118 THE WEALTH OF THE SEA 



In the Middle Ages, even more miraculous powers 

 were attributed to precious red coral. Bartholomeus ^ 

 states that this "stone" was supposed to protect ships 

 and houses from lightning, whirlwind, tempest, and 

 storms. Homes that contained coral were not affected 

 by plagues, feuds, envy, and other influences. Many 

 medicinal properties were attributed to this beau- 

 tiful substance. It was given powdered as a cure for 

 epilepsy, stomach complaints, night sweats, sores, 

 diseased gums, whooping-cough, disorders of the 

 spleen, teething troubles, insanity, and many other 

 disorders. Even as late as the seventeenth century, 

 powdered coral was administered as a cure for colic 

 and vomiting. 



Of course nearly all of the properties attributed 

 to it are without foundation in fact. Since it is 

 merely impure carbonate of lime, a little ground 

 limestone or powdered marble would be just as 

 eflicacious a medicine as the finest of coral. The 

 taking of carbonate of lime, however, gives immedi- 

 ate relief from certain stomach disorders caused by 

 the presence of too much acid. In such cases, coral 

 really would possess therapeutic value. 



The belief in the miraculous properties of coral 

 is not confined to ancient and medieval times. Even 

 to-day it is worn in Italy to ward off the influence 

 of the evil eye, and by many women as a cure for 

 sterility. In India there are many superstitions con- 

 nected with its uses. Worm-eaten coral is believed 

 to have magical properties, for many of the natives 

 think that spirits take up their abode in the little 



*"De Proprietatibus Renim" (1536). 



