CATALOGUE OF GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES. 177 



Like the ruby, the topaz was supposed to possess the power of emit- 

 ting light to a great degree. A topaz given by the wife of Theodoric, 

 count of Holland, to Adelbert, gave out so brilliant a light in the 

 chapel where it was kept that prayers could be read by it. 



Turquoise. — Emblematic of success. Highly valued by all orientals 

 and worn by them to insure health and success. Supposed to preserve 

 the wearer from injury through accidents. In the presence of poisons 

 the stone sweated profusely, a property thought to be characteristic 

 of many of the noble gems. Its color paled as its owner sickened and 

 was lost entirely on his death, to be recovered only on its becoming 

 the property of a healthy person. 



The turquoise, according to Arabian and Persian authorities, as 

 cited in the Mani-Mala, cured all diseases of the head and heart. A 

 sovereign remedy for hernia, swellings, flatulence, dyspepsia, insanity, 

 and cancerous sores. Whether taken alone, mixed with honey or with 

 other drugs, it cures epilepsy, spleen, and stricture. In cases of 

 poisoning or snake bite it was given with wine. Aristotle advises a 

 similar dose for the same purpose. Applied as an ointment to the 

 eyes it increased their luster, restored the vision, and prevented the 

 fall of fluids therefrom. Worn as an amulet the turquoise brought 

 happiness, dispelled fear, and rendered its wearer safe from drowning, 

 lightning stroke, and snake bite. Seen after looking at the moon on 

 the first day after the new moon it brought good luck. 



In Egypt cure of a cataract is believed to be effected by the local 

 application of a turquoise set in a silver ring and dipped in water, the 

 application being accompanied by the chanting of the name of God. 



Variolite. — Supposed to be a preventive and cure for variola (small- 

 pox). (Castellani, History of Gems.) 



Water sapphire or iolite. — A woman possessing a ring set with this 

 stone as a signet, and on which was cut one-half of a fish, a mirror, a 

 branch, and a nude female, procured any desire. 



Zircon. — Supposed to bring riches, honor, and wisdom; a charm 

 against plague and evil spirits; and afforded its wearer protection 

 against thunderbolts. (Europe During the Middle Ages.) 



According to the Mani-Mala — 



The wearing of a weighty, lustrous, white, cool, tender, very old, and transparent 

 gomeda (zircon) leads to prosperity. A light, discolored, exceedingly rough, delusion 

 creating, and cool, yet dirty, gomeda blights happiness and saps the foundations of 

 energy. 



The same treatise, speaking of its medicinal value, says : 

 The zircon is sour, heating, and curative of unhealthy oxidation; sharpens the 

 appetite, helps digestion, and takes away sin. 



In conclusion, it would be expected to find the belief in the mar- 

 velous and medicinal properties of gems prevalent during the age of 

 faith, while during the age of reason and inquiry it seems somewhat 

 4555—22 14 



