2^2 TRAVELS IN UPPER 



sidered as an antidote against the poison of serpents 

 and of other venomous animals. The quacks of 

 every country make use of this species of stone to 

 deceive the multitude, and in order to give it greater 

 reputation, they say that they have taken it out of 

 the head of a serpent or of a dragon. It is in reality 

 nothing more than a mineral concretion, which 

 owes all its efiicacy to superstition and credulity. 



This is also the case with respect to the stone of 

 Benazir (hadzsjar Benazir), which takes its name 

 from a village near the place where it is most com- 

 monly found. The inhabitants of Egypt look upon 

 it as another precious antidote. When it is rubbed 

 against a vessel containing a few drops of water, it 

 whitens them and makes them like milk. 



My medical skill was put to a severe trial before 

 my departure from Kous. The new Kiaschef fell 

 from his horse and dislocated his shoulder. He ho- 

 noured me with a confidence which could not have 

 been worse bestowed. It was in vain for me to point 

 out the established distinction between physic and 

 surgery ; it would not have been understood, and 

 the confession of my inability to relieve him, would 

 not have been without danger. I was obliged then 

 to become surgeon ; my companions became my 

 assistants. It was a singular spectacle to see us tor- 

 ment the Mameluc by useless efforts, whilst he, not 



perceiving 



