1.
Precious Stones
A list of stones with their attributed properties, from the book:
Precious Stones
The Mirror of Stones, 1502, By Camillus Leonardus.
This is a
summary of a list of precious stones, taken from the book Speculum Lapides,
originally printed in Latin, AD 1502, by the author Camillus Leonardus. I used the English translation "Mirror
of Stones" from AD 1750. Only the old names and where possible the modern
names (subject to errors) and the attributed properties of the stones are
included in this list. Sometimes the locations are mentioned. Stones of which I
could not find the modern name are marked with a question mark. The spelling
has been modernized because of the readability.
damant, or the
Diamond,
To repel poison,
though ever so deadly; is a defense against the arts of sorcery; disperses vain
fears, enables to quell ail quarrels and contentions; is a help to lunatics,
and such as are possessed with the devil being bound to the left arm, it gives victory
over enemies; it tames wild beasts; it helps those who are troubled with phantoms,
and the night-mare; and makes him that wears it bold and daring in his transactions.
The Indian Adamant, and likewise the Arabic, has the property of the magnet, to
direct the needle touched by it to the Arctic pole, and from hence some call it
the adamantine loadstone.
Achates (now: Agate),
The virtues of
the Achates differ according to the diversities of their Species, but all of
them agree in this, to make men solicitous. But the proper virtue of the
Sicilian is, to subdue the poison of vipers and scorpions, if it be bound on
the puncture, or being bruised, drank in a glass of wine. The Indian is an enemy
to all venomous things. It refreshes the sight by looking on it. Being held in
the mouth it quenches thirst. It gives victory
to him that wears it, turns away storms; and puts a stop to lightning. The
Cretan sharpens the sight; extinguishes thirst and poisons, renders the wearer
of it gracious and eloquent; and preserves and confirms strength. It seems superfluous to particularize the virtues
of them all, since they coincide one with another; and therefore, for brevity’s
sake, we shall omit them.
Amethyst,
Their virtue is to drive away drunkenness;
for being bound on the navel, they restrain the vapor of the wine, and so dissolve
the ebriety; they repress evil thoughts, and give a good understanding, they make
a man vigilant and expert in business; the barren they render fruitful by
drinking a lotion of it; they expel poison; they preserve military men, and
give them victory over their enemies; and prepare an easy capture of wild beasts
and birds.
Alestoria, Alectoria, Alestorias, Alestorius, Gallinaceus, (Cocks-Gizzard-stone),
some call it Gallinaceus, from the place of
its generation, the Intestines of capons, which were castrated when they were
three years old, and had lived seven; before which time it ought not to be
taken out; for the older it is, so much the better. When the stone is become
perfect in the capon, he don’t drink. However, ’tis never found bigger than a
large bean. The virtue of this stone is, to render him who carries it invisible;
being held in the mouth, it allays thirst, and therefore is proper for wrestlers;
makes a woman agreeable to her husband; bellows honors, and preserves those
already acquired; it frees such as are bewitched; it renders a man eloquent,
constant, agreeable and amiable, it helps to regain a lost kingdom, and acquire
a foreign one.
Androdamas (means Man-subduing, (now: Red Iron Froth),
It’s supposed that it derived its name from
its virtue; which is to restrain anger and the violent emotions of the mind, also
to mitigate luxury and lessen the gravity of the body.
Alabandina (now: Alanbandite),
Its property is to promote a flux of blood.
Being drank, it expels and drives out all the virulence of poison.
Agapis (now: Spines of fossilized sea urchins),
Being bound to the wound, it has a wonderful virtue,
in curing the stings of scorpions and the bites of vipers. For being dipped in water,
and rubbed over the wound, it immediately takes away or mitigates the pain.
Andromantes (now: Pyrite, Marcasite),
Its virtue is to drive away pestilential air,
and render the bearer of it safe. It is good in impostumes and therefore called
by that name; in like manner as we before spoke of the Agapis.
Amandinus,
Its virtue is extolled for its efficacy in expelling
poison; it makes the wearer of it victorious, and instruct the Interpreter of dreams
and enigmas to solve any questions propounded to him about them.
Abeston or Abestus, Abistos (now: Asbestos),
It is called Abeston, from its being inextinguishable;
for, being set on fire, it retains a perpetual flame. The pagans made use of it
for lights in their temples, because it preserved a most strong and unquenchable
flame, not to be extinguished by showers or storms. It is of a woolly texture,
and many call it the Salamander Feather. Its fire is nourished by an inseparable
unctuous humid flowing from its substance, therefore being once kindled it
preserves a constant light without feeding it with any moisture. Being heated
in the fire for eight days, it retains the heat in itself.
Asius (now: Chernites, white marble),
Its virtue is very powerful. For it cures the
phthisis, being mixed with the juice of roles, in the manner of an electuary.
It is said to cure the King’s evil, fistulas, the gout, and many other disorders,
as we find in the Books of Physicians.
Amianton (now: Amiante),
They say its virtue is prevalent against the
incantations and sorceries of magicians.
Alabaster, or Alabastrites, Dioscorides,
Doctors account it good in physics. He who
carries it will prove victorious in suits at law.
Aspilaten (now Turquoise),
Found in the nest of Arabian birds, it cures
the splenetic, being bound to the spleen with the dung of a camel.
Asinus, or Asininus?,
This stone is of two sorts, the maxillary and
cephalic. The cephalic being placed on the head, gives ease to the pain of it. The
maxillary cures the epilepsy, because it is found in the jaw. It makes the bearer
of it unwearied, so that he shall never faint in battle; but rather, when his enemies
are tired, he, with recruited strength, shall smite them with, redoubled fury. Taken
with wine, it drives away Quartan Ague. It
is wonderfully efficacious in destroying the worms in children. If it be taken
in wine, it correct the poison of the water which has been drunk wherein it
flood. It is said to assist pregnant women, and to bring forth the dead fetus
from the womb.
Arabica, or Arabus (now: Pumice),
It is said to be good in nervous disorders.
It has the smell and color of myrrh, and is used as a scent. Being burnt, it is
a good dentifrice.
Amiatus, or Amianthus, (now: A type of asbestos),
It is said to have power against magic arts;
and also is extremely useful in medicine.
Antiphates (now: Black Coral),
If it be boiled in wine or milk, it has the taste
of myrrh, and is a defense against witchcraft.
Armenus (now: Armenian Bole),
Has an admirable property in curing melancholy.
Aquilinus (now: Fish Otoliths: An otolith is a calcium carbonate
structure in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear, specifically in the
vestibular system of vertebrates.),
A lymphatic, is found in a certain fish, and
is beneficial to the life of man. For being hung about the neck, or otherwise
carried, it drives off and takes away the miseries of a Quartan Ague (mild form
of malaria).
Anancithidus (now: Ananeithidus),
Is a necromantic stone whose virtue is to
call up evil spirits and ghosts.
alasius (now: Spinel Ruby),
The Virtue of
the Balasius is to overcome and repress vain thoughts and luxury; to reconcile quarrels
among friends, and befriends the human body with a good habit of health. Being bruised
and drank with water, it relieves infirmities in the eyes, and gives help in disorders
of the liver and, what is it still more surprising, if you touch the four corners
of a house, garden, or vineyard, with the Balasius, it will preserve them from lightning,
tempest and worms.
Beryl,
It has various virtues.
It renders the bearer of it cheerful preserves and increases conjugal love,
being hung to the neck, it drives away idle dreams; it cures the distempers of
the throat and jaws, and all disorders proceeding from the humidity of the head,
and is a preservative against them; being taken mixed with an equal quantity of
silver, it cures the Leprosy. The Water in which it has been put, is good for
the eyes; and if drank, it dispels heaviness and cures the indispositions of
the liver. It helps pregnant women in preventing abortive births, and other Incommodities
to which they are liable.
Are synonymous names of the same stone, which
is extracted from a toad , they have a wonderful efficacy in poisons, for
whoever has taken poison, let him swallow this ; which being down, rolls about the
bowels, and drives out every poisonous quality that is lodged in the Intestines;
and then passes through the fundament and is preserved. It is an excellent remedy
for the bites of reptiles, and takes away fevers. If it be made into a lotion
and taken, it is a great help in disorders of the stomach and reins; and some say,
it has the same effect if carried about one.
Bezoar,
All agree that it obtains the first place in remedies
against Poisons. For a dram of it taken, entirely expels the poison whatever it
be. And hence, for its excellence, everything that frees the body from any ailment,
is called the Bezoar of that ailment. And thus its Name is become general, as is
held by the conciliator concerning Poisons, and by many other learned Men.
(A Bezoar is a (sometimes stone like) mass
found trapped in the gastrointestinal system.
The word "bezoar" comes from the Persian pād-zahr which
literally means "antidote”. Bezoars had value because they were believed
to have the power of a universal antidote against any poison. The Andalusian
physician Ibn Zuhr (d. 1161), known in the West as Avenzoar, is thought to have
made the earliest description of bezoar stones as medicinal items. (1)
There are several different Bezoars known:
Lapis Bezoar or Bezoardicus, lapis Bezoar
Orientalis, lapis Bezoar Occidentalis, lapis Bezoar Coromandel, lapis Bezoar
Germanicus, lapis Porcinus, lapis Hystricinus, lapis Bezoar Simiae, lapis Bezoar
Tricho, etc. (2) (Dutch site)
A Goa stone is a man-made bezoar that is
considered to have medicinal and talismanic properties. Goa stones were
manufactured by Jesuits in the late seventeenth century in Goa, India, because
naturally occurring bezoars were scarce. Like bezoar stones, Goa stones were
thought to prevent disease and cure poisoning. They could be administered by
shaving off small pieces into a drinkable beverage like water, tea, or wine.
Goa stones were kept in ornate, solid gold or gilded cases that were believed
to enhance the medicinal properties of the stones. The cases usually featured a
busy network of filigree, occasionally adorned with ornaments of animals,
including monkeys, unicorns, dogs, and parrots. (3)
Bolus Armenus (now: Armenian bole),
It is an excellent remedy in pestilential fevers
and fluxes of the belly. It helps against spewing blood, the splenetic, and
such as are disordered in the stomach.
Beloculus (Bel Oculus, Fair eye, now: Cat’s eye),
It is said to render the bearer of it invisible
in a Field-Battle.
Bronia (now: Ammonite fossil),
Its virtue is to resist lightning
The virtual power
of the carbuncle is to drive away poisonous and infectious air, to repress luxury,
to give and preserve the health of the body. It takes away vain thoughts,
reconciles differences among friends, and makes a mighty increase of prosperity.
Calcedonius, or Calcedon (now Chalcedon),
Being hung about
the neck, they drive away fantastical Illusions occasioned by melancholy. If a person
carries about him one of them perforated, with the hairs of an ass run through,
he will be successful in civil causes and contentions, and it preserves the strength
of the body. The black or Saphirine prevent hoarseness and clear the voice. All
the species of it bridle lust, and is a preservative from tempests and sinister
events.
Chelidonius (now Swallow stone),
Is a stone found in the stomach of a young swallow,
and is of two species. That which is red, if carried in a clean linen cloth, is
of service to mad people and lunatics, and eradicates periodical disorders. It renders
those who wear it eloquent and acceptable. Being bruised to pieces in water,
and made into a pellet, it cures the distempers of the eyes. But the black
conducts affairs undertaken to a happy Issue. It quells anger, and makes the bearer
of it agreeable and pleasant and appeases the wrath of matters. Being tied
about the neck in a yellow Linen cloth, it drives away fevers, and puts a stop
to and brings down all noxious humors. It has been experienced, that if it be
hung about the neck, it cures the epilepsy, or falling sickness, and the jaundice.
Some say, it should be wrapped in the skin of a calf, or a flung hart, and
bound to the left arm. Such stones ought to be extracted while the young brood stand
in their nest; and if taken in the month of august, they will be the more perfect,
provided the young birds do not touch the earth, nor their dams be present when
they are extracted.
Coral,
Of this there are two species, the red and white,
their virtues, but chiefly of the red, is to stop every flux of blood. Being
carried about one, or wherever it be in a house or ship, it drives away ghouls,
hobgoblins, illusions, dreams, lightning, winds and tempests. Metbrodorus calls
it the Gorgon; which he interprets of its refilling whirl winds and lightning,
and that it protects from every incursion of wild beasts. It gives relief in pains
of the stomach and heart. Being hung down upon the stomach, or taken
internally, it helps the weakness thereof. It is good for an impostumes in the
spleen or Intestines, It makes sound the walled gums; cleanses putrid sores,
and represses any hurtful medicine. The shavings or scrapings of it, drank with
wine, are good against the gravel. Being broke to pieces and strewn, or hung up
among fruit bearing trees; or dispersed with seed in a field, it gives fertility,
and keeps off hail and blighting winds. I have had it from a creditable person,
and have often experienced it myself, that it will prevent infants, just born,
from falling into an epilepsy. Let there be put in the mouth of the child,
before it has tailed any Thing, half a scruple of the powder of red coral; and
let it be swallowed, for it is a wonderful preserver. Many of its virtues I
omit for the sake of brevity.
Cornelian (now: Carnelian),
It restrains menstruous fluxes, and stops the
hemorrhoids. It cures the bloody flux; and being worn about the neck, or on the
finger, it asswages strife and anger.
Crystal,
Crystal being hung about those that are asleep,
keeps off bad dreams; dissolves spells, being held in the mouth, it assuages thirst;
and when bruised with honey, fills the breasts with milk.
Crisoprassus or Crisopressus (now: Chrysoprase),
Its principal virtue is to cherish the sight.
It gives assiduity in good works; it banishes covetousness;
makes the heart glad, and removes uneasiness’s
from it.
Crisolitus, Crisolimus, or Crisolensis (now: Olivine),
A Crisolitus bound round with gold, and
carried in the left Hand, drives away Night-hags, and
disperses fears and melancholy illusions. It
is particularly efficacious in rendering ineffectual the inclinations and enchantments
of those detestable creatures called witches. It being bored thro’, and the hairs
of an ass passed through it, its virtue is the greater in driving away evil spirits.
If held in the hand, it extinguishes a feverish heat.
Celonites, or Celontes (now Turtle stone),
Is, as fame will have it, of three kinds. It
is extracted from a large tortoise, and has a shell of a pearl
color. This sort is spotted and purple, and
its property is to refill fire. The virtue of it deserves particular regard;
for whoever shall at a proper time, having first washed his mouth, carry it
under his tongue, will presently feel in himself a kind of divine inspiration
to foretell future events. Such times are these: The whole day of the first of
the new moon, and for the fifteen Days following during the lunar ascension, every
day from sun rising till six o’clock. But in the decrease, it pours forth the effect
of its virtue all the time before day. The other two stones are cephalic and hepatic,
whose virtues are not trivial. The cephalic, is so called from the place where
it is found, i. e. the head, and is good for the headache, and resist lightning.
The hepatic is likewise so called from the place where it is found, i.e. the liver.
Being bruised and drank with water just before the coming on of a Quartan Ague,
it wonderfully prevents it. These stones are likewise called drone. Being
carried with a root of peony, it makes those who carry them mailers of their desires.
Cogolites, or Cegolites (now Cogolite),
It is not grateful to the sight, but is useful
in medicine. Being bruised and dissolved in water, and taken inwardly, it dissolves
stones in the kidneys, and clears the bladder from gravel, and being drank with
a proper quantity of water, removes the strangury.
Ceraunius, or Cerraolus?,
They are said to fall from the clouds, and in
a place near where has been a stroke of thunder. it preserves the bearer of it from drowning,
and from being hurt by a whirlwind or lightning; it gives sweet and pleasant dreams.
Corvina (now: Fish Otolith),
Is a stone found in the head of the fish Cabot,
and are always two. It is extracted while the fish is yet
panting, in the increase of the moon, and in
the month of May. Being carried in such a manner as it may touch the flesh, it
cures the gripes, and being bruised and taken, it has the same effect.
Cimedia (now: Fish Otolith),
Is taken out of the brain of a fish of the same
name. Magicians say, that their virtue is to foretell
the calms and storms of the sea and air. If
taken in drink they excite luxury in the Day.
Calchophanus?,
Is black; and being carried in the mouth, preserves
the windpipe from hoarseness, and makes the voice sonorous.
Crisocollus (now Chrysocolla),
It has the virtue of the magnet, and increases
gold.
Crisonterinus?,
Being hung about the neck, it cures the pthisical,
and, after the fame manner, it removes the Pain which Children feel in breeding
Teeth.
Cysteolithos (now Spongolite),
It helps those troubled with the stone, if
drank in strong Wine, and if hung about the necks of children, it takes away
the cough.
Catochites?,
It separates any glutinous thing that slicks
to the hands of him that touches it; and then fastens itself
to the body like glue. It makes a man victorious
in contests, and by taking one scruple of it, it is powerful against magic arts.
Corvia (now: Crow stone),
Is a stone of a reddish color, and accounted
artificial. On the calends of April, boil the eggs taken out of a crow’s nest,
till they are hard, and being cold, let them be placed in the nest as they were
before. When the crow knows this, she flies a long way to find this stone; and
having found it, returns to the nest; and the eggs being touched with it, they
become fresh and prolific. The stone must immediately be snatched out of the nest.
Its virtue is to increase riches, to bestow Honors, and to foretell many future
events.
Cambnites?,
He who carries it, will please men, and be
affable and amiable to all. If bound to the left arm, it cures the dropsically.
Calorites (now: Chlorites),
Magicians report, that it is taken out of the
belly of the bird Scylla. If bound with Iron, it is powerful in magic arts. (Nisus, in Greek mythology, king of Megara,
Nisus had a purple lock of hair with magic power: if preserved, it would
guarantee him life and continued possession of his kingdom. When King Minos of
Crete besieged Megara, Nisus’ daughter Scylla fell in love with Minos: she
betrayed her city by cutting off her father’s purple lock. Nisus was killed and
became transformed into a sea eagle. Scylla later drowned, possibly at the hand
of Minos, and was changed into a sea bird, possibly a heron, constantly pursued
by the sea eagle. NvL)
Caristeus?,
It is grateful to the sight, which it
comforts with its greenness.
Calaminaris (now: Smithsonite),
If it be drenched nine times in vinegar, and
finely pulverized with the blood of a fowl, it makes a fine
eye salve.
It is said to be
a powerful relief against agues, expels poison, and renders the bearer of it safe
from, and a conqueror over his enemies.
Dionysia?,
If it be dissolved
in Water, it gets the Smell of Wine; and with its Odor disperses Drunkenness,
and overcomes, and causes the Odor of the Wine to evaporate.
Diacodas, or Diacodus?,
It disturbs devils
beyond all others, as in some measure may be made appear. For if it be thrown
in water, with the words of its charm sung, it shews various Images of devils,
and gives answers to those that question it. Being held in the mouth; a man may
call any devil out of Hell, and receive satisfaction to such questions as he
may ask. It abhors the bodies of the dead, for if you should touch the body of
a dead person with it, you will soon deprive it of its virtue.
Draconites, or Dendrites, or Draconius, or Obsianus (now: Obsidian),
It is brought from the East, where there are
great dragons; for it is taken out of the head of dragons, cut off while the beast
is yet panting. It loses its virtue if it remains in the head any time after
the death of the dragon. Some bold fellows, in those Eastern parts, search out
the dens of the dragons, and in these they drew grass, mixed with soporiferous medicaments
which the dragons, when they return to their dens, eat and are thrown into a sleep
and in that condition they cut off their heads, and extract the stone. It has a
rare virtue in subduing all sorts of poison, especially that of serpents. It also
renders the possessor of it bold and invincible, for which reason, the kings of
the East boast: they have such a stone.
Drosolitus?,
Is a stone of a various color, and derives
its name from itself; for if it be put near the fire, it emits a kind of sweat.
Doriatides, Cat stone, (now Obsidian)
Is a stone found in the head of a cat, suddenly
cut off, and given to the Pismires to eat, and the color of it is black and shining.
Some will have it to be extracted from the Head of a Cock; as here-after, under
the head Radain. Its virtue is to pursue all our Wishes, and obtain all our Desires.
Necromancers
call it the Babylonian stone. The cause of its name is taken from its effects.
This is the readied way of knowing it. If it be put into water in a basin,
which has been first rubbed over with the juice of the herb of its own name,
and set under the rays of the sun, the water will appear red, and the sun
bloody, as if it differed an eclipse. At length the water will bubble up, and
run over the basin, as if it had been worked up by fire being placed out of the
water, it receives the sun in the manner of a mirror. So that by inspecting the
Elitropia, we may see the solar eclipses. Magicians report, that if it be consecrated
with a certain verse, and inscribed with certain characters, it will enable the
owner of it to foretell future things, and if it be rubbed over with the juice
of the herb of its own name, it deceives the sight, in such a manner, as that
it renders the bearer of it invisible. The virtue of it is, to procure safety
and long life to the possessor of it; & likewise stops any flux of blood.
Poisons also submit to it.
Emathites (now: Hematite),
It claims its name from its virtue. For Emeth
signifies Blood, and litel stopping; for its principal virtue is to stop bleeding.
Its virtue is styptic, if it be washed according to medicinal art. But Galen
holds, that it is warming and extenuating, which must not be understood of that
which is washed. It is a most excellent remedy for the blood spewing, such as
are troubled with the bloody flux, and the menses, if it be ground in a mortar
with a proper liquor till it acquires a bloody color. If to what has been
before-mentioned be added, the white of an egg, or honey, or the juice of a red
apple, it heals the sharp humor of the eyes and darkness of the sight. being
drank with wine, it helps those that are wounded with the stings of serpents.
The dull of it likewise cures fungous flesh. If mixed with honey, it is useful
for those that are troubled with bad eyes. It is also said to dissolve the stone
in the bladder, and if put over hot water, it grows warm, and throws out a heat.
Ethices, or Endes, Aquileus, Praegnus (now: Aetitis, Geode, Eagle-stone.
A globular mass of clay iron-stone. Sometimes it is hollow within, and
sometimes it encloses another stone, or a little water, or some mineral dust.),
Its virtue is admirable. For some say, if it
be held out to one that has poisoned meat in his hand, he will not be able to swallow
it; the stone being removed, he may take it. Some say, it must be put into the
meat. Being tied to the left arm of a pregnant woman, it prevents abortion. And
if in the hour of birth, it be bound to the thigh, it removes dangers, and
accelerates the birth. It helps those who are troubled with the epilepsy. It drives
away poisonous creatures, and therefore eagles lay it in their nests, that
their eggs and young may be preserved
untouched by venomous animals. It makes the bearer of it amiable, sober, and
rich, and preserves him from adverse casualties.
Enydros, or Eryndros (now: Geode),
It is of an exceeding cold nature, it does,
with its frigidity, convert the air, which continually touches it, into water.
It is good in burning fevers.
Epistides, or Epistrites, Hēphaestītis, Vulcan stone?
They say, if it be fastened over the heart
with magical bands, and repeating proper verses, it will keep a man safe from
every misfortune. It drives away locusts and mischievous birds, blighting winds,
and Storms.
Exacolitus?,
It has a solutive (laxative) virtue, as skillful
physicians say, and being dissolved in wine and drank, it helps those that are
troubled with the colic and Iliac passion.
Exebonos, or Exebenus?,
Being bruised and drank, it cures those that
are mad. It heals pains in the stomach, and cherishes the fetus in the womb. It
dissolves the stone in the bladder; if bound to the thigh, it hastens the birth;
and restrains lechery.
Eumetis?,
Being put under the Head of one who is sleeping,
it makes nocturnal dreams like oracles.
Egyptilla (now: Onyx),
If bruised in Water, it yields a Saffron Color
and the Taste of Wine.
Effestis, or Effestites?,
if it
be put in hot Water, it grows warm, and being opposed to the sun, kindles fire
in matter put in a disposition for it. (Magnifying glass)
Elopsites?,
being hung about the head, it cures the headache.
It disperses terrors
and melancholic passions; gives cheerfulness and wisdom; renders the bearer
there of complainant, and comforts the spirits.
Falcones or Arsenick, vulgarly Arsenick (now Orpiment),
by Alchemists is
called one of the spirits. It has a warming and drying virtue, and by calcination
acquires blackness, but after sublimation it has a whiteness; and when it is sublimated
three or four times, it becomes a dust in the highest degree, so that it
corrodes all metals except Gold. Being pulverized, and put into a wound, it
eats away the proud flesh. Taken inwardly, it is poison to all animals.
Frigius, Phrygius (now Calamine)
much used in medicine,
as Dioscorides said; for it cures fistulas and the gout.
Its virtue is to
cheer the heart and drive away sorrow. Some say, it defends the bearer of it
from pestilential diseases.
Galablides, or Galaricides (now Milk stone, Galactites),
If it be bruised
in water, it gives the color and taste of milk. It is differently named from
the diversity of its virtue. Some call it Elebron, magicians Senochites, others
Graffites, some Galbates or Anachites. Magicians infinitely extol this stone;
for it makes magical writings to be heard, and ghosts called up to return Answers.
It also buries in oblivion quarrels and mischiefs formerly done. He who carries
it about him, and should happen to offend the King or any other person, it will
presently pacify and bring him to a benevolent temper. It makes a man
victorious in causes, witty, amiable and eloquent, and is a protection against witchcraft.
Being hung about the neck, it fills the breasts with milk. If tied to the thigh
with a woolen thread, it facilitates the birth of a pregnant ewe; but if held
in the mouth till it melts, it disturb the mind. If bruised and mixed with salt,
and strewed over a foul sheepfold, as the Egyptian shepherds say, it fills the
udders of the sheep with milk and makes them fruitful, and frees them from the mange.
They say likewise, that it cures the itch in Man. Being bound to a tooth, it
takes away its stinking smell. If three times bruised with water and dried, and
given to drink in clear water, it heals discords. It joins in love two who are
at variance, so that their love will afterwards be inseparable.
Garatronicus or Galgatromeus?,
This is useful for military men. It is reported
that Achilles had it, and carried it with him to the war; that he was never foiled
by any man, but always came off victorious; but happening to be without it he
fell by his enemies. The Eastern have great quantities of them, and make hilts
for their swords of it, that so they may never be without it when they go into
battle, since its virtue is to render the bearer of it conqueror.
Galatides, Galastica or Gelatia?,
So cold that it can hardly be warmed by ire;
which proceeds from the exceeding closeness of its pores, which will not suffer
the heat of the fire to penetrate. Its coldness bridles luxury and restrains
anger, and yields a remedy for all the feverish Indispositions of the human body.
Gelachides or Garatides, Gerachides?,
Renders the bearer of it amiable, mild and
gracious. Being held in the mouth, it makes a man give true judgment, and
rightly distinguish between various opinions, and will let him know what
another thinks of him. The learned say, we may know such a stone by trial. Thus,
if a human body be smeared with honey, and put in a place where there are flies,
if this stone be held in the hand, and it is a genuine Garatides , the body
remains untouched by the flies and bees, and when the stone is let go, it will
be molested.
Gargates (now: Jet),
There are two Species of it; the citron, which
is called Amber, of which we shall speak hereafter; the other is black, and by
many called black Amber; and this is properly the Gargates; The smoke of
it drives away Devils, and dissolves spells
and enchantments, and helps the dropsically. Being bruised in water, and given
to a pregnant Woman, it brings forward the fetus ; and in whatever manner it is
drank by a woman, it makes her void foul urine; but has no such effects on a virgin.
If used as a perfume, it is said to provoke the menses in women, to cure the epilepsy,
to drive away serpents, and to heal their bite if mixed with the marrow of a stag,
and fastens loose teeth.
Gerodes?,
Its virtue is to defend a man from birds of prey.
Garamantica (now: Opal),
Is like the emerald, and has a cross white line
; it is of great use in the magic art.
Grogius (now: Coral),
Is the same as coral; it takes its name from
its power of stopping thunder and lightning.
Glosopetra, or Gulofus (now: Glossopetrae, fossilized Shark teeth),
They say, it is not bred in the earth, but in
the wane of the moon falls from heaven. Magicians attribute to it an
extraordinary efficacy in their art; for by it they say, the lunar motions are
excited.
yena (now Hyaenia),
Is a precious stone and worthy to be preserved. It is denominated from the beast of its own name, in whose eyes it is found. It is of many colors. The use of it, if Report be true, is, that if the mouth be washed, and it is put under the tongue, it will immediately make the person foretell future things. Whoever carries it about him will never have the Quartan Ague, nor the gout.
Hamonis (now: Ammonite fossile),
If a man puts himself in a posture of contemplation, it gives the mind a representation of all divine things. 
acinth,
They invigorate
animal life, especially the heart. They disperse sorrow and imaginary
suspicions.
They increase
Ingenuity, glory and riches area defense against lightning and enemies and a
security to travelers, so that no pestilence in any Country shall hurt them; it
raises men to noble honors, and preserves from epidemical distempers. Aristotle,
indeed, holds, that they prepare women for a miscarriage.
Jasper, Jaspis
It drives away
the fever and dropsy, clears the sight, expels noxious phantasms, restrains
luxury, and
prevents
conception. But especially the green with saffron veins, which helps women that
are pregnant or in labor. It makes the bearer of it victorious, powerful, and
agreeable. But in all its species, its principal virtue is to stop the flux of
blood whence so ever it arises ; it ought to be set in Gold, because that increases its
virtues.
Whole virtue is,
to render a man eloquent and healthful it gives honors, benevolence, and defends
him from evil casualties, it likewise cures the dropsy.
Karabe (now: Yellow Amber),
The perfume of
it moves the epilepsy.
Kenne (now: Kanne, Lapis Cervinus),
It is said, is
bred in the eyes of stags in the Eastern parts; its virtue is good against poisons.
Kinocetus?,
Is a stone not
wholly useless, since it will cast out Devils.
Is a stone
generated out of the urine of the lynx, and is hardened by time. The virtue of
it is, to assuage the pain in the stomach, to cure the jaundice, to stop a flux,
and is good for the King’s Evil.
Lyncis (now: Belemnites),
Is also a stone
generated of the urine of the animal of its own name; but differs from those
above mentioned; when it is in the Earth it is soft, but when put in a dry place,
it hardens. Its color is white mixed with black closing with one another. While
it is kept in the earth or in a mold place before it is made dry, it generates
mushrooms. The virtue of this stone, or of the mushrooms, is to help such as
are troubled with the gravel or stone, it takes away the pain of the stomach,
allays the flux of the belly, and cures fits of the mother.
Lippares, or Liparia?,
Is a stone to which all kinds of animals come
of their own accord, as it were by a natural Instinct.
Some say, that he who has this stone, needs
no other Invention to catch wild beasts; it is frequently found in Libya.
Others say, that it has a wonderful virtue in defending animals. For when a beast
is pursued by dogs and the hunters, he hasten to find out this stone, to which
he dies as to his protector and defender. For so long as the animal looks upon
the laid stone, neither the dogs nor the huntsman can see, which if it be so,
is indeed very strange ; yet it is affirmed by the learned ; and as to this, I
believe the saying of pliny is very true. That there is no lie so impudent
which is not vouched by authority.
Limacie (Now Limaceus, Snail stone),
Is a stone which took its name from the animal
in whose head it is found. It is extracted from the head of a snail without a shell,
whose abode is in damp and rocky places. It ought to be drawn out the instant
it is seen, by squeezing the head. It is of a white color, and but little transparent,
small, and like a piece of a man’s nail. They say, if it be hung about the neck,
it cures one of a fever.
Lasteus (now: Galactites),
Is a stone known by its citron color; if bruised
in a mortar with any liquor, it turns to a milky white. If applied to rheumatic
eyes, it stops the course of the humors; it likewise avails in the beginning of
Impostumes of hot eyes.
Ligurius (now Amber),
As some fancy, is like the Electortus , and
draws straws. It appeases the pain of the stomach, stops the flux of the felly,
cures the Jaundice, sharpens the sight, and by physicians is ranked among the
remedies for the eyes.
Lignites (now Lignite),
Being hung about a child, it preserves it
from witchcraft, and from the hellish practices of a certain sort of women
commonly called witches. Being bound about the forehead, it stops a bleeding at
the nose, restores the loss of the senses, and helps to foretell future events.
Limphicus?,
Is a stone of great virtue. If wrapped in silk,
it is a preservative against all distempers in the eyes, jaws, throat, a cough
and headache, not only at present, but for the future.
Lauraces,
Are the stones which cure the headache.
argarita or
Pearl,
Has the first place
among white gems, generated by celestial dew in some sea-shell fish, as is held
by authors. These shell-fish, it’s reported, early in a morning, at a certain season
of the year, leave the bottom of the sea, to draw in the air, of which pearls
are generated, and according to the clearness of the air taken in. Pearls have physical
virtues exceeding the commodiousness of ornament; being boiled in meat they
cure the Quartan Ague; bruised and taken with milk they heal putrid ulcers, and
being so taken wonderfully clear the voice. They comfort the heart, and give relief
in pains of the stomach, and remove the epilepsy, they stop the flux of the belly
, if taken with sugar, they yield help in pestilential fevers and render him
who carries them chaste.
Medus, Medinus (now: Hematite),
This stone is of two species, the black and
the green; but the green is called Medinus. If the black is put into a green mortar,
and dissolved with the milk of a woman who has a male child, and applied to the
eyes, it restores lost sight; but if dissolved in the milk of an ewe, which has
once had a lamb, it cures the gout, if bound on to the places affected. Being
taken through the mouth, it is a pernicious poison. But this stone is deservedly
called the giver of death and health. The green, which is called Medinus, if bruised
and mixed with gall, a little of the magnet and rainwater, and put to the eyes
for seven days, it nourishes the sight, and makes them see things the most
minute and almost invisible.
Mirites?,
For color and smell, is like myrrh; being
rubbed on cloth, it emits the odor of spikenard with its sweetness.
Malachites (now: Malachite),
The virtue of this stone is to defend Infants
from adverse casualties, and preserve the cradle from hurtful fancies, that so infants
may grow up in all prosperity.
Memphitis, (now: Marble),
Some think this stone is useful to surgeons;
as its virtue is more stupefying than opium. For being taken in drink, of bruised
in vinegar, and applied to the members which are to be cut off or burnt, it makes
them so insensible, that they feel scarce any pain.
Magnet,
Or the Loadstone. In attracting Iron, it seems
to have a kind of animal virtue, and that not only in attraction, but in
imprinting its virtue on it with a fort of Symboleity (?). For iron, touched by
the magnet, draws to itself another Iron body, as if it were another magnet. It
seems to contend with the diamond, for when the diamond is put to it, it does
not attract iron. Garlic likewise binds up its virtue. We can give no reason
for this, since philosophers are ignorant of it, who only say, that it proceeds
from an occult property. I find there are three species; one which attracts
Iron only, another which draws to itself human flesh; and a third, which is
called Hymmo , which on one side draws iron, and on the other drives it away;
and this only is with us; the rest we have not seen. It throws iron from it in
this manner; for Iron that is touched by one part of the magnet is drawn to it,
and the opposite part being offered, is driven away as experience shows by a needle
hung to a thread In the magnet this is wonderful, that it has in it the virtue part
of heaven. Some call it the sacred stone; and besides these wonderful things
which we have related of it, there are more virtues which the great creator has
given to it. For being carried about one, it cures the cramp and gout. In the hour
of travail, if held in the hand, it facilitates the birth. If bruised and taken
with honey, by purging, it cures the dropsy. And being applied in the fame manner,
it affords relief to wounds from poisoned iron. Being taken with the juice of
fennel, it helps the splenetic, and the head being anointed with it, it cures baldness.
The quantity of a dram, with the fat of a serpent, and the juice of nettles, if
given to any one to carry, makes him mad, and drives him from his kindred, habitation
and country. This stone also discovers adulterous wives; for if it be secretly
hid in the bed under the head of the sleeping wife, if she is chaste, the husband
embraces her, but if adulterous, she immediately jumps out of the bed sleeping
as if forced by a horrible stink. But being carried about one, it reconciles wives
to their husbands, and husbands to their wives. It takes away fears and jealousies,
It makes a man gracious, persuasive, and elegant in his conversation. Again; if
it be bruised to powder, and strewed over burning coals in the corners of the house,
as the smoke flies upward, they who are in the house presently run away,
imagining that the whole house is falling; and so terrified are they with fancies,
that they fly out, leaving everything behind them; and by this artifice thieves
seize on goods by the commodious flight of the owners. It is reported by some
that by this stone the walls and shell of a certain temple, the floor being taken
away, were upheld; within which an idol made of iron, of a thousand pounds weight,
was hung suspended in the air by virtue of the loadstone. The sum of the matter
is this, that if the heads and points of many needles were rubbed on this stone,
only by the joining of one to the other, they might be all held up by the first
suspended in the air.
Medea (now: Hematite),
Is a stone which took its name from the
Invention of the witch Medea. It has a black color with golden veins, and if bruised
in water, yields the taste of wine with a saffron color.
Melites or Melitites? (now: Not! Mellite, Honey stone)
Which when pounded in water, yields a sweet taste,
and gives help in various disorders, as is held
by many learned men, particularly Pliny.
itre (now:
Saltpeter),
It has the virtue both of dissolving and
attracting. It is made out of the saltiness of the Earth where beasts and men
have promiscuously mingled. It’s notorious how great its virtue is in warlike Instruments
in throwing stones; for when it is kindled by fire, it rarifies, and is
violently dilated, by which means it drives out the stones and whatever stops
its vent. It was never found out by the ancients; modern Industry invented it.
Of three things proportionally mixed, a certain composition is made, which no force
can withstand; for it breaks, leads, drives, and destroys all things.
Nicolus, Sardonyx (now Onyx),
Its virtue is to render the bearer of it victorious
and grateful to the people.
Onyx,
This stone represents many horrible things in
sleep. He who carries it about him, stirs up quarrels and
contentions. It increases spittle in children,
and hastens a birth. Being hung about the neck of one who has the epilepsy, it
prevents his falling. This wonderful properties said to be in the Onyx ; that,
being applied to a weak eye, it enters it of its own accord, as if it were a
sensible thing, and goes round it without any trouble, and if it finds anything
within that is noxious, it drives it out and tempers the hurtful and contrary humors.
Onicinus (now: Onyx),
If put upon a live coal, in the manner of incense,
it gives a sweet and fragrant smell; it whitens the hands, and cures the itch.
Opalus, Opal,
Its virtue prevails against all the diseases
of the eyes. It sharpens and strengthens the sight. It cannot be improper to
attribute to it so many virtues, since it partakes of the nature and color of so
many stones.
Obtalius, (now: Opal),
Wonderful is its virtue in preserving the eyes
from various distempers. It sharpens the sight of him that carries it, but
darkens those of the bystanders, so that they are not able to see. If it be wrapped
in a leaf of laurel, and a charm said over it, and carried cautiously, it has a
wonderful effect.
Orites, (now: Selenite),
Is a stone which we say has three species,
one black of a round figure. This being bruised and mixed with oil of roses,
perfectly cures the wounds, given by wild beasts, and poisonous bites, and
keeps him who carries it unhurt among all sorts of wild beasts. There is
another Orites which is green, sprinkled with white spots, this preserves him
who carries it from adverse casualties. The third species is thin like a plate
of iron, drawn with a few drops. Being hung about the neck, it differs not women
to conceive, but if they are pregnant makes them miscarry.
Orphanus, (now: (white) Opal),
Is of a violet color. It is of such beauty
and value, that the Roman emperors set it in their crowns. It shines in the dark.
It is called Orphan, because at that time, there was only one of them found. It
is highly esteemed by emperors, because it preserves their regal honors.
Ostracites (now: Fossil shells of oysters and bivalve mollusks),
Its virtue is, if given in drink, to stop bleeding.
If pounded with honey, it asswages pains in the breasts.
Ophites (now: Serpentine),
Its virtue is, if hung about the neck, to
allay the pains of the head, and gives relief to those who are stung with serpents.
The white, we think, restores health to the lunatic and lethargic.
Okitokius?,
Physicians dissolve it in the juice of
certain herbs, and make an ointment of it which has this peculiar property,
that by dipping the finger in it, and touching any wood, metal, or stone, though
ever so hard, it will instantly break it.
rassius (now Prase),
It is of no small Virtue; it comforts the sight;
and has all the Virtues of the Emerald though diminutively.
Panthera, Evantus (now Opal, Jaspis),
If you look on it by the rising sun, you will
be successful in all your actions of that day. They say it has as many virtues
as it has mixtures of other stones; for every stone gives it its own virtue.
Ponlica?,
It’s said, that by it the devil is
interrogated and put to flight, and is compelled to return answers to him that asks
any questions.
Pyrites, the Fire-stone (now: Pyrite),
It is said to be of great use in medicine,
and particularly for distempers of the eyes as the learned hold.
Phrigius (now: Peperite),
Its virtue is styptic, and reduces proud flesh
in wounds. It cures feeding and malignant ulcers, and assuages the flux of the eyes.
Punicus (now: Pumice),
Its efficacy is powerful in medicines. For
being burnt, washed and dried, it is very good for the eyes. It cleanses wounds
and skins over sores. It prevents drunkenness, if taken before drinking wine.
Praeconissus, (now Leucosapphire)
delights the eyes with its agreeable embellishments.
Pavonius, (now, an Agate)
is a stone, which being given in drink with a
moderate sweat, forces the person who takes it into all the fire of love.
uirinus, or
Quirus (now: Quirin),
Is a juggling stone, found in the nest of the
Hoopoe. The virtue of it is, that if it is laid on the breast of one who is sleeping,
it forces him to discover his rogueries.
Ramus, Rabri, Rami, according to some, is the same as Bolus Armenus, (now
Armenian bole),
Its virtue is to resist poison, like the
Bolus.
apphire (not our Sapphire but Lapis Lazuli),
It refreshes the body, and gives a good color;
it checks the ardor of lust, and makes a person chaste and virtuous, and restrains
too much sweat. It takes away the filth of the eyes and the pains of the head.
Being drank with milk, it appeases the gripes of the belly. It renders the bearer
of it peaceful, amiable, pious and devout, and confirms the soul in good works.
It discovers frauds; expels terrors. It is of great service in magic arts, and
is said to be of prodigious efficacy in the Works of necromancy. It discharges
a carbuncle with a single touch. The eyes being touched with it, it preserves
them from being injured by the small-pox.
Smaragdus or Emerald,
So delightful is their color, that there is scarce
any jewel that affords a more grateful refreshment to the eyes. Many virtues
are fabled of it.
Succinum or Amber,
The virtues of Amber are the fame as those of
the Gagates, though more numerous and powerful.
It naturally restrains the flux of the belly
is an efficacious remedy for all disorders in the throat, to prevent which the ancients
made the women and children wear it in bracelets and necklaces. It is good
against: poison. If laid on the left breast of a wife when she is asleep, it
makes her confess all her evil deeds. Being taken inwardly, it provokes urine,
brings down the menses, and facilitates a birth. It fasten teeth that are loosened;
and by the smoke of it, poisonous insects art driven away. If we would discover
whether a woman has been corrupted, let it be laid in water for three days, and
then shown to her, and if she is guilty, it will immediately force her to make water.
Sardius or Sarda (now: Sard, Carnelian),
It binds up the Onyx, for when one is present,
the other cannot hurt. It suffers no horrid dreams in sleep. It increases wealth,
gives cheerfulness, whets the wit, restrains the bloody flux, and gives conquest
over enemies. Some think the Sardius is the Cornelian, which is a false notion.
Sardonyx or Sardonius (now: Sard, Carnelian),
Its virtue is to put a restraint on lascivious
motions, and make a man merry arid agreeable. It is the bell of any for making
seals, as it does not flick to the wax.
Selenites, Sirites, Siderites (Selenite),
It is very powerful in reconciling Love; and
during the whole time of the Increase of the moon, it helps the phthisis; but
in the decrease, it discovers surprising effect, for it enables a person to foretell
future Events. Being put into the mouth,
which must be first washed with water, such affairs are thought of, as ought or
ought not to be taken in hand, If to be undertaken, they are so fixed on the mind
that, they cannot be forgotten ; but if not, they soon vanish out of the mind.
Samius (now Exhebenus),
Its virtue is to cure the swimming of the
Head and the loss of the understanding. But if it be taken in drink, it
prevents abortion. If carried in the left hand, it stops the running of tears
of aged people, and gives help in other disorders of the eyes, if bruised in milk
and applied to them.
Smirillus?,
Is the file and serpent of all things, except
the diamond; it consumes and corrodes all things. It is a stone of an iron color
and exceeding hard; it is found in many and divers places. It is used for the
cutting and plaining of stones, and the scouring of arms.
Solis Gemma (now Adularia),
It has a wonderful efficacy against any
deadly poisonous draught.
Sagida or Sadida?,
It has so great an affection to cling about vessels,
that it will dart itself upward from the bottom of the sea, and stick so close
to a ship, that unless you cut away that part of the wood to which it adheres,
it can scarcely be plucked off.
Sarcofagus (now: Alunite),
If this stone be bound to a man while he is
alive, it has the force of eating away his flesh.
Siderites (now: Basalt),
Its virtue is, that if it be used in sorceries,
it excites discords.
Sluxites?,
Is a stone content with a moderate beauty,
but not so in its virtue, for if bruised and (lily given in meat with ragwort,
it gives a prodigious stiffness to the penis; being hung about the neck, it
makes a good digestion, and infuses a desire of fruition.
Samothracia (now: Obsidian),
When they are put in fire they give a smell
like pitch; the smoke of it avails in fits of the mother.
opatius or Topasion, the Topaz,
opatius or Topasion, the Topaz,
They say, that if the topaz is thrown into
Water boiling hot, it quickly cools, and that by this coolness lascivious motions
are quelled. It’s a Cure for the phrensy?
clenches the hemorrhoids, cures and prevents lunacy, increases riches, adages anger
and sorrow, and averts sudden death; blood flowing from a wound is stopped if
this be bound over it; and it makes the bearer of it obtain the favor of princes.
Turchion, or Turchesia, the Turcois (now Turquoise),
There is a vulgar opinion, that it is useful
to Horsemen, and that so long as the rider has it with him, his horse will never
tire him, and will preserve him unhurt from any accident. It strengthens the sight
with its aspect. It is said to defend him that carries it from outward and evil
casualties.
Thirsitis, is like the Coral?,
They say, if it be taken in a draught, it
brings on sleep.
Talc Alchimicus?,
Is a stone, lucid, luminous, of the color of silver,
and by sublimation becomes the worst of poisons.
Varach (now: Dragon’s Blood, a dried plant resin),
It has the virtue of stopping every kind of flux,
instead of which physicians use dragon's blood.
Vernix or Armenicus (now: Chalcopyrite),
Whose virtue Is said to afford help to the melancholy,
the splenetic, the liver-grown, and those also who are troubled with the colic.
Vulturis, so called from the bird of its own name (now
Vulture stone),
Whose head being suddenly cut off, it is
found in the brain. It gives health to those who carry it. It fills a woman's breasts
with milk. It gives success to those who petition for favors.
drinus, and by some called the Serpentine; (now: Enhydro),
drinus, and by some called the Serpentine; (now: Enhydro),
It helps those who are troubled with rheum, and
frees the human body, from too much humidity; it restores dropsically bodies to
their pristine state, if they stand three hours with it in the sun, for they
will evacuate a most foul water by sweat. They say it must be cautiously used,
for it will extract not only the extraneous humidity, but also the natural and
implanted juices. It drives away poisonous worms. If taken inwardly, it is said
to break the stone in the bladder.
umemellazuli or Zemech (now Lapis Lazuli),
being prepared by physicians, it cures
melancholy disorders.
Zarites?,
they say it stops bleeding if hung about the neck.
Ziazaa?,
It renders him who carries it litigious, and
makes him see terrible things in his sleep.
Nico
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