An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Salam-stone. A name given to the blue or oriental sapphire from Ceylon.

Fig. 600. Salamander. Device of Francis I., the “Father of Letters.”

Salamander, Chr. In Christian art, a symbol of fire, and supposed to live in fire; or, according to Pliny, “to quench it as if ice were put into it.” In Heraldry it is either represented as a lizard, or as a kind of dog breathing flames. Fig. [600] is the device of Francis I. of France, with a motto implying that a good prince nourishes that which is good, and expels the bad. At the meeting of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, the king’s guard at the tournament was clothed in blue and yellow, with the salamander embroidered thereon.

Salamander’s Hair. The variety of asbestos called amianthus.

Salet, O. E. A light helmet. (See Salade.)

Salic Dances. (See Salii.)

Salient, Her. In the act of leaping or bounding, the hind-paws on the ground, both the fore-paws elevated.

Salinum, R. (sal, salt). A salt-cellar.

Saltatio, R. (salto, to dance). Dancing; applied to religious dances, gymnastic or war dances, Corybantic, Salic, Mimetic or theatrical dances, &c.