ONE ib Gees SOOO a te gern sre 
a peace i E es te eP A iS yi a ke im Si AAN 
` 
THE 
AMERICAN NATURALIST. 
VoL. xir. — JULY, 1878. — No. 7. 
DIAMONDS. 
BY F. M. ENDLICH. 
(Fony G the words of Pliny we can say: “Maximum in rebus 
humanis, non solum inter gemmas, pretium habet adamas.” 
As far as our reliable records reach back into the dim and mys- 
tic ages, we find the diamond occupying a prominent position in 
the estimation of man. Above all other of its qualities, which at — 
present determine its value, the superior hardness to all sub- 
stances then known, seems to have impressed the Ancients. 
There appears to be but little doubt, that at very early ages the 
East Indians and the original inhabitants of the Chinese Empire 
knew the value of diamonds over all other gems. It is supposable, 
too, that the art of cutting was known to them, although it was — 
not employed in the western countries until many centuries later. 
Some doubt may appear whether the ancient Hebrews really 
possessed the diamond. In translations the word “shamir” is 
rendered as diamond. We find that the breast-plate of the High 
Priest contained a “diamond” in the second row of precious 
stones. We farthermore find, however, that these twelve stones 
“ were according to the names of the children of Israel,” 
“like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, Second. 
ing to the twelve tribes.” It seems improbable that they should — 
have been able to engrave the diamond. Other passages occur 
Where the diamond is used asa symbol of greatest hardness. 
One allusion is made that shows its application in the art of en- 
graving; Jeremiah says: “ The sin of Judah is written with a pen _ 
of iron and with the point of a diamond; it is graven upon the — 
table of their heart.” Corundum was known to the Hebrews, and 
1 Among all human things, not only among gems, the diamond is the most pre- oS 
10us, Á 
VOL. XII.——No VII. 30 
