From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordPikros is bitter.
- In StobaeusThe Timaeus says that substances washing the tongue beyond measure and attacking its own tissue are called bitter, giving natron as an example.
- In this edition“Bitter” preserves the taste.
- A place to beginBitterness is explained through excessive cleansing of the tongue.
- English renderings
- bitter
Meaning
Pikros is bitter. In the selected theory, the taste is linked to an excessively cleansing or scouring action.
Use in the book
The Timaeus says that substances washing the tongue beyond measure and attacking its own tissue are called bitter, giving natron as an example. The account differentiates the intensity and effect of the action, rather than merely listing foods recognizable as bitter.
Places to read
- I.55.2.3Bitterness is explained through excessive cleansing of the tongue.
Translation in this edition
“Bitter” preserves the taste. The described mechanism belongs to the ancient physiological account.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 494. Natron is an alkaline cleansing material in this context; the name does not establish one pure modern chemical compound.