CHAP. 49.—HAIMONIACUM.
We have now departed from the lands which look towards
the ocean to enter upon those which have an aspect towards
our seas. (23.) Africa, which lies below Æthiopia, distils
a tear-like gum in its sands, called hammoniacum,[1] the name of
which has passed to the oracle of Hammon, situate near the tree
which produces it. This substance, which is also called meto
pion,[2] bears a strong resemblance to a resin or a gum. There
are two kinds of ammoniacum; that to which the name is
given of thrauston, and which bears a resemblance to male
frankincense, being the kind that is the most esteemed, and
that which is known as phyrama, being of an unctuous and
resinous nature. This substance is adulterated by means of
sand, which has all the appearance of having adhered to it
during its growth: hence it is greatly preferred when the
pieces are extremely small, and in the purest state possible.
The price of hammoniacum of the best quality is forty asses
per pound.
1. See B. xxiv. c. 14. The gum resin ammoniacum is still imported
into Europe from Africa and the East, in the form of drops or cakes.
It is a mildly stimulating expectorant, and is said to be the produce of the
Dorema ammoniacum. There are still two sorts in commerce: the first
in large masses of a yellow, dirty colour, mingled with heterogeneous substances, and of a plastic consistency. This is the phyrama of Pliny, or
mixed ammoniac. The other is in tears, of irregular form and a whitish
colour, brittle and vitreous when broken. This is the thrauston, or
"friable" ammoniac of Pliny. Jackson says, that the plant which produces it is common in Morocco, and is called feskouk, resembling a large
stalk of fennel The ammoniac of Morocco is not, however, imported into
this country, being too much impregnated with sand, in consequence of
not being gathered till it falls to the ground.
2. Solinus tells us, that the tree itself is called Metops.