[2673] From αἷμα, “blood.” He alludes to Specular iron, red ochre, or red hematite, another oxide of iron.
[2674] Sometimes it has, but in a very slight degree.
[2675] Ajasson remarks that most probably the possessors of this pretended variety knew the distinction between the two poles of the magnet, and took care, when it was their interest to do so, to place the opposite pole towards that of the other loadstone.
[2676] It was the belief of the Duke of Noya Caraffa, that this stone was identical with Tourmaline: but, as Beckmann says, tourmaline, when heated, first attracts iron, and then repels it. Hist. Inv. Vol. I. pp. 87, 88. Bohn’s Edition. Ajasson is of opinion that the Theamedes was neither more nor less than the ordinary loadstone, with the negative pole presented, by designing persons, towards another magnet.
[2677] In B. ii. c. 98, and B. xx. c. 1.
[2678] See B. iv. c. 23.
[2679] See B. ii. c. 106, Vol. I. p. 137, and Note 687. There is little doubt that this was a volcanic, porous product.
[2680] From σάρξ, “flesh,” and φάγω, “to eat.” See B. ii. c. 98. Ajasson identifies it with Alunite, or Alum stone, in its several varieties.
[2681] Both of them varieties of calcareous tufa, Ajasson thinks.
[2682] Or Sarcophagus: see the preceding Chapter.