CHAP. 32.—GEODES; THREE REMEDIES.
Geodes[2702] is so called from its formation, it containing earth within. It is remarkably beneficial for the eyes, and is used for the cure of diseases of the testes and mamillæ.
CHAP. 33.—MELITINUS; SIX REMEDIES.
The stone called “melitinus”[2703] yields a liquid that is sweet, like honey. Bruised and incorporated with wax, it is curative of pituitous eruptions, spots upon the skin, and ulcerations of the fauces. It removes epinyctis[2704] also, and, applied as a pessary, in wool, it alleviates pains in the uterus.
CHAP. 34.—GAGATES: SIX REMEDIES.
Gagates[2705] is a stone, so called from Gages, the name of a town and river in Lycia.[2706] It is asserted, too, that at Leucolla[2707] the sea throws it up, and that it is found over a space twelve stadia in extent. It is black, smooth, light, and porous, differs but little from wood in appearance,[2708] is of a brittle texture, and emits a disagreeable odour[2709] when rubbed. Marks made upon pottery with this stone cannot be effaced. When burnt, it gives out a sulphureous smell; and it is a singular fact, that the application of water ignites it, while that of oil quenches it.[2710] The fumes of it, burnt, keep serpents at a distance, and dispel hysterical affections: they detect a tendency also to epilepsy,[2711] and act as a test of virginity.[2712] A decoction of this stone in wine is curative of tooth-ache; and, in combination with wax, it is good for scrofula. The magicians, it is said, make use of gagates in the practice of what they call axinomancy;[2713] and they assure us that it will be sure not to burn, if the thing is about to happen as the party desires.
CHAP. 35.—SPONGITES: TWO REMEDIES.
The stone called “spongites” is found in sponges, and is a marine formation. By some persons it is called “tecolithos,”[2714] from the circumstance that it is curative of affections of the bladder. Taken in wine, it breaks and disperses urinary calculi.
CHAP. 36.—PHRYGIAN STONE.
Phrygian stone is so called from the country which produces it, and is a porous mass like pumice. It is first saturated with wine, and then calcined, the fire being kept up with the bellows till the stone is brought to a red heat; which done, it is quenched in sweet wine. This operation is repeated three times. The only use made of it is for dyeing cloths.[2715]