the Earth of Malta: an earth of which there are two very different kinds; the one of which is a loole, the other a marl. The latter is that known by medical authors under this name; the former is the Malta earth now in use; but both being brought from the same place, are confusedly called by the same name. The Maltese marl, which is the terra Melitensis of medical authors, is a loofe, crumbly, and light earth, of an unequal and irregular texture; and, when exposed to the weather, soon falls into fine soft powder: but when preserved and dried, it becomes a loofe, light mass, of a dirty white colour, with a grayish cast: it is rough to the touch, adheres firmly to the tongue, is very easily crumbled to powder between the fingers, and stains the hands. Thrown into the water, it swells, and afterwards moulders away into a fine powder. It ferments very violently with acids. Both kinds are found in great abundance in the island of Malta, and the latter has been much esteemed as a remedy against the bites of venomous animals. The other has supplied its place in the German shops; and is used there as a cordial, febrifuge, and astringent.