apuleiaprimilla:This kind of small stone stamps were used for marking semi-solid sticks of eye-ointm
apuleiaprimilla:This kind of small stone stamps were used for marking semi-solid sticks of eye-ointment (collyria) before they hardened. The dies on the edge of the stamp are engraved with abbreviated Latin inscriptions in reverse. When stamped into the ointment, the impressions could be read correctly.This oculist’s stamp is made of green schist. It bears the names of two practicioners and four graffiti on both faces which aided selection of the appropriate stamp, repeating the key word of the inscription. On the four sides it reads:G(ai) Val(erii) Amandi dioxum ad reumatic(a) G(ai) Val(erii) Amandi stactum ad cal(iginem)G(ai) Val(erii) Valentini diaglauc(ium) post imp(etum) lip(pitudinis)G(ai) Val(erii) Valentini mixtum ad cl(aritatem)And in the graffiti on the faces: Diox(um) // Stac(tum) // Diaglauc(ium) // Mixt(um) It can be translated as:“Gaius Valerius Amandus’s vinegar salve for running eyes //Gaius Valerius Amandus’s drops for dim sight //Gaius Valerius Valentinus’s celandine (or poppy) salve after the onset of ophthalmia //Gaius Valerius Valentinus’s mixture for clear sight”.Romano-British period (1st-4th century AD Found in Biggleswade, England.© Trustees of the British Museum, London -- source link