From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordHalukos means salty or saline.
- In StobaeusThe Timaean account distinguishes a moderate cleansing action producing saltiness from a more forceful action associated with bitterness.
- In this edition“Salty” is direct; “saline” is useful when the adjective qualifies a substance or quality rather than the immediate sensation.
- A place to beginModerate cleansing is associated with a salty taste.
- English renderings
- salty; saline
Meaning
Halukos means salty or saline. It names a taste or a quality of substances encountered by the tongue.
Use in the book
The Timaean account distinguishes a moderate cleansing action producing saltiness from a more forceful action associated with bitterness. Saltiness is described as less harsh and more agreeable in this comparison. The explanation classifies effects on the tongue, not simply a list of chemical substances.
Places to read
- I.55.2.4Moderate cleansing is associated with a salty taste.
Translation in this edition
“Salty” is direct; “saline” is useful when the adjective qualifies a substance or quality rather than the immediate sensation.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 494. The comparison with natron belongs to the ancient explanation of cleansing action. It does not establish an identity between every salty substance and natron.