146The Crab. This is giving the serpent credit for too much wisdom; an acquaintance, in fact, with the fantastic names which mankind have bestowed upon the signs of the Zodiac.
146The Crab. This is giving the serpent credit for too much wisdom; an acquaintance, in fact, with the fantastic names which mankind have bestowed upon the signs of the Zodiac.
147See B. ix. c. 32.
147See B. ix. c. 32.
148The same as the Orbis or Orthagoriscus of Chapters5and9of this Book, the Mola or sun-fish of the Mediterranean. See B. ix. c. 17.
148The same as the Orbis or Orthagoriscus of Chapters5and9of this Book, the Mola or sun-fish of the Mediterranean. See B. ix. c. 17.
149Or sting-ray. See B. ix. c. 72.
149Or sting-ray. See B. ix. c. 72.
150There is considerable truth in this observation.
150There is considerable truth in this observation.
151The sea-horse, the Syngnathus hippocampus of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 1.
151The sea-horse, the Syngnathus hippocampus of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 1.
152See B. xxi. c. 105.
152See B. xxi. c. 105.
153The same, probably, as the “opocarpathon” of B. xxviii. c. 45, a substance which does not appear to have been identified with any degree of certainty. See also c.31of the present Book.
153The same, probably, as the “opocarpathon” of B. xxviii. c. 45, a substance which does not appear to have been identified with any degree of certainty. See also c.31of the present Book.
154B. ix. c. 79.
154B. ix. c. 79.
155Ajasson remarks that these statements are consistent with fact.
155Ajasson remarks that these statements are consistent with fact.
156“Deep-sea” oysters.
156“Deep-sea” oysters.
157In Asia Minor. See B. v. c. 32, where it is called “Grynia.”
157In Asia Minor. See B. v. c. 32, where it is called “Grynia.”
158In Lemnos. See B. iv. c. 23, and B. v. c. 32.
158In Lemnos. See B. iv. c. 23, and B. v. c. 32.
159This is an error: the statement is made, not in B. ix., but in B. ii. c. 109.
159This is an error: the statement is made, not in B. ix., but in B. ii. c. 109.
160See B. ix. c. 74. It is at the spawning season that this milky liquid is found in the oyster; a period at which the meat of the fish is considered unwholesome as food. We have a saying that the oyster should never be eaten in the months without an r; that the same, too, was the opinion in the middle ages is proved by the Leonine line:“Mensibus erratis vos ostrea manducatis.”“In the r’d months you may your oysters eat.”
160See B. ix. c. 74. It is at the spawning season that this milky liquid is found in the oyster; a period at which the meat of the fish is considered unwholesome as food. We have a saying that the oyster should never be eaten in the months without an r; that the same, too, was the opinion in the middle ages is proved by the Leonine line:
“Mensibus erratis vos ostrea manducatis.”
“Mensibus erratis vos ostrea manducatis.”
“Mensibus erratis vos ostrea manducatis.”
“Mensibus erratis vos ostrea manducatis.”
“In the r’d months you may your oysters eat.”
“In the r’d months you may your oysters eat.”
“In the r’d months you may your oysters eat.”
“In the r’d months you may your oysters eat.”
161See B. iii. c. 9. Horace speaks of the oysters of Circeii, B. ii. Sat. 4. l. 33.
161See B. iii. c. 9. Horace speaks of the oysters of Circeii, B. ii. Sat. 4. l. 33.
162There has been considerable discussion among the commentators as to the meaning of the word “spondylus” here. We are inclined to adopt the opinion of Venette, and to think that it means the so-called “meat” of the oyster. It must be short, and consequently plump and comparatively destitute of beard, and it must not be fleshy, as that would imply a degree of toughness not desirable in an oyster. The words “nec fibris laciniata ac tota in alvo,” only seem to be an amplification of the preceding ones, “spondylo brevi et non carnoso.”
162There has been considerable discussion among the commentators as to the meaning of the word “spondylus” here. We are inclined to adopt the opinion of Venette, and to think that it means the so-called “meat” of the oyster. It must be short, and consequently plump and comparatively destitute of beard, and it must not be fleshy, as that would imply a degree of toughness not desirable in an oyster. The words “nec fibris laciniata ac tota in alvo,” only seem to be an amplification of the preceding ones, “spondylo brevi et non carnoso.”
163Literally, “Having beautiful eyebrows.”
163Literally, “Having beautiful eyebrows.”
164See B. ix. c. 79.
164See B. ix. c. 79.
165See B. v. c. 40.
165See B. v. c. 40.
166See B. iii. c. 9.
166See B. iii. c. 9.
167“Dulciora.”
167“Dulciora.”
168Those of Rutupæ, the present Richborough in Kent, were highly esteemed by the Romans. See Juvenal, Sat. 4. l. 141.
168Those of Rutupæ, the present Richborough in Kent, were highly esteemed by the Romans. See Juvenal, Sat. 4. l. 141.
169“Suaviora.”
169“Suaviora.”
170The district in the vicinity of Bordeaux, now called Medoc. The oysters of Medulæ are mentioned in terms of praise by Ausonius, Epist. vii. and Epist. cxliii.
170The district in the vicinity of Bordeaux, now called Medoc. The oysters of Medulæ are mentioned in terms of praise by Ausonius, Epist. vii. and Epist. cxliii.
171“Acriora.”
171“Acriora.”
172See B. iii. c. 4.
172See B. iii. c. 4.
173See B. v. c. 32.
173See B. v. c. 32.
174See B. iii. c. 23.
174See B. iii. c. 23.
175See B. iii. c. 9.
175See B. iii. c. 9.
176They probably gave the name of “oyster” to some other shell-fish of large size. In Cook’s Voyages we read of cockles in the Pacific, which two men were unable to carry.
176They probably gave the name of “oyster” to some other shell-fish of large size. In Cook’s Voyages we read of cockles in the Pacific, which two men were unable to carry.
177Fromτρὶς, “thrice,” andδάκνω, “to bite.”
177Fromτρὶς, “thrice,” andδάκνω, “to bite.”
178Ajasson remarks that many persons are unable to digest oysters, in an uncooked state.
178Ajasson remarks that many persons are unable to digest oysters, in an uncooked state.
179Ajasson remarks that calcined oyster-shells formed an ingredient in the famous lithontriptic of Mrs. Stephens, a so-called remedy which obtained for her a considerable reward, voted by the English Parliament in the middle of last century.
179Ajasson remarks that calcined oyster-shells formed an ingredient in the famous lithontriptic of Mrs. Stephens, a so-called remedy which obtained for her a considerable reward, voted by the English Parliament in the middle of last century.
180A statement purely imaginary, Ajasson thinks; the liquid of this class of shell-fish containing no element whatever to fit it for an antidote.
180A statement purely imaginary, Ajasson thinks; the liquid of this class of shell-fish containing no element whatever to fit it for an antidote.
181Or antidote.
181Or antidote.
182In B. xxvi. c. 66.
182In B. xxvi. c. 66.
183Many varieties of sea-weed are now known, Ajasson says, to possess this property, and are still used by savage nations for colouring the body. In Europe, the use of indigo, madder, and other tinctorial plants of a more decided character, has caused them to be entirely neglected for dyeing purposes.
183Many varieties of sea-weed are now known, Ajasson says, to possess this property, and are still used by savage nations for colouring the body. In Europe, the use of indigo, madder, and other tinctorial plants of a more decided character, has caused them to be entirely neglected for dyeing purposes.
184Probably the Syngnathus hippocampus of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 1.
184Probably the Syngnathus hippocampus of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 1.
185As to the Nitrum of the ancients, see B. xxxi. c. 46.
185As to the Nitrum of the ancients, see B. xxxi. c. 46.
186Or Cuttlefish. See B. ix. c. 44.
186Or Cuttlefish. See B. ix. c. 44.
187See B. ix. c. 35.
187See B. ix. c. 35.
188See c.17of the present Book.
188See c.17of the present Book.
189This seems to be the meaning of “conchyliorum” here, though in most instances Pliny uses it as synonymous with the purple. See B. ix. cc. 60, 61, 64.
189This seems to be the meaning of “conchyliorum” here, though in most instances Pliny uses it as synonymous with the purple. See B. ix. cc. 60, 61, 64.
190See B. xxv. c. 70.
190See B. xxv. c. 70.
191This assertion reminds us of the healing effects of the fish with which Tobit cured his father’s blindness. See Tobit, c. xi. v. 13.
191This assertion reminds us of the healing effects of the fish with which Tobit cured his father’s blindness. See Tobit, c. xi. v. 13.
192See c.13of this Book.
192See c.13of this Book.
193Identified by Ajasson with the white Rascasse of the Mediterranean. Hardouin combats the notion that this was the fish, the gall of which was employed by Tobit for the cure of his father, and is inclined to think that the Silurus was in reality the fish; a notion no better founded than the other, Ajasson thinks.
193Identified by Ajasson with the white Rascasse of the Mediterranean. Hardouin combats the notion that this was the fish, the gall of which was employed by Tobit for the cure of his father, and is inclined to think that the Silurus was in reality the fish; a notion no better founded than the other, Ajasson thinks.
194In his “Messenia,” for instance. The fragment has been preserved by Ælian, Hist. Anim. B. xiii. c. 4. Ajasson remarks that the ancients clearly mistook the swimming bladder of the fish for the gall.
194In his “Messenia,” for instance. The fragment has been preserved by Ælian, Hist. Anim. B. xiii. c. 4. Ajasson remarks that the ancients clearly mistook the swimming bladder of the fish for the gall.
195Or “heaven-gazer.”
195Or “heaven-gazer.”
196The original has “ab oculo quem,”—but we have adopted the reading suggested by Dalechamps, “Ab oculis quos in superiore capite.” Ajasson says that the white rascasse has the eyes so disposed on the upper part of the head as to have the appearance of gazing upwards at the heavens. Hence it is that at Genoa, the fish is commonly known as theprêteor “priest.”
196The original has “ab oculo quem,”—but we have adopted the reading suggested by Dalechamps, “Ab oculis quos in superiore capite.” Ajasson says that the white rascasse has the eyes so disposed on the upper part of the head as to have the appearance of gazing upwards at the heavens. Hence it is that at Genoa, the fish is commonly known as theprêteor “priest.”
197See B. ix. c. 32.
197See B. ix. c. 32.
198See Chapter17of the present Book.
198See Chapter17of the present Book.
199“Albugines.”
199“Albugines.”
200Meaning, literally, “Fallen from Jupiter,” in reference to their supposed descent from heaven in showers of rain.
200Meaning, literally, “Fallen from Jupiter,” in reference to their supposed descent from heaven in showers of rain.
201Cortex.
201Cortex.
202See B. xxxiv. cc.22,23.
202See B. xxxiv. cc.22,23.
203“Ossiculo.”
203“Ossiculo.”
204Literally, “fish-glue.” We can hardly believe Pliny that any fish was known by this name. Hardouin takes the fish here spoken of to be identical with that mentioned in B. ix. c. 17, as being caught in the Borysthene, and destitute of bones. It is most probable, however, that the “ichthyocolla” of the ancients, or “fish-glue,” was the same as our isinglass, and that it was prepared from the entrails of various fish, the sturgeon more particularly, the Acipenser huso of Linnæus.
204Literally, “fish-glue.” We can hardly believe Pliny that any fish was known by this name. Hardouin takes the fish here spoken of to be identical with that mentioned in B. ix. c. 17, as being caught in the Borysthene, and destitute of bones. It is most probable, however, that the “ichthyocolla” of the ancients, or “fish-glue,” was the same as our isinglass, and that it was prepared from the entrails of various fish, the sturgeon more particularly, the Acipenser huso of Linnæus.
205The best isinglass still comes from Russia.
205The best isinglass still comes from Russia.
206“Nativi coloris.” See B. viii. c. 23. Beckmann says, in reference to the present passage: “We manufacture the wool of our brown sheep in its natural colour, and this was done also by the ancients.”—Hist. Inv.vol. ii. p. 110,Bohn’s Ed.
206“Nativi coloris.” See B. viii. c. 23. Beckmann says, in reference to the present passage: “We manufacture the wool of our brown sheep in its natural colour, and this was done also by the ancients.”—Hist. Inv.vol. ii. p. 110,Bohn’s Ed.
207The “calamites” above mentioned, so called from “calamus,” a reed.
207The “calamites” above mentioned, so called from “calamus,” a reed.
208The Bryonia Cretica of Linnæus; see B. xxiii. c. 16.
208The Bryonia Cretica of Linnæus; see B. xxiii. c. 16.
209An eminent surgeon, born at Sidon in Phœnicia, who practised at Rome, probably in the first centuryB.C.
209An eminent surgeon, born at Sidon in Phœnicia, who practised at Rome, probably in the first centuryB.C.
210“Mutis,” “silent,” or “voiceless” frogs, as suggested by Gessner, Hist. Anim. B. ii., would almost seem to be a preferable reading here to “multis,” “many.”
210“Mutis,” “silent,” or “voiceless” frogs, as suggested by Gessner, Hist. Anim. B. ii., would almost seem to be a preferable reading here to “multis,” “many.”
211Another reading is “tænia,” a fish mentioned by Epicharmus, Athenæus informs us, and considered by Ajasson to be probably identical with the Cepola rubescens, or Cepola tænia of Linnæus.
211Another reading is “tænia,” a fish mentioned by Epicharmus, Athenæus informs us, and considered by Ajasson to be probably identical with the Cepola rubescens, or Cepola tænia of Linnæus.
212The same as the Batis of the Greeks, Hardouin thinks, the Raia batis, a kind of skate.
212The same as the Batis of the Greeks, Hardouin thinks, the Raia batis, a kind of skate.
213See B. ix. c. 28.
213See B. ix. c. 28.
214See the precedingChapter.
214See the precedingChapter.
215See c.13of the present Book.
215See c.13of the present Book.
216See B. ix. c. 71.
216See B. ix. c. 71.
217As to “nitrum,” see B. xxxi. c. 46.
217As to “nitrum,” see B. xxxi. c. 46.
218See B. xxxi. c. 43.
218See B. xxxi. c. 43.
219See Note189to Chapter 23 of this Book.
219See Note189to Chapter 23 of this Book.
220“Canicula.” See B. ix. cc. 11, 70.
220“Canicula.” See B. ix. cc. 11, 70.
221Or sting-ray.
221Or sting-ray.
222Tunny cut in slices. See B. ix. c. 18.
222Tunny cut in slices. See B. ix. c. 18.
223See end of B. xxxi.
223See end of B. xxxi.
224For the purpose, probably, of assuaging the pain of tooth-ache by their coolness.
224For the purpose, probably, of assuaging the pain of tooth-ache by their coolness.
225See B. ix. cc. 40, 67.
225See B. ix. cc. 40, 67.
226“Cetum.” See B. ix. cc. 40, 74.
226“Cetum.” See B. ix. cc. 40, 74.
227Ajasson is of opinion that here and in c. 19 Pliny has mistaken theotterfor a serpent, the mammiferæ only having eye or canine teeth. Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. i. c. i., calls the otter by the name of “Enhydris.” See B. xxx. c. 8, where Pliny speaks of the “Enhydris” as a “male white serpent.”
227Ajasson is of opinion that here and in c. 19 Pliny has mistaken theotterfor a serpent, the mammiferæ only having eye or canine teeth. Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. i. c. i., calls the otter by the name of “Enhydris.” See B. xxx. c. 8, where Pliny speaks of the “Enhydris” as a “male white serpent.”
228Or seal. See B. ix. c. 15.
228Or seal. See B. ix. c. 15.
229See B. ix. c. 42. Holland calls the mæna the “cackerel.”
229See B. ix. c. 42. Holland calls the mæna the “cackerel.”
230Or sting-ray.
230Or sting-ray.
231See B. ix. c. 1.
231See B. ix. c. 1.
232Much like the cod-liver oil, held in such high repute at the present day.
232Much like the cod-liver oil, held in such high repute at the present day.
233“Icthyocolla.” See Chapter24of the present Book.
233“Icthyocolla.” See Chapter24of the present Book.
234Of course this assertion as to the nest of the kingfisher is altogether fabulous, and the sea-productions here described by Pliny were long considered, though destitute of leaves, flowers, and fruit, to belong to the vegetable kingdom. Peyssonnel, however, made the discovery that they belong to the animal kingdom, and that they owe their origin to a species of polyp.
234Of course this assertion as to the nest of the kingfisher is altogether fabulous, and the sea-productions here described by Pliny were long considered, though destitute of leaves, flowers, and fruit, to belong to the vegetable kingdom. Peyssonnel, however, made the discovery that they belong to the animal kingdom, and that they owe their origin to a species of polyp.
235Or kingfisher. See B. x. c. 47.
235Or kingfisher. See B. x. c. 47.
236“Oculorum cicatrices.”
236“Oculorum cicatrices.”
237See end of B. xx.
237See end of B. xx.
238See end of B. viii.
238See end of B. viii.
239See B. ix. c. 42.
239See B. ix. c. 42.
240See B. ix. cc. 40, 67. The Bamberg MS. has here “rhine,” (the fish again mentioned in Chapter53of this Book) instead of “rana;” a reading which Sillig rejects. Hardouin conjectures that “raia” is the correct reading, the sea-frog having no sting or stickle in the tail.
240See B. ix. cc. 40, 67. The Bamberg MS. has here “rhine,” (the fish again mentioned in Chapter53of this Book) instead of “rana;” a reading which Sillig rejects. Hardouin conjectures that “raia” is the correct reading, the sea-frog having no sting or stickle in the tail.
241See B. ix. c. 67.
241See B. ix. c. 67.
242Or sea-lizard, a fish again mentioned in Chapter53of this Book. Ælian also speaks of it, Hist. Nat. B. xii. c. 25; but it has not been hitherto identified.
242Or sea-lizard, a fish again mentioned in Chapter53of this Book. Ælian also speaks of it, Hist. Nat. B. xii. c. 25; but it has not been hitherto identified.
243See c.25of this Book.
243See c.25of this Book.
244See c.13of this Book.
244See c.13of this Book.
245See B. xxxi. c. 43.
245See B. xxxi. c. 43.
246See B. ix. cc. 17, 25, 75.
246See B. ix. cc. 17, 25, 75.
247It is not clear whether he means the gum ammoniac of B. xii. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 14, or the sal ammoniac of B. xxxi. c. 39.
247It is not clear whether he means the gum ammoniac of B. xii. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 14, or the sal ammoniac of B. xxxi. c. 39.
248“Saliva.” See the recipe of Sallustius Dionysius in Chapter26of this Book.
248“Saliva.” See the recipe of Sallustius Dionysius in Chapter26of this Book.
249The Dryophites of Rondelet, Dalechamps says.
249The Dryophites of Rondelet, Dalechamps says.
250Identical with the Strombus of cc.39,46, and53of this Book.
250Identical with the Strombus of cc.39,46, and53of this Book.
251See B. ix. c. 1.
251See B. ix. c. 1.
252Littré remarks that Pliny here seems to speak of the “Tethea” as a mollusk; whereas in c. 31, from his expression “Fungorum verius generis quam piscium,” he would appear to be describing a zoophyte.
252Littré remarks that Pliny here seems to speak of the “Tethea” as a mollusk; whereas in c. 31, from his expression “Fungorum verius generis quam piscium,” he would appear to be describing a zoophyte.
253See B. ix. cc. 17, 25, 75.
253See B. ix. cc. 17, 25, 75.
254See B. ix. cc. 24, 48, 67, 74, 75.
254See B. ix. cc. 24, 48, 67, 74, 75.
255See B. xx. c. 38.
255See B. xx. c. 38.
256A rock fish, according to Athenæus, B. vii. Rondelet, B. vi. c. 7, identifies it with the fish calledgirelloby the people of Liguria, thedonzellaof other districts.
256A rock fish, according to Athenæus, B. vii. Rondelet, B. vi. c. 7, identifies it with the fish calledgirelloby the people of Liguria, thedonzellaof other districts.
257Sliced tunny. See B. ix. c. 18.
257Sliced tunny. See B. ix. c. 18.
258A genus which comprises the “myes,” mentioned in B. ix. c. 56, according to Dalechamps.
258A genus which comprises the “myes,” mentioned in B. ix. c. 56, according to Dalechamps.
259See B. ix. c. 60.
259See B. ix. c. 60.
260See B. xxi. c. 105.
260See B. xxi. c. 105.
261See B. xxviii. c. 45, and Chapter20of the present Book.
261See B. xxviii. c. 45, and Chapter20of the present Book.
262Identical with our mussel, probably.
262Identical with our mussel, probably.
263Holland identifies this with the cockle, but it is probably a smaller kind of mussel.
263Holland identifies this with the cockle, but it is probably a smaller kind of mussel.
264See B. xxxiv. c.50.
264See B. xxxiv. c.50.
265We learn from Chapter53of this Book, that one class of the “Chamæ,” or gaping cockles, was known as “Pelorides.” Horace also mentions them.
265We learn from Chapter53of this Book, that one class of the “Chamæ,” or gaping cockles, was known as “Pelorides.” Horace also mentions them.
266See B. xxxi. c. 46.
266See B. xxxi. c. 46.
267See Note251above. Sillig would here read “tetheum,” apparently, in the singular.
267See Note251above. Sillig would here read “tetheum,” apparently, in the singular.
268Described in B. xxvii. c. 29.
268Described in B. xxvii. c. 29.
269A city not far from the Canopic branch of the Nile.
269A city not far from the Canopic branch of the Nile.
270“Dantur” seems a preferable reading to “datur.”
270“Dantur” seems a preferable reading to “datur.”
271See B. ix c. 42.
271See B. ix c. 42.
272Our crawfish, the Astacus potamobios of Leach.
272Our crawfish, the Astacus potamobios of Leach.
273See Chapter13of this Book.
273See Chapter13of this Book.
274See B. xix. c. 27, and B, xxv. c. 64.
274See B. xix. c. 27, and B, xxv. c. 64.
275See B. ix. cc. 23, 77.
275See B. ix. cc. 23, 77.
276See end of B. xxxi.
276See end of B. xxxi.
277See B. ix. cc. 20, 24, 36.
277See B. ix. cc. 20, 24, 36.
278See B. ix. cc. 24, 48, 67, 74, 75.
278See B. ix. cc. 24, 48, 67, 74, 75.
279“Rhombus.” See B. ix. cc. 20, 36, 67, 79.
279“Rhombus.” See B. ix. cc. 20, 36, 67, 79.
280See Chapters23,34,30and53of this Book.
280See Chapters23,34,30and53of this Book.
281Rondelet, B. vi. c. 19, suggests “capite”—“in the head”—but the present reading is supported by the text of Plinius Valerianus, B. ii. c. 39, and of Marcus Empiricus, c. 28.
281Rondelet, B. vi. c. 19, suggests “capite”—“in the head”—but the present reading is supported by the text of Plinius Valerianus, B. ii. c. 39, and of Marcus Empiricus, c. 28.
282As to the identity of the Enhydris, see Chapters19and26of the present Book: also B. xxx. c. 8.
282As to the identity of the Enhydris, see Chapters19and26of the present Book: also B. xxx. c. 8.
283Probably theΒλεννὸςof Oppian, B. i. c. 108. Dalechamps identifies it with the mullet called “myxon,” apparently the same fish as the “bacchus” mentioned in Chapter25of this Book. Rondelet appears to identify it with some other sea-fish, small, and extremely rare. On the other hand, the fish mentioned by Oppian is thought by Littré to be the “gobius” of the Latins, (“gobio” or “cobio,” mentioned by Pliny in B. ix. c. 83, and in c.53of the present Book), which is generally considered the same as our gudgeon, and was a worthless fish, “vilis piscis,” as Juvenal says. One of the Linnæan orders of fishes is called “Blennius,” the blenny.
283Probably theΒλεννὸςof Oppian, B. i. c. 108. Dalechamps identifies it with the mullet called “myxon,” apparently the same fish as the “bacchus” mentioned in Chapter25of this Book. Rondelet appears to identify it with some other sea-fish, small, and extremely rare. On the other hand, the fish mentioned by Oppian is thought by Littré to be the “gobius” of the Latins, (“gobio” or “cobio,” mentioned by Pliny in B. ix. c. 83, and in c.53of the present Book), which is generally considered the same as our gudgeon, and was a worthless fish, “vilis piscis,” as Juvenal says. One of the Linnæan orders of fishes is called “Blennius,” the blenny.
284See B. ix. c. 28.
284See B. ix. c. 28.
285See B. ix. c. 68.
285See B. ix. c. 68.
286Or sea-lungs. See B. ix. c. 71, and B. xviii. c. 85.
286Or sea-lungs. See B. ix. c. 71, and B. xviii. c. 85.