Note 018
The naphtha, the oleum incendiarium of the history of Jerusalem, (Gest. Dei per Francos, p. 1167,) the Oriental fountain of James de Vitry, (l. iii. c. 84,) is introduced on slight evidence and strong probability. Cinanmus (l. vi. p. 165) calls the Greek fire Ancient Greek and the naphtha is known to abound between the Tigris and the Caspian Sea. According to Pliny, (Hist. Natur. ii. 109,) it was subservient to the revenge of Medea, and in either etymology the Ancient GreekorAncient Greek (Procop. de Bell. Gothic. l. iv. c. 11,) may fairly signify this liquid bitumen.
Note by the Rev. H.H. Milman written 1782, revised 1845
It is remarkable that the Syrian historian Michel gives the name of naphtha to the newly-invented Greek fire, which seems to indicate that this substance formed the base of the destructive compound. St. Martin, tom. xi. p. 420.
The History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire —Fall In The East —Chapter 52