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LIBER II · CAPUT 105

OF NAPHTHA

OF NAPHTHA. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.
OF NAPHTHA · EDITORIAL PLATE II.105 · modern editorial plate
OF NAPHTHA. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.

Latine · Mayhoff 1906

similis est natura naphthae. ita appellatur circa Babylonem et in Austacenis Parthiae profluens bituminis liquidi modo. huic magna cognatio ignium, transiliuntque in eam protinus undecumque visam. ita ferunt a Medea paelicem crematam, postquam sacrificatura ad aras accesserat, corona igne rapto.

English · Bostock & Riley 1855–57

Naphtha is a substance of a similar nature (it is so called about Babylon, and in the territory of the Astaceni, in Parthia ), flowing like liquid bitumen. It has a great affinity to fire, which instantly darts on it wherever it is seen. 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.