the ancients

A mystical word used as a charm and engraved on gems among the ancients

The celebrated work of Ptolemy of Alexandria, which contains nearly all that is known of the astronomical observations and theories of the ancients

An earth abounding in pyrites, used by the ancients to kill insects, etc., on vines

A compound medicinal powder, used by the ancients to sprinkle on ulcers, to absorb perspiration, etc.

A small, low pillar, square or round, commonly having an inscription, used by the ancients for various purposes, as for indicating the distances of places, for a landmark, for sepulchral inscriptions, etc.