Chap. 56 Galbanum
Syria produces galbanum too, which grows upon the same mountain of Amanus: it exudes from a kind of giant-fennel598 of the same name as the resin, though sometimes it is known as stagonitis. The kind that is the most esteemed is cartilaginous, clear like hammoniacum, and free from all ligneous substances. Still, however, it is sometimes adulterated with beans, or with sacopenium.599 If ignited in a pure state, it has the property of driving away serpents600 by its smoke. It is sold at five denarii per pound, and is only employed for medicinal purposes.