(φύκος), a general term among the ancient Greeks and Romans for dyes and paints, more particularly those employed as cosmetics. The custom of painting the face was derived from the oriental nations, among whom it had existed from the earliest times. In order to give a rosy hue to the complexion, the dye commonly used was that obtained from the root of Anchusa tinctoria (alkanet plant). To whiten the neck and arms they employed cerussa (white-lead), which must soon have injured the fine texture of the skin. The eyebrows and the edges of the eyelids were darkened with a powder called stammi or stibium (sesqui-sulphuret of antimony), a substance that is used at the present day by the Turkish ladies for the same purpose; and, according to St Jerome, was the cosmetic used by the painted Jezebel of the Scriptures. Soot likewise appears to have been sometimes so employed. The more effeminate of the men, both among the Greeks and the Romans, sometimes used such cosmetics. Various other substances were employed for improving the complexion, more especially among the Roman ladies, who were adepts in this art, even heightening the blue colour of the veins, especially on the temples. The still more objectionable custom of wearing patches (splenia), once so prevalent in England, was not unknown to the Romans. (See Smith's Dict. of Greek and Roman Antiquities.)