Professor Oldham suggested that it might arise from copper on the surface.
"No, it cannot be that, as the copper is not seen. I think it results from emeralds below."[10]
To Dr. Forsyth. "How many elementary substances are there in the human body?"
Dr. F. "Four substances."
"That is correct. Could a man have one of them destroyed, and yet survive?"
"It might be partially injured, and he yet survive."
"But suppose the element on which the issues of the body depend were to be destroyed, could the man survive?"
"In that case he must die, if the action could not be restored."
"That is true. It is proper for every physician to be conversant with the elementary substances. There are a great number of books on the subject of medicine in the Burmese language,—books so deep,"—raising his hand above his head.
Envoy. "I have received from your Majesty a fossil alligator's head, which is very much prized by the Rock Teacher; and I have heard there are Biloos'[11] (monsters') bones in some parts of the country."