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The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6) cover

The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)

Chapter 339: CHAP. 36.—MOLOCHITIS.
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An encyclopedic survey that first catalogs marine animals, algae, and shellfish, describing habitats, curious behaviors, reported antipathies, and numerous folk remedies and practical uses attributed to specific species, organized by ailments and applications. The later portion treats metals and their ores—including gold, silver, mercury, copper, and brass—describing modes of occurrence, extraction, alloying, testing, gilding, and decorative and monetary uses, alongside technical observations and medicinal remedies derived from metallic substances, with systematic lists and practical instructions interwoven throughout.

CHAP. 36.—MOLOCHITIS.

Molochitis3130 is not transparent, being of a deeper green, and more opaque than smaragdus; its name is derived from the mallow,3131 which it resembles in colour. It is highly esteemed for making seals, and it is endowed by Nature with medicinal properties which render it a preservative for infants against certain dangers which menace them. This stone is a native of Arabia.3132