(8.) This[2525] stone is called “alabastrites”[2526] by some, and is hollowed out into vessels for holding unguents, it having the reputation of preserving them from corruption[2527] better than anything else. In a calcined state, it is a good ingredient for plaisters.[2528] It is found in the vicinity of Thebes in Egypt and of Damascus in Syria, that of Damascus being whiter than the others. The most esteemed kind, however, is that of Carmania, the next being the produce of India, and then, those of Syria and Asia. The worst in quality is that of Cappadocia, it being utterly destitute of lustre. That which is of a honey colour is the most esteemed, covered with spots curling in whirls,[2529] and not transparent. Alabastrites is considered defective, when it is of a white or horn colour, or approaching to glass in appearance. CHAP. 13.—LYGDINUS; CORALLITIC STONE; STONE OF ALABANDA; STONE OF THEBAIS; STONE OF SYENE. Little inferior to it for the preservation of unguents, in the opinion of many, is the stone, called “lygdinus,”[2530] that is found in Paros, and never of a larger size than to admit of a dish or goblet being made of it. In former times, it was only imported from Arabia, being remarkable for its extreme whiteness. Great value is placed also upon two other kinds of stone, of quite a contrary nature; corallitic[2531] stone, found in Asia, in blocks not more than two cubits in thickness, and of a white somewhat approaching that of ivory, and in some degree resembling it; and Alabandic stone, which, on the other hand, is black, and is so called from the district[2532] which produces it: though it is also to be found at Miletus, where, however, it verges somewhat more upon the purple. It admits of being melted by the action of fire, and is fused for the preparation of glass. Thebaic stone, which is sprinkled all over with spots like gold, is found in Africa, on the side of it which lies adjacent to Egypt; the small hones which it supplies being peculiarly adapted, from their natural properties, for grinding the ingredients used in preparations for the eyes. In the neighbourhood of Syene, too, in Thebais, there is a stone found that is now known as “syenites,”[2533] but was formerly called “pyrrhopœcilon.”[2534] CHAP. 14.—OBELISKS. Monarchs, too, have entered into a sort of rivalry with one another in forming elongated blocks of this stone, known as “obelisks,”[2535] and consecrated to the divinity of the Sun. The blocks had this form given to them in resemblance to the rays of that luminary, which are so called[2536] in the Egyptian language. Mesphres,[2537] who reigned in the City of the Sun,[2538] was the first who erected one of these obelisks, being warned to do so in a dream; indeed, there is an inscription upon the obelisk to this effect; for the sculptures and figures which we still see engraved thereon are no other than Egyptian letters.[2539]