POPULAR BELIEFS AMONG THE ANCIENTS
AS TO THE INFLUENCE OF
PRECIOUS STONES
It would require a volume to give a summary of all the quaint and mysterious beliefs that cluster about precious stones. From very ancient times they have been more or less associated with the idea that they influence human life and happiness. Below we give a few of the many traits and influences of the stones in general use. We do not desire to appeal to the credulity of our readers, but merely to enlighten them as to the folklore of this subject.
These indications are taken literally from “many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.”
Agate.—An old popular notion regards it as a guarantee against drunkenness. The water in which it is steeped is said to cure sterility. It is said also to counteract magical charms.
Batrachite.—This substance, which is really silicate of magnesia, used to be regarded as a stone found in the body of a frog, and it was supposed to have great powers against poison and sorcery.
Beryl.—The water in which this stone has been dipped causes sympathy between those who drink it.
Chrysolite.—Albertus Magnus regarded it as a preservative against frenzy, but it is also a penitential stone, causing sorrow for wrongdoing in the heart of the sinner who wears it. Finally it is a cure for the gout.
Chrysoprase.—Has the property of strengthening the eyes, raising the spirits and rendering a man liberal and joyous.
Coral.—Was said to protect any house against epidemic disease, to stop the flow of blood, to drive away evil spirits, to avert lightning and hail.