176 BULLETIN 118, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



internal use is from 1 hirat (4 barleycorns) to 1 dang (16 barleycorns). 

 Applied as an ointment to the eyes the stone adds to their luster. 



According to an Arabic work, entitled "Azaabul beldan," as cited 

 by Tagore: 



The sea cows get spinel stones from the Kokaf Mountains and put them on the ground 

 when they come grazing toward Ceylon. The stone gatherers, who remain concealed 

 all about, then come out in stealthy steps, carefully throw lumps of clay over the 

 stones left, and then retire. When after grazing these animals go back to the sea, 

 disappointed at not finding the stones and fretting and fuming with rage, those people 

 came back and took away the precious stones. 



Staurolite. — In Brittany, France, a superstitious reverence is 

 attached to the cruciform crystals of this stone, based on a belief 

 that they fell from heaven. 



In Virginia and the Carolinas the staurolite, locally known as 

 fairy stone, is worn as a lucky charm and is believed to bring good 

 fortune and ward off danger and disease. 



Sunstone. — According to Sanskrit authorities — 

 the sunstone is warm, flawless, and good in cold and defective oxidation, and sacred; 

 it is an elixir vitae, and is the delight of the Sun. (Mani-Mala.) 



Topaz. — Symbolical of friendship. 



It cooled boiling water on being immersed in it; became opaque on 

 contact with poisons; restrained anger and desire; cured insanity; 

 checked the flow of blood; cleansed hemorrhoids; and averted sudden 

 death. (Camillus Leonardus, Speculum Lapidum.) 



Benoni states that the topaz is favorable for all hemorrhages 

 and imparts strength and good digestion. Powdered and taken in 

 wine it cured asthma and insomnia. (Dissertatio Medica.) 



Rubbed on a hone the topaz gave a milky juice in quantities, and 

 yet lost none of its original weight. The juice was taken internally 

 in cases of dropsy and certain poisonings. Used as an ointment it 

 was in repute as a curative for diseases of the eye. (Epiphanius.) 



Worn as an amulet, so says Porta, it drove away sadness and night- 

 mare; strengthened the intellect and bestowed courage. Mounted in 

 gold and hung around the neck it dispelled enchantments; worn on 

 the left hand it preserved its wearer from sensuality. 



In the Honest Jeweller, written in the seventeenth century, the 

 statement is made that — 



the virtue and strength of the topaz is said to increase and decrease with the moon, 

 and consist in the fact that when thrown into boiling water it at once deprives it of 

 its heat. 



According to the Sanskrit authorities, the — 



topaz is sour, cool, and curative of abnormal oxidation, gives an appetite, and brings 

 fame and wisdom. 



The Hindu sages held that the medicinal properties of the topaz 

 were similar to those of the coral, and in addition it prevented and 

 cured sterilitv. (Mani-Mala.) 



