[3001] Brotero thinks that this was a story invented by the dealers, with a view of concealing the real method of breaking the stone.
[3002] Said, probably, with reference to the rank, nauseous smell of the he-goat.
[3003] This is true with reference to the diamond, and, in a less degree, several other crystalline substances, emery and quartz, for example.
[3004] Ajasson remarks, that if the diamond is placed in the magnetic line or current of the loadstone, it attracts iron equally with the loadstone, and consequently neutralizes the attractive power of the loadstone in a considerable degree.
[3005] The reading is very doubtful here. This word, as it is here given, would appear to be derived from the Greek ἀ privative, and ἄγχομαι, “to strangle oneself,” and to mean, “preventive of suicide.”
[3006] See B. iv. c. 27, and Chapter [11] of this Book.
[3007] At the present day the ruby is next in esteem to the diamond.
[3009] The Emerald, and various other green precious stones, were included under this name.
[3010] “Virentes” seems a very preferable reading to “silentes,” as given by the Bamberg MS.