Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Charta

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CHARTA (χάρτης). Writing-paper, made from layers of the papyrus, of which eight different qualities are enumerated by Pliny (H. N. xiii. 23.): — 1. Augustana, subsequently called Claudiana, the best quality; 2. Liviana, the next best; 3. Hieratica, originally the best, and the same as charta regia of Catullus (xix. 16.); 4, 5, 6. Amphitheatrica, Saitica, Leneotica, inferior kinds, named after the places where they were respectively manufactured. 7. Fanniana, made at Rome, and named from its maker Fannius; 8. Emporetica, coarse paper, not used for writing, but only for packing merchandize, whence its name. To these may be added, 9. charta dentata, the surface of which was smoothed and polished by rubbing over with the tooth of some animal, to procure a glossy face for the pen to glide over, like our "hot-pressed" paper (Cic. Q. Fr. ii. 15. Plin. H. N. xiii. 25.); and 10. charta bibula, a transparent, and spongy sort of paper, which let the ink run, and showed the letters through. Plin. Ep. viii. 15. 2. Compare Plin. H. N. xiii. 24.