The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
That amber is found in India too, is a fact well ascertained.
Archelaüs, who reigned over Cappadocia, says that it is brought
from that country in the rough state, and with the fine bark still
adhering to it, it being the custom there to polish it by boiling it
in the grease of a sucking-pig. One great proof that amber must have
been originally in a liquid state, is the fact that, owing to its
transparency, certain objects are to be seen within, ants for example,
gnats, and lizards. These, no doubt, must have first adhered to it
while liquid, and then, upon its hardening, have remained enclosed
within.[2980]
CHAP. 12.—THE SEVERAL KINDS OF AMBER: THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT.
There are several kinds[2981] of amber. The white is the one that has
the finest odour;[2982] but neither this nor the wax-coloured amber
is held in very high esteem. The red amber is more highly valued; and
still more so, when it is transparent, without presenting too brilliant
and igneous an appearance. For amber, to be of high quality, should
present a brightness like that of fire, but not flakes resembling
those of flame. The most highly esteemed amber is that known as the
“Falernian,” from its resemblance to the colour of Falernian wine; it
is perfectly transparent, and has a softened, transparent, brightness.
Other kinds, again, are valued for their mellowed tints, like the
colour of boiled honey in appearance. It ought to be known, however,
that any colour can be imparted to amber that may be desired, it being
sometimes stained with kid-suet and root of alkanet; indeed, at the
present day, amber is dyed purple even. When a vivifying heat has been
imparted to it by rubbing it between the fingers, amber will attract
chaff, dried leaves, and thin bark, just in the same way that the
magnet attracts iron. Pieces of amber, steeped in oil, burn with a more
brilliant and more lasting flame than pith of flax.[2983]
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