in antiquity, an officer in the Athenian courts of justice, who was to provide the plaintiff and defendant with equal water hour-glasses. When the glass was run out, they were not permitted to speak any farther; and, therefore, we find them very careful not to lose or mispend one drop of their water. Whilst the laws quoted by them were reciting, or if any other business happened to intervene, they gave orders that the glass should be flopped.