The people carry the naphtha by troughs into pits or reservoirs, drawing it off from one to another, leaving in the first reservoir the water, or the heavier part with which it is mixed when it issues from the spring. It is unpleasant to the smell, and used mostly amongst the poorer sort of the Persians, and other -neighbouring people, as we use oil in lamps, or to boil their victuals, but it communicates a disagree able taste. They find it burn best with a small mix ture of ashes : as they find it in great abundance, every family is well supplied. They keep it at a small distance from their houses, in earthen vessels, under ground, to prevent any accident by fire, of which it is extremely susceptible.
There is also a white naphtha on the peninsula of Apcheron, of a much thinner consistency ; but this is found only in small quantities. The Russians drink it both as a cordial and a medicine, but it does not intoxicate : if taken internally, it is said to be good for the stone, as also for disorders of the breast, and in venereal cases and sore heads ; to both the last the Persians are very subject. Externally applied, it
is of great use in scorbutic pains, gouts, cramps, &c.; but it must be put to the part affected only: it pe netrates instantaneously into the blood, and is apt for a short time to create great pain. It has also the property of spirits of wine, to take out greasy spots in silks or woollens ; but the remedy is worse than the disease, for it leaves an abominable odour. They say it is carried into India as a great rarity ; and be. ingprepared as a japan, is the most beautiful and lasting of any that has yet been found. Not far from hence are also springs of hot water, which boil up in the same manner as the naphtha, and very thick, being impregnated with a blue clay ; but it soon clarifies : Bathing in this warm water is found to strengthen and procure a good appetite, especially if a small quantity is also drank." East Long. 50° 2', North Lat. 40' 21'. See Hanway's Travels, vol. i. p. 263 ; limmpfer, Anucnitates Erotica ; Mem. Acad. Berlin, 1756 ; and Decouvertes des Busses, vol. ii. p. 213. (o)