CHAP. 13.—( 1.)—WHO FIRST INVENTED THE ART OF CUTTING TORTOISE-SHELL.
Carvilius Pollio, a man of prodigal habits and ingenious in
inventing the refinements of luxury, was the first to cut the
shell of the tortoise into laminæ, and to veneer beds and cabinets[1] with it.
1. "Repositorium" seems to have been the name for a large tray upon
which viands were brought to table; and probably for stands similar to
our sideboards, as well as cabinets or wardrobes. Carvilius Pollio, a
Roman eques, lived in the time of the Dictator Sylla, and was celebrated
for his luxury in ornamental furniture. He is again mentioned by Pliny
in B. xxx. c. 51.