10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol. or,. 



Beri/l. — Formerly much used in divination, as it was supposed to be the 

 abode of spirits. As a remedy the ])owder('d stone was taken internally for 

 leprosy. Water in whidi the stone had lain was used as a lotion for the 

 eyes, and was taken internally for tlarulency and disorders of the liver. Cat. 

 No. 143.121, U.S.N.M. 



Amber. — Supposed to be "generated out of the urine of the lynx, and 

 hardened by time." "It assuages pain in the stomach, and cures jaundice, 

 rtux. and kidney evil ; " a remedy for all diseases of the throat. (Camillus 

 Leonardus. ) Often worn, in this and other countries, as an amulet for the 

 relief of toothache and dropsy, ai?d for the prevention of asthma, croup, and 

 various infectious diseases. It is still used for the cure of goiter. Cat. No. 

 143.120. U.S.N.M. 



Chalcedony. — Prevented and ciired melancholy. Worn as an amulet it was 

 preventive of danger during tempests and sinister events. (Camillus Leo- 

 nardus.) Cat. No. 143.125. U.S.N.M. 



Lodestone. — Magnetic iron ore. "Being carried about one it cures cramps 

 and gout. In the hour of travail, if held in the hand, it facilitates the birth. 

 If bruised and taken with honey, it cures dropsy; and the head being anointed 

 with it cures baldness." " It also taketh away fears and jealousies, and 

 reconciles wives to their husbands, and husltands to their wives." (Camillus 

 Leonardus.) Cat. No. 143,132, U.S.N.IM. 



Opal. — In great repute as an eyestone and a remedy for all diseases of the 

 eye. It preserves from contagious and infectious airs, drives away despondency, 

 prevents fainting, heart disease, and malignant affections. (Giov. B. Porta. 

 Magiae naturalist, sixteenth century.) Indicates the state of health of wearer, 

 losing its brilliancy when the person is ill. Cat. No. 143,134, U.S.N.M. 



Pearls. — In Egyptian medicine an electuary of peai'l powder was said to 

 strengthen the body and give luster to the eyes. Largely used in China as an 

 aphrodisiac and medicine for hemorrhage, stomach ti-oubles, etc. In Persian 

 and Arabian medicine pearls were said to cure all mental diseases. In Eurojic. 

 so late as the seventeenth century, they were used as a remedy for insanity. 

 A decoction of pearl powder in distilled water was one of the remedies given 

 to the insane Charles, King of Spain. Cat. No. 143,135, U.S.N.M. 



Quartz. — According to Hindu authorities, the crystal, worn as an amulet, 

 removed baneful astral influences, cured biliousness, fever, and fistula, and was 

 a specific for leprosy and consumption. In the Middle Ages it was given, in 

 powder, for dysentery. A crystal held against the tongue assuaged the thirst 

 of fevers, neutralized snake poison, and protected the wearer from drowning, 

 fire, and thieves. Cat. No. 143,136, U.S.N.]M. 



Turquoise. — Worn as an amulet to protect from accident and to insure health 

 and success; it was also said to protect from drowning, lightning, and snake 

 bite. In Arabian and Persian medicine it was said to cure diseases of the head 

 and heart, hernia, tumors, strictures, epilepsy, insanity, and cancer. In Eg.vpt 

 cataract is said to be cured by the local application of a turquoise which had 

 been dipped in water, the application being accompanied by the chanting of the 

 jiame Allah. Cat. No. 143.140, U.S.N.M. 



Zircon.- — A charm against plague, evil spirits, and lightning. Cat. No. 143.141. 

 U.S.N.M. 



Cafs-ei/e. — Applied to the throat for the relief of croup. Tied in the hair of 

 parturient women to facilitate labor. In Hindu medicine the cat's-e.ve was said 

 to be " warm and sour " and curative of cold, chronic derangement of the spleen, 

 and colic. The Persians used the powdered stone as a remedy for dropsy. Cat. 

 No. 143,124, U.S.N.M. 



