01-20-2004, 04:24 PM
Deb, I've been doing a bit more looking up and it seems like sulphur was quite widely used in Roman times. I didn't come across any specific references for fumigation in cases of disease, but a certain type was utilized for medicinal purposes, so it could well be possible. Apparently wine amphorae were fumigated with sulphur to prevent fungal growth and temples were purified by the same means.<br>
It was also used for bleaching and softening woollens and I came across a kind that was used especially for making lamp wicks. I do wonder if the latter might be the explanation for the "matchsellers". Selling lamp wicks seems to make far more sense!<br>
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Rich, that is one expensive paperback! Sounds like a fascinating read though. <p></p><i></i>
It was also used for bleaching and softening woollens and I came across a kind that was used especially for making lamp wicks. I do wonder if the latter might be the explanation for the "matchsellers". Selling lamp wicks seems to make far more sense!<br>
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Rich, that is one expensive paperback! Sounds like a fascinating read though. <p></p><i></i>
