Editing Natural History (Pliny) (section)

===Botany===

[[Botany]] is handled in Books XII to XVIII, with Theophrastus as one of Pliny's sources. The manufacture of [[papyrus]] and the various grades of papyrus available to Romans are described. Different types of trees and the properties of their wood are explained in Books XII to XIII. The vine, viticulture and varieties of grape are discussed in Book XIV, while Book XV covers the [[olive]] tree in detail,<ref>''Natural History'' XV:1-34</ref> followed by other trees including the apple and pear,<ref>''Natural History'' XV:47-54</ref> fig,<ref>''Natural History'' XV:68-78</ref> cherry,<ref>''Natural History'' XV:102-104</ref> [[Myrtus|myrtle]] and [[laurus nobilis|laurel]],<ref>''Natural History'' XV:119-138</ref> among others.

Pliny gives special attention to spices, such as [[Black pepper|pepper]], [[ginger]], and [[cane sugar]]. He mentions different varieties of pepper, whose values are comparable with that of gold and silver, while sugar is noted only for its medicinal value.

He is critical of [[perfume]]s: "Perfumes are the most pointless of luxuries, for pearls and jewels are at least passed on to one's heirs, and clothes last for a time, but perfumes lose their fragrance and perish as soon as they are used." He gives a summary of their ingredients, such as [[attar of roses]], which he says is the most widely used base. Other substances added include [[myrrh]], [[cinnamon]], and [[amyris|balsam]] gum.