154 BULLETIN 118, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



wearer. The coral is still believed to be a charm against diseases of 

 childhood, and is extensively worn in Italy as a protection against 

 the "evil eye." Pearls are dreaded by some and favored by others. 

 No French bride will wear them on her wedding day, since they would 

 bring tears to her married life. In the East the believers are dog- 

 matic in their faith, and it is heresy to assert that the use of gems has 

 no practical influence over body or mind. 



It is impossible here to do more than hint at the many beliefs 

 concerning gems which were or are current, and the following notes 

 merely suggest a few of the more prevalent beliefs on this subject: 



Agate. — Emblematic of health and wealth. An enemy to all 

 venemous things; assuages thirst when held in the mouth; gives 

 victory to its wearer; repels storms; sharpens the sight; preserves 

 and increases strength, and renders its wearer gracious and eloquent. 

 (Camillus Leonardus, Speculum Lapidum, 1502.) Efficacious as an 

 amulet against scrofula and skin diseases. (Albertus Magnus, De 

 Vertutibus Herbarium, Lapidum, Animalum, etc.) Various prop- 

 erties are attributed to it by Mohammedan authorities. It cured 

 insanity when administered with water or with the juice of the fruit 

 Sheu (an apple ?) ; a remedy for hemorrhage in the genital organs or 

 in the rectum; for the spitting of blood; for the unusual discharge 

 of the menstrual fluid. In conjunction with other medicines it cured 

 hard boils and porous ulcers, gravel, spleen, and kidney troubles. It 

 prevented bleeding of the gums and rendered them hard when applied 

 to the parts as a calcined powder. 



Agates having the reddishness of the water after washing raw flesh in the shape of 

 finger rings prevent bleeding of all kinds. The wearer strikes terror to the heart 

 of his enemies, obtains his heart's wishes from the gods, and becomes free from pain 

 in the breast. 



The Ahik (agate) confers upon the wearer all the blessings that the use of the turquoise 

 does. Its internal use may do harm to the stomach, but this can be avoided by mix- 

 ing it with Katira, or, in its absence, with the Basud stone. (Views of Arabic and 

 Persian writers on gems and stones.) 



If taken internally, the agate drives away fear, increases the power of digestion f 

 cures insanity and monomania of that kind which creates the impression of being 

 beaten and abused by others. If worn, it cures stricture and the vomiting of blood 

 coming from the chest; worn on the neck, it cures the spitting of blood issuing from 

 the lungs at the time of coughing. Calcined, powdered, and administered with white 

 wine in doses weighing 16 barleycorns, it cured the gravel. If tied about the thighs 

 of a woman under painful labor, it helps to a speedy and easy delivery. The weight 

 of the stone here prescribed should be about 120 barleycorns. (Ben Adloulah.) 



The eye-agate was considered efficacious as an amulet in cases of 

 scrofula and other skin diseases. In great repute to-day in Syria as a 

 curative for "Aleppo" sores. 



Pierre de Boniface, writing in 1315, said: 



The agate of India or Crete renders its possessor eloquent and prudent, amiable, and 

 agreeable. 



