Up: Glassmaking
Reminiscences 42 of 123
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and the desire upon the part of the less affluent members of society to
possess, at a cheap rate, ornaments in imitation of their superiors,
necessarily leads to the conclusion that, even at the most ancient of the
periods I have mentioned, the Egyptians had made a remarkable advance in
the customs of civilized life. The Museum cases also exhibit networks of
glass bugles, with which the wrappers of mummies were often decorated;
and there is an abundance of evidence to show that wine was frequently
served at table in glass bottles and cups.
Alexander the Great is said to have been
buried at Alexandria in a coffin
composed wholly of glass.
The specimens taken from the tombs at
Thebes are also numerous. Their rich and varied
colors are proofs of the chemical and inventive skill of the ancients.
These specimens embrace not only rich gems and mosaic work, but also
fine examples of the lachrymatory vase. Some of the vases are made
from common materials, with very great skill and taste. The specimen
of glass coin, with hieroglyphical characters, must not be omitted;
as also a miniature effigy of the Egyptian idol "Isis"; a
specimen of which proves that the Egyptians must have been acquainted with
the art of pressing hot glass into
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