CHAP. 36.—PHRYGIAN STONE.
Phrygian stone is so called from the country which produces
it, and is a porous mass like pumice. It is first saturated with
wine, and then calcined, the fire being kept up with the
bellows till the stone is brought to a red heat; which done, it
is quenched in sweet wine. This operation is repeated three
times. The only use made of it is for dyeing cloths.[1]
1. Dioscorides says that it was found in Cappadocia also; and both he
and Galen attribute to it certain medicinal properties. It was used either
for colouring, or else, like fuller's earth, for taking the grease out of wool
and cloth. Ajasson is inclined to think that it was either a volcanic scoria
or a Peperite, also of volcanic origin.