170 BULLETIN 118, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Cloudy weather spoiled the color, lightning stopped the growth, and 

 thunder ruined the gem. 



According to the ancient Hindu authorities pearls were held to 

 originate in elephants, clouds, boars, conch shells, fishes, frogs, 

 oysters, and bamboos. Of these the oysters were the most produc- 

 tive. The pearls were formed by raindrops falling into the open 

 shell of the mollusk, the finest gems being found during the period 

 when the sun rested on Arcturus, the fifteenth lunar asterism. 



In the Orient the pearl was and is extensively used as a medicine 

 for syncope, hemorrhage, stomach troubles, etc. In China large 

 quantities of seed pearls are made into an electuary and taken to 

 restore manly vigor and as a stimulant. 



According to Sanskrit medical science the pearl is "sweet in taste, 

 very cool, and a specific for eye diseases, cures poisoning and atrophy, 

 and brings strength to weak limbs." (Mani-Mala.) 



The Arabian and Persian sages held that the use of pearls was 

 conducive to contentment of body and soul; cured insanity and all 

 mental diseases; all diseases of the heart, stomach, and bowels; 

 piles, stricture, and excessive and insufficient menstruation. It was 

 an antidote for poison, stopped bleeding from cuts, and cured leprosy 

 and skin diseases. 



Rambam recommends the use of the burnt powder as an ointment 

 in the treatment of ulcers and diseases of the eye, such an conjuncti- 

 vitis, cataract, etc. The burnt powder taken internally cured vomit- 

 ing of blood and purging. 



According to Egyptian medicine, pearl powder taken with electua- 

 ries strengthened the body and added luster to the eyes. 



The Hindu authorities recognized four shades as belonging to 

 pearls — yellow, honey, white, and blue. The first brings wealth, the 

 second fosters understanding, the third brings fame, and the fourth 

 good luck. If defective, according to the kind and degree, the pearl 

 brought on leprosy, loss of male issue, loss of fortune, disgrace, sloth- 

 fulness, insanity, and death. (Mani-Mala.) 



According to Art Magic; or Mundane, Submundane, and Supermun- 

 dane Spiritism, the wearing of pearls brought one en rapport with 

 spirits and promoted chastity. 



In Bengal bracelets of pearl are worn by virgins to preserve their 

 virtue. 



In Europe as late as the seventeenth century decoctions containing 

 pearls were thought to be powerful mental stimulants and a cure for 

 insanity. A decoction of pearl powder and distilled water was one of 

 the remedies given to the insane Charles, King of Spain. 



Leonardus states that pearls boiled in meat would cure the quartan 

 ague; powdered and taken with milk, they healed ulcers and cleared 

 the voice; they comforted the heart, gave relief in cramps and colic, 



