum sutorium.” It was thus called from its being used for colouring leather. Under this name he probably includes green vitriol, or sulphate of the protoxide of iron, and blue vitriol, or sulphate, and hydro-trisulphate of copper, the former of which is, properly, our copperas. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 181, et seq. Bohn’s Edition. See also Note [1624] above.
[1638] In reality, the “chalcanthum” of Dioscorides was the small scales separated from molten copper by the application of water. See Chapters [24] and [25] above.