CATALOGUE OF GEMS AXD PRECIOUS STORES. 175 



St. Jerome wrote that the sapphire conciliates to its wearer the con- 

 descension of princes, quells his enemies, disperses sorcery, sets free 

 the captive, and may even assuage the wrath of God. 



In the inventory of the jewels of Charles V mention is made of a 

 "bluestone with two clasps of gold, good for the gout." 



In the church of Old St. Paul's, London, was a famous sapphire 

 which was supposed to cure the infirmities of the eyes of all those thus 

 alllicted who might resort to it. 



The modern mystic holds it capable of attracting powerful planetary 

 influences, and nearly equal to the diamond and quartz in inducing 

 visions. (Art Magic; or Mundane, Submundane, and Supermundane 

 Spiritism.) 



The star sapphire was and is still reputed to be a potent love charm. 

 The powder of this gem was taken as an aphrodisiac during the Middle 

 Ages. Star sapphire as a powder was given for vertigo in the low 

 countries as late as 1810. 



Sard. — Said to possess sex. 



The males shine brighter than the females; for the females are the 

 fattest and glitter more obscurely. (Leonardus, Speculum Lapidum.) 



The sard nullified the evil effects of the onyx when worn with it, 

 sharpened the wit, gave cheerfulness, and prevented dysentery. 

 (Albertus Magnus, Leonardus, and De Boot.) 



Epiphanius, writing in 1565, says that the sard conferred upon its 

 wearer a cheerful heart, courage, and presence, and protected him 

 from witchcraft and noxious humors. 



Baccius in his Annotations says that powdered sard taken in 

 spirits stops the menses and prevents miscarriage. 



Sardonyx. — Symbolical of conjugal bliss. It rendered its possessor 

 virtuous, cheerful, and agreeable. (Leonardus, Speculum Lapidum. 

 1502.) 



Spinel. — Reconciled differences between friends; gave health and 

 strength to the body; cured disorders of the liver; restrained passion 

 and fiery wrath; and was a preservative from lightning. (Leonar- 

 dus.) 



Powdered and taken with water Arnobis used it as a remedy for 

 diseases of the eye. (Dissertatio Medica.) 



Boetius held that the wearing of a balas ruby (spinel) restrained 

 fury, wrath, and lust. 



In the Arcula Gemmea, written in 1653, the author, Nicols, says: 



Rulandus reporteth this of it: That if the four corners of a house, arbor, or vineyard 

 be covered with this stone it will preserve it from lightning, tempests, and worms. 



According to Arabian and Persian "medicine, the wearing of the 

 spinel gives contentment, prevents the. spitting of blood, cures piles 

 and all diseases caused by the increase of phlegm. The dose for 



