_The Hippopotamus_ (Vol. ii., pp. 35. 277.).--I can refer your
correspondent L. (Vol. ii, p. 35.) to one more example of a Greek writer
using the word [Greek: hippopotamos], viz., the Hieroglyphics of Horapollo
Nilous, lib. i. 56. (I quote from the edition by A. T. Cory. Pickering,
1840): {182}
"[Greek: Adikon de kai achariston, hippopotamou onuchas duo, kato
blepontas, graphousin]."
He there mentions the idea of the animal contending against his father,
&c.; and as he flourished in the beginning of the fifth century, it is
probable that he is the source from which Damascius took the story.
I have in my cabinet a large brass coin of the Empress Ptacilia Severa,
wife of Philip, on which is depicted the Hippopotamus, with the legend
SAECVLARES. AVGG., showing it to have been exhibited at the saecular games.