The Refutation of All Heresies

St. Hippolytus of Rome · c. 230 AD

64 of 244

Section 40

Trick with the Liver

And they exhibit a liver seemingly bearing an inscription in this manner. With the left hand he writes what he wishes, appending it to the question, and the letters are traced with gall juice and strong vinegar. Then taking up the liver, retaining it in the left hand, he makes some delay, and then it draws away the impression, and it is supposed to have, as it were, writing upon it.