In China and Japan the crystal is called SINSHO. The Japanese know it also as Tama or Jewel of Perfection, and it is used by them for making crystal balls and beautiful objects of art. It is cut in the shape of a ball, esteemed in Japan as the Stone of Concentration, and several in a family will sit round gazing at a specimen in which they see guidance and help in the path of life. In China it is also known as CHING, and symbolized as an upright triangle of three suns, it has always been highly esteemed. It is cut with great patience into figures of deities and sacred objects. The Chinese regard it as a talisman of concentration and perseverance; it recalls to them the magnificence and immensity of what man calls space, this “jewel of perfection” which the Japanese also term “Breath of the White Dragon.”

The Medicine Indians of South America say that a holy spirit is in the crystal, and for this reason the sacred stones must not be seen except by initiates. The aboriginals of Australia and Tasmania regarded the crystal in a mystic way. It was known by the Murray tribes as Katto and Maako. The South Australians generally termed large crystals Kanwenmuka, and smaller specimens Kanyappa. It is the Teyl of the West Australian, the Leeka and Heka of the Tasmanian and it is called Tendeagh by the East tribe and Mughramallee by the South. The late Mr. James Bonwick says that the natives usually wore the crystal in its bag, suspended from the neck; he gives their song of magic as follows:

Kano Kano wimmari(lizard)
Kano Kano Kanwemuka(crystal)
Kano Kano Makkitya(flint)
Kano yeruka Makkitya
Makkitya mulyeria.

Gazing Crystal on Dragon Stand. Presented to the Author by the Late Judge Casey of Victoria, Australia.

Mr. Bonwick also gives instances of the prevalence of Crystallomancy amongst the aboriginals, the use of the Rain Stone, the Coradgee Stone which was wrapped in hair and was not to be seen by a female, “not always a simple white stone, it was more commonly a quartz crystal.” He says further “Some men, by proper use of this magical agency (the crystal) could work wonders.” Thus, the crystal has been employed by savage and civilized man in all ages. It was said to enclose within its bright form all the knowledge and secrets that have ever been; if worn during sleep it banishes evil dreams and spells, and guards the wearer against sorcery, witchcraft, secret enemies and evil thoughts. It was said to indicate the presence of poison by clouding or by breaking—hence its employment in the manufacture of precious goblets by the ancients. It was employed as a preventive of watery, wasting and infectious diseases, tumourous complaints, blood impurities, heart, bowel and feet troubles, renal affections, etc. Pliny recommends it as an external medicine for women when in the form of fine powder mixed with honey. With regard to the employment of crystal balls and lenses for medical purposes, this venerable author says: “I find it asserted by physicians that when any part of the body requires to be cauterized it cannot be better done than by means of a crystal ball held against the sun’s rays”; it is interesting to compare this statement with a more recent one made by the late Dr. E. D. Babbitt, M.D.:

“Sunlight can lubricate and even vesicate the skin without causing much pain or without leaving any permanent scars like those formed by sinapisms, moxas, lancings, etc. Many a tumour which under the old system is cut out without even reaching the cause, is destroyed by concentrating the light upon it through a convex lens.”

Many beautiful crystals bearing intagli of a large size have been discovered. Mr. King mentions two choice specimens of Valerio il Vicentino and his rival Geo. del Castel Bolognese. Some crystals have been found encasing drops of water very much like the spirit in the spirit-level. These are known as Hydrolites or, as Pliny writes them, Enhydros. They are mentioned by the poet Claudian as—

“A stream unfettered pent in crystal round,

A truant fount by hardened waters bound.”