CHAP. 109. (105.)—OF NAPHTHA.
Naphtha is a substance of a similar nature[1] (it is so called
about Babylon, and in the territory of the Astaceni, in
Parthia[2]), flowing like liquid bitumen. It has a great affinity to fire, which
instantly darts on it wherever it is seen[3].
It is said, that in this way it was that Medea burned Jason's mistress; her
crown having taken fire, when she approached the altar for the purpose of
sacrificing[4].
1. The substance here mentioned
may be considered as not differing
essentially from the Maltha of the last chapter, except in being of a more
fluid consistence.
2. The Astaceni are supposed to have inhabited a district near the
sources of the Indus, probably corresponding to the modern Cabul.
3. We may conceive of a quantity of
inflammable vapour on the surface
of the naphtha, which might, in some degree, produce the effect here
described.
4. Horace, in one of his Epodes, where he refers to the magical
arts of
Medea, says, that it was a cloak, "palla," which was sent to Creüsa;
v. 65. So far as there is any foundation for the story, we may suppose
that some part of her dress had been impregnated with an inflammable
substance, which took fire when she approached the blazing altar.