But this, as you will see, does not give his name, but merely the two words '_Porphyrius philosophus_.' What this may refer to I cannot say: it is beyond my experience.

My friend Mr.Calvert has suggested that Stradivarius may have dedicated this violin to the pagan philosopher, or named it after him; but this seems improbable.

I have, indeed, heard of two famous violins being called 'Peter' and 'Paul,' but the instances of such naming are very rare; and I believe it to be altogether without precedent to find a name attached thus on a label.
"In any case, I must leave this matter to your ingenuity to decipher.
Neither the sound-post nor the bass-bar have ever been moved, and you see here a Stradivarius violin wearing exactly the same appearance as it once wore in the great master's workshop, and in exactly the same condition; yet I think the belly is sufficiently strong to stand modern stringing.

I should advise you to leave the instrument with me for some little while, that I may give it due care and attention and ensure its being properly strung." My brother thanked him and left the violin with him, saying that he would instruct him later by letter to what address he wished it sent..