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Asiatics, believe in genii, angels, and supernatural agents of various 
denominations, and degrees of existence; their histories, tales, and 
romances, abound with such imagery. Some are the friends and 
guardians of the human race; others, called the evil genii, are in 
a constant state of warfare with the benevolent spirits. On this 
account, talismans, amulets, and charms, esteemed for their latent 
virtues, and mysterious powers, are worn by the inhabitants of 
India; who believe that such cabalistical preparations are effectual 
against witchcraft, fascination, and all the operations of the male- 
volent genii: they serve also as guards and protectors of hidden 
treasures, which are frequently buried under the earth, to conceal 
them from the avarice of Asiatic despots. 
The Greeks and Romans were not exempt from these preju- 
dices, nor is it long since they have subsided in England. Acts of 
parliament on this subject, were passed so late as the reign of 
James the First. In the age of chivalry, enchantment and divina- 
tion prevailed throughout Europe; and in the oath administered 
by the constable to the combatants in a duel, are these expres- 
sions; 
“ Ye shall sweare that ye shall have no stone of virtue, nor 
“ hearbe of virtue; nor charm, nor experiment, nor none other 
enchaimtment by you; and that ye trust in none other thinge 
“ properly, but in God, and your body, and your brave quarrel/’ 
I constantly wear one of these talismanic stonbs, it having 
been left to me by an invaluable friend: it consists of a convex 
oval emerald, as taken from the mine; uncut and unpolished by 
art: it is set in plain gold, and shines in native beauty without any 
extraneous ornament. I pretend not to investigate the antiquity 
