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Plato and Aristotle recommended it for many virtues, and 
Thales observed that it attracted light bodies, 600 years be- 
fore the Christian era. It was in high esteem as a luxury 
among the Romans. 
Since writing the above, I have been favoured by Lord 
' Dundas with references to those best informed respecting 
the coast and rocks at Whitby, especially the Rev. Joseph 
Harrison, who gives us every reason to believe that Amber is 
seldom or never found on the shores or cliffs near Whitby, 
although they produce the substance usually found near it, 
viz. Jet, which has been known there for many years. Indeed 
it would appear that Dr. Woodward was imposed upon. 
It is not a little curious that the Fat or Opaque Amber 
may often be made transparent by being boiled in olive oil ; 
but in most instances it thereby acquires flaws that have 
been compared to fishes’ scales entrapped in the same man- 
ner as insects. 
