that there is the kfillybos, and then the quarter-obol, or the halfobol;41 and from these weights the precise proportion is determined.
All such stones are found in the river Tmolos. They are smooth 47 in nature and like pebbles, flat and not round, and in size they are twice as big as the largest pebble. The top part, which has faced the sun, differs from the lower surface in its testing power and tests better than the other. This is because the upper surface is drier, for moisture prevents it from picking out the metal. Even in hot weather the stone does not test so well, for then it gives out moisture which causes slipping. This happens also to other stones, including those from which statues are made, and this is supposed to be a peculiarity of the statue.
Of such kinds are the special qualities and powers found in 48 stones. Earth has fewer of these, though they are more peculiar; for it is also possible for earth to be melted and softened and then hardened again. It melts (along with)42 substances which are dug up and which can be liquefied, just as stone also does. It is softened, and stones are made from it. These include the variegated ones and other composite stones . . . ;43 for all of these are made artificially when they are fired and softened. And if glass is also 49 formed, as some say, from vitreous earth, this too is made by thickening.
The most unusual earth is the one mixed with copper; for in addition to melting and mixing, it also has the remarkable power of improving the beauty of the color. And in Cilicia there is a kind of earth which becomes sticky when it is boiled, and vines are smeared with this instead of birdlime to protect them from woodworms.
It would also be possible to determine the differences that are 50 naturally adapted for causing earth to turn into stone; for those that are due to locality, which cause different kinds of savors, have their own peculiar nature, like those which affect the savors
41 See Commentary for a discussion of the absolute and relative values of these weights. They were probably equivalent to .06, .09, .18, and .36 of a gram.
42 Some word is understood here, such as &μα ("along with"); cf. &μα in sec. 9. Schneider suggested ομοίως ("in die same way as").
43 If έκ Tijs Άϊίο! iyouirir were read, the meaning would be that "they bring them from Asia."
