LAPIS, in Roman antiquity, a geographical measure denoting a mile; because miles were distinguished
ed by erecting a stone at the end of each; from the number marked on which, the length of way from Rome might be known. The device is by Plutarch ascribed to Caius Gracchus. This was more accurately executed by Augustus, who erected a gilt pillar in the forum, at which all the public ways of Italy, distinguished by stones, were terminated. The same thing was done in the Roman provinces. Hence the phrases tertius lapis, centesimus lapis, &c. for three, a hundred, &c. miles; and sometimes the ordinal number without lapis, as ad duodecimum, &c. at twelve miles distance.
Lapis Assus, in the natural history of the ancients, the name of a stone called also farcephagus, from its power of consuming flesh. See SARCOPHAGUS.
Lapis Bononiensis, the Bolognian stone. See CHEMISTRY, n° 339, 340.
Lapis Lazuli. See LAZULI.
Lapis Lyncurius. See AGARICUM and LYNCURIUM.
Lapis Nephriticus. See STEATITES.
Lapis Specularis. See SPECULARIS.