A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

a surname of Vulcan, which seems to have been given to the god as a euphemism, and for the sake of a good omen, that he might not consume by ravaging fire the habitations and property of men, but might kindly and benevolently aid men in their pursuits. It occurs very frequently in the Latin poets. (Ov. Met. 2.5; Ars Am. 2.562.)

[L.S]