Note 244 — THE TALE OF THE WARLOCK AND THE YOUNG COOK OF BAGHDAD.

[The text reads “Liyah,” and lower down twice with the article “Al-Liyah” (double Lám). I therefore suspect that “Liyyah,” equivalent with “Luwwah,” is intended, which both mean Aloes-wood as used for fumigation (yutabakhkharu bi-hi). For the next ingredient I would read “Kit’ah humrah,” a small quantity of red brickdust, a commodity, to which, I do not know with what foundation, wonderful medicinal powers are or were ascribed. This interpretation seems to me the more preferable, as it presently appears that the last-named articles had to go into the phial, the mention of which would otherwise be to no purpose and which I take to have been finally sealed up with the sealing clay. The whole description is exceedingly loose, and evidently sorely corrupted, so I think every attempt at elucidation may be acceptable.—St.]