CHAPTER III. 



Ancient Ideas on the Origin and Virtues 

 OF Pearls. 



■' And precious the tear as the rain from the sky, 

 Which turns into Pearl as it falls in the sea." 



— Thomas Moore, 



F all subjects connected with the study 

 of Pearls, none is more fascinating 

 than that referring to the ideas which 

 were entertained by ancient philosophers and poets, 

 regarding the origin and occult virtues of these 

 beautiful gems. Among the ancient Persians, by 

 whom Pearls were very highly extolled, a solar 

 origin was attributed to them — an idea which har- 

 monized well with the sun and fire-worship of the 

 followers of Zoroaster. Such an idea is expressed 

 by the poet Sheikh Fizee, and is found in an 



