The Achates, or Agate, is well described by Orpheus, and recommended as a remedy for fever and various other complaints. It does not seem to be noticed by the medical authorities.
The ancients were acquainted with several varieties of Jasper. See Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 37.) They contained talc and various other ingredients. Dioscorides recommends it solely as a phylactery or amulet to expedite delivery. (v, 159.) Galen and Avicenna speak of its being useful as an amulet in affections of the stomach and bowels. The latter calls it Lapis aneseb. (ii, 2, 408.) Even in modern times the Jasper has been celebrated as an amulet. See Andreas Laurentius (De Mirab. Strum. Sanat. 69), and Hill (Mat. Med. 276.)
The Judaic-stone appears to be the Tecolithos of Pliny. It is now ascertained that it is formed from the quills of the Echinus Marinus, impregnated with calcareous earth, silica, and perhaps some magnesia. Most of the ancient authorities commend it as a lithontriptic. V. Harduin in Plin. H. N. xxxvii, 68. Dioscorides recommends it not only as a lithontriptic medicine, but a remedy for dysuria in general. (v, 154.) Galen and Serapion also affirm that they had experienced good effects from it when given in calculus of the kidneys or bladder. See in particular Serapion (c. 390.) Rhases, however, affirms that he had tried the lapis vesicæ, by which he probably means this article, but had not found it to be lithontriptic. (Cont. l. ult. 414.) Dr. Hill says it is, undoubtedly, diuretic, but it is not so certain that it is lithontriptic.
The Pyrites, when burnt, forms an oxide of copper with sulphur. From our author’s account, it is evident that the Molaris nearly resembled it, and the same may be understood from Pliny. It will, of course, be understood that it is the copper pyrites, and not the iron. This is very obvious from the description of it given by Dioscorides. He calls it heating, detergent, and a cleanser of obscurities of the eyes, and recommends it for repressing fungated ulcers. When burnt, he adds, some call it diphryges. It is described under the name of marchasita by Serapion (c. 395), Phases (Cont. l. ult. i, 449), and Avicenna (ii, 2, 464.) They all recommend it with vinegar in leprosy and other obstinate diseases of the skin.
The Phrygian-stone was a pumice with alum and some other ingredients. Dioscorides says it has astringent, cleansing, and moderately escharotic powers, and proves a remedy for burns. (v, 140.) Galen professes to have had great experience of it in diseases of the eyes. (Ed. Basil. t. ii, 122, 208.) See also Avicenna (ii, 2, 405.)
The Ageratus does not occur we believe in Dioscorides or Pliny. Galen calls it a stone which the curriers of leather use. He says it is astringent and acrid, and recommends it particularly in inflamed uvula. Avicenna copies from him. (ii, 2, 409.)
The Anthrax or Carbuncle of the ancients comprehended the ruby and a multitude of other gems of the same colour. It was scarcely used in medicine.
De Boet says that the Asian-stone is light and spongy, and contains alum, nitre, and salt. Dioscorides calls it slightly septic and discutient, and recommends it as an application to old, and more especially fungated, ulcers, and those of a malignant nature. The flower of it, by which was meant an efflorescence on the surface of it, he says does good in phthisis. He further says of it, that a hip-bath prepared with it is highly beneficial in the cure of gout. (v, 141.) Galen and the other authorities treat of it in more general terms. (De Simpl. ix.) See also Serapion, who merely copies from Dioscorides and Galen. (c. 393.)
The Amethyst of our times is the same gem that the ancients knew by this name. Except that it was suspended from the neck as an amulet to prevent drunkenness, we are not aware that it was used in medicine. See Pliny (H. N. xxxvii, 40); Marbodeus (De Lapid. 4.)