Author:

Keywords:

PlatoViaAristotle - 885273;info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/885273, Analogies, Ancient metallurgy, Ancient Zoology, Animal lore, Cuttlefish, Ink, Latin satire, Metaphors, Moral Symbolism, Plutarch of Chaeronea, Arts & Humanities, History & Philosophy Of Science, History & Philosophy of Science, analogies, metaphors, moral symbolism, ancient zoology, animal lore, ancient metallurgy, cuttlefish, ink, LECTIO, 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields, History of Science, Technology & Medicine, 5002 History and philosophy of specific fields

Abstract:

The theological and eschatological dialogue De sera numinis vindicta (“On the Slowness of the Divinity to Punish”) by Plutarch of Chaeronea (1st-2nd cent. CE) contains precise references to scientific and technical notions of his time, primarily within analogies and symbolic images. Assuming that understanding these symbolic elements requires examining the terminology and concepts that inspired them across scientific and broader cultural contexts, this article analyses one passage to gain insights into Early Imperial zoology, ink usage, colour classification, and metallurgical terminology. After introducing selected medical, zoological, and metallurgical references within the dialogue, it focuses on a symbolic sentence describing “ill-will” and “envy” as a “rusty” (or “poisonous” or “violet-like,” ἰώδης) and “suppurated” (or “hidden” or “treacherous,” ὕπουλος) fluid emitted by envious souls like “cuttlefish” (σηπίαι) emit their ink. While clarifying the meaning and chromatic implications of this image, the article explores zoological knowledge of cuttlefish, ancient sources on cephalopod ink usage, and documented associations of these inks with the colours and corrosion of bronze and iron. Personal observations of three cephalopod inks’ natural colours alongside corroded copper and iron powders are also presented.