A LAPIDARY OR, THE HISTORY OF PRECIOUS STONES: With cautions for the undeceiving of all those that deal with Precious Stones. By THOMAS NICOLS, sometimes of Jesus-Colledge in CAMBRIDGE. Inest sua gratia parvis. CAMBRIDGE: Printed by THOMAS BUCK, Printer to the University of Cambridge. 1652 To the Right Worshipful the Heads of the University of CAMBRIDGE. Right Worshipful; EVery thing according to its perfection is valuable, and the more glorious the more estimable. It is not the greatness of any thing that ought to purchase it esteem; nor must the smallness or littleness of a virtuous created substance decrease its worth: But great things as joined with the glory of their perfection, are so and no otherwise of great and high esteem: and little things are no otherwise valuable, then according to the glorious beauty of their perfection. Here, Right Worshipful, I present you with things great and small, but with none without their virtues. They are created substances of the most enduring nature, which this our part of the subcelestial world doth contain: The glory of those which shall here find beautified with external grace, will feed your eyes with much pleasure in beholding: and their internal virtues, and the symbols whereby by them are discovered to us the glorious excellency of supercelestial things, will in the right consideration of them no less feed your spirit with delight, then doth their external beauty and perfection please your eye, when it doth behold their glory. Every one out of their common apprehensions of worth, and out of that mean perception which they have of things dignified above others with beauty and with glory, esteem them valuable: Gems and Jewels are thus dignified with external glory, and enriched with internal symbolical virtues. For this cause with those that have but mean and common apprehensions of their worth, they are esteemed. And for their symbolical resemblances of supercelestial things, amongst the wisest of ancient times they have had upon them an high estimate of value and of worth. Surely, we live not in the most unknowing times of the world; nay, never was this part of the world fuller of knowledge then now it is, wherein many are blest with excellent gifts and endowments by which they are enabled to inquire more throughly into the nature and causes of things, than ever. Amongst these who know the true nature of things, surely, nor gems, nor jewels, nor any other virtuous thing shall want their due esteem. Nor with you, Right Worshipful, I am sure, can that which is truly virtuous want its value. It is a Philosophic axiom, Inest sua gratia parvis; I have here taken the pains to open the small cabinets of this excellency, that I may discover the true virtues which are contained in many small things and little creatures. This I have done, first, by a search and diligent enquiry into the causes and natures of Gems, and into such qualities as may possibly from thence in them arise: Then by partly acquainting Anselmus Boetius with the English tongue: In the doing of which, I have endeavoured, according to what I find in Scripture, and according to what I find in other Authors, to take away that confusion about the species of gems, which doth cause them to be hardly and difficultly known of what species and kinds they are. And withal, I have not only laboured with Boetius, but also with divers other Lapidists, to show the true way of discerning factitious and artificial stones or gems, from those that are really and truly the works of nature, that so the fallacies and sophistications of Artists, being clearly and perspicuously manifested and discovered, nature may not be belied in the glory of her own natural workings and actions. This is the sum of that pains which I have here taken, which together with my whole endeavours in this kind, Right Worshipful, with general good intentions, I dedicate to you, that under your protection it may in the light detect falsehood, and discover truth to many. Your Worship's humble servant, THO. NICOLS. To the courteous Reader. COURTEOUS READER; THat, that may be thy profit and pleasure I present thee with, though it hath been my labour and pains. I acknowledge it, as mine it is not a labour worthy thy commendations: Nevertheless, as thou reapest profit by it, or conceivest pleasure in it; so commend the pains of him that hath here laboured, and this labour of his painful endeavours to thy friends. Farewell. T. N. The Contents of the Lapidary, or Book of cautions. In the general Treatise are 1. The general definition of Stones. 2. General division. 3. Manner of their generation. 4. Original of Gems according to Hermes and Plato. 5. The places of their births in general. 6. The causes of perspicuity and diaphanity. 7. The material cause of Transparency. 8. 'Cause of the colour in stones. 9 The cause of hardness. 10. 'Cause of the ponderousness of them. 11. Of the adulteration, and the way of its discovery. 12. The way of making precious stones in their enclosures appear fairer and larger than they truly are. 13. The use of foils, tinctures, and bracteae. 14. To help the softness of Gems. 15. To colour Crystal, that it may resemble gems with colour. 16. The manner of taking away the colours of gems naturally coloured. 17. Artificial stones, the matter of them. 18. The way of polishing and engraving precious stones. 19 The faculties of gems and precious stones. 20. Effects attributed to precious stones which their natures are not capable of effecting. 21. Langius his opinion concerning the generation of gems and precious stones. 22. Supernatural effects of stones improperly so called. 23. The causes of all effects. 24. Rules to discern them. 25. Conditions to make effects truly natural. In the Book of Particulars, are contained these things: 1. The description of the stone in the front of every Chapter. 2. The tinctures, foils, and Bracteae by which natural gems and precious stones, that are either diaphanous or throughly transparent, are helped in their glory, and set out in their lustre. 3. The adulterations of precious stones and gems. 4. The names of them, by which they are diversely known in several countries by several Nations. 5. The species of every gem and precious stone, accordingly as divers Authors do render the discovery of them, that they may be known. 6. The places of the births of every kind and species of gem and precious stone. 7. The dignities and value of every precious stone and gem, according to divers Authors. 8. The properties of precious stones and gems. 9 The Physic uses of them according as divers Authors have delivered them in their several writings. An Admonition or Advertisement to the Reader. Reader, IF thou wouldst be free from many superstitions in the use of precious stones, and undeceive thyself as concerning the strange virtues, powers, and faculties which by divers Authors in the end of every Chapter they are reported and related to be endued withal, though contrary to what their own natures are or can be capable of: First, read the General part of this History, for in it is a discovery of Satanick subtleties, and of the superstitious use of stones, whereby at unawares many good men have been, and are still ensnared. Take therefore this well-wisht caution to thee for thy security. STONES are either Small, are either Rare, are either Hard, are either fair, are either shadowed, wholly, as the Turkey Chameus partly, as the Sardonyx Astroites Leucosapphirus Opalus transparent, with colour, as the Saphire Emerald Gemma Solis Almandine Jacinth beryl Ruby Prassius Rubicell Chrysoprasse Spinel Granat Almandine Chrysolite Balasse Carbuncle without colour, as the Diamond evil coloured, are the Pantarbe Brontia Chelidonius Ombria Ouum Anguinun Dracontia Aetite Lapis Palumbellus Soft, are either fair, in colour, as the Pearl Bezoar Molochite. in figure, as the Oculus Cati Glossopetra Umbilicus Marinus Lapis Judaicus Trochite evil coloured, as the Morochite Lapis Caymaus Enorchis Lapis Cevar Lapis Manualis L. Porcinus L. Anguium Enhydros Callimus L. Malacensis Manetus' Hysterius L. Tubero●um L. Bugola. L. Bufonis Common, are either Hard, as the Diamond of Bristol Pseudo-Diamond of Hungary Soft, as the Lapis Felis Lapis Spongiae L. Limacis L. Carpionum Lapis Percae Great, are either Rare, are either Hard, are either fair, are either shadowed, as the Porphyrite Heliotrope Smaragdite Lapis Lazuli Agate Coral Ophite Cornu Ammonis transparent, as the Amethyst Topaz smaragd Prassius Crystal Bohemian Diamond evil coloured, as Magnes Geodes Steatite Eneost Stalagmite Onyx Ceraunia Basaltes Smiris Dactylus Idaeus Ossifragus L. Nephriticus Stalactite L. Lydius Haematite Hephestite Hystera Petra Soft, are either Fair, In colour, as the Alabaster Specularis Amber L. Armenus In figure, as the Amites Stellaris Evil coloured, as the Asius Samius Ageratus Meletite Gagate Porus Schystus Thyites Hematite Calamita Alba Fungifer Common, are either Hard, are either Fair, as the Marble Evil coloured, as the Whetstone Pyrite Common-stones Flints. Soft, as the Scissilis Gypsum Pumise Lythantrax Talcum. Of Precious stones or Gems in general. A Stone is an hard, mixed, Definition of a Stone. inanimate, solid, inductile body, which cannot be dissolved in water, concrete by nature of simple earth, without many alterations, as of its chief and most conspicuous matter. Stones generally are solid ornaments ordained of God for the bedecking of the fabric of the world. The celestial houses have the Cornerstone of heaven for their support: and here on earth also our sumptuous edifices and glorious temples have their corner stones, without the which they cannot be upheld. Stones are the Almighty's blessings, they are members of the world which do add perfection to it, and were these solid members wanting, the world would be dismembered. They do as it were poise or balance the centre of the world, and to the whole they do equally proportion all its parts. As the wise disposer of all things had well mixed them with their fellow creatures, so they made up the world's centre: But no sooner are they forced from this good order, but strait appeareth another Babel, they do produce confusion. They are no sooner forced to contradict their own natures in the ascents of their gradual irregularities to heaven, but strait they do cause their preposterous bvilders to be smitten in their tongues, to be confounded in their languages, and to be dispersed abroad as strange nations, who cannot understand the one the others speech. They are the rock on which the earth's tabernacles, nulls, and temples are all founded, firmed, and steadied; and the firmament of it, and them, of all, is the Rock of heaven, who hath so laid the foundations of the earth that it shall never be moved. Their life according to the opinion of some Authors, what it is. They (as the opinion of some is) have vegetative souls, or lapidifick spirits infused into them from above, by which they live and draw the likeness of their substance, their lapidifick juice, their proper nourishment, for their sustentation, for the preservation of their being, and for their further growth and increase of their own proper substantial moles, mass, or lump. Herbs draw their fructifying juice from the circumjacent earth by thready roots, thereby to sap their bodies and their branches, that so in their due season they may send forth buds, blossoms, leaves, and fruits; and as these are diversely differenced according to their magnitude, fruits, forms, colours, qualities, and place wherein they grow: so also stones have their several divisions, according to their magnitude, matter, forms, colours, transparency, opacity, semitransparency, and mixed forms. Other divisions they do admit of in respect of their native soils, and the things to which they do adhere, and in which they grow. Nevertheless, there are two general heads to which all the divisions may be reduced; which are as follow. The general division of stones. Stone's are either 1. Common stones; or 2. Stones of esteem. The Common stones are either very great, big, and formless lumps; or else they are in very great plenty; The most of these kinds are generally well known. The stones of esteem are very precious and stones of great value, being commended to us in Holy Writ as the emblems of glory, integrity, and purity. Of these some are of greater esteem, some of less: those of less esteem receive their denominations from the creatures in which they are generated; as Chelidonius is so called of chelidon a swallow; Lapis Palumbellarum, and Alectorius of the birds in which they are found. Lapis Percae from the fish called a perch, in which it is generated. The Margarite from the fish in which it is generated: and Unions are so called, because they are found separatim or single. The Bezoar from the creature in which it is found. There are some stones of less esteem like unto plants, as Coral and Coralline. Others of a combustible substance, and easily set on fire, as Succinum, and the Gagate. Others have a Mathematic form, and are round like an egg, as ovum Anguinum, Geodes, Aetites. Others have a Mathematic angular form, as Crystallus, Basaltes, Iris. And others have a Mathematic hemispherick form as Ombria, Crepaudina. Those of great esteem are very precious, and of great value: of which sort are these: The Ruby, the Carbuncle, so called from their fiery red colour. The Jacinct, a transparent stone like a flame of fire. The Chrysolite, a transparent stone of a gold colour. The Crysoprassius, a transparent stone of the splendour of gold with the greenness of a leek. The smaragd and the Prassius, two transparent green stones. The Saphire a transparent stone of a sky colour. The beryl, a transparent stone of a sea-green. The Amethyst, a transparent stone of a peach-bloom colour. The Diamond, a diaphanous gemm. The Sardius, Sardonix, Chalcedonie, and Leucosapphirus, which are all precious stones partly transparent. The Turkey stone, a gemm void of all transparency, of a beautiful skie-colour. The Chamehuia, the Agate, the Heliotrope, very fair non-transparent stones. All which in the manner of their generation differ much from other vegetatives, and from other creatures which are endued with sensitive souls, in the manner of their generation. As for other vegetatives, such as are plants, they are produced by the sowing of seed; which being cast into the ground, first dies, then receiveth a new body, and so groweth in its perfection by degrees, shooting itself forth in a large proportion, and in altitude above the superficies of the earth. As for creatures endued with sensitive souls, they generate by copulation, coition, or mixture of seed: but fare otherwise is the manner of the generation of precious stones; as in this appeareth. The manner of the generation of stones. THese creatures are generated of an humour which containeth in itself purest terrestrial portions resolved in minimas parts by the operation and elaboration of intelligences, as Langius and others think, or by the powerful working of lapidifick spirits, as appeareth by what Boetius speaketh of their generation, in his book de naturis Gemmarum in genere. Being thus generated, they are usually by degrees augmented by the addition of new matter, and by the acquisition of new humour, as will appear in the generation of those stones which have their original out of an humour called a Radix, or out of a confused matter which is in lieu of a Radix as the Crystal and Amethyst. Others are generated by elaborations after the same manner, but have their originals in a Theca or Matrix, as the Rubinus in Palatio. Generation of Unions. The Margarites and Unions differ in the manner of their generation, from the generating of other Gems or precious stones, for these are generated of the pearly drops of crystal morning dew, drunk in by the shellfish called Scallops, and Cheripo: and indurated after the same manner that the Bezoar is generated in the beast Bezoar, or that stones are generated in the kidneys of men: and as these stones by the addition of new matter, are increased; so likewise the Unions are increased by the new addition of fresh draughts of purest crystal dew, even by fresh supplies of that purest restorative liquor, taken in as the morning's draughts to serene and cheerful days. Transparent Diaphanous Gems are all generated of a humour which containeth in its self most pure subtle earth, and by reason of its exquisite subtlety, it can by no means hinder the diaphanity of the water. So Anselmus Boetius. The use of the knowledge of Gems. The knowledge of Gems is an ornament to Princes; a mean by which Divines are ofttimes instructed in the knowledge of spiritual things; for by these, He that hath the key of David and openeth and no man shutteth, doth often unlock the intricate sense, hidden meaning, and deep mysteries of the sacred truths of his holy word; for this cause in sacred writ oft times we have many heavenly things emblematized unto us, under the types and figures of Gems or precious stones; in this kind we may find very frequent mention made of them both in the old and new Testament, by Moses in the Law, by St. John in the Revelation: the depths also of the mysteries of other writers, who under the titles and figures of Gems have comprehended many excellent allegories, by the true knowledge of precious stones will easily be found out: so that these blessings which we do enjoy by the true knowledge of them; through the goodness of the Almighty, are none of the least blessings which we do receive at his hands. What creatures here on earth, have we, that are endued with so much sincerity, purity, clarity and splendour, that are so fit to resemble heavenly things by as these? so great are their sparkling glory, as that we may well compare them to the expanse which divides the upper and the neither waters, and is bespangled with multitudes of glorious twinkling stars. Aaron being clad in his pectoral and guarded with files of these, had on his breast the emblems of purity, and of glory, of light, of perfection, of truth, of justice. Josephus lib. 3. Antiq. Judaic. c. 12. History. testifieth that the Hebrews, were wont to set the twelve stones of the ephod in their banners, hoping that for this cause God would be more merciful to them in their wars; and as it were by these twelve stones putting him in mind of their twelve tribes, and imploring his mercy, and craving his help for the deliverance of their tribes out of the hands of their enemies. The knowledge of them will not only be an ornament to Princes, a mean of knowledge to Divines, and those that are studious of Divinity; but it will be profitable and pleasant to all that desire truly to meditate the wonderful workings of God in his creatures. Original of Gems according to Hermes and Plato. HErmes Trismegistus and Plato have determined of the original of Gems and of other things after this manner: Both say that there is a certain common virtue and vivifying spirit, infused from heaven and from the stars into the whole world, and every part of it, which some call, animam mundi; but Plato mentem divinam, which doth perpetually long by its natural power nouâ formâ vestiri; and which doth so continually dispose its power in the matter of all things, ut materiam quantumvis vilem & putridam, bene tamen dispositam in actum perfectissimae etiam formae reducat. Others say, that as there are varieties of matter in the world, some more pure some less pure, some more noble some less noble, some more excellent some less excellent; so also there are variety of spirits which do inhabit the world, some more glorious, some less, some delighting in this colour some in that; some in much transparency, others in opake dark and shady matters; and according to the various matter of their delight, they will form to themselves habitacles or nulls, which shall receive their tincture from themselves, as from their inhabitants; and probably by reason of this opinion of Langius and others concerning the inhabitation of intelligences in precious stones, there may be some ri'st for those wonderful faculties and powers that many Authors say Gems are endued withal, though contrary to what creatures naturally can possibly be capable of. Many are of the like opinion concerning the generation of metals: and there are that say by reason of the great affinity that there is betwixt metallic spirits and Gems, or betwixt the spirits that inhabit Gems and the Gems they inhabit, there is oft or may be made a transmutation of metals into Gems; stibium enim & plumbum in Jacinthi formam, & minium in formam Smaragdi transmutatur; quod profectò non fieret, nisi magna cognatio spiritûs metallici cum Gemmis esset. So Boetius l. 1. p. 15. Of the places of the birth of Gems in general. THe climates fittest for the production of stones of excellent beauty are such, saith Boetius, as do lie nearest the Tropics; and therefore have the sun ever near them. They may be produced in any climate, but the more noble kind of gems, and precious stones, are in their excellency plentifully to be found in the Regions of the oriental Indies, and that without doubt, because it lieth nearest the Tropic, and so hath the sun ever near it, illiúsque aestu fruantur, sine quo è terra exhalationes quae ad gemmarum nobilium propagationem, & generationem copiosè requiruntur, produci non possunt. Boetius p. 13. The causes of Perspicuity and diaphanity in them. IT is the opinion of learned enquirers into the secrets of nature, that the plenty of crystal succulencies in the matter of Gems, are the only causes of their perspicuity and diaphanity, as that without which they do suppose there can be no perspicuous or diaphanous bodies at all. But Boetius is of a fare different opinion, as appeareth by this which he saith. l. 1. p. 21. Hi maximè falluntur, quia non solùm aqua, sed & aer diaphanus est, licèt atomis sit plenissimus, that is, These are much deceived; for not only the water, but also the air is diaphanous, though it be full of atoms, and the fire doth much excel them both in diaphanity; hence he saith copia aquae non est diaphanitatis causa, sed aliud quiddam, to wit, the exact union of the earth, resolved in minimas particulas, and so plainly and tightly continued, that the body constituted of it, can by no means be discerned to have any pores or atoms in it. continuity alone he saith is the cause of all diaphanity, and that because the sight can in no wise be terminated in it, unless it hath some contingent accident in its averse part from the light or sun; as some shadow, which so hindereth this part from being enlightened by the circumferent light, that the contingent or accidental obscurity cannot but be perceived; this may be experienced in a lookingglass. Flaws, cracks, or fissures in glass or crystals, do much hinder their perspicuity and diaphanity, whether they be internal or external; because they having every one their distinct superficies, do every one of them cause a divers reflection of the light, which diversity of reflections procureth a certain kind of confusion, by which the diaphanity of the body, otherwise diaphanous, is hindered. The Material cause of transparency. THe material cause of this transparency in gems, is a species of salt, which is a transparent terrestrial matter diluted with water, which transparent salinous substance, doth by its acrimony penetrate, pierce, & cut the earth into most exquisite, subtle, smallest portions. Thus it doth make the earth fit for diaphanity, and worketh out the water, which is as it were its vehiculum, and at the same time by degrees uniting itself to these exqisite portions of earth, it doth grow together with them into a diaphanous gem. So Boetius. Those gems which do contain most salinous matter in them, are softer and more diaphanous, than other gems, as the Crystal, beryl, Iris, Citrinus, and the like. The hardest gems have least salt in them, and are less diaphanous, as the Diamond, qui plùs micat quàm transparet. The cause of the colour in precious stones. AS there are divers opinions concerning the diaphanity of gems, so there are likewise concerning the tincture and colour of gems, as will appear by what followeth. The colour which may be perceived in gems, is either diaphanous, I mean transparent, or an opake, obscure, and shadowed colour. This doth receive in the light, and not again transmit it; the other doth again transmit (saith Boetius) or send forth the light that it doth receive in: but absolute or perfect diaphanity and transparency, admitteth of no colour at all: for wheresoever there is but any tincture of colour, the transparency or diaphanity must needs be imperfect, because the light seemeth to be affected and altered by the colour, and therefore cannot be terminated in its own proper colour, or rather perspicuity of the gemm, but is terminated in some strange, opake, dark colour. Ansel. Boet. l. 1. 23. In gems or precious stones there is to be found a real colour, and an apparent colour. The real colour always remains though the light be absent. The diversity of apparent colours do remain no longer than whilst the light is present. In perfectly transparent or perspicuous gems or stones, colours have their original from the refraction or reflection of the light, which diversity of reflection in crystals, is caused by the multiplicity of their superficies. This will appear in a triangular, or an hexagonal Crystal, which is absolutely diaphanous, hath no colour at all in it, and receiveth the light rectis lineis, and doth again transmit it rectis lineis; yet by reason of the refraction and reflection of the light upon the multiplicity of superficies, it doth represent to our view various colours: This we find true by experience, saith Boetius, Licèt intellectus id non capiat, therefore à sensu recedendum non est: that is, though we can give no reason why pure, simple, immixed light, in a diaphanous exactly transparent body, deprived of all colour, and the least tincture of any colour, should yet notwithstanding beget divers colours. There are divers opinions concerning the originals of the colours in gems, stones, earths, trees, plants, and flowers. Some think the species salis to be the causa coloris; and will have the salem armoniacum naturae, which is very plentiful in minerals, metals, and in the earth, to produce the various colours in plants, flowers, gems, and stones, and in all other things. Sal armoniacum naturae quid. And that which they call salem armoniacum naturae, est sal quoddam spirituale vivificum, quod vino sublimato junctum illo priùs ascendit. This is thought by some to be the primum movens in the generation of things; and the conserving balsam of every thing, and that which doth adorn them with the beauty of their various colours. The plenty of this salt which is found in every thing, and may be extracted out of every thing, doth cause this opinion concerning the colours in gems and stones. Various opinions concerning the original of colours in things. Another reason which is given for this, is this: because it being collected and distilled, doth of itself produce all kinds of colours. Some are of opinion that the various exhalations are the cause of colours. Others say that they are produced by the various commixtion of the elements, and by their concoction. Others, that Colores à primis qualitatibus in materiam derivantur. Others say that all colours do arise from the various commixtion of the two extreme colours, that is, of white and black, lucis & umbrae, as appeareth in the iris or rainbow, wherein out of light and darkness mixed, various colours do arise. Boetius is of opinion that these are no causes of colours in things; but that all colours are certain extrinsecall ornaments given of God to the creatures for distinction, and that they are produced out of their own proper seminary, out of which also he thinketh that their extrinsecall form ariseth. And that sal armoniacum which Quercetan calleth balsamum naturae, he saith is their vehiculum. For the most part all those stones and gems which have a peculiar and proper form, have a seminarium & principium coloris in materia ex qua formantur. Boetius. p. 25. l. 1. Variety of colours are produced by the mixture of colours. The stones which have no determined form or figure he saith have their tinctures from exhalations as their remote cause; and from the mineral spirits, and Sal Armoniac as their propinque and nearest cause. The primarii colores, or especial colours which arise not from the commixtion of other colours are these. Boetius de naturis gemmarum in genere. White, black, blue or sky colour, yellow, red, miniatus colour, or vermilion or fiery red. Almost all kinds of colours are caused by the various mixture of these colours. But in their own originals they are not mixed with others. Boetius. By the Mixture of white and black is produced the colour of ashes; the more white there is, the more bright the colour is; the less, the more obscure. Mix sky colour and yellow and it will produce a green colour. Mix red and sky colour and you will have a violet colour. Mix a miniated colour or a fiery red, and a red together, and you will have a purple colour. Mix a white and a red and you will have a rose colour. Mix a white and sky colour and you will have a milky colour. Mix a miniated colour, or a fiery red and yellow red together with a white, and you shall have a helvus or gilvus, that is, a carnation or flesh colour. Mix yellow and green and you will have an orange or straw colour. Mix a miniated colour, or a simple red, or a vermilion, and a yellow, and a red, and a white together, and you will have an orange colour, straw colour, or a wax colour. Mix white and orange, or straw colour, and you will have a pale colour. Mix vermilion and yellow and you will have a yelk colour. Mix green yellow and white, and you will have a box colour, or pale colour. Mix red yellow and vermilion, and you will have a saffron or gold colour; or a brown or swarth colour, or a puke colour, sad russet or tawny, according to the various proportion of every colour. Thus have we seen the various judgements of divers Authors, concerning the original of divers colours, in gems or precious stones, and in plants and other creatures: some imputing the original of the variety of beauty in colour to the balsamum naturae, or to the Sal armoniacum contained in the substantial matter of all things: others making mineral exhalations the cause of colours in them: others the elaboration of the first qualities upon the matter of their substance. Some imputing it to the various commixtion of two extremities, to wit of black and white, of darkness and light; But how can this be, seeing darkness is no colour, but a privation of colour; and a very forgetfulness of all those colours which by light we may discover; for in its presence we are deprived of the remarkable views of those visible qualities of various colours, by which we do on earth distinguish things. Then as for light we see that it is guilty of no tincture in itself, and by how much it hath more or less of colour accidental, so much it doth fall short of the perfection of its light. Light and darkness are at continual strife, the presence of the one causeth the absence of the other. No sooner did that blessed Spirit of light move upon the face of the waters of the great deep, but strait darkness affrighted with the all-awfull presence of its glory fled away. No sooner doth the sun arise to run its course, gloriously setting forth from under its pavilion, but strait the amazed shades of darkest nights flee all away. No sooner doth the Sun of Righteousness begin to dart his beams of glory into the horrid darkness of man's sinful heart, but strait this powerful word, moving on the surface of this centre, begets a new creation, and sets up there a glory, by which through the qualities of earthly colours we may discover the excellency of heavenly virtues. But the darkness of the heart all amazed at this sudden powerful motion in this centre, strait forsakes its station, and fearfully fleeing leaves its habitation to the light. If then there be such a distance betwixt light and darkness, that nothing may interpose for agreement, how shall we think they should ever join by mixture in substantial matters to produce variety of colours. Since therefore there can be no agreement betwixt these two extremes, to make for the effecting of such distinguishing qualities as are colours; then if from them they do proceed, they must be the sad effects of their contrary operations: sad I say, because light being oppressed by darkness wains; and which is our grief, darkness can nothing be impaired, there being nothing worse than it. As it is darkness it cannot be impaired, but as it is darkness extended, it may be, and is, and shall be coarctated. The cause of hardness in gems. THe durities and hardness in gems is caused by the exact and perfect union of their pure well compacted matter, which is freed of its moisture by the power of heat, exhaling or extracting it; or of cold, compelling it by compression. Aire maketh gems friable, and subject to be broken with every touch: water doth possess them with a mollities, softness and thinness of texture, and a tenderness of parts, The hardest of all other gems is the Adamant, than the Topaz, than the oriental Chryssolite; next the Saphire, Granate, Jacinth, than the Smiris, than the Jasper, Achate, Basaltes. The softest of all other gems is the Opalus. Perspicuity in gems is a sign of their excellent union, and of the well compactedness of their matter; and from their well compactedness and exquisite union proceedeth their durities or hardness; which hardness doth beget in all stones a fitness for politure, and an irresistible power against fire; As doth appear by the Adamant, which because of its hardness can scarce be injured by the power of the fiercest fire; and for this cause it may be used symbolically as a signification of constancy. The Bohemian Granate by reason of its exquisite durities doth likewise suffer little injury by fire. The cause of the ponderousness of Gems. AS hardness in gems is said to proceed from their exact union, so likewise this is some cause of their heaviness & weightiness: for those gems which are not well compacted and united, are light, porous, and full of levity. Another cause of the ponderosity of gems, is a Mercurial substance which is contained in them; of these sorts of gems are all those that do consist of a mineral matter. And for this cause factitious gems which are made of metals, are heavier than any natural gems. Of the adulteration of Gems, and their discovery. ANy throughly transparent tinctured gemm what ever, may be adulterated by two Saphires, or with two crystals, having a foil betwixt them. But such duplicated gems, which are tinctured either with a foil of Mastic, or with other coloured foils in their intermediate space, are thus ordinarily and usually discerned by Jewellers: They will take the gemm and put it upon their thumb nail, and then direct their sight betwixt the plain of the gemm and of their nail; and if the upper part of the gemm be white, and no colour be added (which lying hid under the sides of the cistae can there be perceived) then the upper part of the gemm will plainly appear white as it is, and so it will discover itself to be an adulterated gemm in stead of the natural one. This is a very easy way to discover factitious gems from natural ones. But those factitious gems which consist of many angles fitted for this purpose, by various sections, hollow, and excavations, cannot so easily be perceived, because the reflections from the angles, do give tincture from the foil in every part of the superficies of the gemm. Another kind of ingenious fraud there is, by which gems are adulterated, and that is when as cunning Artists do excavate a gemm, as a white Saphire, or a Crystal, in the lower part of it with a very small foramen, and then infuse into it a drop of some transparent liquor, which being artificially done, will very excellently diffuse its colour through the body of the whole gemm: Thus the ideas of true Rubies, Saphires, Smaragdes are produced. There is another kind of way of subtle fraud in gems, when as cunning sophisticatours do macerate gems in coloured or tinctured waters, or so tincture them in fire, or by any other means, that the tincture or colour may enter the body of the gemm. These frauds can not otherwise be discovered, but by taking the gems out of their cistis, enclosures, or settings, and so taking a naked view of them with full sight. As for other gems which are dissembled with tinctured glass, these for the most part seem to have a pellicula or little film in their superficies, as if they were anointed with oil, which is never to be found in true gems. There are factitious gems made of Crystal, and of flints, and lead, which will be harder than the common glass, and transparent as Crystal; in the making of which, to tincture them, cunning artists are wont to add metals to it, or tinctures, or colours of metals, and thus they being committed to the fire, by the operation of the heat upon them, will be produced a gem scarcely to be discerned from the true gemm, save only by the atoms in the middle of their body, and by those small bullae which are often caused in them by the unequal working of the fire upon their matter, or by the extreme vehemency of its heat. Use of the file in the trial of gems. Of these kinds of factitious gems there are some so perfect, and free from the small bullae and atoms, as that they can no ways be discerned from the true gems but by the use of the file; for these may be filled, the true ones cannot, except only the Topaz and smaragd: and by their gravity, weight, and ponderosity; for these factitious stones are much heavier than the true, as consisting of lead and metals, which are very ponderous and weighty: and by their pining, dead, fading look, which if they be long beheld, do afford no pleasure to the eye by feeding it; whereas in true gems there is always a lively splendour, which by reason of the reflection of the several tables or sides of the superficies, gives itself forth with the more sparkling delight. Another way of adulteration of gems there is, very subtle, and more excellent than any of the former, which is this, Cunning Chemists will make a lapidifick water of minerals, and then pour of it into waxed forms, which forms they will immerge for some time in an indurative water, and thus produce a gemm not unlike to the true. Vide Anselm. Boetium lib. 1. c. de adulter. gem. The way of making precious stones in their enclosures appear fairer and larger than they truly are. THere are other subtle frauds about gems, by which Jewellers can make them seem much larger than they are: As if the inferior part of the gemm which is included in the cistus or setting, doth consist of many superficies, they will render the gemm greater to sight then really and truly it is, by reason of their manifold reflections. Again, if there be any intermediate air betwixt the superficies of the gemm, and its bractea or foil, it will according to its proportion, render the gemm greater than otherwise it is; if it be much, it will render it much bigger, because (saith Boetius) here the air doth subire vices corporis, ac gemmas tantò crassiores, quanto ipse est, videri facit. Again, if pure untinctured glass or Crystal, without any glutinosity, be placed in such an intermediate space, it will even as the intermediate air, render the gemm much greater than it is. If also colour be added in the conjunction of stones, with a lacryma or guttula, or a drop of mastic, it will do the same: or if the glass or Crystal be tinctured or coloured with the colour of the gemm, it will not only render it greater, but with more tincture also. Of the foils tinctures or bracteaes. Use of foils tinctures and bracteaes. THe use of foils tinctures and bracteaes are to administer beauty to the gem; for this purpose Jewellers are wont to illine or anoint the inferior superficies of the gemm with a perspicuous colour; at other times to place under them a bractea or foil; or a splendent tincture, which is made after this manner. Take one guttula or grain of mastic upon the point of an iron, heat it in the fire till it begin to melt, then separate the dark obscure part of it from its perspicuous part, by the pressure of your finger; then cast away that, and use this. To add beauty and lustre of tincture to stones, some are wont to use this penetrating water. Aqua gemmas penetrans. Aqua gemmas penetrans fit ex Terebinthina & aquae vitae, quibus adde colorem ex metallis extractum; dissolvatur in aqua urinae stillatitia, & colour perspicuus extrahatur per alembicum; & sic fit colour. In this water macerate your crystal for some hours, and if the water be first warmed, the crystal will because of its softness easily receive in the tincture. For the making of this water to produce a red colour, crocus Martis must be used: to produce a green colour, aerugo: to produce a sky colour, Luna, Sal armoniac, and aqua fortis: to produce a blue colour aerugo, and lapis lazuli. Boetius p. 32. To help the softness of gems. THe mollities of gems, or their softness, which is contracted by continuance of time, may be thus helped. Make a cista, or a setting of paste made of fine flower, then enfold the gemm in two or three papers; and then cover it over with its papers on every side, in the setting of paste, with crocus Martis; then close up the setting with paste, and set it into an oven with bread, and so let it stand for six hours after the bread is drawn, and it will recover its pristine durities, or hardness. For the colouring of crystal Baptista Porta doth advise this. To colour crystal that it may resemble gems with colour. R. Parts stibii sex, auripigmenti partes quatuor, arsenici & crystalli partes tres, sulphuris partes tres, tutiae partes duas, fiat pulvis tenuissimus ac ollae indatur, suspend in hoc frustulam crystalli, vel in aeneis pilis inclusam, vel nudam immerge in hoc pulvere, & ità opponantur igni ut quaternis vel quinis horis excandescant, sed sine follium flatu, nè liquescant, vel in parts dissiliant: you may at your pleasure take a little bit out and put it in again, till it doth answer your expectation: in taking this from the fire, you must beware of over sudden cooling of it, lest it cleave and break. If you would have the colour of a Jacinth, you must remove them sooner from the fire: if a purple colour you must let them remain longer on the fire. The manner of taking away the colours of gems naturally coloured. THe Jewellers have also ways to take away the colours of gems naturally coloured; as of the Amethyst, Granate, and Topaz. and this they can do, either wholly or in part, wholly, by illining or anointing it over with creta, or chalk, and then committing it to the fire; In part, by anointing only that part from which you would take the tincture or colour, and then exposing it to the fire; so you may make a gemm partly a Diamond, or partly a Saphire: or of a Ruby, partly a Ruby, and partly a Diamond. For the making of factitious gems with their perfect tincture, Artists are wont to do this; they will calcine silices and topatius even as crystal; then they will add a colour, and so make pastam ad gemmas: thus for the making of a smaragd, they will calcine silices and topatius, and for the colour add minium and also verdegreace, and so make a paste for a smaragd. And for a Jacinth they will add ceruse and crocus Martis: for a Chrysolite, minium and ceruse. For a Saphire, Zaphura, or Lapis lazuli, or else Sal Armoniacum and Argentum: and for a Diamond, Stannum: for a Ruby in like manner. Boetius l. 1. p. 33. Artificial stones. ARtificers are wont to make artificial marbles after this manner, R. gypsum, calcem, salem, sanguinem bovinum, pulverem lapidum, frustulas marmorum vel Jaspidum, cum aceto, vino, cervisia vel lacte, vel ejus sero misce bene, & in pultem redigantur, ut in mensam vel in columnas fundi possint. The various colour being added, this substance must be agitated and stirred up and down with a rod, that the veins may the better be disposed for a marble or statue; and when this is throughly dry cum smegmate vel oleo, it will receive an excellent politure. foils and Bracteae. BEsides this tincturing of the substance of the gemm, there is an use of foils and bracteaes, which Jewellers have for the setting off of the beauty of diaphanous and transparent stones; and the use of these is very necessary; for whatsoever diaphanous gems are included in their cystis, or settings and enclosures of gold, as in rings or ouches, they send forth no rays, or splendour, unless they have under them a bractea, leaf, or foil, which may instar speculi repercusse and reverberate the light, and by this means delight the eye with rays and sparklings. For this purpose it is that bracteaes and metallic foils were invented, which together with the repercussion of the light which they make; do also augment the tincture of the gemm; and by their various colours, by which for this purpose they are tinctured, they do quicken and revive the fading diluted colour of the gemm. These bracteaes or foils, are made either ex foliis aeris, auri, vel argenti; then they are wont to prepare these by hanging them in threads in a furnace made for the same purpose; that so they may be tinctured with the vapour of that which being burned in the lower part of the furnace, doth ascend for that purpose; thus for a green foil they are wont to burn green feathers in the lower part of the furnace, which by their vapour will tincture the foil with a green colour: for to tincture the foil with a blue colour, they are wont to burn blue feathers: for an emerald colour, they are wont to burn the leaves of box after the same manner: and for a Ruby colour scarlet wool, or scarlet flocks. So Baptista Porta lib. 6. Mag. Nat. The way of polishing and engraving precious stones. THe engraving and polishing of precious stones, doth require, that it may be aptly done, a fitness, and preparedness in the stones; for this purpose, a Jasper, Agate, or Marble may be fitted by a whetstone or grindstone, on which they are first to be whetted or ground, and then that they may be brought into a more exact form, they must be rubbed or ground with the gross powder of a Smiris upon an orbem stanneum, after which they do give them a splendour by polishing them cretâ tenuissimâ or Argillâ, that is, with terrâ Tripolitanâ. The Diamond alone because of its hardness can only by its own powder be form by grinding. Which powder is also used for the more speedy excavating and forming of other gems by grinding them with it: for this purpose, there must be a little orb of iron which may easily be turned up and down, which iron orb by its swift motion and continual rotation or turning, doth forceably rub the powder of the Smiris or Diamond against the gemm for the engraving of it, and so doth by little and little excavate it. Marbles and other stones may by this iron or steel orb, alone without either of the powders, be without fear and danger of breaking excavated; but gems cannot. Boetius lib. 1. pag. 35, 36. A stone for hardness next to the Diamond is the Smiris, the powder of which is used as the powder of the Diamond in the forming and fitting of stones for politure and engraving; which being form and polished, may be thus engraven, either with letters or forms. Cover the polished stone with Sevo or with thin wax, then take an iron pencil and engrave in the wax, even to the very stone, what letters or forms you please, which being done, pour aqua stygia, or aqua regia, or aqua fortis, into those places where by engraving you have taken away the wax with your pencil, thus let the stone rest for a day, and the aqua stygia by eating into the stone will engrave that part of the stone from whence the wax was taken away, and the rest of the gem which is covered with the wax will remain whole and untouched. Faculties of Gems. SOme there are that do deny gems the proper grace of their natural faculties, but surely this possession doth dispossess them of their intellectual guide of reason, or else by the only elementary constitution they would have been informed, that such pure matter could not be without their virtues, nor these forms more than others want their vires; since that there are virtual forms, reason by experience every day confirmed doth convince us: Nor this elementary union sympathizingly concording to beget a glorious beauty, be without its quinta qualitas, the result of the union of its elements wonderfully altered and diversely inter se mixtorum. Surely men of such opinions never dreamed of gratia parvis; but we know that God hath given every thing its proper grace: for Inest sua gratia parvis, Inest sua gloria gemmis, and Inest sua singulis propria virtus. Now as these who do deny the elements inter se mixtis, their peculiar qualities, and their essence or quinta qualitas, which doth arise of their coalescency, as the result of the union of their matter, do à scopo nimis aberrare: so on the other side those do keep at no less a distance from the truth, who do attribute to gems that are natural things, powers supernatural or above nature, as will appear in what follows. Effects attributed to precious stones, which their nature is not capable of effecting. SOme do impute such vires to produce such effects to them, as these creatures cannot possibly be capable of: It is impossible that by the power of the natural faculties, or elementary qualities of gems or precious stones, any man should be made to walk or be invisible; though Albertus Magnus and other Lapidists do attribute such a faculty as this to the stone called Opthalmius. Opthalmius lapis. And as impossible it is that any stone should be so prevalent, by the power of any virtues which naturally it can be capable of, as to obscure the Sun, or darken his beams, which faculty Pliny and others do attribute to the Heliotrope, of which they say, Heliotrope. that if you put it into water in a vessel opposed to the Sun, it will mutare fulgorem solis accedentem percussu sanguineo, and for this cause they call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, solis versionem. But such have been the errors of the great searchers out of the secrets of nature, as that they have attributed to inanimate creatures which are of the lowest orders of all nature's productions, powers supernatural, and vires which their natures are not capable of knowing, and therefore they cannot possibly produce such effects as they report of them: Such as are the making of men eloquent, Extraordinary effects of gems. or making of men poor; or the making of men acceptable, or to be favoured, or rich, or fortunate, or safe, or secure. Yet are the strange transportations of some men even at this day such, as that they will not let to affirm these things to be true in their experience; affirming that to be done by the natural faculties of precious stones, in making men either favoured or accepted, or to be invisible, or to be suddenly enriched, which being contrary to the workings of God with men, must necessarily be the work of the devil, to delude, and ensnare, and enthrall men by. Strange things are reported of Lapidists concerning the virtues of gems, and of their strange changes upon several occasions: Of the Diamond which the high priest wore in the breastplate of Judgement upon the Ephod, when he went into the sanctum Sanctorum, it is said, That if the Jews had sinned against God, the Diamond would turn black. Of an Emerald Lapidists say, That it doth discover adultery, and that where it accidentally meeteth with such persons, it doth suffer very strange changes and alterations. Of the Turkey-stone they say, That it doth participate with all its masters dangers, perils, and evils; and that it doth receive his injuries, and the harm of his blows, falls, and contusions into itself. But those that think that any gems or precious stones are sensible of injuries, or affected with strange alterations, by a natural discord which is betwixt them and unclean persons, think much amiss: for all gems are material, mixed, natural things, and therefore by their own proper qualities they can effect nothing else but natural things: now to the effecting of all natural things, whether the thing be effected by a gemm, or by any other thing, it is necessary that there should be a connexion, or some kind of knitting of its cause with the effect; but in the discovering of sin by gems, or in the gems receiving its master's injuries into itself, there can be no such probable connexion of the cause with the effect found: therefore such admirable effects cannot truly be said to be the natural effects of gems. Nevertheless, though gems as being material mixed bodies, cannot by their own proper power and faculties produce such admirable and supernatural things, as that we may say that they are truly and absolutely causes of such effects; yet they may be said to be continent causes, if we grant that which some affirm, namely, that ofttimes they are the habitacles of daemons and intelligences, which Johannes Langius in his epistles calleth syderum & orbium motores: and if we grant that gems are habitacles for these, we need not doubt but these are those occult properties, which do produce so many strange effects as are imputed either to the interposition, wearing, or carrying of gems, to the deluding of the senses of men in the right understanding of the truth of the nature of gems and precious stones. Langius his opinion of the generating of gems. THese intelligences, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or motores orbium, inhabiting under this concave orb of the Moon, and cooperating aethereo syderum calore & spiritu, do (saith Johannes Langius, epistolis medicinalibus) without a semen, both by sea and land produce various effigies in rocks, in Conchyliis; and likewise they do oft in their sporting frolicks, transform by the power of their own elaborations, sticks, boughs, trees, and plants, into stones; and by a like admired Metamorphosis, they do procreate many strange births, some of them to be admired for their original, others for their shape. These are those that do possess men with the strange effects of gems, as if they were the true causes of such effects; when indeed they are the unespyed, and secret productions of the hidden workings of these intelligences. Though Cardan, Albertus, Rueus and others do affirm that gems are the causes of such effects, yet their affirmation in this kind must not be received as truth, because there is no kind of affinity, similitude, or proportion at all betwixt this kind of complexion, or betwixt this cause and this effect: for the effects of this kind are oft times more perfect than the cause. And yet the axiom is, perfectionem effectûs contineri in causa. But it cannot truly be so spoken of gems and precious stones, the effects of which, by Lapidists are said to be, Extraordinary effects of gems. the making of men rich and eloquent, to preserve men from thunder and lightning, from plagues and diseases, to move dreams, to procure sleep, to foretell things to come, to make men wise, to strengthen memory, to procure honours, to hinder fascinations and witchcrafts, to hinder slothfulness, to put courage into men, to keep men chaste, to increase friendship, to hinder difference and dissension, and to make men invisible, as is feigned by the Poet concerning Gyges' ring, and affirmed by Albertus and others concerning the ophthalmius lapis, and many other strange things there are affirmed of them, and ascribed to them, which are contrary to the nature of gems, and which they as they are material, mixed, inanimate bodies neither know nor can effect, by the proprieties and faculties of their own constitutions: because they being natural causes, can produce none other but natural effects, such as are all the ordinary effects of gems: that is, such effects as flow from their elementary matter, from their temper, form, and essence; such as are the operations of hot and cold, and of all the first qualities, and all such accidents as do arise from the commixtion of the first qualities: such as are hardness, heaviness, thickness, colour, and taste. These all are the natural faculties of gems, and these are the known effects of the union of their matter, and of the operation of the first qualities one upon another. Supernatural effects of stones. THere may no doubt supernatural effects be wrought by gems, and stones, but not such as can properly be said to be the effects of gems or stones; or of which gems or stones can be truly and absolutely said to be the causes, but only instrumental causes. Such effects as these are wrought either by the power of God, or of the devil. What the strange effects wrought by stones in the power of Satan are, will appear by the survey of the extraordinary effects of gems and precious stones before mentioned. The supernatural effects of stones ascribed to God in holy writ, are such as the Lord God produced in the wilderness to manifest his power, and to make his name great in the sight of his people Israel; such was his bringing water out of the rock by the stroke of Moses rod upon it, Deut. 32.13. The rock here was the instrument by which this supernatural effect was wrought, but not the cause of the effect of the flowing forth of water for the quenching of the thirst of Israel, for in truth none other effectual efficient cause there was of this effect, but only Gods holy Spirit working in and by the rock, as by its instrument, conduit, or emissary, that so it might wonderfully send forth waters of its own springing up, as from a fountain to refresh the drought of Israel in a dry and barren wilderness. That we may not be mistaken in the effects of creatures, it is necessary that these things should be known. 1. What are the causes of effects. 2. How to judge of these causes, whether they be true or false, whether they be supernatural or natural causes, divine or diabolick causes. 3. How many kinds of effects from all causes may be found in the whole Universe. The causes of all effects. I. The causes of all effects are either supernatural or natural; they are such causes as are either truly and absolutely causes, or causes falsely so called; or else they are manifest divine causes, or diabolick seeming divine causes: all which may be comprehended under the two first heads of supernatural and natural causes. II. That we may judge of these causes whether they be supernatural or natural, divine or diabolick, true or false: these following rules must be observed. Rules. Supernatural causes they may be taken to be, 1. If it be manifest that the effect doth never follow the cause, or that it followeth it by accident. 2. If wise understanding judicious men, who have the use and experience of things, do upon the supposition of ordinary effects, deny that which is thought to be the cause, to be truly the cause. 3. If by comparing the thing with other causes which are known, the manner of applying of it be very different, involved, and intricate. 4. If the thing have no affinity with its effect, as here, when Arbor dicitur producere bovem. 5. If the cause doth produce the effect separatim, and without any conjunction of other causes, which have in them a power of producing. 6. If the cause doth produce an effect to some end to which properly the effect doth not belong. 7. If such an effect from such a cause do never again happen, notwithstanding the remaining or existing of some or of all the same conditions. Rules è regione. Natural causes they are taken to be, 1. If it be manifest that the effect doth really follow the cause, and not by accident. 2. If prudent pious men do upon the suppositions of ordinary effects according to their experience, in the use of things, not deny that which is taken to be the cause, to be truly the cause. 3. If the thing effected by such a cause, being compared with known causes, doth not in its manner of applying differ, or is not involved, or intricate. 4. If the cause have affinity with its effect, that is, if it do produce such an effect as is meet for such a cause to produce. 5. If the cause doth produce the effect not separatim, but by the conjunction of other ordinary causes, which are endued with power and do usually join together for the producing of such or such an effect. 6. If the cause doth produce an effect for the same end to which properly the effect doth belong. 7. If that the same conditions existing, the same cause doth produce the same effects. Whether the cause be Divine or Diabolick, true or false, it will thus appear. WHat ever things there are that are truly called natural, if they undergo or suffer an impulsion into various and divers parts, indeterminately and confusedly, they cannot be said to be otherwise moved, then by an extrinsic power of impulsion; which power if it be not open and manifest, must of necessity have an occult and secret spiritual mover, which can be none other but either God or the devil, either good or bad angels. Upon these grounds it may be concluded, that the motion of the ring in which the Turkey-stone is set, by the pulsation of which (it being hung by a thread perpendicularly in the midst of a glass) against the sides of the glass, the hours are spontaneously indicated; it may (I say) be concluded, that if this pulsation by which the hours are indicated or showed, be not caused by the motion of the hand of the person that holds the string, to which the ring is fastened (quod puto, saith Boetius,) then that this motion hath its perfection from the power and help of the devil. Gems and precious stones are only natural causes of their effects, and for this cause the effects of them can be only natural, and such as are always real effects, and never intentional; and material effects and seldom spiritual (viz.) then only when such effects are effected by some mean or other, which may more truly be determined to be a cause then the gemm itself. What we have determined concerning the Turchoyse, the same (upon the same ground) we may determine and conclude concerning those gems, which are said to work strange effects by the power of celestial figures engraven on them: for all such celestial figures are nothing else but fictitious and imaginary things, and no real entities at all; and therefore cannot be capable of any power to do any such strange effects: neither have such figures, or can they have, any conveniency or agreement at all with things here below, for the producing of any effects in them, or by them. Whether the cause of this or that effect be the true cause of it or no, will appear by these things. Rules. 1. If the cause be such as doth in no kind repugn or contradict the effect. Such causes as these are all those that have in themselves the perfection of the effect, either virtually or formally. 2. If the cause do act within the certain limits or bounds alicujus spatii, together with all such things as are necessary to produce such an effect. And the effect doth upon this working of the cause, without any prejudices to the contrary, or interceding impediments, follow in its determined time, according as the cause within the determined bounds of its space is applied, to produce this or that effect sooner or later. 3. If the cause applied have always the same power and force, and be free from all superstition, and every suspicion thereof. 4. If that the cause being taken away, the effect (notwithstanding all other things and circumstances remain) doth not, or cannot follow. III. That we may not be mistaken in the effects of creatures, it is necessary to be known, How many kinds of effects from all causes may be found in the whole universe. Such effects as are to be found in the world are these: First, Effects which are in their perfection above all the power of natural causes: For example sake, 1. No natural cause can separate the heat from the fire; nor can any natural cause make fire to burn without heat. 2. It is above the power of a natural cause to make a man invisible: no natural cause can effect this, because man is an opake or an obscure body, and such a body as hath no perspicuity or transparency at all in it: and therefore it cannot possibly be, that it should be made inconspicuous or disapparent without some present impediment. Boet. Secondly, Effects which do not exceed the power of natural causes, but yet are above the mean which natural causes do use, to produce such effects according to the prescript rule, and order of nature. Such an effect is this which followeth: The Saviour of the world was born of the Virgin Mary, as it is natural for a man to be born of a woman: but here, the mean and manner of begetting, and of conception is supernatural, and above all the power of natural causes: for here the conception and manner of begetting was altogether without the coition and congression of man, which effect could be no otherwise caused then by a supernatural power; namely by the power of God, who did wonderfully effect the conception and birth of Christ in the womb of the Virgin, by the power of his Holy Spirit. These two first kinds of effects which have been and may be found in the world, Boetius (l. 1. p. 45.) saith, cannot possibly be brought to pass, but by the power of God, or of the devil, God permitting. Thirdly, Effects which do not exceed the power of natural causes, but yet the causes applied for the producing of these effects do not keep the ordinary mean for the producing of them. Such an effect is this of Chemistry, when as by chemical art gold is made of silver: And such an effect is this which is so oft practised in nature's orchards and gardens; where when as nature by her own work doth produce the several species of fruits from their own proper and peculiar originals; art doth as it were force and violate her to contradict her law, rule, and order, by insitions and inoculations: and by this means we may oft times see the fruitfullest and best trees, bearing fruits of other stocks than their own. Fourthly, Effects which do depend upon natural causes, which observe and keep the ordinary mean which are to be applied for the producing of such and such effects. Such an effect as this it is, when as the rain is generated by the ascending up of vapours; and when ice is dissolved into water by the power of the heat of the Sun; and when man is generated of man and woman, which is nature's ordinary way for generation. These are the effects which are found in the world, the fourth and last kind of which are purely natural; which that they may be really so, they do require divers conditions. Conditions to make effects truly natural. 1. That an effect may be truly natural, it is required, that there should be some subject present, which may receive the effect from its efficient cause. 2. It is required, that there should be a certain latitude or distance betwixt the efficient cause, and the subject out of which the effect is to be produced, beyond which distance or limit, the effect cannot at all be produced; this will appear by this solary example. The sun whilst it hath its residence in Tropico Australi, or in the Tropic of Capricorn, cannot so warm the regions and countries that are situate about the Arctic pole, as it doth warm them when it hath its residence in the Tropic of Cancer. 3. That an effect may be natural, it is required, that the efficient cause or immediate agent be not hindered in its action upon its subject, and penetration of its subject, by some other interposing or intermediating body. 4. It is required, that there should be a full space betwixt the cause and the effect, that is, spatium continuum & conjunctum; that so natural things may in se mutuò agere, and thus obtain their perfection. 5. That an effect may be natural it is required, that the medium or mean which is betwixt the cause and the subject, be aptly and fitly disposed to receive the virtue of the agent or efficient, for else it is impossible, notwithstanding the concurrency of all other things together, that any natural effects should universally follow. This for the present as concerning the nature and virtues of gems and precious stones in general. It followeth that we should make progress in our inquiries and discoveries of every gem and precious stone in particular. Of the division of Gems. IN the former treatise we have spoken concerning the causes, natures, and effects of gems in general. In what followeth, we shall according to Anselmus Boetius show how they are divided, and how particularly distinguished according to their several species. The division which he maketh of gems or stones is this. Division of stones or gems. Stones or gems are either 1. Small. or, 2. Great. Small ones are either 1. Rare. or, 2. Common. The Rare and excellent ones are either 1. Hard. or, 2. Soft. 1. The small hard ones are either 1. Fair. or, 2. of an evil Colour. The Fair ones, are either 1. wholly shadowed as the Turkey stone, and the Chameus. or, 2. partly shadowed, as the Sardonyx, the Astroites, the Leucosapphirus, and the Opalus. Again, the Fair ones are transparent either 1. with Colour. or, 2. without Colour. 1. The Fair ones transparent with Colour are the Jacinth, beryl, Ruby, Prassius, Rubicell, Chrysoprassus, Spinell, Granat, Amandine, Chrysolite, Ballast, Carbuncle, Saphire, Emerald, Gemma Solis, Almandine. 2. Fair ones transparent without Colour are Diamonds. The small hard stones, which are rare and precious though of an evil Colour, are these, the Pantarbe, Brontia, Umbria, Dracontia, Aetite, Lapis palumbellus, Chelidonius, and the Snake-stone, or Egg. Secondly, The precious, small, rare and soft stones are either 1. Fair. or, 2. of an evil Colour. 1. Fair; first in Colour, as the Pearl, Bezoar, Molochite. 2. In Figure, as the Oculus Cati, Glossopetra, Umbilicus Marinus, Lapis Judaicus and the Trochite. Secondly, The small, rare and soft stones of an evil Colour, are the Morochthus, and the Lapis Caymaus, Enorchis, Lapis Cevar, Lapis Manualis, Lapis Renalis, Lapis Porcinus, Lapis Anguium, Enhydros, Callimus, Lapis Malacensis, Lapis Manatus, Lapis Hystericus, Lapis Tuberonum, Lapis Bugolda, and the Toadstone. The small common stones are either 1. Hard. or, 2. Soft. Heard first, as the Bristol diamonds, or the Pseudo-diamond of Hungary. Or Soft secondly, as the Lapis fellis, Oculi Cancri, Lapis Spongiae, Lapis Limacis, Lapis Carpionum, and Lapis Percae. The Great stones are likewise 1. either Rare, Hard, Fair and shadowed. or, 2. Rare, Hard, Fair and transparent. 1. Of the first kind are the Porphyrite, Heliotrope, Smaragdite, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Coral, Ophyte, Cornu Ammonis. 2. Of the other kind are the Amethyst, Topaz, and the Smaragde-prassius, which do all partake of tincture or colour; and the Crystal, and the Bohemian Diamond, which are diaphanous without colour. Again, the rare hard stones are, 1. Some of them of an evil colour, as the Steatite, Eneost, Stalagmite, Onyx, Ceraunia, Basaltes, Smiris, Dactylus Ideus, Ossifragus, Stalactite, Lydius, Lapis Nephriticus, Bloodstone, Geodes, Loadstone, Hephestite, Hysterapetra. 2. Again, of the great and rare stones, some are 1. soft, and fair (1. either in colour, 2. or figure,) or 2. soft and evil coloured. In colour, first; as the Specularis, Alabaster, Amber, Lapis Armenus. In figure, secondly; as Amites, and Stellaris. Those that are soft and evil coloured, are the Asius, Samius, Ageratus, Melitites, Gagate, Porus, Schystus, Thyites, Amiantus, Galactites, Magargenteus, Hematite, Phrygius, Calamita Alba, Fungifer. Again, there are common great stones which are 1. either hard, fair, and beautiful; or, 2. hard, and evil coloured. First, the hard, fair, and beautiful stones of magnitude are the Marble. Secondly, common, hard, evil coloured stones, are the Whetstone, Pyrite, the common stone, the Flint. Soft stones of magnitude are Gypsum, Pumeise, Lythanthrax, Talcum, Scissilis. This is the general division of gems and stones, according to Boetius. Now of stones in particular, and of their general species. The first part of the Lapidary. Of Gems in particular. Of diaphanous and whole transparent Gems. CHAP. I. Of the Diamond. Description of the stone. THe true Diamond is a hard, diaphanous, perfectly transparent stone, which doth sparkle forth its glory much like the twinkling of a glorious star. The true Diamond is the hardest of all other stones, without colour, like unto pure water transparent: and if it have any yellowness or blackness, it is a fault in it. This property it hath, that it will snatch colour and apply it and unite it to itself; and thus will it cast forth at a great distance its lively shining rays, so that no other jewel can sparkle as it will. By this excellent emission of its rays or beams, or by this generous sparkling forth of its glory, do the most judicious Jewellers distinguish the true Diamond, from those of bastard kinds. Of its tincture or foil. THe tincture, foil, or colour for a true Diamond is thus made: R. pure mastic and a small quantity of ivory, burnt black, and finely powdered; mix it according to art, then distend a small portion of it, and fitly dispose of it for your foil or tincture. Of the adulteration of the Diamond. A True Diamond may be adulterated or counterfeited with a Saphire, or with an oriental Amethyst, or with a Topaz, or with a Chrysolite, and by all stones that are hard and transparent, and which may be deprived of colour. The colour of those gems which are fit for this use, may by the heat of fire be thus taken away: R. calx viva, and the filings of steel; bury the stone in them, or in either of them, then overwhelm them with a fire at some distance from them, that the stone by degrees may grow hot; then increase the fire, and the colour will vanish. Jewellers and judicious artists well know in what space of time, by the continuance of this great heat, any such excellent gems may be deprived of all their colour; which colour of the gemm, so soon as they do conceive it is vanished by the power of the heat, then do they extinguish the fire by degrees, till there be no more heat left. And if by this first operation it be not perfectly deprived of all its colour, than the same work must again be begun, and carried on as before by several degrees of heat: and if need be, it may be iterated: ever observing this, that as it must be heated by a gradual increase of the fire, so likewise by a gradual decrease of the heat the fire must be extinguished: Caution. for the over-sudden heating or over-sudden cooling of the stone may cause a crack in it, and so rob the stone of the glory of its beauty and value, and the artist of his hopes by frustrating him of his endeavours. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw a Topaz in this manner changed, (which is better than an other stone for this purpose because of its hardness) and it was in weight seven Ceratia, that is, twenty eight grains, which was valued at three hundred Florins, or Crowns. Of the names of it. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jahalom, that is, Adamas: as Exod. 28.18. it is the third stone of the second row of stones that was set in the Ephod. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cometh of the vetb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, domo, to tame; hence by the exposition of S. Hierome adamas doth signify indomitum. And well may it so do, for neither fire nor iron can destroy its glory, or lessen its virtue. In Arabic it is called Hagar subedhig, and Almatz. In ein Dhemuth, Demanth, and Adamant-stein, and Adamant. In Italian and Spanish Diamante. In French Diamant. Of the natives where it is found Iraa. In the Malayan language it is called Itam. The kinds of it. There are seven kinds of Diamonds. 1. An Indian one, which hath some affinity with Crystal. This is turbinated into an edge with a smoothness of six sides, and it is sometimes found in the bigness of a filbert; but this is not found growing in gold. 2. An Arabian one: this also doth not grow in gold: this is somewhat less, but like unto the former. Plin. cap. 4. lib. ult. Neither of these (saith Pliny) can be hurt by anvil and hammer, because of their irresistibility; for being smote they fly away unhurt. 3. A Chencrean one, which is found in the bigness of Millet seed. 4. A Macedonian one, which is found in gold like unto a cucumber seed. 5. A Cyprian one, inclining to an airy colour, very efficacious in Physic. 6. The sixth is called Sideritis, from the splendour of steel: it is of greater weight than the rest, but unlike in nature: This may be broken like the Cyprian one, and cut with an other Diamond. Plin. lib. 37. cap. 4. Of these we may read in Pliny. 7. The seventh kind are either round or six-cornered. Of these some are harder than others, and some softer. These have their names from the places in which they are found: hence some of them are called Bohemian one's, some Armenian one's, some English, Scottish, and Hungarian Diamonds. Of these kinds the cornered ones are the softest, and not much better than Crystal: The round ones are like unto flints, but fare harder, and these have the splendour of the oriental ones: But these, as saith Boetius, can no wise be taken for the true ones, because they do not receive into themselves the tincture. To these we may refer the Cyprian one's, and Macedonian ones. The oriental ones are distinguished from the place where they are found. Of the places where they are found. The places in which they are found are these. In Bisnager a Province of the East Indies there are two or three rocks which bring forth Diamonds, sometimes exceeding the weight of two drachmas a scruple and eight grains. In Decan a Province of India there is another rock which is called The old Rock: the Diamonds which are here found are called Diamonds of the old Rock: they are small, but very good, naturally polished, and of great price. In Tanian in Malacca there is a rock which bringeth forth Diamonds, which are also called Diamonds of the old Rock: these are small, but of great esteem, and more ponderous than the others. Monardus writeth, that he saw Diamonds in Bisnager that weighed 140 ceratia; and every ceratium is four grains. The greater ones are found in the lower part of the rock, the smaller ones in the upper part of the rock: when the upper part of the mine is exhausted, after two years, new Diamonds are brought forth and perfected; so saith Boetius. These are never found in Crystal, as Pliny thought. Of the properties, qualities, and faculties of the Diamond. A True Diamond is so fare from being hurt by being in the fire some days, that it will grow better for it, and the more fair. Pliny saith, that a true Diamond cannot be hurt by the force of hammer and anvil: other Diamonds experience teacheth us may be brought into broken pieces, and into a fine impalpable powder, by the frequent strokes of an hammer. The Ancients have had a very high esteem of this stone, Andrea's Baccius, c. 15. de Nat. gemmar. insomuch as they have thought it to be endued with divine virtues; and such, as that if it were but worn included in a ring, or carried about a body near his heart; it could assuage the fury of his enemies, and expel vain fears from his heart, preserve from swooning, drive away the vanity of dreams, and the terrors of the night, and frustrate all the malign contagious power of poisons. It is reported of it that it is endued with such a faculty, as that if it be in place with a Loadstone, it bindeth up all its power, and hindereth all its attractive virtue. If a true Diamond be put upon the head of a woman without her knowledge, it will make her in her sleep, if she be faithful to her husband, to cast herself into his embraces; but if she be an adulteress, to turn away from him. It hath been by the Ancients esteemed powerful for the driving away of Lemures, Incubos, and Succubos; and for the hindering of contentions, and to beget in men courage, magnanimity, and stout-heartednesse, as appeareth by Serapius, Serapius, l. agre. c. hagar. Subedhig. and by Evaces in his Lapidary. Rulandus, Cardanus, Garcias have all written very much concerning these virtues, to which Authors I refer the courteous Readers for their further satisfaction, till better opportunities shall give me leave to make a further discovery of what may be spoken concerning it. Of the dignities and value of it. IT is of esteem for that it hath been of sacred use; what was the sacred use of it may be read in the book of Exodus, Exod. 28.18. where we find it to be one of those excellent stones which was to have a place in one of those four rows of ouches of gold set in their several orders upon the breastplate of Judgement, upon the Ephod of the Highpriest. It is of esteem for its own irresistible hardness, and for the purity of its perfect glory, in which it doth excel all other gems of price, and stones of worth. A well polished Diamond without fault, of the weight of a pepper-corn, is worth ten Florins or Crowns, Boetius pag. 63. If a pointed Diamond be fitly fastened in any convenient thing that a man may hold it withal, he may not only cut glass with it, but also penetrate arms with it, as saith the same Author. There is a proverbial use of it, which is taken from its hardness, and applied either to animate or inanimate things: Statius lib. 1. Hesiod. l. 1. Horat. 1. & 3. carm. of this use we may read in Statius, hesiod, and Horace. A main use of it there is in the way of Symbols and Emblems: for by it is figured innocence, constancy, and fortitude. The forms into which most commonly it is cut, is a Tablet, which consisteth of one plain upper Table, and four latterall Tables, two of which are wont to be longer than the other two, that they may make the just proportion of the upper Table; and such a Tablet as this, Boetius saith, is of form most perfect: a Diamond thus cut weighing one Ceratium or four grains, is worth fifty Ducats or Crowns. Boetius pag. 64. They are also cut in Pyramidal forms, with Quadrangles, but these are of less value than the Tablets. The smallest of these best Diamonds are valued at very high prices, the biggest are of infinite value. Cardanus in his book de subtilitatibus, Cardan. de subtle. lib. 7. pag. 345. maketh mention of a Diamond that is at Antwerp, which wanteth one scruple of the weight of an ounce, and is valued at the worth of an hundred and fifty thousand Crowns. The shivers and dust of a good, perfect, true Diamond are of admirable virtue, and of very great worth, esteem and value: for by their hardness they do divide all gems: in the engravings of all other gems they are not only profitable but necessary; for precious stones have an excellent hardness joined with their glory, purity, and beauty, they will want the help of these, or they will not easily be either cut, graven, or polished. CHAP. II. Of the Carbuncle or Ruby. Description of the stone. THe Carbuncle is a precious stone or gem, which for its innate glory containeth within itself the resemblance of a flame of fire. The true Carbuncle or Ruby is a transparent jewel of the colour of pure vermilion or crimson; by how much the more fiery it doth appear in its extremity, so much the better it is; if it have any yellowness in it, it is of the kinds of Granates, or Hyacinths: from its excellent flame it is distinguished from other gems which have like representations and resemblances; a Carbuncle is nothing else but a great Rubine, and a great Rubine is thought worthy of the name of a Carbuncle; if a Rubine be found so big as that it may weigh twenty Ceratia, that is a drachma and a scruple, then may it worthily be called by the name of a Carbuncle. Ludovicus Vartomannus a Roman, reporteth that the king of Pege a city in India, had a Carbuncle of so great a magnitude and splendour, that by the clear light of it, he might in a dark place be seen, even as if the room or place had been illustrated by the sun beams. Of its tincture or foil. THis though it be a very glorious stone and of excellent beauty, yet a foil is used to it, as to all other gems of transparency & perspicuity. The foil is either made of tinctured Mastic, or of a died vitreous substance, or else a red gold foil is used about it. Of its Adulteration. IT may be adulterated by a Rubine of a very dilute redness, by putting a red gold foil tincture, or colour under it, or by putting some splendent glass died with a red colour under it; And thus without diligent caution it may be taken for a true jewel, and the rather because all are helped with a foil. Another way of its adulteration is by a white Saphire, or a Crystal, or a Topaz, or an ordinary Diamond, with a red gold foil placed under it, in its enclosing, either in ouch or ring. Another way they have of adulterating of it, and that is, by glewing two fair Crystals together with a little mastic tinctured with a red or crimson colour: In this manner I have seen two pieces of Crystal so glued together, as that they being once set with a foil, they could hardly be discerned from a true Ruby. The adulteration of this gemm may be thus discovered, First by the want of sparkling and sending forth of lively rays. Then by bringing the gemm to the trial of the file. A true Ruby will endure the file; but a factitious stone, or a soft counterfeited adulterated stone will not. Another way of discerning the falsehood will be this: take the jewel you suspect, and direct your eye from the verge or margin of its enclosure, through the gemm unto the opposite side of its enclosure; and if it consist of two parts with a tinctured foil betwixt, you will easily perceive the upper part to be void of colour, from whence you may gather that it doth receive its glory from the foil. Such Artificial angles and corners will jewellers cut and excavate in the bottom of soft transparent stones (as I have seen) that by the manifold reflection of these lower superficies, into every part of the uppermost superficies of the jewel, a skilful jeweller shall hardly perceive their craft. There is an adulteration of the Ruby with boiled orpement, but these are fit for nothing else but statues, of this mention is made in Baptista Porta in his Magia. lib. de gem. Of its Names. IN Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Barakath, that is, Carbunculus, vel Pyropus, the Hebrew word cometh of the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 barak, which signifieth fulgurare, and indeed this stone doth cast forth the glory of its splendour and its sparklings like lightning. Of the Greeks it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the splendour which it hath in its self like unto a fire-coal: hence also in Latin it is called Carbunculus: it is also called Pyropus, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth fire, and Apyrausta, quod ignem sentire non videatur. In Latin, Carbunculus. In German, ein Rubin. In Italian, Un Rubino, Carbunculo. In French, escar boucle. In Spanish, el carvoncol piedra. In English, Carbuncle. The kinds of it. THere are divers kinds of it as the Rubine, Granat, Almandine, Red Hyacinth, which all are to be showed in order as followeth. Of the places wherein they are found. THe best of these are found in the Isleland called Zeilan, some small ones are found in Coria, Calcutta, Cambaya, Bisnager; there are excellent ones found in the River Pegu, the inhabitants there try them with their mouths and tongues: the colder and harder they are, the better they are; they grow in a certain stony matrix of a rosy colour, which if it be transparent is called Balassium Rubinum; Hoc est, Pallatium. for the most part it is found in the same mine where the Saphire is found: and according to the variety of its nourishment it is found of a mixed colour. Boetius saith that Rodolphus the second the Emperor had one of the bigness of a small hen's egg. Anselm. Boetius. p. 72. Of its properties. THis gemm which Aristotle calleth Gnomonem, Sigillum, and Gemmarum regulam, if it be great and very excellent, it doth emulate the bright shining of a flame of fire. It is of so great lustre and of so excellent a splendour, that S. Epiphanius saith of it that if it be worn, whatever garments it be covered withal it cannot be hid; this speaketh Andrea's Baccius of S. Epiphanius in his book de natura gemmarum, in the chapter of the Carbuncle. It is reported of it by Baccius, Boetius, and others, that if it be worn in an Amulet, or drunk, it is good against poison, and against the plague, and to drive away sadness, evil thoughts, terrible dreams, and evil spirits. It is also said of it, that it cheereth the mind, and keepeth the body in safety, and that if any danger be towards it, it will grow black and obscure, and that being passed, return to its former colour again. Of its value and dignity. THis is a gem that in former times hath been esteemed of very great worth and value for its sacred use, in that it was commanded of God to be set in the ouches of the Breastplate of Judgement, as Exod. 28.17. If it weigh two scruples which is the greatest, (for seldom any of the excellent ones are found of greater magnitude than a filbert) because of its grateful colour with which it feedeth the sight; and because of those glorious beams which it seemeth to dart forth of itself, it is esteemed of as great worth as the most excellent Diamond. If it be found in the weight of four Ceratia, that is, of sixteen grains, it is of the same value with a Diamond which weigheth so many Ceratia. The round ones which are of no exact form, are of the least value. Those that are so big that they may be brought into Tablets, are of the greatest value; according to the value and worth of the best Diamonds, so are these to be esteemed and valued, if of equal proportion and weight. CHAP. III. Of the Balassius or Palatius. Description of the stone. THe Balasse or Palatius is a stone of a more dilute redness and fierynesse than the Carbuncle: it is a stone which Martinius Rulandus saith flameth with a purple or rosy colour. It is called Balassius or rather Palatius, because it is the matrix, domicile, or palace in which the Carbuncle or true Ruby is begotten, and resideth; it is of a much paler and a more dilute colour then the true Ruby, but of sufficient splendour, and very grateful to the eye. It is often found in veins of Saphire, by the ceruleous tincture of which, its redness is diluted and tempered. As concerning the manner of the formation, and nutrition, and augmentation of precious stones, Baccius thus speaketh. Every gemm, saith he, hath a matrix form out of some stone or other, in which matrix, by the distilling of a certain nutritive juice it is nourished, even as is the infant sanguine materno, in the mother's womb; after this manner is the Carbuncle or Rubine generated, nourished, and augmented in the gemm Palatius as in its matrix. Aelianus in lib. 8. the hist. animal. saith, History. that one of these stones was the grateful reward that a stork presented Heraclis withal for curing her fractured thigh: The Stork flying in a dark night by a place where one of these stones lay flaming like a lamp, took it up and brought it to the woman Heraclis and cast it into her bosom as a token of the acknowledgement of that favour which it had received from her in the cure of its harm. The foils of it. THe foils that are used for the help of this, are such as must have respect to the diluted colour wherewith it is tinctured. The adulterations of this stone are like those of the Ruby. The place. THe place in which it is found is the same with those. The kinds of it. THere are divers kinds of it, some as perfect as Rubies; and there are some of them called Rubies of the old rock, but they have the colour of Rubasses. Some of these stones are inclining to the colour of a Hyacinth, and it is not yet determined whether they be Spinels or no: expert jewellers do not take them for Spinels, but for Rubasses, or Rubicels, or Hyacinths, yet some of them are so good, as that they are compared to Spinels, and sold for them. Of its virtues and properties. THe Balassius or Pallatius, is supposed to be of like virtue with the true Ruby, but of a more remiss power. Boetius reporteth of it, that it doth restrain fury, wrath, and lust. Rulandus reporteth this of it, as a wonderful thing; that if the four corners of a house, arbour, or vineyard be covered with this stone, it will preserve it from lightning, tempests, and worms. Of its worth and value. IT is of much less value than the Ruby. Linshortanus saith, that one of the weight of one Ceratium, or of four grains, is worth ten ducats. A Spinel of the old rock, of the weight of one Ceratium, or four grains, cut into a tablet, is worth half so much as a Diamond of the same weight: if in its own glory and rosy lustre it be found, and free from blemishes. CHAP. IU. Of the Rubaces and Rubacells. IT is doubted whether the Rubaces and Rubacells belong to the Spinels or Hyacinths, for they seem to have a mixed colour of both. The Bohemian Granats are very like, and they are tried by the fire whether they be Granats or no. They will endure the fire without any loss of colour, and with little or no harm; but the other will lose their colour, and so change, that you shall not know whether they be Granats or no, and for the most part they have in their extremities a yellowish colour with them. Their value. If they be without any fault, they are not above half so much in value as the Balasses. CHAP. V Of Granats. THe Granats are kinds of Carbuncles: It is a pellucide, red, precious gemm, like unto the flowers of Pomegranates, of a rosy colour, somewhat darker and more obscure than a Carbuncle. Boetius saith that it looketh like a flame of fire, or like unto pure vermilion. It's tincture or foil. The foils for the help of these, by which they are made quick, vivid, and lively, are small reddish bracteae, or silver foils tinctured with a crimson, which being substrated, and fitly and aptly placed in the enclosure under the gem, stir up in it a certain cheerful discovery of lustre. Of its adulteration. Impostors have many frauds and deceits for the adulterating of this gem; which frauds and deceits in the adulteration, together with the great difference of its several species, make this gem, saith Andrea's Baccius, of greater difficulty than any other to be known. So will impostors adulterate this gem with their bracteae and crimson foils, as that it is not an easy thing to discover a true Granate from their spurious Rubine. They have a way also of calcining Orpment with a slow fire in any convenient vessel, or a vessel called Carafetta, till such time as the vessel seemeth to be covered with certain red drops, like Rubies. Of its names. It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Adem, that is, Rubinus, as Ezek. 28.13. the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Puk, is also taken sometimes for the Rubine: but that which for the most part Interpreters do interpret it to be, is Stibium, or gemma Antimonii, which indeed in colour hath some resemblance with the Rubine. In Latin it is called Granatus, Rubinus, and Granetus'. In Dutch Granatlin, and ein Granat. In English a Granate or Rubine. In Italian Rubino de Rocha, and Granato. Of it kinds. There are three kinds of it; the best of which is tinctured with the excellent redness of a Pomegranate flower. The second hath a redness inclining to the colour of a Jacinth. The third kind is red, tending to a violet colour, which by the Italians is esteemed the most perfect of all others, and hence they call it Rubinum de Rocha. Pliny's history concerning the Ethiopians ways of recovering the glory of these stones. Pliny relateth of the Ethiopians that they have a way of quickening obscure and dull Rubines, so as that they will make them to discover their splendour and nitour for fourteen months together, even like a flaming coal; and that is by macerating of them for fourteen days in vinegar: But by this means, though their glory be increased for a time, they are made softer, and more subject to a brittle and fragile condition. The places where they are found. They are brought from India, Calcutta, Cananor, Cambaia, from Balaguar, and from Ethiopia, and Bohemia. Of its properties. Andr. Baccius, cap. 6. de nat. Gem. S. Hieroms opinion concerning this is, that it doth illuminate the heart to contemplate true and divine things. It's declining from glory to obscurity, doth prognosticate some misfortune; as appeareth by this which Andreas Baccius speaketh of a Rubine of his enclosed in a gold ring. On the fifth of December 1600, History. he was travelling with his wife Catharina Adelmania to Studgard, and in his travel he observed his Rubine to change its glory into obscurity, whereupon he told his wife, and prognosticated that evil thereupon would ensue either to himself, or her, which accordingly did: for not many days after his wife was taken with a mortal disease, and died: after which he saith his Rubine of its own accord did again recover its former lustre, glory, beauty, and splendour. The value, dignity, and worth of them. The Bohemian one's are worth twenty shillings a piece: and if they be found bigger than ordinary, the price of them is increased. It is reported of Rodolphus the Emperor, that he had one of the bigness of a filbert. The best oriental ones of the weight of four grains, are worth two crowns; and by how many times soever they are found to be double in weight, so many times double will their value and worth amount, and raise their price; as if they weigh eight grains, they are worth four crowns, and so proportionably according to their greater weight, great will be the increase of their value and worth, but with this proviso, that their colour for their glory, be always the perfect colour of a Rubine: for it is the pure excellency of its colour and tincture that determineth its price. The Rubine de la ' Rocha, is of the same price with the Spinels. CHAP. VI Of the Almandine. Description of the stone. THe Almandine is betwixt a Granate and a Rubine: so that the Rubines seem to be tinctured with a more black colour; they are of less value than Rubines, and of less esteem, and of less virtues. In times past they were called Alabandicks. They are of the value of oriental Granats. These are those stones that Pliny calleth Troezenii. They are red, with divers colours severed with white spots. This jewel is known to very few, and therefore scarce of any price. CHAP. VII. Of the Hyacinth. Description of the stone. THe Jacinth or Hyacinth is a stone (as saith Boetius and Rulandus) which is red, with a certain yellowness, or rufescit in auro, that is, it is red in a yellow. It doth resemble a flame of fire, and may be referred to the kinds of Carbuncles. This appeareth to be a true discovery of the perfect Jacinth, by this testimony of holy Writ, which describing the breastplates of the Locusts or horsemen which destroyed the third part of men, doth in plain terms say, that their breastplates were of fire, of Jacinth, of brimstone, which in colour are all one and the same. Rev. 9.17. Pliny saith that these are seldom found bigger than a pease. Boetius saith that he saw one a great deal bigger, of a very excellent lustre. Wurtzung in his second table of his general practice, saith, that the Jacinth is a precious stone of a light violet colour, and this he saith from Pliny, who maketh the Jacinth to be like the Amethyst. Of its foil or tincture. The foil or tincture of this may be either of leaf gold, or silver fitly tinctured, and aptly placed to commend its lustre. Of its adulteration. Impostors do adulterate it by a kind of glass made of lead; but this will be easily known upon trial with a true Jacinth: for it will be softer and lighter than the true jewel is. But of so low a price are ordinary Jacinths, that very few will attempt the adulterating of this jewel. Of its names. It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Techeleth, as Exod. 26.36. it doth appear, where the hang for the door of the tent, are commanded to be made of the colour of a Hyacinth, as there it doth appear by the translation of the Hebrew word Techeleth, Hyacinthinum. In Greek this stone is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin Hyacinthus, in English both Hyacinth and Jacinth, in Dutch ein Hyacinth, and ein brennender Jacinth; in French Jacinth la ' belle. Of its kinds. Albertus Magnus maketh two kinds of it, one kind which doth albescere in flavo, or which is white in a yellow; the other kind which doth aquescere in rubeo, or appeareth waterish in a red. Boetius speaketh of these kinds of it: 1. There are some that flame like fire, or are like in colour to crimson, or to natural Vermilion, these the French jewellers call Jacincte la ' belle. These they esteem the best, and they may be referred to the kinds of Carbuncles. 2. Such as are like to Stibium, with a yellow red colour. 3. Others which are like unto Amber, so that they can hardly be distinguished from it, but by their hardness. Such an one Anselmus Boetius saith he had. These are of no great value, by reason of the atoms which they do contain, and the multiplicity of small bodies which are in them, which do hinder their transparency and diaphanity. Card. de subtle. l. 7. pag. 339. One of these Cardanus saith he was wont to wear about him, to the intent of procuring sleep; to which purpose he saith it did seem somewhat to confer, but not much. This hath been by some taken for the Amber: but Boetius saith, that he thinketh these rather to be the Lyncurius of the Ancients, then Succinum or Amber: for saith he, it is scarce credible that the Ancients should take Succinum, a thing so subject to the injuries of the fire, by reason of its softness, for a precious stone. 4. There is a fourth kind which have no redness at all in them, which are like to white pellucid Amber, and these are of least value. Those stones which Pliny called the Hyacinth, are in these days taken for kinds of Amethysts; as now also the Amethyst of the Ancients is called a Granate. Martinus Rulandus maketh five kinds of it: 1. Hyacinthus qui in auro rufescit. 2. Hyacinthus aurei coloris. 3. Hyacinthus ad Electri colorem declinans. 4. Hyacinthus scaber. and 5. Hyacinthus adulterinus, factitius, tincturâ adhibitâ. Of the places where they are found. They are found in Ethiopia, India, Arabia. The Arabs make three kinds of it; as 1. Rubri coloris. 2. Citrini coloris. 3. Antimonii coloris. The worst of the kinds is found in the river Isera, which is upon the confines of Silesia, and Bohemia. The best and most excellent ones are brought from Cananor, Calcutta, and Cambaia. Of its properties. It is of a cold and dry nature, saith Renodeus, in lib. de re Medica. Cardanus in his book de lapidibus pretiosis, saith, that it is endued with a power and faculty of procuring sleep, of cheering the heart, of driving away plagues, of securing from thunder, and of increasing riches, honour, and wisdom, etc. being worn in a ring on the finger, or about the neck as an amulet. The last kinds are of no great value. Of the dignities and value. The first, second, and third of these kinds of Jacinths are of great value, worth, and dignity; because they have been of sacred use, as appeareth by the twenty eighth chapter of Exodus, and because many things by them are discovered to us in holy writ, as appeareth in the book of the Revelations, chap. 9 and chap. 21. The fourth kind, by reason of the many atoms and small bodies which they do contain, though they be big enough for sculpture and engraving, yet are of little value, and will scarce quit the cost of engraving; whereas the glory and lustre of the other, together with the sacred use which hath been made of them, make them of great value, high price, and much worth. CHAP. VIII. Of the Amethyst. Description of the stone. THe Amethyst is a gemm of a peach-bloom colour: which pleasing delightful colour, proceedeth from a mixture of red and blue, which is a dilute dark colour. Pliny sporting in his natural History about this stone, saith that it doth draw nigh to the colour of wine, but it durst not taste it, that is, it taketh but very little of it: for before it doth throughly relish it, its glory doth end in a very delightful pleasing sparkling violet colour: the most excellent of them have in them a glorious fiery brightness, which doth most excellently and pleasingly dart its self forth (as I have observed in one which I was once master of) through the transparent cloud of a sky colour; from the mixture of its redness, brightness, or fiery splendour with this sky colour, ariseth all the glorious delight of its pleasing tincture. Of its foil or tincture. It's foil is a foil of mastic, or a silver foil dilutely tinctured, and then fitly substrate under the gemm, in either ouch or ring. Of its adulteration. The excellent Amethysts are of very high value, and of great worth and dignity, comparable to oriental Diamonds of the same proportion, weight, or bigness; and therefore no doubt need to be made of it, but that impostors will very much study and labour to counterfeit and adulterate this stone. Some will adulterate it with a violet colour mixed with mastic, or with a foil thus tinctured, & placed betwixt two Crystals, or betwixt two of any other transparent, perspicuous, diaphanous stones. Of its names. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ahlamah, as Exod. 28.19. It is called Ahlamah, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 somniare, because it is said inducere somnia gestantibus; as Rabbi Aben Ezra doth write of it: and in the Caldean tongue Enegla. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quasi ebrietatem arceret, as if it had a power and faculty of driving away drunkenness. In Latin, it is called Amethystus. In English, Amethyst. In Dutch, ein Amethyst. Divers other names it hath from the places in which it is found. Of its kinds. There are divers kinds of it: the best of which, are those that have a rosy colour shining in a purple. These are glorious as a Carbuncle, in respect of their beauty, and of their excellent hardness, and because they being thus hard, may be converted into a Diamond of the greatest value, and as truly worth esteem, and high price, being of equal bigness, as the best oriental Diamond in the whole world. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these oriental Amethysts so converted into an excellent Diamond, as that it being set in a gold ring it was comparable without any difference, to a Diamond which he saw that was sold for 18000 Aureos or crowns: it being of the same bigness and form, and after the same manner enclosed in a gold ring. The waters (which it hath that are very like to those of the Diamond) as the jewellers call them, which it doth cast forth of itself in pleasing rays and glorious sparkles, maketh this stone to be of so great value, and of so incomparable esteem and worth, as is the best oriental Diamond of the same bigness, weight and form. The way that jewellers have to whiten these excellent gems, is the same with that of the Saphire. 1. The best kind is called an Indian one. 2. Kind the Indians call Socodion. 3. Kind which is more dilute, is called Sapinor and Paranitor. 4. Kind is of the colour of wine. 5. Kind have some vicinity with Crystal, some of which are called Pederotas, others Anterotas. Martinus Rulandus reckoneth six kinds of Amethysts. 1. One kind which is found in the mine of Undehenstein, and is called in Dutch, ein Misinscher Amethyst, der in bergen bright. 2. A Misnian, one which is found in the river of Misnia near Stolpen, and in the river Trebisa near Mizzen. 3. Bohemian ones, which are found in the mountains of Bohemia. 4. A fourth kind which descendeth to the form of Crystal. 5. A kind which is distinguished with Crystal lines. 6. And a sixth kind of a Quadrangular and sexangular form. Of the places where it is found. It is found in India, Arabia, Armenia, Aethiopia, in Galatia, Thaso, and Cyprus. The oriental ones are the best of all others. There are also Amethysts found in Germany, in Bohemia, in Misnia, also in Wolkenstein, and Hohenstein very fair ones, but soft like Crystal; and therefore not of so great worth, value, and esteem as the others which are oriental ones. Of its properties. It is reported to be good to drive away ebriety, which the etymology of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth also seem to import. Aristotle saith of it, that it being applied to the navel, or worn about the navel, it will hinder the ascension of vapours: the reason of it he giveth to be this, viz. That it draweth the vapours to itself and doth then discuss them. Andrea's Baccius in his eleventh chapter de Natura gemmarum saith, that it sharpeneth the wit, and diminisheth sleep; and that it is also thought good for the resisting of poison. With those that have a vicinity with Crystal, the Turkish women are wont to adorn themselves, they being first polished at Venice, and brought thence to them to Constantinople. Of its dignity, worth and value. It is of great esteem and dignity. First, because it hath been of sacred use; This was one of the stones of the breastplate of Judgement, as appeareth Exod. chap. 28. Secondly, as in the book of the Revelations, some of the glory of the foundations of the walls of the new Jerusalem is discovered to us by it, Rev. 21. Thirdly, as it is of excellent glory and beauty in itself, and so very delightful to the eye. The oriental one's, if they be hard without clouds and blemishes, though they weigh but four grains a piece, they are worth many pounds a piece; and as oft as these are double in weight, so oft is their price to be doubled: others are not so valuable. The best are worth as much as the best oriental Diamond of the same weight. CHAP. IX. Of the Margarites and Unions, or Pearl. Description of the stone THe Margarite or Union is nothing else but the excellent geniture of a shellfish called Margaritifer, congealed into a very fair, transparent, diaphanous, beautiful stone, which is the partus and birth of this fish. As concerning their original and conception, there is some difference amongst Authors, as betwixt Pliny and Anselmus Boetius, and betwixt them and Cardanus. Pliny saith that they are conceived in oysters of a certain maritime dew which these fish (and so likewise Scallops) do at time of the year much thirst after; and according as the heavens are more cloudy or clear in the time of their taking in of this dew, so they are generated, more fair, or more obscure, as may be read in his book, where he speaketh of the nature of those Pearls which are called Unions, and of the shellfish in which they are found; as lib. 9 c. 28. But this opinion of Pliny concerning their conception, is by Anselmus Boetius thought not to be consentaneous to the truth; for saith he, I have taken out of these shellfish many Margarites, and they are generated in the body of the creature, of the same humour of which the shell is form; which viscuous humour is expelled sometimes, not always, for the fabric of another shell: for when ever this little creature is sick or ill, and hath not strength enough to belch up, or to expel this humour which sticketh in its body, it becometh the rudiments or beginnings of Margarites; to which, new humour being often added and assimulated into the nature of Margarites, of this new addition of humour, by concretion and congelation, is begotten a new film or skin to the first rudiments of Margarites, of which at length by further additions of humour, is generated an Union or Pearl: even as stones are generated in the gall, or bladder of a man, and after the same manner that the Bezoar stone is generated in the Indian Goat. Cardanus lib. 7. de lapidibus saith, it is a fabulous thing that Pearls should be generated of the dew of heaven, seeing that the shell-fish in which they are conceived, have their residence in the very bottom of the depths of the sea. That which is reported of them that they are soft in the waters, and grow hard like Coral as soon as they are taken out of it, is not true, saith Boetius p. 84. Of its Adulteration. Unions are so much the more esteemed, because they cannot easily be adulterated. There are factitious jewels made of double glass which being set in gold, jewellers cannot discern from Pearl, except they take them out. Some will adulterate them with the powder of the shell of the Margarite; and others with chalk covered over with leaves of silver, and then anointed with the white of an egg. Some adulterate them with the powder of Margarites, mixed with the white of an egg, and dried, and then polished, but these will easily be discovered from the true by the weight and colour. Of its Names. The Union is in Hebrew called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Job 28.28. and so the word Gabish is interpreted by Rabbi Levi Gerson. It is also taken for Margarita. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is by some taken for Margaritae, but in the Proverbs it is interpreted by Junius, Carbunculi; as Proverbs 8.11. If they be great, they are called Unions, because they are then found single in a shell. If they be small, they are called Margarites, many of which may be found in one shell together. In Greek, they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin, the great Pearls are called Uniones, and Margaritae simpliciter: Lucian calleth the Pearl, Lapis Erythreus: Arrianus, Lapis Indicus: Statius, Erythreus lapillus: Virgil, bacca & bacca Conchea: Pliny, Unio: Cicero, Margarita: S. Jerome, Granum Maris Rubri: and others call it Perla. The Germans call it Perlin. In Italian, Pearl. In Arabic and Persian, Lulu. The Indians call them Moti. In Malavar it is called Mutu. The Lusitanians call it Aliofar, which in Arabic soundeth as much as the Lulfar, that is, portus in mare Persico, where the most excellent Pearls are generated. Of the Kind's of Pearl. The kinds of Pearl are no otherwise distinguished, but either first from their greatness, or littleness; that is, either as they are Unions, or as they are Margarits, or seed Pearl: or secondly, as they are of excellent beauty, purity, and glory; or cloudy, reddish, and so less beautiful. The Places. The best are found in the Persian Gulf, betwixt the island of Ormus and the Bassoram, that is, about Baroyn, Catyfa, Julfa, and Camaron, and are thence brought into the Island of Ormus. For the excellent beauty of these it may very well be said of them, that If all the world were but one ring, Ormus should the Union bring. They are also found betwixt the Promontory of Comorin and the island of Zeilan; but these are not to be compared with the Persian one's. There are of them in the island of Taprobane, now called Sumatra. Betwixt the greater Javan and India there are very many. In Palane and Caralco a Promontory of India, there are many, but very small. In Borneo and Ainon here are great ones. The Occidental ones are of a milkish colour, and of a silver-like splendour, and therefore not so commendable as the Oriental ones. It is reported by some, that by how much in the more deep seas the shellfish reside, so much the less Margarits they do produce. The Indians call the lighter, candid, or splendid shellfish Cheripo, which is a kind of Oyster, of which they do make spoons and little cups. These little fishes do generate excellent Margarites or seed Pearl. There are others which they call Chanquo, the shells of these are the mother of Pearl: These generate not so fair pearl as the other; because their shells are very smooth and fair within, they are used to adorn tables and other things with them. These are brought to Bengala for bracelets and other uses. The custom there was, to have the virgin's arms adorned with bracelets of this kind, lest they should be corrupted. They are also found in many places of Europe; As in Scotland and Ireland there have been very excellent ones found in Scallops, and common oysters; And in Silesia, Frisia, and Bohemia. About the Promontory of Comorin, they are found of the weight of an hundred grains of wheat. And near the Island of Borneo in the weight of 160 corns of wheat, though not so fair as the other. It is reported of Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, that she drank one dissolved at a supper, of which draught she boasted, that she had a more costly supper then ever Antonius had: The value of which draught must then amount (according to the computation of Budeus) to an hundred and fifty thousand aureos; Thus much did one supper of Antonius stand in, as Pliny, lib. 9 c. 35. and Macrob. 3. Saturnal. c. 27. The same Budeus doth commemorate an Union of the bigness of a filbert, which was bought in France for three thousand aureos, and another for four thousand. Of its properties. Solinus c. 56. Serap. lib. aggreg. c. Hager. Albalo; say that these stones are cold and dry in the second degree; and that they are good against Syncopes, and cardiacal passions, that they do comfort the spirits, stop fluxes of blood, cure Lienteries, and Diarrheas, and that they are good for the sight: The same say Cardanus, Rulandus, and Baccius in their books de Gemmis. Of their dignity and value. They are of great worth for their sacred use. S. Augustine in his explication of the Psalms, speaking of the twelve stones mentioned in the book of the Revelations (Revel. 21.21.) and of the gates of the New Jerusalem which were every one of one pearl, saith, that the twelve Apostles are signified by the twelve stones; and Christ, the spotless lamb, by the pearls. Their own glory, beauty, and excellency amount their worth: If they be of the weight of four grains a piece, fair, and round, they are worth three crowns a piece, Boetius p. 88 So according to their bigness, weight, roundness, and fairness, their price is raised, doubled, and trebled. CHAP. X, Of the Saphire. Description of the stone. THe Saphire is a transparent stone, of a skye-colour, precious, and very delightful to the eye. The herb Pilosella or Mouse-eare in its flower, and the herb Scorpoides in its flower, have some resemblance of its beauty. Card. de lap. lib. 7. Cardanus maketh this stone to be the fifth in order of the most noble gems, in his book de subtilitatibus; where he likewise saith, that it is a stone of an excellent hardness, of a ceruleous colour, and if not dilute or vicious, very pleasing to the eye; in so much as he saith, that nothing doth so much recreate the sight, as the smaragd and the Saphire. Of its foil or tincture. The foil for this is either a silver foil tinctured for this purpose; or thin glass or icthyocolla, that is, yseing-glasse, brought into the form of a very thin foil, and then being tinctured accordingly, it is placed in the enclosure under this gem to set off its beauty. Of its adulteration. Impostors are wont to adulterate it with two Bohemian Diamonds, and a thin sky-coloured glass betwixt them: and sometimes after this manner; R. two drachms of Zaphura, or of lapis Lazuli, put it to a pound of the glassy substance which is made of Crystal and Flint-stones; and they being melted together in a strong calcining pot, stir them well with an iron hook; then take out a little of this molten substance, and see whether it doth not want more of the Zaphurae or lapidis Lazuli; or whether there be any need to add more of the glassy substance: If there be no need of either of them, but that it hath its perfect colour, then let it be set into a furnace of fire for six hours, and afterwards take forth the mass, and let it be well polished; and if this lump be well ordered, this factitious gem will hardly be distinguished from a true Saphire. But these factitious gems are usually full of little bubbles and atoms, by reason of the inequality of the fire working upon the matter; and thus may they be distinguished from the true Saphires. Of its names. The Saphire is known almost to all nations by this one name Sapphirus. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as Exod. 28.18. and not only in Hebrew, but in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in Latin it is called Sapphirus; in English Saphire; and in German ein Saphire; in Italian Zaffiro; in French Sapphyr; in Spanish el Zuffir piedrá pretiosa; in Indian language and Arabic Nilaa; and from the place where it groweth Podia. Marbodeus doth call it Syrtites. Of its kinds. There are four kinds of Saphires spoken of by some writers. The first of which is the best. Of all others of the kinds this doth only truly deserve the name of a Saphire to distinguish this from all other Saphires it is called Sapphirus caeruleus: Dionysius Afer calleth it for this purpose Cyaneus Sapphirus, as saith Wurtzung, in 2, tab. of his general practice of Physic. The best Saphire Andreas Baccius (lib. de nat. gem. c. 7.) doth thus describe; If it have an excellent tenor in itself, that is, if it be neither too obtuse or dull, by reason of the grossness of that Succus, juice, or nourishment of which it was generated; nor too much dejected with a propense perspicuity; but doth pleasantly discover from itself, by reason of the mixture of light and purple, the delightful flower of a skye-colour. This is the excellent Saphire, which in the order of noble gems Cardanus doth rank in the fifth place. 2. The second kind declineth from the blue to a green, and is in Greek called Prasitis, and Sapphirus Prassitis, and Sapphirus viridis, Wurtz. tab. 2. gener. pract. by this name it is known to the Druggist's. 3. The third kind declineth from the blue to the yellow, and is called in Greek Chrysitis, and Sapphirus Chrysitis. The Simplicists do call it Sapphirus Aureus: In English this is called the yellow Saphire. This is a gem that doth shine with golden specks and spots, as saith Dioscorides, and Pliny lib. 37. c. 9 4. The fourth kind is between blue and white, it is in colour like skimmed milk, very perspicuous and clear; and this is that gemm which is called Sapphirus candidus, or the white Saphire. These are many times substituted for Diamonds: and they are called the female Saphires, the other the male. That stone which Pliny doth in some place call the Saphire, is the Cyanus or Lapis Lazuli. The places. They are found in Calcutta, Cananor, and in the kingdom of Bisnager; in Zeilan, in the kingdom of Pegu, and in the Eastern countries': there are also of these stones found in the Western Countries, as in Bohemia; and very good ones in Silesia: in these parts there are of these stones found very transparent, but soft, of a milkish colour mixed with a blue, and they are called Leucosaphirus, these are subject to many harms. The best are so hard that they cannot be filled, the colour of these Saphires may so be taken away, as that they may be converted into a very excellent Diamond. Of its faculties and properties. The Saphire is of a cold and dry faculty, even as are most precious stones: it is reported of it, that it is good against feverish distempers, hence this old distich. Corporis ardorem refrigerat interiorem Sapphirus, & Cypriae languida vota facit. The best of these are very comfortable to the eyes, if they be often looked one. It is reported of it, that if it be worn by an adulterer, by losing its splendour it will discover his adultery: and that the wearing of it, doth hinder the erections that are caused by Venus. But surely, as either lustful thoughts, or this wicked spirit Asmodeus moving them, or stirring up such disorders and irregularities without them, in the body, are the causes of such undue erections of the flesh: so when he withdraweth himself, this stone hath power to hinder them, and not before. Many have written of the faculties of this stone; as Galen, Dioscorides, Cardanus, Garcias, and Macer the Poet, lib. 5. c. 5. It is reported of it, that it is of so contrary a nature to poisons, that if it be put into a glass with a Spider, or laid upon the mouth of the glass where the Spider is, the Spider will quickly die. And that it keepeth men chaste, and therefore is worn of Priests. Anselmus Boetius saith, that S. Jerome affirmeth in his exposition of the 19 chap. of Isaiah, that the Saphire being worn of any man, procureth him favour with Princes, and with all men; pacifieth his enemies, freeth him from enchantments, and from bonds, and imprisonments, and that it looseth men out of prison, and assuageth the wrath of God. (Anselmus Boetius p. 49.) Of its dignity and value. For its sacred use it hath been esteemed of great worth, as Exod. 28.18. And for its superstitions, take this caution, use it with much circumspection. Amongst the Ancients, and with the Heathen, this gemm hath been of very great authority, because they thought it did not a little prevail with God. * Andr. Bacc. cap. 7. de gem. nat. The Gentiles consecrated this gemm to Apollo, because in their inquiries at his oracle, Vide Andrae. Bacc. c. 7. de Nat. Gem. if they had the presence of this gemm with them, they imagined they had their answer the sooner. It is desired of many for its excellent beauty; for it is fair like unto a serene sky: No better a description of its excellent beauty can you find, then that which is given of it, Exodus 24.9, 10. Where it is spoken after the manner of men (not as if the children of Israel saw any appearance of God in the form of man) That the children of Israel saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet, as it were a paved work of Saphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness. This stone is valued according to the excellency of its colour, beauty, purity, and greatness: one of the weight of four grains is worth many crowns. The best of these are as much worth as a Diamond of the same bigness. CHAP. XI. Of the Opalus. Description of the stone. THe Opalus is a precious stone which hath in it the bright fiery flame of a Carbuncle, the pure refulgent purple of an Amethyst, and a whole sea of the Emeralds spring glory, or virescency, and every one of them shining with an incredible mixture, and very much pleasure: so that this cannot easily be counterfeited or adulterated as other jewels may. Boetius saith of it, that it is the fairest and most pleasing of all other jewels, by reason of its various colours. Cardanus saith that he bought one for 15 crowns, Cardan. de Subt. l. 7. that he took as much pleasure in, as he could do in a Diamond of 500 aureos. In many of these stones do appear Skie-colour, Purple, Green, Yellow, Red, and sometimes a Black and White or Milkish colour: but we must not think that all these colours are severally in the jewel, for break but the Opalus, and all the variety of colours do perish; by which it doth appear that the variety of colours in the Opalus, ariseth from the reflection of one or more colours; as sometimes is seen in the Rainbow, and may be experienced in a triangular Crystal, where the alone reflection of the light upon the angles, or corners of the Crystal, do in the Crystal produce various colours, which otherwise is diaphanous, perfectly transparent, clear, and without colour. Of its foil or tincture. Though the gemm be a transparent gemm, yet there can be no foil for the setting of it off, for the variety of colours in the foil, would cause a confusion in the various colours of the Opalus. Of its adulteration. Though a foil can hardly be useful in the setting off of the true jewel; yet by other stones it cannot be counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated, but by the help of a foil; Impostors can adulterate it with a double glass tinctured, or coloured, or with a convenient tinctured foil betwixt them, or with two Crystals, or other diaphanous stones joined together with a convenient foil. Baptista Porta saith, that if the Calx of tin be cast into molten Crystal glass, it will cloud it, and colour it like an Opalus. Quercitanus saith, that the spirit of Nitrum will colour a glass alembick with variety of colours, like unto an Opalus; as appeareth by his book called Priscorum Philosophorum vera medicina. Of its names. It is known of jewellers that are most expert, by the name of Opalus. In English it is so called. The Italians call it Girasole and Scambaia. The kinds of it. There are four kinds of it, The first kind of it, doth imitate red, green, skie-colour, and purple; and sometimes purple with a yellow colour, and these are the best of all other: These are known by their Carbuncle flame, by their Amethyst splendour, and by their Emerald viridity, all shining together with an incredible mixture, and by their admirable and wonderful ponderosity: for this is a gemm that though it be seldom found bigger for magnitude then a bean, and for the most part of less bigness, yet its weight will be incredible, as appeareth by this of Cardanus, Card. de subtle. l. 7. pag. 349. who speaketh of one of these stones that was shorter than a bean and not thicker, that weighed duos denarios, that is saith he, almost fifty grains of wheat; the best are hardest, the other are softer: the cause of its wonderful propriety, and of its various delightful colours, Cardanus saith is this, because the stone is crisp, and of some pervious parts: by those parts which are not pervious or porous it doth receive the light, and returneth it; and by this means it cometh to pass that it hath a white snowy brightness and splendour: contrariwise, by a contrary conversion it doth receive the light, but not return it: and hence it is that the stone appeareth dark, obscure, and of a brown colour. Vide Card. lib. de lap. 2. The second kind is black, and doth out of its blackness send forth as it were a flame. This is very pleasant, very rare, and very precious. Boetius saith, that he hath seen of this kind of the bigness of the greater sort of pease. The third kind hath various colours, but in a yellow body, and they seem to be quiet, lie still, and not to range; and therefore they do not so exactly feed the eyes with the reflection of their rays. These three kinds are brought out of Hungaria. To this last kind there is another with a milkish colour that may be referred, and the Italians do call it Occhio del garto, oculus cati, or the cat's eye: and of some it is called Pseudopalus, or the Bastard Opalus. 4. The fourth kind is also called Pseudopalus: it is notably diaphanous like unto fish eyes, and it hath in it a little milkish skye-colour, or somewhat of a yellow colour. The Germans call this Wehse, the Italians Girasole: some call it Astroites and Asteria, because it doth include within itself a light, walking like a star. The places. India is the mother of these gems: they are found also in Cyprus, Egypt, Arabia, Galatia, Thaso, Hungary, Pontus. The Hungarian one's are found in a soft stone, distinguished with black, yellow, and brown veins, and the body of the stone is whitish, yellowish, and blackish, and sometimes perspicuous with divers colours. Many of these are so soft that they will not endure polishing, no not upon tin or lead, but only upon a soft Tripolitan earth. Boetius 98. Its virtues. It is reported of this stone, that it sharpeneth the sight of the possessors of it, and cloudeth the eyes of those that stand about him, so that they can either not see, or not mind what is done before them: for this cause it is asserted to be a safe patron of thiefs and thefts; as it is related in Lapidario. It's value. History. Amongst the Romans it was in great request: for it is reported of Nonius a Senator, that he had rather have been deprived of his country and Senatourship, than part with an Opalus which he had from Antonius. This Opalus of Nonius was of the bigness of a filbert, and esteemed at twenty thousand aureos. Boetius saith, he saw one of the bigness of a walnut, perspicuous, with various colours, and milkish, which was valued at 200 crowns. Their price and esteem is not great in these days: for one of four grains weight of the first and best kind, is scarce worth three crowns: the other have their value according to their bigness and beauty. CHAP. XII. Of the Emerald or smaragd. Description of the stone. THe Emerald is a precious stone or gem of so excellent a viridity, or spring-colour, as that if a man shall look upon an Emerald by a pleasant green meadow, it will be more amiable than the meadow, and overcome the meadow's glory, by the glory of that spring of viridity which it hath in its self: The largeness of the meadow it will overcome with the amplitude of its glory, wherewith fare above its greatness it doth feed the eye: and the virescencie of the meadow it will overcome with the brightness of its glory, which in itself seemeth to embrace the glorious viridity of many springs. This stone is known by its apparent coldness in the mouth, by its gravity being weighed: and in this, that being cast into a fire, it will not burn, nor send forth any flame; and that in the brightness of the Sun, it will keep its excellent viridity and greenness. Of its foil or tincture. The Emerald is a transparent stone, and therefore may be substrate with a convenient foil. Of its adulteration. There are many ways which impostors use to adulterate this gemm; as with Crystal, glass, and flints calcined and melted together; and then a small quantity of minium or red lead being added. Others take aes ustum finely powdered, and half so much crocus Martis; these they set in a furnace of fire for the space of six hours, that they may be melted together; then they let the vessel cool, and afterwards they take out the jewel and polish it. And if this be rightly done, this jewel will be very like to the American Emeralds. Of its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Topazius Aethiopicus, Job. 28.19. and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Topazius or Smaragdus, as Exod. 28.19. which is rendered by Caldeus lapidem viridem, and known amongst us by the name of the Emerald. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Isiodor. lib. 16. c. 7. de Etymolog. nomin. and in Latin it is called Smaragdus, by which name Isiodorus in his book of etymoligies of names, saith it is called from its viridity, and excellent greenness: or it may be so called from its splendencie and lustre. Is is also in Greek called Prassinus, because of the resemblance of the greenness of leeks which is in it. Epiphanius saith it is called Neronianus and Domitianus. It is supposed to have the name Neronianus, from him that invented the use of it, who was called by that name. Horace calleth it lapis viridis. In Dutch, ein smaragd: in Italian, Smeraldo: in Spanish, Esmeralda: in French, Esmeraud. The Persians and Indians call it Pacheè. The Arabians Zamarut. Serapio and Pandectarius call it Tabarget. In English it is called the Green stone, Emerald, and smaragd. Of its kinds. Amongst the precious green stones, there are none so pleasant and so excellent as the Emerald: it is pellucide, and doth much delight the eye with its colour. It hath no mixture of blue, as in the Turkey-stone; nor of yellow, as in the Topaz of the Ancients, which is now called the Chrysolite. The best Oriental ones are very hard, and of a very fair, pleasant, green colour, like unto a green field in the Spring. They do much sharpen and acuate the dulness of the fight, and therefore engravers will most willingly be employed about them. They are very transparent, and do very excellently dart forth their rays like lightning; and therefore they are of great esteem and price. Martinus Rulandus saith of an excellent Emerald, that it doth excel in its verdure the watered grass, the neighbouring herbs, the virescencie of green boughs; and, as I may so say, even all the glory of the Spring. There is a smaragd which Pliny lib. 37. cap. 10. calleth Lymoniates. Pliny l. 37. c. 5. and Solinus lib. 20. make twelve kinds of Emeralds. 1. Scythicus or a Scythian one, which is the most noble of all others, because of its excellent hardness, and it is not subject to any injury. This is found in gold mines, and cannot be obtained without a great deal of danger: For it is reported, that the Gryphines' take charge of this, History. stand century about it, and have their safe custody upon it. These fierce ravenous birds make their nests in the mines of gold where these precious gems are to be had, therefore the Arimaspi, or Monoculi, who hunger much after the gold, and Emeralds, are forced to arm themselves for a battle with these birds, before they can obtain their prize. 2. The second kind is called a Bactrianus Smaragdus, and is found in the cliffs of rocks. 3. An Egyptian Emerald, and is found about Thebes. 4. A Cyprian one. 5. Is called Atticus, and is there found in silver mines. 6. The sixth is called an Ethiopian one. 7. The seventh is called Medicus, this is of very much excellent viridity or verdure; and sometimes this its virescency doth appear as out of a Saphire. 8. The eighth kind is a Carchedonian, or Calcedonian one, and is called Smaragdites. 9 The ninth a Tanian one, and is brought from Persia. 10. The tenth is a Cilician one. 11. The eleventh is a Laconic one, and is like to that which is called Medicus. 12. The twelfth is called Chalco-smaragdus, and is found in Cyprus, in veins of brass. Of the places. The several kinds of Emeralds are found in the places specified by the names of their kinds: There are Oriental ones, and there are Occidental ones. The best are brought from the East-Indies. There are also excellent ones found in the Occidental or Western parts, and in the parts of Europe. There are found in Peru, which have a pleasant green colour, but send forth no rays, these are softer than the Oriental one's, and often times full of green clouds: there are excellent ones found in Cyprus, and in the Island of great Britain, which are small; but for their bigness comparable to the best Oriental ones, of the same bigness. The Oriental ones are seldom found bigger than a filbert. The Occidental ones, are sometimes found as broad as the palm of the hand. History. It is reported of Nero that he was wont to behold the Fencers or sword-players through an Emerald, as by a speculum, or optick-glasse; and for this cause this jewel is called gemma Neronis. Andrea's Baccius in his book de Natura Gemmarum, maketh mention of a large Emerauld-vessell that is at Genoa, very fair, and of infinite value, insomuch as it cannot be prized. Of its properties. It is a stone which in former times was by ancient Astrologians dedicated to Mercury; Cardanus attributeth much power and virtue to it in the point of divination, as doth appear in his seaventh book de lapidibus pretiosis. This stone is good to recreate the sight; Andrea's Baccius, Agricola, Cardanus, and Anselmus Boetius say, that there is such an enmity betwixt it, and illegitimate venery, or the uncleanness of the flesh, as that if it do but touch the skin of an adulterer, it will break: and that it doth bridle the reins of lasciviousness, and much temper it; Insomuch as Albertus Magnus doth not doubt to affirm that the king of Hungariae Belae having carnal knowledge of his wife, History. with an Emerald set in gold on his finger, the Emerald broke into three parts. Avenzoar saith it is good against poisons, and that six grains of its powder in a convenient water is an excellent Cordial; if so, than a drop or two of its tincture, described by Boetius, must needs be of admirable faculties. Of its value and dignity. Exod. 28.18. For its sacred use this stone hath been of great esteem. This was one of the stones enclosed in one of the ouches of gold in the breastplate of judgement. The rainbow that S. John saw in his Revelations round about the Throne, was like in sight to an Emerald, Revel. 4.3. This is one of those stones by which the glory of one of the foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.19. This stone hath been always of great esteem, insomuch as in times past they were forbidden to grave any thing upon it. The Oriental one's, have been esteemed worth a quarter so much as a Diamond of the same weight. Linshortanus doth esteem them of greater worth than the Diamond, and valueth an Emerald, as big as a Diamond of four grains, well worth 80 ducats; whereas he esteemeth the Diamond of that bigness not more worth than 70 ducats. A perfect glorious excellent Emerald is of very much worth and value, as appeareth by this of Aloysius Mundella a Physician, who testifieth that his brother who was a jeweller, received of Franciscus Maria Prince of Urbine, the sum of 113 aureos to buy him an Emerald of the weight of eight grains of wheat, most pure, and Oriental, that by it he might receive alleviation in an infirmity which he was troubled withal. CHAP. XIII. Of the Prassius, Smaragdite, and Chrysoprassius. Description of the stone. THe Prassius, Smaragdite, or Chrysoprassius is a transparent green gemm imitating the colour of green Leeks. The beauty of this stone ariseth of the mixture of a yellow and green; the transparency of it is through a cloud: it is sometimes found to have some radish, whitish, or blackish specks or colour, by reason of its growing to a Jasper, or Crystal, or to some other jewel, from which it receiveth various small bodies, and various colours. This gemm, as saith Baccius, is by some thought to be the house, Domicile, or Palace of the smaragd, and that because the Emerald or smaragd is found either in it, or affixed to it. Of its Adulteration. This stone, saith Anselmus Boetius lib. 2. c. 57 p. 103. is seldom adulterated by reason of its small value. Of its kinds. Baccius saith this gemm is a very fair gemm, and by some it is referred to the kinds of Achates, by others, to the kinds of Beryls. It is by Boetius reckoned among the kinds of Emeralds, who doth make a discovery of three kinds of this stone. 1. A kind of an exact green colour like Leeks, or the succus porrorum, as saith Baccius. 2. The second kind hath very much yellowness: and if these be of a golden splendour, then are they the Chrysopteri of the Ancients. 3. The third kind are whitish, with a little greenness and a greater yellowness. Cardan. l. 7. de lap. pret. p. 346. Cardanus saith, that all green jewels are subject to the fire, by reason of the abundance of semiconcocted humour which they do contain in them. The place. They are found both in the East and West-Indies, and in Europe, and in Germany, and these are fairer than the Oriental one's, but somewhat softer: they are found in Bohemia, and in the neighbouring countries thereabouts. Of its properties. It is said to be of the nature of the smaragd, or Emerald, but of somewhat more remiss power and faculties. Of its dignity and value. They are valued according to their beauty; their prices will not very much amount (though for their Emerald beauty they may be of some had in very great esteem) because they are soft stones. It is reported of the Prassius, that it will suddenly lose its viridity, if there be any poison or venom in place where it is, and again recover its lustre if it be washed. It is also said of it, that it is a great cordial, much comforting the heart; and that it doth confer much to the dispelling of the darkness and cloudiness of the sight. CHAP. XIIII. Of the Chrysoprassus. Description of the stone. THe Chrysoprassus is a transparent green stone, with the splendour of gold. The Ancients used to call all those jewels which had the splendour of gold Chrysolites, of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and hence the Prassius, Topaz, and beryl, which shine with golden rays: and the Chrysoprassius, Chrysopa●ius, and Chrysoberyllus, which are found to have the same bright, golden lustre joined with their viridity or greenness, are so likewise called. The Chrysoprassius hath the splendour of gold with the greenness of a leek: It is very pleasing to the sight, and of more esteem than the Prassius. Its names. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nopech: as Exod. 28.18. which according to Onkelos is the smaragd or Emerald: in Latin Chrysoprassus: in English the Chrysoprasse. Of its properties. It is thought to be endowed with the same faculties and vires that the Prassius is. Of its dignities and value. This stone is of esteem because of the sacred use it hath been of; by it we have the glory of one of the twelve foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem discovered to us in the 21 chap. and the 20 verse of the Revelation of S. John; where it is said, that the tenth foundation of the wall, which was of a Jasper structure, was a Chrysoprassus, by which foundation S. Augustine doth signify S. Thomas, in his explication of the book of Psalms. The city saith he was pure gold like to clear glass, whose foundations was adorned with twelve precious stones. The first foundation was 1. Jasper, that is, S. Petrus. 2. Sapphirus, that is, S. Paulus. 3. Chalcedonius, that is, S. Johannes. 4. Smaragdus, that is, S. Jacobus major. 5. Sardonyz, that is, S. Jacobus minor. 6. Sardius, that is, S. Andreas. 7. Chrysolithus, that is, S. Matthaeus. 8. Beryllus, that is, S. Simon. 9 Topazius, that is, S. Bartholomaeus. 10. Chrysoprassus, that is, S. Thomas. 11. Hyacinthus, that is, S. Philippus. 12. Amethystus, that is, S. Judas, Simonis frater. Then speaking of the twelve gates of this city, which are every one of one entire pearl, he saith, that by these gates are meant Christ the immaculate Lamb of God; who in the Gospel of S. John, chap. 10.9. calleth himself the door of the sheep, saying, I am the door of the sheep, if any man enter in by me, he shall be safe, and go in and out, and find feeding. CHAP. XV. Of the Smaragdo-Prassius. Description of the stone. THe Smaragdo-Prassius is a transparent green gem, of a mixed beauty: it is betwixt a Prassius and an Emerald: it being compared with the Prassius, hath the greenness of grass without yellowness; and if it be compared to the Emerald, it hath in it a yellowish greenness more than is in the Emerald. It is seldom perfectly perspicuous, because it doth partake of some cloudiness. Of the kinds of it. Boetius taketh it for a kind of Emerald, or a bastard smaragd. There are two kinds of it. 1. Bohemian ones, which are transparent through a fine thin cloud. 2. American one's, which are half transparent, like unto Vitriol. Of its faculties, properties, dignities and value. It is reported of it, that if it be applied to the arm, it will by a Diuretic faculty procure urine in a Dysury; and expel gravel, and hinder the generation of the stone, assuage the pains of the reins, and the extreme dolours of the gout. And if in the manner of an amulet it be hung about the neck, it is reported of it, that it will effect the same cures; and not only so, but in children free them from fears and frights. This stone is known but to very few, therefore its worth, value, and price cannot well be discovered. CHAP. XVI. Of the Chrysolite, or rather of the true Topaz, which in ancient times was called a Chrysolite commonly and vulgarly; and of the Chrysopatius. Description of the stone. The true Topaz of the ancients which commonly and vulgarly in former times hath been taken for a Chrysolite, is a transparent gem, of a diluted green colour, which seemeth (as saith Boetius) to have some yellowness added to it. Andr. Baccius saith, it is a stone egregiously glorious, and in its kind excelling in viridity, and being found it is preferred before other gems. When this gem is found of a yellow greenness, it is not (saith Boetius) then properly called Topazius, but Chrysopatius, and the mother of the smaragd. In a Chrysopatius there is a golden splendour, which doth shine through a verd, or green colour. In a true Chrysolite, which is commonly and vulgarly called Topaz (of which in the next chapter) there is nothing else but a perfect, excellent, glorious sunshine, or a delightful golden splendour; and in a perfect Topaz there is found an excellent, glorious, dilute, green colour, which is very delightful to the eye; and without any touch or tincture of any other colour whatever. Thus are these three precious gems truly and perfectly distinguished, which Pliny doth speak so confusedly of, that nothing of truth can be gathered from him concerning them. Vide Boet. pag. 104. Of its foil or tincture. This gemm being an excellent transparent gemm, of a dilute green colour, may admit of a silver foil conveniently tinctured, or of some other foil fitted for this purpose, and then placed in the enclosure under this gem. Of its adulteration. And as this gem may admit of a foil, so no doubt but it may likewise be subject to adulteration: for it is very glorious and excellently precious; and what will sophisticatours and impostors not attempt to do for value and for price? This they will attempt by double Crystals or diaphanous stones with a convenient green-foyl interposed, and they being thus set in their enclosures with a like foil substrate, the fallacies will the more uneasily be discovered. Of its names. By the Hebrew words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some do understand the Topaz of the Ancients; (of which Hebrew words we have before spoken in the chapter of the Emerald or smaragd) and that because this stone is green like the Emerald. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hesych. it is thus called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quòd multo studio quaeritur. It is also called Topazion, from a cloudy island of the red sea, which is often sought for by Navigatours, for which frequent search it is called Topazion, and the gem is so named because it is found in this island; Topazin from whence this name Topazion cometh, is a Trogloditish word, which in the language of the Troglodytes, signifieth quaerere, or to seek. The Troglodytes are Ethiopians, which are extended to Arabia and the red sea, who have this name from their frequenting of caverns and caves of the earth: hence in Greek they are called Troglodytes, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, hoc est, à specu & caverna, quòd in specubus & cavernis degant. Pliny l. 37. c. 8. saith, that this gem was first brought out of the Island of the Troglodytes, called Topazion à quaerendo, to Berenice Queen of Egypt, and from thence was called Topazion. It is called in English, Topaz; in Italian Topazzio; in French, Topasse; in Spanish, Topazziè; in German, ein Topass. Of its kinds. Pliny maketh two kinds of it: 1. Prasoin, or 2. Chrysopteron: but neither of these have the true lustre of the Topaz. Albertus' magnus and Evax do likewise make two kinds of this stone, the one of an aureus colour, the other of a saffron colour: but both these are free, as well as the former two, from the delightful glory of an excellent perfect Topaz described by me, according to the best discoveries, in the first part of this chapter, to be a pleasing green gemm, of a dilute verdure and very delightful to the eye. Of the places. The places in which the true Topaz is found, is the Island of Chitis, in Arabia felix: there is a certain rock in an Island of the red sea, near Arabia felix, in which the Topaz is found: it is also found in the Island called Topazion, which is inhabited by the Troglodytes; and as Pliny saith, it is found in the mines of Alabaster near Thebes a city of Egypt. Of its properties, nature, and qualities. It is of such excellent faculties, as that it is said of it, that it freeth men from passions, and from sadness of the mind. And that if it be cast into scalding hot or boiling water, it doth so assuage in a wonderful manner, and so in an instant, and of a sudden astonish and stupefy its heat and fervour, as that it strait taketh away all its boiling, and its heat, and a man may in that very instant in which it was put in, put his hand without any hurt or danger into that water which even now with the fervency of heat boiled up. (See Epiphanius and Albertus.) For this cause it is thought to be a very excellent remedy for the mitigating of choler and of choleric passions. It is reported of it that it doth drive away nocturnal fears; and that it is a very effectual Amulet against choleric distempers o the brain. Authors do say of it, that if it be put upon a table where poison is or venom is left, it will straightway fail of its splendour, and lose its glory, and so soon as the poison or venom is taken away, it will recover all its glory again; wonderful is this also which is reported of this stone, namely, that it doth increase and decrease in its strength of powers and faculties, according to the increase and decrease of the Moon. This stone is so hard that it will endure the file, and it groweth into so great a mass, that oft times statues have been made of it. Juba king of Mauritania writeth concerning this precious gemm, that there was a statue of four cubits made of it for Arsinoe the wife of Ptolemeus Philadelphus, which was consecrated to the gods. It is reported of Hadrianus Gulielmus, that at Naples he had a Topaz engraven with these ancient Roman letters. Natura deficit. Fortuna mutatur. Deus omnia cernit. In English thus. Nature by frailty doth daily waste away. Fortune is turned and changed every day. In all, There is an eye knows no decay. Jah see's for aye. Of its dignity and value. The excellent Topaz in the glory of its viridity hath been esteemed a stone of great value, and that not only for its innate inbred excellency whereby it is very pleasant to the eye: but because it hath been of sacred use, as both old and new Testament do affirm. It was one of those gems which had a place in one of those four rows of stones engraven with the names of the tribes of Israel, and set in ouches of gold upon the breastplate of Judgement, as Exodus 28.17. where it was said of God concerning the order of the precious stones in the breastplate of Judgement, The first row shall be a Sardius and a Topaz, and a Carbuncle, this shall be the first row. It is also one of those stones whereby the glory of the ninth foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.20. Those that are excellent Topazes, do sparkle forth their glory, and beam forth their delightful rays: these are of much esteem, and of very great worth, price and value. CHAP. XVII. Of the Topaz, or rather of the true Chrysolite, and of the Chryselectrum and Melichrysus. IN former times that hath been vulgarly and commonly called a Chrysolite, which truly is a Topaz, and that a Topaz, which is indeed a Chrysolite, as appeareth by Cardanus his book which he hath writ de Lapidibus Pretiosis. Description of the stone. The true Chrysolite is a gemm translucide, perspicuous or transparent, with an excellent aureus or golden splendour, or as I may so say, with a pleasing sunshine splendour: Boetius saith, that a water coloured with Rhubarb or with Saffron doth make a representation of the tincture of a Chrysolite. Of its foil or tincture. This being a transparent gemm doth without all question admit of a foil, such as may be a gold foil, or some other tinctured accordingly. Of its adulteration. The Chrysolites for the elegancy of their aureus colour are divers ways adulterated; the best of such sophistications, is in this following manner. R. of powder of Crystal, or of glass lb. put two drachmas of Crocus Martis to it, and a little Minium: this must be put to it as it is melted upon the fire, or in the furnace. Baptista Porta in his Magia saith, that the Minium must first be put in, and after that the Crocus. Or put to calcined Crystal thrice so much Minium, and let it stand for one whole day in a furnace, and it will be a Chrysolite. Or R. aes ustum finely powdered, and Minium and Crystal finely powdered, and four times so much burnt Tinn; put it into a strong calcining pot and set it into a furnace for a day; this powder is easily melted; therefore the fire must not be very vehement, and it must be kept always at the same stay. Of its Names. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quasi aureus lapis; and from hence also in Latin it is called Chrysolithus, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quia est lapis qui aureo colore translucet, that is, because it hath with it a Golden translucency, saith Martinus Rulandus. Solinus cap. 33. calleth it Chrysolampon. In English it is called the Chrysolite. The kinds of it. There are three kinds of Chrysolites. The first, which is the true Chrysolite, is a very hard glorious sunshine gemm; which Albertus Magnus saith doth discover the greatest of its beauty in the mornings, and at other times of the day is less beautiful than then. The other two kinds of this gemm are less glorious than the former; the one of these kinds is called Chryselectrum; the other Melichrysus: both these names import something of a golden colour, but these stones are less glorious and softer than the former. Of the places. There are Oriental Chrysolites, and Occidental Chrysolites; the best of the Oriental ones are found in Aethiopia: these are like unto most pure gold with an excellent splendour; they are the hardest of all other jewels but the Diamond. There are also Chrysolites found in Arabia, but these sometimes have too much yellowness, and sometimes too little, sometimes they have various colours, and sometimes they are clouded; but these fall much short of the glory of an excellent Chrysolite, whose sunshine beauty will easily make it known from all the soft troubled clouded kinds thereof. There are also European Chrysolites, which are frequently found in Bohemia, of as great glory and excellency as the Oriental one's, and they differ only in this, in that these are somewhat softer than the Oriental ones. There are very excellent ones found in India, and Bactria, and those in very great weight but soft, sometimes of the weight of twelve pound. Anselmus Boetius saith that he saw a Bohemian Chrysolite that was given to Rodolphus the second, Emperor of Rome, that was two els long, and half an ell broad. Of its nature, properties and qualities. It is of the nature of the Solaris, or Sun-stone. Cardanus in his book of admirable cures, doth relate wonders concerning the virtues of the Chrysolite; he saith that with the alone powder of it drunk in wine, he cured Cesar Palavicinus of a fever that he had been troubled withal fifteen days, and another Nobleman of Melancholy, and of the falling sickness with the same remedy, after that he had long in vain been tormented with the somniferous lotions of Physicians. The powder of it, is said to be good in Asthmatick passions, and in the orthopnoea if it be drunk in a convenient liquor. If in fevers it be held under the tongue it is said to quench thirst. It is cold and dry as all other precious stones are. Of its value and dignity. It is of esteem, not only for its sunshine glory; but for that also it hath been of sacred use. This is one of those stones by which the glory of the seaventh foundation of the wall of the New-Jerusalem is discovered to us, as Revel. 21.20. It is for its grateful aspect of very great esteem. It is so perfectly hard, as that by the heat of fire it may be made diaphanous and void of all colour, and thus like the best Saphire, changed into an admirable Diamond; in so much as it being thus dealt withal, no other stone whatever can better resemble an Oriental Diamond than it will. A Chrysolite of the weight of eight grains is worth four crowns; one of these excellent ones of twelve grains weight is worth nine crowns; and one of these glorious ones of the weight of two scruples is worth one hundred crowns. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these that weighed scarce two scruples, and it was sold for two hundred crowns. The colour of which (he saith) being separated from it, it was so exactly set in a ring, that a skilful jeweller could not know it from a true Diamond. It is whitened after the same manner that the Saphires are; of which hath been before spoken. Ovid. lib. 2. Metamorph. doth very splendidly feign a chariot of the Sun made of a Chrysolite, in that he saith, Aureus axis erat, temo aureus, aurea summae Curvatura rotae, radiorum argenteus ordo: Per juga Chrysolithi, positaéque ex ordine gemmae Clara repercusso reddebant lumina Phoebo. CHAP. XVIII. Of the beryl. Description of the stone. THe beryl is a transparent precious gem, of a pale green colour; such as is most truly resembled by a sea-water green: which colour is caused by the mixture of a blue and green: in so much as this gem is blue out of a green; that is, it doth discover its blue through the colour of green. Epiphanius saith of this gem, that it is glauca gemma, of the colour of a quiet sea. All beryls are transparent saith Boetius, and have an allayed colour, that is, not a full colour: for if they have a full colour, they are taken for other common jewels. If you would see the perfect colour of the beryl, put a little Indigo into fair water, and with it a tenth part of green colour, and you shall have the perfect resemblance and true colour of the beryl. Pliny saith that the beryl is in fashion six-quare, and in colour like oil or water in the sea. Of its foil or tincture. This being a transparent gem, may without all peradventure admit of a foil to quicken it, in the discovery of its glory and lustre. Of its adulteration. Sophisticatours are wont, lucri causâ, to adulterate this gem thus: R. aes ustum finely powdered, and mingle it with crystal and glass powdered, or with calcined crystal and glass, and set it in a furnace for a day, and you shall have a beryl. One drachma of the aes ustum is sufficient for a pound of the other vitreous mass. Of its names. The Hebrews call this stone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tarshish, as Exod. 28.20. It seemeth to have its name, as it doth appear by Buxtorff, from the maritime city Tarshish: It is a whole transparent stone, of a sea-water green. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is by S. See Biblioth. Reg. Hisp. l. Exod. c. 28. vers. 20. Hierome interpreted Chrysolithus, but indeed the Chrysolite which is verè Chrysolithus, is much different from it, as being of a golden colour, whereas the ●arshish is green. Anselmus Boetius saith, that the Hebrews call this stone Jashpech; but thus it hath no resembance at all with the Tarshish, as it is by S. Hierome interpreted Chrysolithus; but it seemeth rather to have some kind of affinity with the species of the Jasper, some of the kinds of which are of a green colour like the Tarshish. What the true Chrysolite is, will appear by the former chapter, where a true discovery is made of it as it doth differ from the true Topaz, which was vulgarly by those of ancient time called Chrysolithus, and the Chrysolithus was by them called Topazius, but how improperly will appear in the etymology of the word Chrysolithus, which rendereth the Chrysolite to be of a golden colour, whereas the true Topaz is of a diluted green. This mistake hath arisen in the Chrysolite and Topaz, from the custom of them in ancient time, who were wont to call a Chrysolite a Topaz, and a Topaz a Chrysolite; whom in this their mistake many Lapidists have too too superciliously followed. Now because the beryl (being a green pellucid stone) may sometimes be taken for a Topaz, which is likewise green and pellucid; it may be S. Hierome, according to that custom, hath interpreted the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which in its own proper signification is verus Beryllus, to be Chrysolithus. In Latin Beryllus, and Beryllus Thalassius sive marinus. It is called beryl of the nation where it is generated. The Italians call it aqua marina; and in English we call it a beryl: when they have any golden rays, they are called Chrysoberylls. Of its kinds. There are many kinds of beryls, amongst which that is the true beryl which hath the viridity of a calm and pure sea; a blue out of a green is discovered in these, and these are the true beryls. 2. The second kind are paler, and are called Chrysoberylls, from the splendour of gold. 3. The third kind are called Chrysoprassus, and these are paler than the former. 4. The fourth kind are called Hyacinthizontes, from the colour of a Jacinth. 5. The fifth kind are called Aeroides, from the word aere, and these are greener than the former. 6. The sixth kind are called Cerinae from cera. 7. The seventh kind Oleaginei ab oleo. There is another kind which are said to be like to crystals. The beryl of the ancients comprehended under it, all other jewels which are like unto a Crystal, with somewhat a diluted colour; as the Topazes, and the Leucosapphiri. The Italians do until this day call crystals which have some colours in themselves by reason of the reflection of the angles, beryls. The places. The beryls are found at the root of the mountain Taurus, and in the river Euphrates, and in India, and these are the best. The other kinds are found in divers countries, as in Germania, and in Bohemia. Of its properties. A beryl in a spheric form hath the same power of begetting fire from the Sun by its beams, that a Crystal glass hath. It is said of a beryl, that if it be wrapped in a linen cloth, and put into water, or put into water without it, the water will seem to be moved. Baccius de nat. gem. in annotat. in cap. 13. Wurtzung in his general practice saith, that the beryl is used in all distempers of the heart. But take this caution by the way; A caution in the medicinal use of this gem. Beware of the use of gems (unless you are sure they be true) in Physic, by reason they are so frequently adulterated. Of its dignity and value. The beryl is of esteem not only for its beauty, but for its sacred use: for it was one of those stones that was set in the Ephod; as Exod. 28.20. and one of those stones by which the glory of one of the foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered unto us; namely the eighth foundation, as Revel. 21.20. Ingenuous artificers do engrave the beryl with many angles, that by the repercussion of them, they may be made the more lively, and the more to sparkle. The price of the beryl is augmented or diminished according to the elegancy of its colour. And this rule is to be observed in the price of all jewels. CHAP. XIX. Of the Crystal and Pseudo-diamond. Description of the stone. THe Crystal is a well known diaphanous gemm, like unto most pure water congealed into a transparent perfectly perspicuous body of six sides, which in its extremity doth seem to intent them all to one point. Well may it deserve the name of a precious Jewel for its own glorious diaphanity and untinctured perspicuity; and not only in regard of its own proper and peculiar beauty, but also for that by it, in Holy writ we have the glory of many sacred things discovered to us by Emblems. Had this gemm as much in duritie or hardness, as it hath in the purity, excellency, and illustriousness of its beauty, no other gemm under the heavens would be comparable to the best Crystal for glory. What the manner of the generation of Crystal is, that the derivation of the word Crystallus will show plainly to us. Crystallus cometh of the Greek words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth frigus, vel gelu; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth contraho. So that Crystallus is nothing else then gelu concretum, that is, than congealed ice, of this opinion is Gregorius in his comment upon the first chapter of the Prophecy of Ezechiel. There is great difference betwixt the ice and Crystal; the ice will swim in the water, but the Crystal as being more weighty, doth strait reside: Diodorus Siculus doth very clearly dissolve this difference in the latter end of his third book; where he saith, that Crystal is a stone which hath its original of pure water congealed, not by the power of cold. (Though in Ecclesiastes it be said, flavit ventus aquilo, & congelavit crystallum) But by a certain divine power, of an enlivening quickening heat which causeth it to keep its durities, and often times to discover so many various delightful colours to the eye. Anselmus Boetius saith, that Crystal is the purest part of the earth dissolved by water, which in the absence of the water is congealed into Crystal; it is not, he saith, as is supposed, congealed water, for then like unto ice it would be dissolved with heat, and consumed by fire: but it is so fare from consuming in the fire as that it being long melted or burned therein, it doth become a Calx, and pure earth, or a salt, by the benefit of whose spirit it is coagulated. This gemm admitteth of no foil to set off its glory. Nor is it oft adulterated, because great proportions of it are found in many places. Bowls and cups of Crystal are of great esteem with Princes; one of these of a foot in bigness hath been sold for 100 crowns; Boetius 111. Of its names. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (as Job 28.17.) that is, gemma nitidissima, which is interpreted Crystal. Aben Ezra rendereth it lapis pretiosus nitidus. The Rabbins take it for vitrum, à puritate. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Crystallus. In Italian Crystallo. In German Crystal. In Spanish and French Crystal. And in English Crystal. The kinds of it. The name of Crystal may be given to all gems that are soft, diaphanous, and void of colour. Boetius maketh four kinds of it. First, Crystallus Montanus, which is excellently pure, fair, and beautiful, and is found sometimes six cornered; and sometimes round and globous like flints, which are harder than others, and like unto Diamonds. 2. The second kind is called Iris. 3. Citrinus. 4. Pseudoadamas. Of the places. The cornered ones are found in divers parts of Europe, as in the Alps, in Germany, in Bohemia, in Hungary, in Cyprus, in Lusitania, and in the fields of Pisania. The round ones or Pseudoadamas, are found near unto Arnemhius a Town of Geldria, & near unto Brussels, and in France, Bohemia, and Silesia. These sometimes are so hard and do so excellently sparkle, that they can scarce be distinguished from the Oriental Diamonds. Of its nature and faculties. It is cold and dry: being held under the tongue in fevers it doth quench thirst; and so likewise in these cases it doth much recreate if it be held in the hand, and as it groweth warm, cooled in fair water; the powder of it either calcined or crude being drunk in wine, is good against Dysenteries and the whites, a drachma of its powder taken in the oil of sweet Almonds, cureth those that have taken sublimate. It is used either in powder, or the salt of it, or the oil of it, against all obstructions of the bowels, against gouts, swoonings, and all cephalick diseases; saith Boetius, Andr. Baccius, and others. Of its dignities and value. For its dignity, the * Rev. 21.11. and 22.1. sacred use that hath been made of it maketh it of very great esteem: and it's own glory and beauty doth commend its worth, and accordingly it is valued and esteemed of Princes and great men; and of those who know how judiciously to judge of things according to their excellency and intrinsic glory. CHAP. XX. Of the Asteria, or Gemma Solis. THe Asteria, or Gemma solis, is a kind of Opalus, which doth sparkle forth its beams like a star; it is a hard transparent stone. It is called Gemma Solis, because if it be held against the Sun, and turned, it seemeth to show the Sun as it were walking in it, or the likeness of a moving star: and being held against the light, it doth the same. Its names. It is called of Pliny Astroites, and Ceraunia. It is also called Asteria. Michael Mercatus calleth it Astrobolus. It is also called Oculus felis. The place. It is found in Carmania and India. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he supposeth that to be the Asteria or the Gemma Solis, which like a milkish Crystal having a round light included in it, doth send it forth walking with a certain inclination: and that to be the Astroiten, which hath in the middle of it as it were small stars shining. This is a kind of Opalus. Of its nature and properties. It is reported of it, that it doth procure sleep, and drive away terrors of the night, and troublesome dreams. It's dignity and value. The Oriental ones are very beautiful, and so hard that they can hardly be engraven: it is esteemed in value worth twice the price of the engraving. CHAP. XXI. Of the Oculus Cati. THe Oculus Cati is the various coloured Astroiten of Pliny. Its names. It is called of some Oculus Solis: of the Persians Mithrax, that is, the Sun. Cardanus calleth it the Pseudopalus; but the colours are not so distinct in this; and this also is fare harder. Places. They are found in Zealand, and in Pegu; they are said to be brought from the country of Bramaa thither. It's dignity and value. This stone is greatly esteemed amongst the Indians, because they are persuaded of the devil, that he that weareth it cannot want riches: and for this cause that which in Lusitania is sold for 90 aurei; is amongst the Indians esteemed worth 600 aurei. It is usually of the same price and esteem with the Opalus, Hitherto hath been spoken of transparent gems. The second part of the Lapidary. Of semi-transparent or half-transparent Gems. CHAP. XXII. Of the Sardius or Cornelian. HItherto have been discovered the species of diaphanous or perfectly transparent gems, in their immixed glory, or with their beautiful tinctures; together with their foils, adulterations, names, kinds, the places in which they have their original, their properties, natures, faculties, dignities, and values. It followeth that I should make a like discovery of semi-transparent or half-transparent gems: which that I may do; together with what I find in Anselmus Boetius, I will join the verity of other Simplicists or Lapidists, that so we may come to a perfect discovery of these gems in their own proper excellency and glory, and in the beauty of their species. Amongst the half transparent stones or gems, Anselmus Boetius giveth the first place to the Sardius or Cornelian. It being heretofore dignified by sacred use both in the Old and New Testament (as will afterwards appear in the dignity and value thereof) it shall here likewise be dignified with the first place, in the consideration of half transparent stones. The Sardius or Sarda is a stone or precious gem of a red colour, which Pliny saith is best resembled by the colour of a pickled Sardine fish, or Anchovis, which colour if it be more remiss or dilute, then is it called Carneolus, or Corneolus, from the resemblance of flesh. Half-transparent gems admit of no foils or tinctures; the reason of it is clear in the sight of every eye: for foil may be substrate in an enclosure of gold, under an half-transparent gem, cannot for want of greater transparency, render it more glorious then naturally it is in itself. And as it admitteth of no foil, so there is no adulteration of it to be found in Anselmus Boetius: what may be done by artificial sophistications in this kind, I shall let alone, till further opportunity, greater helps, and better informations. Only this Boetius saith, that it is adulterated with glass of the same colour: but this is very unlike, as every knowing eye will easily discover. Of its names. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Job 28.16. Buxtorff doth interpret it to be the Onyx: and others to be the Sardonyx, as Junius in Exod. 25.7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Lapides Sardoniches & lapides insitivi pro amiculo & pro pectorali sacro. In Greek, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin it is called Sardius, Sarda, and Carneolus, and Corneolus, and Cornelius. The Italians and French call it Carneolus. The Germans ein Corneol. It hath also been called Darneolus, saith Pliny lib. 37. cap. 7. In English a Sardius or Cornelian. Of the kinds of it. There are three kinds of this gemm, as saith Boetius. 1. A red Corneolus, which is the best and most excellent of all other, est ruber instar sanguinis: but pellucid with its redness. 2. The second is of a more dilute and remiss redness. 3. Is somewhat yellowish out of a redness. Martinus Rulandus reckoneth up no less than two and twenty kinds of this gemm. Of which we may have occasion in a further addition to speak hereafter. Of the place, and of its nature, properties, and faculties. This gemm is found in Sardinia, and about Babylon, in the heart of a rock, very excellent. There are also very good found in Epirus, now called Albania, and in Egypt, and in India, Arabia; in the Rhine, and in Bohemia, and in Silesia there are very excellent ones found growing to stones. As concerning the faculties of this stone, Epiphanius asserteth of it, that it causeth him that weareth it to be of a cheerful heart, free from fear, and nobly audacious, and that it is a good protection for him against witchcrafts and fascinations, and putrefactions of humours. Andr. Bacc. de nat. Gem. c. 3. Baccius in his Annotations saith, that the powder of it taken in austere wine stoppeth the menses, and hindereth abortion. It's dignity and value. For its own beauty it is of value and worth: But the sacred use of it, is that that hath made it of greatest dignity, and highest esteem: in the law we find it was set in the enclosures of gold of the breastplate of Judgement, Exod. 28.17. in the book of the Revelations we find the glory of the sixth foundation of the wall of the new-Jerusalem discovered to us by the glory of its resemblance, Revel. 21.20. This stone hath been of great esteem amongst the Romans, but now the knowledge of more excellent jewels makes it not so much regarded. It's use is chief in seals, and ornaments for the necks, wrists, and hair of women; one not engraved, of the bigness of the walnut, is worth twenty shillings. Cardanus saith that he had one, Cardan. l. de lap. pret. that was in its upper part a Sardius, and in its lower part an Onyx. In seals these gems are much used of great men. I have had one of the best kinds of these fitted for a seal, without any engraving, with a small black line, on the side of it. CHAP. XXIII. Of the Sardonyx or Cameus. Description of the stone. THe Sardonyx is a pellucid gem which doth contain in itself the glory of two gems, namely the redness of a Sardius or Sarda, and the whiteness of an Onyx, by which it doth appear, that that stone which Cardanus reckoneth amongst the kinds of Cornelians or Sardius, is a Sardonyx. And so indeed it is, for a Cornelian red in the upper part of it, and white in the lower part of it, is a Sarda or Sardius in its upper part, and an Onyx in its lower part; hence also Cardanus calleth a Cornelian thus beautified a Sardonyx, lib. 7. the lap. pretiosis. Boetius saith that a Sardonyx consisteth of a sanguine, white, and black colour, which are distinguished by circles, or girdles, as if they were done by art. Baccius in Annotat. saith, it consisteth of a triple colour, of a black below, of white in the middle, and of red above. But the name of this gemm doth end all controversies about it, and make a very clear discovery of its beauty. Of its Adulteration. This gemm as the former, is adulterated with glass, but that will easily be known by its want of beauty, and by its dusty superficies which it will contract; and it will be eaten out by the air. Of its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even as is the Sardius. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi Sardius & Onyx. Hence this stone is also called in Latin Sardonyx, from Sardius & Onyx. The jewellers of these our days, saith Boetius, call both the Onyx and the Sardonyx, Nicolus. It is also called Cameus. In English Sardonyx. Of its kinds. 1. One kind of it Boetius saith hath black and white girdles, and is called the Onyx. 2. Another kind of it he saith hath one streak of one colour and an other of another colour, and this is called Camehuya, or Cameus, or Onyx, or Sardonyx. 3. Another kind he saith there is that hath purple, white, rosy, and sky colour, compassing one another like girdles, with the resemblance of a rainbow, which he saith, for their delight to the eye are of great dignity and worth. 4. Other kinds he saith there are of an honey colour, which have dross in them, and have not the girdle united, but diffluent, which he saith are ignoble and of small price. The place. These stones are found in Arabia, Germany, and Silesia, and in the neighbouring countries. Of these gems the Oriental ones are the best of all others. The Sardonyx is found in great bigness, insomuch as cups may be made of it, which are of great esteem and worth. Of its nature and properties. It hath the same virtues with the Sardius and Cornelian, saith Boetius, Pliny, and Cardanus. Of its dignity and value. This stone likewise hath been of great esteem, as it was in former times of sacred use: nature here, as being much pleased with unity, hath united the beauty of two gems in one, and by thus sporting itself with the consent of beauty, it hath reconciled the Law and Gospel; for the Onyx is one of those stones which was set in the enclosures of gold in the breastplate of Judgement, and the Sardonyx is that precious gemm by which the glory of the fift foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us. Exod. 28.20. Revel. 21.20. Demostratus saith that Scipio Africanus was the first that ever brought this gemm in use amongst the Romans, and by this means it was famous not only amongst them, but also by their persuasions, amongst the Indians. The Sardonyx, with the beauty of a Sardius and an Onyx, without mixture of any other colour is of great esteem and worth. The China vessels which are brought into these parts, are supposed to be made of this stone and the fatter part of the earth boiled together. It is related of Mithridates king of Pontus, History. that he had 4000 vessels of this mettle. CHAP. XXIV. Of the Chalcedony, Carcedonie, or Carchedonie. Description of the stone. THe Chalcedony or Carchedony is an half-transparent stone, of an obscure, fiery, red colour; and very hard. Of its adulteration. It is adulterated with Crystal and calx Argenti melted together in a furnace for a day. Of its kinds. Pliny reckoneth this stone amongst the kinds of Rubies, but these are of a blacker aspect: yet they are paler and more obscure than the Carbuncle. He saith there is a male and a female of it; and that the male hath its stars burning within itself: and that the female doth pour forth its sparkling rays. But these for their glory, may better be referred to the Granats and Oriental Amethysts, then to the Chalcedonies. There are Oriental Chalcedonies, and they are of a purple or skye-colour, mixed with white, and pleasing to the sight: or else they have a very pleasing redness, and those that have such a redness, are the Chalcedonies of the Ancients; of this sort Anselmus Boetius saith he had many, Boet. l. 2. p. 121. There are Chalcedonies of an earthy, obscure, white colour, and these are the worst of all other. The truest and best of all other Chalcedonies, Boetius saith, are those in which skye-colour, white, yellow, and red, do with a certain delightful and pleasing confusion appear, which being held against the the Sun, doth by the reflection of its rays, show the colour of the rainbow. Of the place. It is found in Germany, in Belgia, about Louvain, and about Brussels. Its properties. It is reported of it, that it driveth away evil spirits, that it is good against melancholy and sadness, that it procureth victory to him that is the possessor of it, and carrieth it about him. Andr. Bacc. in annot. super 6. c. de nat. gem. It's dignity and value. It hath been of great esteem for its sacred use; it is one of those stones by which the glory of the third foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us, Revel. 21.19. The chiefest use of these is in seals; for it sealeth freely, without any devouring of the wax. The best are of the same esteem and price with the Sardonyx. CHAP. XXV. Of the Onyx and Chamehuia. Description of the stone. THe Onyx is a precious gem which represents the candour and beauty of a man's nail: hence in Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in Latin Onyx and Onychium. Of its adulteration. The want of price maketh these gems seldom to be adulterated. That which hath the white distinctly from the black, is often adulterated, and sold for a Cameus. The Onyx of Dioscorides is the Alabaster, and this truly is very like to a man's nail. Of its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, even as is the Sardius and Sardonyx. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin Onyx and Onychium; in Italian Nicolo. In German Onykel; in English the Onyx. Its kinds. There is an Arabian Onyx which is black with white zones or circles, by reason of which many colours are caused in it. Then there is a Camehuia or Memphitis, with a black zone or circle under a white zone or circle. The difference betwixt the Sardonyx, Chalcedony, and Onyx. The difference betwixt the Sardonyx, Chalcedonie, and Onyx is this: The Sardonyx hath the red colour of the Sardius or Corneolus, and the white colour of the Onyx. The Chalcedonie hath a red and black colour confusedly mixed together. The Onyx hath only the perfect beauty of a man's nail. Boetius saith it is called an Onyx, when the black appeareth as it were under a white. The true Onyx, saith Boetius, is a gem that hath many veins compassed about with milkish zones or girdles, and meeting in a pleasing concord and consent. Its properties. Dioscorides speaketh strange things of the virtue of this stone, as that it doth excite passions, move melancholy, and stir up strifes, if it be worn about the neck as an amulet, and that it doth hinder the fits of the Epilepsy. Dignities and virtues. This stone likewise, for its sacred use, hath been of great esteem; as Job. 28.16. It was much esteemed amongst the Jews, happily because it was commanded of God to be set in the shoulders of the Ephod, with the names of the twelve Tribes engraven in it, as Exod. 28.20. It is sometimes of so great magnitude, that little pillars have been made of it. There are six little pillars of it in Basilica S. See Andr. Bac. in annot. Petri Romae. At Colonia in the temple Trium Magorum, there is one broader than the palm of the hand. Pliny l. 37. c. 1. saith, that Polycrates had a very fair Onyx. Not only the beauty of this stone, but the bigness of it maketh it of very great price. Appianus testifieth, that Mithridates' king of Pontus had two thousand cups of this gem amongst his household stuff. CHAP. XXVI. Of the Agate. THe Agate is a precious half-transparent gem, full of pleasure, because of the variety of its colours: and besides the various delightful colours it is replenished withal, it hath also many times divers shapes in it, wrought in excellent workmanship by the skilful hand of nature, and that very admirably landskep-wise; so that in them may be seen woods, rivers, trees, living creatures, fruits, flowers, herbs, and clouds, and all this not very obscurely neither. It is reported of king Pyrrhus, History. that he had an Agate in which, by the handiwork of nature, was to be seen the nine Muses, and Apollo holding his harp. It is reported of Camillus Leonardus Pisaurensis, that he saw one which resembled in itself seven trees standing upon a plain. Of its adulteration. It is adulterated with glass mixed with divers colours: but this is easily known: for the Agate is so hard that it refuseth the file, and for its excellent smoothness dust will not stick to it. Its names, and places where it is found. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as Exod. 28.19. which by some Jews is interpeted the Topaz. It hath its names from the resemblances and forms which it hath in it: as Leuchachates, Dendrachates, Corallachates. The fairest of it is brought from India and Sicily; it is also found in Germany in the Landtgrave of Lichtenbergs country, not fare from the town of Schindthutten: and in Bohemia not fare from Argentine, a Leuchachates sprinkled with black specks of a purplish colour, very good and excellent is found. It's nature and properties. It is said to be good against poison and contagions. It is reported of the eagle, that it doth carry this gem into her nest, to secure her young from the bitings of venomous creatures. So Andr. Bacc. and Dioscorides. It's dignity and value. This stone hath been of esteem for its sacred use; it was one of those stones which were set in the enclosures of the breastplate of Judgement, Exod. 28.19. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one that was twice as broad as the palm of a man's hand, in which was artificially graven the image of Julius Cesar and his wife, which was sold for 8000 crowns. It hath been used for the adorning of those crowns, which in former times were called precar●● coronae. CHAP. XXVII. Of the Oculus Beli, Oculus Cati, and Leucophthalmos. THe Oculus Beli is a half transparent gemm, the body of which is white, and in the midst of it there appeareth a black, like unto the pupilla, or the sight of the eye, which is compassed about with an iris, so that it seems to be a very eye. This stone in ancient times was by the Assyrians dedicated to their God: this for its rarity is more worth than an Achate. Leucophthalmos is like unto the eye of the wolf: it cometh of the Greek words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a wolf, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an eye. Sometimes they have more eyes, and then they are called accordingly, as Triophthalmos. CHAP. XXVIII. Of the Jasper. THe Jasper is a precious gemm diaphanous and perfectly transparent, The Jasper is here put amongst the half-transparent stones, according to the custom of the ancients, who did not take this stone for a perfect diaphanous stone, as here I have described it out of Holy writ. by which the glory of the light of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us in the book of the Revelations, in these words; And the Angel carried me into a very high mountain, and shown me the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, having the glory of God, and its light was as the light of a stone most precious, even like a Jasper clear as Crystal. Revel. 21.10, 11. The divers species of this stone, and the difference of Simplicists and Lapidists about it, do make it very difficult to be known. The Greek name of it (viz.) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the interpretation of Isidore signifieth green, and such a green as doth illustriously shine forth with a very supreme viridity or greenness of glory. Epiphanius and Pliny take the Jaspis for a gemm of an obtuse green colour, like an Emerald, yet not being so transparently glorious, and altogether so translucent as the Emerald is: this saith Pliny in his thirty seventh book, where he reckoneth up no less than seven kinds of this gemm: yea, ten kinds of it. The third of these kinds he saith is like to the air and therefore is called aerizusa, and of the Greeks Boria, because it is like to the morning of an autumnal heaven; and the tenth kind he saith is like to Crystal; which concurreth with the first description of this stone out of Holy writ; nevertheless he prefers the purple Jaspis above all other kinds; and next this, that which is like to the rose; and than that which is of the viridity or greenness of the smaragd, to which, in his enumeration of the species of this gemm he doth give the first place. Dioscorides speaketh of seven kinds of it, and giveth likewise the first place to the Emerald Jaspis; the second to the Crystal Jaspis; and the third to the aërizusa. Rulandus speaketh of two and twenty kinds of this gemm, and giveth the first place to the Emerald Jaspis, which he saith is on one part, of the colour of an Emerald, on the other part, of a ceruleous colour. Now in the midst of this confusion which ariseth from the multiplicity of species, whither should we fly but to the truth to discover truth? and this telleth us, as before it hath been showed, that it is a diaphanous stone, glorious, and full of light; and if so, than all the species so fare as they partake more or less of tincture, or more or less of colour, so fare they fall short of the excellency, beauty and glory of the best Jasper. It is not Isidores interpretation of the word Jaspis that makes it like an Emerald; nor the Ancients various opinion about it, as that the purple one is the best, or that the risen coloured one is the best, or that the Emerald Jaspis is the best, that makes it either to be the best Jasper, or at all a Jasper. But it is the truth of Scripture, which they were unacquainted with, which will convince all their opinions; that the true Jasper is a diaphanous perfectly transparent glorious gemm, resembling the beauty and glory of the light of heaven. This confusion here of the species of gems hath brought this gemm amongst the half transparent gems, which is as excellent and full of esteem as the best of the most glorious perfectly diaphanous gems, and aught to be preferred with them in the highest esteem. It's foil or tincture. This gemm or stone of price, for its fullness of glory, and excellency of beauty, cannot admit of any foil or tincture to commend its beauty withal. Of its adulteration. It can hardly for its excellent glory be adulterated, but the adulteration will be discovered in the defect of beauty, if the adulterate gemm be compared with the true Jasper. Its species, all of them for the most part admitting of more or less tincture or colour, may for this cause admit of many adulterations. * See Andr. Bacc. in Annot. de Nat. Gem. It is ascribed by way of glory, to the king of Egypt; that the first adulteration of the Jasper by tincture was from him; but the glory of this praise if I be not mistaken, (vertitur sibi in vitium) doth even become his shame. Its names. In Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Exodus 28.20. Rabbi Jonathan a Jewish interpreter, calleth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Lapis Pantherinus because some of them are spotted with spots like a Panther. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Jaspis. In English Jasper. In ein Jasp. In French, Spanish, and Italian Jaspé. The kinds of it. There are divers kinds of this stone saith Dioscorides, Andreas Baccius, Wurtzung, Pliny, and Martinus Rulandus. The true and best Jasper is that which hath in it such illustrious glory as that it may be said for the excellency of its beauty to resemble the light of heaven. The kinds of these stones according to Pliny are these. 1. A green translucent Jasper, in glory like to an Indian Emerald. 2. A grey Jasper. 3. An airy Jasper called aërizusa. 4. Caerulea. 5. Purpurea. 6. Caerulea with a non-resplendent purple colour. 7. Indica. 8. Turbida. 9 A violet-coloured Jasper. 10. A Crystal Jasper. To these Martinus Rulandus addeth another kind, namely, the Turchus, which gemm we do now call Turchoys, and the Dutch ein Turckes, and ein Orientischer Turckis. Of the places. The jasper's are found in Persia, Cappadocia, India, Cyprus, in Phrygia, Thracia, Sardis, in Germany, and in the parts of America. Of its nature and faculties. Galen testifieth, that if a green Jasper be hung about the neck in the manner of an Amulet, so that in a direct line it may respond to the stomach, it will strengthen and confirm the natural faculties of the stomach. It is reported of the cross white jasper's, that they do preserve men from the injuries of the water and from drowning: divers do very superstitiously attribute much power and virtue to them, if figures, images, and characters be engraven upon them. The effects which by this means are wrought in or for any, Andreas Baccius doth attribute to the devil, in his Annot. de nat. Gemm. It is reported of it that it doth cure Epilepsies, by Nonus an ancient Physician. Of its dignities and value. This gemm as many before mentioned is of much esteem, for that it hath been of sacred use, and for that by the glory of it, we have many heavenly things resembled to us in Scripture. This is one of those gems which was to be last set in the fourth row of gems, with one of the names of the twelve Tribes engraven in it, in the ouches of gold upon the breastplate of Judgement, Exodus 28.20. This is the first of those gems by which in the New Testament the glory of the first foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem is discovered to us; the structure and built of which wall is also there said to be of Jasper; and the light of the city of the New Jerusalem, is there likewise said to be like a stone most precious, even like a Jasper. Rev. 21.10, 11. and 21.19. In the fourth chapter of this book, to discover the glory of him that sat upon the Throne, it is said that he was like a Jasper, Revel. 4.3. The species of it, for their beauty are of very great esteem. * Andr. Bacc. c. 8. de Nat. Gem. Baccius saith that the pleasure which may be seen in a Jasper, the beauty of which ariseth from the mixture of many excellent greene's, reds, and whites, cannot be expressed: the excellent figures which some of them do make representation of are wonderful: In some of them may be seen after the manner of the clear clouds of the air; and in some like mountains, rivers, fields, and divers living creatures, and sometimes like armed men trampling upon serpents: which, saith Baccius, do assert and testify their power and virtue against all enemies: hence in the book of the Revelations it is said, that the foundations and wall of the New Jerusalem are of Jasper, to signify saith Baccius as S. Hierome interpreteth it, that the power of the Jasper, and the greatness of divine wisdom and knowledge, doth overcome and beat down all the power of false doctrine. The best Jasper, for its excellent beauty and great glory, is of very high esteem, and of great worth and value. CHAP. XXIX. Of the Heliotrope. Description of the stone. THe Helotrope is a half-transparent green gem with sanguine specks, growing to the Jasper and the Prassius. The name Heliotropus is derived from two Greek words; the one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth the Sun; the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth a turning; as if did it turn according to the motion of the Sun, as the herb Heliotropium or the Marigold doth open and shut with the rising and setting of the Sun. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin Heliotropus, in English Heliotrope, and the Oriental Jasper. The places. It is found in India, in Ethiopia, in Africa, in Cyprus, in Germany, in Bohemia; and that of so great a mass or bigness, that oftentimes grave-stones to cover dead bodies are cut out of it; and yet (which is very strange) Anselmus Boetius saith, this stone is known to very few. Boet. p. 130. It's nature and properties. It is reported of it, that if it be put into water which is directly opposed to the beams of the Sun, it will make the water boil, and cause it to be resolved into a cloud, which not long after is dissolved into drops of rain. And that if it be put into fair water, opposed to the beams of the Sun, it doth change its beams, and by the repercussion of the air, seem to shadow the clearness of its rays; and so to induce a sanguineous colour in the air, as if the Sun by the interposition of the body of the Moon, did suffer an ecliptic darkness. Martinus Rulandus and Baccius do say, that this power and faculty is proper only to the Heliotropes. Hence this metrick elegancy of Marbodaeus: Ex re nomen habens est Heliotropia gemma; Quae solis radiis in aqua subjecta Batillo Sanguineum reddit mutato lumine , Eclipsímque novam terris effundere cogit. There is a report, which ariseth of the impudence of Magicians, that if this gem be anointed with the juice of a Marigold, it will cause him that carrieth it to walk invisible. So saith Pliny. This gem is said to be endued with the same faculties with the Jasper; and to procure men riches, and good report amongst men; and to be good against venoms and fluxes of blood. Pliny lib. 37. cap. 10. CHAP. XXX. Of Lapis Nephriticus, or the Nephritick stone. THe Lapis Nephriticus is a hard semi-transparent gem, of a white greenish colour. Boet. 131. Of its kinds. Anselmus Boetius and others reckon both the Heliotrope, and also this stone amongst the jasper's; betwixt this and the Jasper he puts only this difference, namely, that this is the harder, and cannot so exactly be polished as that may be. Boetius saith that he had a Lapis Nephriticus like unto Crystal, perspicuous, with a little white cloud, which grew to one of the green ones. They are sometimes found growing to the Jasper and Prassius: but for the most part they are found like unto whetstones in the fields, in so great lumps as cups may be made with them. Boet. 131. The places. They are found in Spain, and New Spain. Of its nature and properties. The Nephritick stone is a stone of no grateful aspect; & though Boetius doth here place it amongst the half-transparent gems; yet other jewellers and expert Simplicists & Lapidists do not reckon it of any such esteem. It is called the Nephritick stone, from the power and faculty which it is (as Authors say) endued withal against the pains of the reins, and to expel the stone and gravel; and this it doth (as is reported) by being worn on the arm or wrist. This use the Indians make of it. What being thus worn it doth effect upon its subject, is by the power of an occult quality. Wecker saith, that a Nobleman well known to him, had an excellent Nephritick stone which he wore at his arm, by the power of which he voided a very great quantity of gravel, so great as that he feared lest he should suffer harm by so large an expulsion of it in so short a time; and for this cause to avoid the evil, he laid away his Nephritick stone, and was never troubled with his gravel afterwards. He likewise reporteth, that the Duchess of Bejar being three times in a very short space troubled with Nephritick pains, made herself a bracelet of this stone, and wore it continually; and from the time of her wearing of it, for the space of ten years and upward, she was not vexed nor troubled with her pain. Weck. lib. 1. de lap. pretios. Idem dixit Nic. Monardus. CHAP. XXXI. Of the Malachite or Molochite. THe Molochite is a half-transparent gem of an obscure green colour, much like the herb called Mallows. The Germans say that this gem imitateth a Saphire in a dilute or clear green, which some affirm to be a kind of Turchoys. Bacc. de nat. gem. c. 29. This gem Boetius saith is adorned with white veins, mixed with a skye-colour, and sometimes specked with black. Of its names. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Malva; in Latin, Molochites, and Malachites. The places where it is found. It is brought from Arabia. In a tower of a temple at the gate of Tangrae, there may be seen Molochites of a good large bigness: It is found also in Cyprus, and in Germany, chief about Misnia, and the Province of Tirol. Sometimes in the largeness of the palm of a man's hand, and sometimes so big and large, as that little cups may be made of it. Its virtues. It prevaileth by a singular power against all perils, dangers, and infirmities that infants are subject to, and it secureth them from vain fears, and addeth strength unto them; so saith Pliny, l. 37. c. 8. and Solinus in Polyhistor. c. 36. and Baccius the nat. gem. c. 29. Crato saith that this stone hath an excellent faculty in the strengthening of the stomach. It is said to preserve children from perilous and hurtful chance; and cureth them of their familiar disease, namely convulsions. Superstitious persons do engrave upon it the figure of the Sun, to preserve them from incantations, and wicked spirits, and venomous creatures. Ansel. Boet. c. de Moloch. It is said to cure the Cardialgia and the Colic, it may effect this by its purging faculty: for Boetius saith, that if it be taken in the weight of six grains, it doth purge like Antimony. CHAP. XXXII. Of the Turkey stone. Description of the stone. THe Turkey stone is a very hard gemm of no transparency, yet full of beauty, as giving the grace of its colour in a sky colour out of a green, in the which may be imagined a little milkish perfusion; Indigo will give the perfect colour of it, and Verdigrease hath a perfect resemblance of it; and a clear sky colour free from all clouds will most excellently discover the beauty of a Turkey stone. Non-transparent stones, and wholly shadowed gems admit of no foils, therefore nothing concerning them must be here expected. The Turkey stone is throughout of the same beauty, as well internally as externally; it wants no help of tincture to set it off in grace, the constancy of its own beauty without any extraneall help is the support of it, and beareth it up against all defects. * Andr. Bacc. c. 30. de Nat. Gem. It is an excellent gemm of a most simple substance, in every part like itself, most pure in colour, and without spot, and the constancy of its beauty is a sufficient commendation for itself. Of the imitation of the Turkey, and the correction of its colour if it vanish. The Venetians have a very pretty way by which they will neatly imitate this gemm, and that is with Venice glass, prepared with a convenient sky-coloured tincture. If at any time there do appear any kind of vanishing of colour in the Turkey stone, it may be recovered by rubbing it with oil of Vitriol. Of its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. It is in Latin called Turchus, Turchicus, Turchina, Turchesia, Turchoys; Pliny calleth it Boreas, which Martinus Rulandus maketh the sixth kind of Jasper, which he saith is ceruleous like unto a serene heaven, and is called Turcica in Latin, and in Dutch ein Orientischer Turckise. It is of the Greeks called Jaspis Aerizusa; Mesues calleth it Feruzegi. It hath its name Turcicus, either because of its excellent beauty, or because it is brought from the Turks, saith Baccius. The kinds of it. There are saith Baccius two kinds of it, an Oriental one, which is of tendency to a sky colour rather than to a green; and a Spanish one, of an obscure green colour, with an ingrateful aspect, and seldom without a chink or vein. Rulandus maketh this stone, the sixth kind of Jasper of a sky colour, which Pliny reckoneth as the third kind of Jasper and calleth it aerizusa; but in Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it hath a clear representation of the serene morning of an Autumnal heaven. Dioscorides even as Pliny, reckoneth aerizusa, as a third kind of Jasper. The place. History. The Oriental ones are brought from Persia and from the Indies into Turkey, and into these parts; these are seldom bigger than a filbert and very rarely seen so big as a walnut. It is reported of the great Duke of Hetruria that he had one of this bigness, on which was engraven the image of C. Julius Cesar, which he kept in his repository as a gemm of very high esteem. Boetius saith that he never saw one of these gems bigger than a filbert. I was once master of one of the best Oriental ones of a very pleasing delightful beauty, about the bigness for breadth of the nail of a man's little finger, and for thickness of the small kernel of a filbert, in which was engraven a Lion Rampant with the year of its engraving, and so excellently as that no whit of the beauty of the gemm was in the least kind impaired by it. Some of the Oriental ones are said to keep their colour perpetually, and those are called Turkeys of the old rock, and some of these gems are said by degrees to lose their colour and to grow greenish, and these are called Turkeys of the new rock. There are also Occidental ones, or Western Turchoys which are more greenish than ordinary, or else whitish more than is meet, and these are found in Spain, Germany, Bohemia and Silesia. The nature, faculties, and properties of the Turchoys stone. Many strange things beyond faith are reported concerning the virtues of this stone, which nothing but excess of faith can believe. As that if it be worn in a ring of gold it will preserve men from falls, and from the bruises proceeding of them, by receiving that harm into itself which otherwise would fall upon the man: yet these virtues are said not to be in this gemm except the gemm be received of gift. It is likewise said to take away all enmity and to reconcile man and wife. Rueus saith that he saw a Turchoys which upon the death of its master lost all its beauty and contracted a cleft, which a certain man afterwards buying at an under price returned again to its former glory and beauty, as if saith he, by a certain sense it had perceived itself to have found a new master. The same Author saith of it, that it doth change, grow pale, and destitute of its native colour, if he that weareth it do at any time grow infirm or weak; and again upon the recovery of its master, that it doth recover its own lovely beauty which ariseth of the temperament of its own natural heat, and becometh ceruleous like a serene heaven. This stone is very delightful to the eye and is thought much to strengthen the sight, because it doth not by its over brightness too much dissipate the visive faculty, nor by its overmuch obscureness too much concentrate the visive faculty. Baccius in his Annotations saith that it is sweat as a gumm out of a black stone in Persia, which the Indians call Perose; the true Turchoys is known by the change of its colour; in the day time it is excellently ceruleous or sky coloured; at night time by candle light it is green. * See Andr. Bacc. in Annot. de Nat. Gem. cap. de lap. Turch. Another way of trial of it is this, The lower part is sometimes black, from whence issue small veins which do insinuate themselves into the superficies. A third way which is very much commended for this purpose; dissolve calx in water, then anoint the superficies of the gemm with it, or put a little of this dissolved calx upon the superficies, and if upon this the calx receive a tincture, or colour from the gemm; this will show that gemm to be a very excellent Turchoys. Of its dignity and value. The excellency of the colour of this stone doth set its price, and the breadth of it doth much enlarge the price. It is of great esteem with Princes and much pleasure they take in its beauty; and it being set in gold they wear it on their fingers. The Mauritanians use this stone in physic and call it Peruzegi, or Perozaa. Mesues useth it in electuario de gemmis, as Garcias ab horto hath observed. Those Turchoyses that are of the bigness of a filbert, and have an excellent colour like unto a serene sky, and not at all obscured with any black veins, are sold for two hundred crowns a piece and more. The breadth of the body of this stone doth appoint the price. That which is of the exact colour of verdegrease, or like unto a serene sky, without any black veins, is excellent. Anselm. Boet. pag. 137. c. 17. CHAP. XXXIII. Of the Lapis Lazuli. Description of the stone. THe Lapis Lazuli is a fair ceruleous, blue, or sky-coloured stone, void of all transparency, and adorned with many bright golden specks. It differeth, saith Boetius, from the Lapis Armenus in this, that this stone is very hard, and the Lapis Armenus is easily broken and powdered, and wants with its softness the ornament of bright gold specks. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In Latin Caeruleus lapis, and Cyaneus lapis; in Italian, Azuro ultra marino; the Arabians call it Hager and Hazul. Of this stone is made the excellent azure that is more precious than gold. It is also sometimes made of the Lapis Armenus. The Lapis Lazuli is a precious gem, which being polished as other gems, is wont to be set in gold rings, and worn on the finger. Epiphanius doth reckon this gem as a kind of Saphire, which Pliny calleth Sapphirus Cyaneus, or the male Saphire, and saith it is a ceruleous gem, gloriously splendent, with many bright golden starry specks. Pliny lib. 37. c. 9 Of the places where it is found. It is found in Africa, Asia, and Germany, in the gold mines; the Lapis Armenus is the mother of it. It is also found in Egypt, Cyprus, Scythia. It is oftentimes of so great bigness, that spoons and hafts of knives are made of it. If this stone being put into the fire doth not change its colour, it is called Lapis Lazuli fixus, of which is made that precious blue colour called azure. It's nature, properties, faculties. Dioscorides saith that this stone hath a repercussive faculty. Other Physicians have found by experience, that it hath in it a purgative faculty; and that it is good in all melancholy diseases, and the Lapis Armenus hath the same faculties. Antonius Musa Brassavolus in lib. de med. purgant. saith, that the greatest dosis of it is a drachma, and that it doth purge excellently well without any torment at all. He prescribeth it in pills after this manner. R. lapidis Lazuli praeparatiʒj, Camphorae, Anisi, Cinnamomi, Zinziberis, Mastiches ana gr. 6. Misce, & cum succo salviae vel diacatholico fiant Pilulae quinque Dosis est à ℈ ij adʒjs, aut in pilulis, aut in pulvere, aut in jure, aut in aqua Boraginis, aut in conserva Boraginis, aut in vino Cretico. It's dignity and value. A pound of the fragments of this stone is worth ten crowns, to make azure of; (Boet. 140.) and if it be very good, ten ounces of azure may be extracted out of it by three several extractions: The first of which extractions will be five ℥ ss in weight; every ounce of which azure will be worth twenty crowns: The second extraction which may amount in weight to a matter of three ounces will be worth five or six crowns an ounce: and the third extraction which may amount in weight to two ounces, may be worth in value a crown and a half, or one crown. CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Lapis Armenus. Description of the stone. THe Lapis Armenus is a fair, ceruleous, sky-coloured stone, of the same kind that the Lapis Lazuli is, but very fragil, and much softer, void of all golden veins or bright aureous specks, and losing its colour in the fire. Of its names. It is called Lapis Armenus in Latin, from the place whence it is brought, namely Armenia. In Italian Verdazure; in Arabic Hager armeni: in German Bergblau. in French Verdazure, that is, blue mixed with green. This Lapis Armenus being printed on a table, by age degenerateth into a green colour, which is contrary to the nature of a true azure; for that remaineth constant and permanent, without any alteration by continuance of time. Its places. There is an Oriental Lapis Armenus, and a German Lapis Armenus: The Oriental one is said to be known from the German one, in that it looseth not its colour, but becometh more illustrious and glorious in the fire. This is meant of the Lapis Lazuli, and not of the Lapis Armenus. The Lapis Armenus is found in Ultabade, a famous city in the kingdom of Balaguar. It is brought from Venice and Germany into these parts. It's nature, properties, and faculties. This stone is esteemed good against all melancholy diseases. Unwashed, it purgeth by vomit without any difficulty; but it being washed, purgeth by stool: for this purpose, that it may lay down all irritation of the stomach to vomit, it must be washed fifty times: Boetius. Trallianus lib. 1. c. de melancholia, saith that it doth not at all in its purging torment or trouble the party that taketh it. The dose of the unwashed stone is from ℈ iij to iiij. more or less according as the disease, or age, or strength of the person will bear. The dose of the washed stone is from ℈ v to ℈ vi. in warm water; for by this means it doth not a whit trouble or molest. Or it may be taken in form of pills after this manner: R. hierae picrae ℥ ss, Epithymi ℥ ss, Agarici ℈ iiii, Scammoniae ℥ i, Garyophyllorum ℈ i, fiat pulvis tenuissimus, & cum melle rosato aut Cydoniato incorporentur, Dosis est à ℈ two ad ℈ iiji: hae pilulae Catholicae sunt, sive Panchymagogae: for they purge all humours, but especially adust and melancholy humours. Guanerius doth prescribe this stone in the form of a powder, in this manner: R. Lap. Armeni quinquagies lotae ℈ ij. Croci gr. 10. Macis ℈ i. fiat pulvis, sumat in aquae Saccharatae quantitate sufficiente pro una dosi. Aetius lib. 2. c. 47. saith, that it is good to give five grains of this stone, to those that are troubled with melancholy, or to children in pectoral diseases, or to Phreniticks or epileptics. or, R. Centaurei minoris M. iii. Coque in lb. iiss. aquae majoranae ad. lb. i Decocto colato add ℈ i, Lapidis Armeni. See Dioscorides, Cardanus, Garcias ab horto. The colour of this is extracted as the Lapis Lazuli, and is then called Azure. CHAP. XXXV. Of the Astroites or Starre-stone. Description of the stone. THe Astroites or Starre-stone, is saith Boetius, a dark gemm of a whitish colour full of stars, in the stead of which, sometimes it hath the appearance of Roses, and sometimes of waves of water; and sometimes all these representations are to be had in one and the same gemm. He taketh it for a kind of Achate, and saith that these stones are to be found sometimes in the bigness of a man's head. Marsilius Ficinus calleth it the Dracontium, and thinketh that it is taken out of the head of the Indian Dragon. But this is thought to be nothing else but a falsehood, and a story of it, raised by impostors to advance the price of it. Andrea's Baccius saith of the Astroites or Asteria that it cometh near to the form of Crystal, and showeth by repercussion a certain light in a pale colour, in which internally some certain rays after the manner of stars do appear. And in his Annotations he saith it is a hard stone, which being circumverted, showeth the sun shining within it. Cardanus saith that the Stellaris lapis doth differ from the Astrites as not being precious at all nor perspicuous, but only a stone distinguished with many spots of the colour of ashes. Martinus Rulandus calleth this the Astroites mass, and saith it is of the figure of a half globe, full of ashy coloured stars. Its names. It is called Astroites, Asteria, and Astrites. In Dutch it is called ein Siegstein voller sternen; and ein pater noster, von folchen siegsteinen, and that because in old times they made use of this stone to number up Pater nosters by. In English it is called the Starre-stone. Its kinds. Of this stone Boetius maketh three kinds, which he representeth to the eye in their several forms and figures. The one of which is round and hath no stars at all in it: The other is full of stars and round as the former. And the last is composed of divers stars united together in longitude which may easily be separated either with the hand or by the help of some instrument, and in their separation they shiver into the form of stars. And this last Anselmus Boetius calleth Asteria vera, or the true Starre-stone. as lib. 2. the Gemm. p. 151. C. de Astroite. Martinus Rulandus doth also make three kinds of this stone. The first a male one full of stars. The second a female one, in which is many resemblances of the worms which do destroy the herb Rocket and Colewort, which are commonly called Canker-worms and Palmer-worms: in this he saith there is no appearance at all of any of the stars of the masculine one. The third kind he calleth globuli ex Astroite. Of its nature and properties. It is reported that four grains of this stone in some appropriate water, is excellent good against the plague, and to expel worms out of the body. History. Cardanus reporteth wonders of the Stellaris lapis; which Andreas Baccius in his Annotations attributeth to the male Astroite. Cardanus saith that it being put into a vessel of vinegar doth move itself and imitate the go of creatures: this stone and the power and faculties thereof, was in times past saith Cardane very well known to Rabbi Aben Ezra. The progression or motion of this stone in a vessel of vinegar or wine he attributeth to the vapour of the wine or vinegar, which penetrating the stone, and finding not speedy issue out of it again, doth by impulsion move the stone too and again as being a light substance. Which wonder of motion as before I said Andrea's Baccius in his Annotations attributeth to the male Astroite, and the cause of this motion he rendereth from Agricola thus; the stars being rare and of a thin substance and the intermedium gross and thick; the meatus, passages, or porosities of the stars do imbibe or drink in the vinegar or wine, and afterwards expel the vapour or air of the wine or vinegar which in its expulsion doth move the stone, and thus dissolve the wonder and take away the cause of admiration. Some attribute unto it a power of obtaining victory for him that weareth it against his enemies; hence the Dutch call it Siegstein. It swelleth and enlargeth itself in its growth, in the form and figure of an eye. It is said to be good against Apoplexies, and by the very touch of the body to hinder the generation of worms. It's dignity and value. These stones are sometimes found of very great bigness, and sometimes no bigger than the breadth of a man's nail, but of excellent beauty, and esteemed worth two crowns a piece, these for their beauty are oft set in gold and worn on the finger. CHAP. XXXVI. Of the Garatromo or Toadstone. Description of the stone. THis stone is of a brownish colour somewhat tending to redness; convex on the one side; & on the other side, sometimes plain, sometimes hollow. Some say this stone is found in the head of an old Toad; others say that the old Toad must be laid upon the cloth that is red and it will belch it up, or otherwise not; you may give a like credit to both these reports, for as little truth is to be found in them as may possibly be: History. Witness Anselmus Boetius in lib. 2. in the chapter of this stone; who saith that to try this experiment in his youth he took an old Toad and laid it upon a red cloth and watched it a whole night to see it belch up its stone, but after his long and tedious watchful expectation he found the old Toad in the same posture to gratify the great pains of his whole night's restlessness, and since that time he taketh that stone which is called Garatromo or the Toadstone, to be an obscure Starre-stone. Its names. This stone is called Batrachites, and Brontia, and Ombria, and Garatronium, Lapis Borax, Lapis Bufonis, Lapis Rubetae. In French, un Crapaut & Crapaudine. In German ein Krattenstein. Some in Latin call it Crapontina. In English a Toadstone. Of its kinds. Baccius maketh two kinds of this stone: One of a whitish brown colour: Another of a black colour with a bluish eye. This stone saith Boetius is sometimes found of the bigness of an egg, and those that are so great, are sometimes brownish, sometimes reddish, sometimes yellowish, sometimes greenish. Some are no bigger than the nail of the hand and these by Jewellers are taken for the true Toadstones. It is reported of it that it is good against poison if it be worn so as it may touch the skin, and that if poison be present it will sweat, and that if any inflations procured by venomous creatures be touched with it, it will cure them. So saith Weckerus, Lemnius, and Baccius. The third part of the Lapidary. Of non-transparent and common stones. CHAP. XXXVII. Of the Coral. THus having made progress with much perspicuity through all the species of diaphanous & perfectly transparent gems; and through all the species of semi-transparent, or half-transparent gems, (amongst which some non-transparent gems, for their excellency, beauty, value, and worth are reckoned, as the Turkey-stone, Lapis Lazuli, and a kind of the Astroites, and some others,) which are wont to be enclosed in gold, and for their beauty and esteem worn on the finger, or elsewhere about the body for its greater grace and ornament: we are at length arrived at the third part of our labour, which is a port or baven that lets me into the consideration of stones that are not called by the names of gems or precious stones, though many of them for their beauty and virtue, if we consider them jointly, are comparable to some of the beautiful diaphanous stones; and excelling in beauty and virtue many of the semi-transparent or half-perspicuous gems: and with these, to the consideration of stones commonly so called, as they follow in their order after these stones of external beauty, which for their softness are of no great value or price. In the order of these stones, the first place the Coral challengeth to itself, as being more beautiful than the rest, and as full of virtue as any. This is a bud of maritime beauty, and the delight of children, the best of nature's buds, as somewhat furthering the springtide of their growth. The Coral is a plant of natures setting in the sea, which though being covered with the waters of the sea, it be green and soft, yet so soon as it is elevated above the waves, and discovered in the region of the air, it altereth its colour, and changeth its nature: its colour from green to a very noble & beautiful red; its softness into the compacted firmness and solidness of a stone, beautiful and lasting; by the operation of the air encompassing its sometimes soft and flaccid substance. It is (under the waters of a brinish sea) a thriving growing plant, sprung up by nature with the ornament of many pretty branches, which is no sooner violently forced from the place of its growth; and brought to light above the overflowings of the waters, but it blusheth at the injurious hand that offereth violence to its secret, silent, tender, spreading growth. Description of the Coral. The Coral is a delightful, pleasing, beautiful, red, hard stone, resembling a plant, adorned with many pretty branches. Ovid. 4. Metamorph. concerning the original of the Coral hath this fiction: Medusa's head being cut off, A fiction of the original of the Coral. Perseus took it and put it in the sand of the seashore with leaves and green rods under it, which rods by the touch of the head, grew hard and into a stony substance, which when the sea-nymphs saw, they took of those rods and spread them abroad in the sea, which became the seeds of Coral. Hence saith Ovid, Nunc quoque Coraliis eadem natura remansit, Duritiem tacto capiant ut ab aere: quódque Vimen in aequore erat, fiat super aequora saxum, & in lib. 15. Sic & Coralium quo primùm contigit auras Tempore, durescit: mollis fuit herba sub undis. Of its adulteration. In imitation of Nature, Art doth oft excellently find out a way of resembling this stone. The manner of it is this; Take the shrub which groweth out of the old wild Pear-tree, which is scarce a foot high, and cover it over with a very hard emplaster made of Minium, Colophonia, and White-wax: this being perfectly dry, must be levigated or polished by the fire, and it will be so exactly like unto the Coral, that it will hardly be discerned from it. Or take the fine powder of Coral, and the white of an egg, and mix them together, and with them Minium, and then press them in forms. Its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ramoth, as Job 28. 18. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, thus Metrodorus calleth it, of the fiction of its original from the Gorgon's head. It is called of Pliny l. 32. c. 2. and of some others besides him, Corallum, Caeralium, Ciralium, and Curalium, for that it is plucked up with nets, or cut up with an iron instrument. It is also called Dentrites of Pliny. It is also called in Latin Coralium, and Corallium, and Sandastrum. In Arabic Bassad, Besed, Bassath, Belisis. In Germane Coral. In Italian Corallo. In French du Coral. Of its kinds. Dioscorides, Pliny, Cardane, Rulandus, and Boetius reckon three kinds of Coral; red, white, and black; yet all these are of the same kind of greenness while as yet they remain in the place of their growth, under the waters of the sea. The best of these kinds is the red Coral, which imitateth the natural Minium. Next this is the white Coral, and then the black. There is also Coral yellowish, & brownish, and greenish, and reddish, falling much short of the beauty of the first Coral. Of the places. Some of these kinds of Coral are found in the West parts of England, about S. Michael's Mount. There is Coralline found growing to Oyster-shells, muscle-shels, and to stones in the sea, under a place called Reculvers and Margot in the I'll of Thanet, and in other places along the sands from thence to Dover. It's nature and properties. The Coral is cold and dry, and astringent. It is reported of it, that it will be of greater beauty if a man wear it, then if a woman; and that it will contract ungrateful spots, if the possessor of it be dangerously sick. By the change of its colour it is said to foreshow ensuing diseases. If it be worn in the manner of an amulet, it is said to drive away fears, and to keep men from enchantments, from poisoning, from epilepsies, and from the insultings of devils, from thunder, from tempests, and from all manner of perils: for this cause idolaters were wont to dedicate this stone to Jupiter and to Phoebus. This stone hath been thought of power to hinder the delusions of the devil, and to secure men from Incubus and Succubus. So Ansel. Boetius, & Dioscorides. Arnoldus de villa nova, adviseth to give to newborn children as soon as they are come into the world, before they have tasted any thing, ten grains of the powder of Coral in the mother's milk; by which means he saith they shall be preserved all the days of their life from the epilepsy. The same remedy Camillus Leonardus Medic. Pisauriensis, saith that he hath often experienced. There is a composition made of it, which is called Diaccrallium, which is said to be very effectual against vomiting, and to cure all fluxes of the belly. The description is this: Tabellae Corallatae. A confection in Lozenges. R. Corallorum Rubeorum praeparatorumʒii. Margaritar. praeparatar: ʒi. boli armeniʒss. ligni aloes ℈ i. sacch. albissimi dissoluti in aqua rosarum & cinnamomi tenuioris quantum sufficit; fiat confectio in tabellis. Or this may be used in powder. and the alone powder of the Coral is given in the weight of half a drachma against all contagions, plagues, poisons, and malign fevers, and to recreate the heart. The tinctura Corallorum, and the sal Corallorum are endued with the same power and faculties: of which we may have an occasion to speak hereafter, according as our success is in this present undertaking. It's dignity and value. An ounce of Coral beads were wont to be sold for a crown; sometimes for more, sometimes for less. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he saw one of these shrubs adorned with many branches, which was esteemed worth an hundred crowns. These are of great esteem with Princes. If the Coral at any time fail in its beauty, it may again be restored by rubbing it with Nitre. CHAP. XXXVIII. Of the Amber, or Succinum. Description of the stone. THe Amber or Succinum is a fat bituminous substance, congealed into a stone of a white colour, and that through the power of heat. It is rare and precious, endued with the virtues of Balm, and breatheth forth the fragrant smells of odoriferous spices. The common sort of Amber, which is fittest for ornament and external deckings of the body, is a through-transparent stone, usually full of small motes or atoms, of a yellow or gold colour; in which sometimes there are found small creatures, as worms, and flies, and the like. A fiction. The Greeks have a pretty fable or fiction concerning the generation and original of the Amber or Succinum which they call Electrum, A fiction of the original of the Amber. as that it should have its first original from the tears of Phaeton's sisters, who the fiction saith, lamenting the death of their brother Phaeton who was slain with lightning, were turned into poplar trees, and pour forth perpetual tears by the river Eridanus, otherwise called Padus, which afterwards do coire in unam massam, and thus by concretion or congelation they do become the Electrum, Succinum, or Amber. Hence this of Ovid in his fable of the Heliades, 2. Metam. Indè fluunt lacrymae; stillatá que sole rigescunt De ramis Electra novis; quae lividus amnis Excipit & nuribus mittit gestanda Latinis. Others have feigned that this stone is generated ex urina lyncis covered over in the sands. Epiphanius doubteth much concerning the word Lyncurius (which is interpreted Amber, or Succinum, and by some called Lycurius, but with very little correspondency to the Hebrew text) what species of gemm or precious stone it ought to be taken for. * Cardan. l. 5. de Mistress. Cardanus saith that there is great contention amongst Authors concerning the Succinum, or Amber, but he himself asserteth it to be a bituminous substance congealed into a stone. Of its adulteration. I have thus spoken of the adulteration of gems and stones of worth, immediately after the discovery of the true stones, lest the distance of place, or other intermediate things should breed some confusion to my reader, and by this means take him off from the diligent consideration of the differences of true gems and stones from their falsifyings and adulterations. They being thus directly opposed together they will the more easily be discovered one from the other. The adulterations of it are these. Take Succinum melleum, and the white of an egg, and Saffron, and Gumme-dragon, these mix together with knats or flies, or chaff, or such like things and a little powder of the true Amber to give it an odoriferous smell, and then by the power of heat bring it into a hard substance like amber. So Cardanus lib. de Mistress. Or take the fine powder of Crystal and the white of an egg and beat them together, adding a little water mixed with saffron, put this substance into a glass and evaporate all the moisture till it come to a full consistence, and then form it, and by drying of it you will have your factitious Amber; and if you desire to have a diaphanous body strain it before you boil it. So Mizaldus. Or take liquid Mastic, strain it that it may be purged a little, and then add of the root of Curcuma and so make a species of Amber. So Baptista Porta in Magia sua. c. 1. de Succino. But the best, most profitable, and excellentest of all other artificial ways is this; dissolve as many small pieces of Amber as you will, and coagulate them again into a mass, and he that can do this may indeed be called verus Physicus. This, saith Boetius, may easily be done, but such knowledge as this is meet for none but the wise. Thus much may suffice to be demonstrated concerning the adulterations of this stone, that pious inquirers into nature may not be deceived. He that desireth to know more of this, let him read the history of Andreas Libavius. Of its names. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it being rubbed and warmed, doth as it were entice and attract to its self small bodies, and little things, as chaff, and straws, and the like, after the same manner that the Loadstone doth attract the iron. In Latin Ambra, and Ampar, and Succinum Orientale, thus the Romans call it saith Andreas Baccius, because it is concrete or congealed of a juice, which floweth not from trees, but from the bowels of the earth. In Persian Carabe. In the language of Ham or Egyptian language Sacal. In French de la ' Amber. In German Agtestien, and Augstein, and Achstein, and Borastien. Of the Scythians Sacrium Lyncurium, and Langurium. Of its kinds. Ansel. Boetius maketh four kinds of this stone: 1. White, which is very seldom transparent, but rare and more precious than any of the other kinds, breathing forth pleasing, sweet, fragrant, spicy, odoriferous smells. This is endued with the virtues of Balsam. 2. A yellow Amber like unto gold, for the most part transparent, in which is usually found many motes, and little creatures, such as are flies. 3. An Amber adorned with various colours which is sometimes transparent, and sometimes opake or obscure. 4. A dark and spotted Amber with very many ignoble colours. Martinus Rulandus doth also thus reckon four kinds of this stone. 1. Succina gravida, of which he saith there are seven kinds. 2. Succina liquida or Pellucida, of which he saith there are thirteen kinds. 3. Succina crassa, non Pellucida, of which he reckoneth eleven kinds. 4. Succina mixta cum aliis succis, of which he showeth ten kinds: but I omit these till I have an occasion for addition. Of the places. The Amber is found in Prussia, Dania, Suevia, Livonia, Finland, sometimes in the bigness of the head of a man. The white is seldom found but in small pieces. Pliny writeth that a piece was brought to Rome of thirteen pound weight of the yellow Amber. Of its nature and properties. The white Amber is astringent and temperately hot, the yellow Amber hotter. The white odoriferous Amber is esteemed the best for Physic use, and thought to be of great power and force against many diseases, as against the Vertigo and Asthmatick Paroxysmes, against Catharres, and arthritical pains, against diseases of the stomach, and to free it from stuff and putrefactions, and against diseases of the heart, against plagues, venoms and contagions. The Florentine Physicians are wont to prescribe some few drops of its oil to be taken in wine for the former purposes. It is used either in powder, or in oil, or in Troches either in the distempers of men; or of women, either married or unmarried, either with child or without, or in the distempers of children. It's dignity and value. Princes were wont in former times to cause the Precariae Coronae to be made of the yellow Amber, which were little Crowns or Coronets of glory, given to those that did obtain masteries and set upon their heads in token of their victorious prizes. It hath been also used of women for Crowns; and it is now used in Necklaces and Bracelets. It is oft made into small cups about the bigness of a man's fist, which are valued at ten and sixteen crowns a piece. If the Amber be found with great variety of shapes in it, it may be valued saith Boetius at the pleasure of the possessor. The Amber is used to make vernix withal. The white Amber though it want the external glory and transparency of the yellow Amber, yet is it best for physic use, as being endowed with a pleasing odoriferous smell, and carrying away the balsamic virtues and all the efficacy, power, and faculties from the rest. CHAP. XXXIX. Of the Gagate, or Stone-coal, as some think. Description of the stone. THe Gagate is a black stone of a polished splendour, generated (as saith Rulandus) of an oily substance, which floweth forth of the rocks called Petroleum, or of Naphtha subtle which is much like Petroleum, if not the same: or of the natural liquid Bitumen, which Wurtzung, a German Physician, taketh to be the same with Naphtha and Petroleum. Of its names. It hath its name Gagate from the river Gagas in Cilicia. Cardan saith, that of the vulgus it is called Ambra Nigra. In Schewarser Agstein: In French Agathe: In Spanish Elzavaie. It is of some called Succinum Nigrum. Its kinds. The best Gagate is that, which being put to the fire burneth like Bitumen. Of this Rulandus maketh these kinds; 1. The Thracius lapis, called in Dutch Schewars Agetstein. 2. Lithanthrax, which is a stone of an earthy colour, congealed of Naphtha or Bitumen. 3. The Stone-coal. The places. The Gagate is found in Britain, in Sicily and in France. It's virtue. It is reported of it, that the wearing of this stone doth secure men from nocturnal fears, from Incubus or Succubus, or the nightmare; and from evil spirits; and that it being drunk, Cardan. lib. 5. de mistress. will show whether a maid have her virginity or no. Ansel. Boet. c. de Gagate. Of its dignity and value. This is a stone of small value, and hath been used, saith Boetius, as black patches to make women seem beautiful. Cardanus in lib. de mistress, saith that it hath been used to reckon up Pater nosters withal: for the Saints in former times were wont to wear beads and bracelets of it, to number up their prayers by, and thereby to keep the account of their devotions. Cardane saith, that pilgrims were wont to bring from Spain the images and consecrated pictures of Saints, made of the black Gagate or Stone-coal. Card. l. 5. the mistress. CHAP. XL. Of the Lithantthrax, or Coals. Description of the stone. THe Lithanthrax is a stony coal of the kinds of Gagate. It is a bituminous substance, which by the power of heat being concocted, is brought into the hardness of a stone. Their names. In Greek they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. There are light ones which are called by * See Martin. Ruland. Lex. Chime Theophrastus' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Carbones leves. There are also Carbones graves, called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: in Latin Lapidei Carbones: in German, ein Stein-kol: in English Coals. Places. This is found in the country of Liege, and in those places where the Gagate is found. It's use. The common use of coals is so well known to all, as that I shall not need to spend further time in the discourse of it. See Boet. c. de Lithanthr. & And. Libav. CHAP. XLI. Of the Glossopetra, or Tongue-stone. THe Glossopetra is a stone of the similitude of a Tongue. The place. It is found in the Alume-mines near Luneberg. It's virtue and value. Description of the stone. It is reported that the wearing of this stone will preserve men from poisons, and from witchcrafts; Plin. lib. 37. cap. 19 and that if poison be present in the room where it is, it will sweat. Boet. It is a vile stone of very small worth. CHAP. XLII. Of the Alectorius or Cock-stone. THe Alectorius is a transparent gem, of the bigness of a Bean, found in the stomach of a Cock, like to Crystal or limpid water. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: In Latin Alectorius: In German, ein Cappaunstein: In English, the Cock-stone. Its kinds. The best (saith Pliny) is transparent like limpid water, or a Crystal. Boetius saith, that some of these stones are like to obscure crystals; and that there are others of a brownish colour; and that there are some found distinguished with sanguine veins. It's property and value. It is reported of this stone, that it doth by a Solary power which it hath in it, make him that weareth it victorious over his enemies. See Solinus cap. 4. and Dioscorid. l. 2. c. 43. It is said of Milo Crotoniates, who lived in the times of the ancient Tarqvinius, that by the help of this stone he became invincible. As long as the Cock hath this stone in his stomach, it is reported that he never drinketh. Boetius saith, that the certain experience of the Neotericks hath found this stone good to allay the heat of the heart, and to quench thirst if it be held in the mouth. L. Lemnius and Albertus Magnus have written concerning the virtue of this stone. It is reported of it, that if it be held in the mouth it procures victory: and that it hath a power of stirring up of love and lust; and of making constant and eloquent, and of securing from all manner of perils. This stone is very rare and precious, and may therefore be prized and valued at the pleasure of the possessor. CHAP. XLIII. Of the Chelidonius Lapis, or Swallow-stone. THe Chelidonius is a gem, saith Rulandus, that is found in the stomach of Swallows of the first brood, if they be taken and opened either in the increase; or before the full of the Moon, as saith Weckerus. There are two kinds of it, saith Boetius, one black, the other red. But of this and some others that follow, I shall not now endeavour to further my discourse; but defer that, till I may see what the success will be of these first undertake. Concerning this stone, see Wecker. l. 1. Antidote. special. de lap. minùs pretios. alterantib. Divers things have been spoken of the great virtues of this stone, of which hereafter I may speak. In the mean time confer with Boetius, pag. 172. and Albertus Magnus. CHAP. XLIIII. Of the Dracontia, Draconitis, or Dragon-stone. PLinie saith that this stone is found in the brain of Dragons, Plin. l. 37. c. 10. But I omit further discourse concerning it till a more convenient opportunity. CHAP. XLV. Of the Snake-stone, which the Bohemians call Duchanek. Boetius saith they are much deceived that take this for a stone, seeing they are nothing else but round glasses, form on purpose to wind thread upon; and for this purpose, for the more celerity of winding, they have a hole in the midst of them, by which the Bohemian women hold them upon their fingers, during the time of their winding thread upon them. Verticels. These are called Verticels from their use, as being fit and meet to turn to and again. These are used by the Bohemian women, and in Belgia, where Anselmus Boetius saith he hath seen many of them. CHAP. XLVI. Of the stone called the Snakes-egge. THis stone is a kind of Toadstone, and may be referred to those that are called Brontia or Ombria, of which see Pliny l. 29. c. 3. CHAP. XLVII. Of the Carp-stone. THe Carp-stone, or rather the Carp-bone; for (saith Boetius) it is a triangular bone of a yellowish colour, found in the beginning of the backbone of a Carp. The powder of this being taken in drink, is said to be good against the stone. CHAP. XLVIII. Of the Lapis Caymanus. Description of the stone. THis is a stone like to ordinary stones found in rivers; and it is also said to be found in the stomach of a Crocodile. The Indians and Spaniards are wont to use these stones against quartane fevers. Anselm. Boet. p. 177. CHAP. XLIX. Of the Palumbella or Dove-stone. THe Palumbella is a stone found in the belly of Stock-doves, which they are said to swallow for their health's sake. CHAP. L. Of the Swine-stone. THis is a stone of a reddish colour and bitter taste, which is said to be found by a river near Malacca, in the gall of the greater sort of swine. Boet. 178. CHAP. LI. Of the Lapis Cenar. THese are those stones of which those beautiful cups and dishes are made, which are commonly called by the name of China vessels. They are pleasant and of great esteem, and much used for ornament. CHAP. LII. Of the Lapis Bezoar. Description of the stone. THe Lapis Bezoar is (saith Boetius) a stone blackish out of a green, about the bigness of a filbert, round, and hollow in the midst, in the cavity of which is contained a little sandy powder. Cardan. de lap. lib. 7. Cardane saith, it is a soft stone of an ashy colour, about the bigness of a filbert, egregiously powerful against all venoms. Andr. Bacc. lib. de nat. gemm. c. 34. Andr. Baccius saith, that the Bezoar stones are externally rough, of a green colour, which out of a brown is reddish, as if it was partly tinctured with redness by blood, and partly with an humour from the creature in which it is found. Claudius' Richardus in his description of this stone ad Archiepisc. Strigoniensem, saith, The Bezoar is a round long stone, in form like an acorn without its cup, outwardly like polished iron, but inwardly of an ashy colour. It is not very ponderous, because full of pores, and therefore it is easily broken. It hath no arenositie or harsh sandiness at all with it; if it be taken betwixt the teeth, it doth dissolve like a crust of bread, softened with the salivous humour of the mouth: it hath in it no savour as some say, but Richardus saith, it hath with it a grateful savour. It is generated in the stomach of a wild goat in the Springtime, and in Summertime, of the juice of such herbs as they then live upon; at which times only these stones are to be found in these creatures. Description of the creature in which the Bezoar is found. The creature in which they are found is of the bigness of a goat, which hath long yellowish hair, as fine as cotton. So Baccius: but Wecker in lib. de lap. pretiosis saith, that the creature of which the Bezoar cometh, is a kind of a goat which is found in Persia, sometimes rusi coloris, that is of a yellowish red colour, and sometimes of another colour; one of these creatures of the yellowish red colour, he saith he himself saw at Goa. Of its adulteration. This stone being a stone of value, it is to be feared, saith Andrea's Baccius, lest merchants for lucre sake should adulterate it; which adulterations he saith may thus be discovered: the natural Bezoars are rude, unequal, unpolished, as those stones that are found in the bladder of a man: these he saith will leave no tincture upon the palm of the hand, if they be there rubbed with a little moisture from the mouth; but the artificial ones will leave a tincture if they be so rubbed. The adulterate ones or artificial ones are also made in form like a kidney or a pigeon's egg, and these are externally smooth and polished, and they being broken, their pieces are hard instar terrae coctae or gypsi, that is, like clay or earth dried and hardened by the power of the heat of the fire. Boetius saith that the artificial or factitious Bezoar doth usually contain in its cavity either chaff or herbs; and sometimes like small seeds. A sure way to try a factitious one is this, give some few grains of it to a dog or such like creature that hath taken poison, and if it be a true Bezoar, it will quickly discover its virtue in prevailing against the poison; if otherwise, its want of virtue, power and prevalency will very easily discover it to be not of nature, but of art. It is reported of the eyes of the Hyaena that they are of a stony substance; Pliny taketh the Bezoar-stones saith Martinus Rulandus for these, and therefore calleth them gemmae Hyaeniae. Martinus Rulandus taketh the Bezoar for the congealed tears of a Dear: The Eastern Dear he saith in the Spring time are wont to search the Caverns for serpents, which when they find, they are wont to snuff them up into their nostrils and thus purge themselves of their annual distempers; which so soon as they have snuffed up or eaten, straightway they fly to the rivers or waters, and in them overwhelm themselves to the very head, so long, as till they perceive the power and force of the venom of the serpents which they have taken to be overcome: In this mean season by the power and force of the venom, their eyes shed forth abundance of tears which are coagulated and congealed about them; these coagulated dried tears Martinus Rulandus calleth the Bezoar, that sovereign medicine and antidote against all poisons. Its names. The Hebrews call it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Dominus veneni. The Chaldeans call it by the same name. It is thus called by the Hebrews and Chaldeans from Bel Dominus, and zaar venenum: because it doth bear sway over poisons, and tame and master their malignity and unbridled violence. It is thought by some, to have its name from the Persian word Pazar, or Pazan, which signifieth a goat. The Arabians call it Hager Bezaar, that is, Lapis Bezaar, v. Serap. lib. agg. c. Hager-bezaar. In Latin Lapis Bezoar and Bezaar; and so also in English. The kinds of it. Boetius saith that there are 1. Bezoars that are black. 2. Bezoar-stones that are yellowish. 3. Bezoar-stones that are brownish. 4. Bezoar-stones that are greenish. 5. Bezoar-stones that are blackish out of a green. The greenish ones, The best Bezoar-stones. and those that are black out of a green are the best of all others, these if they be held to the tongue or put into water, will so dissolve that there shall be nothing of sand remaining. These and the other are all hollow in the midst, and have a little sandy powder or dust which they contain in their cavity, which powder will dissolve even as the stone. The places. This stone is found in the East-Indies, and also in the West-Indies. In the East-Indies in these parts, in Persia, India, China, Cathay; it is brought to Constantinople out of Persia, and by Calecuth to Portugal. It is found in Peru and other parts of America or the West-Indies. Of its nature and properties. Claudius' Richardus in his epistle where he describeth this stone ad Archiepiscopum Strigoniensem, (which epistle may be read in Andreae Baccii lib. de nat. gemmar.) maketh mention of one Dominus Scander a noble man who belonged to the Emperor, that being troubled with a very grievous disease at the seventy fifth year of his age, was cured by the only use of Bezoar taken in the quantity of five grains in a spoonful of wine. The same Author saith, that D. D. Staphylus was cured of an acute fever joined with malignity, by the use of seven grains of this stone in a spoonful of wine; half an hour after the taking of which, he took half the yolk of an egg; about an hour after the taking of which, he took a good draught of the whey of goat's milk, as having eaten very little for fifteen days together; and there followed upon this, a purgation for six times, of much choleric matter. It is supposed that no other remedy is so forcible against poison as is this. The dose of it is usually four grains, more or less either in Carduus water, Baulm water, or Clovegylo-flower water. Anselmus Boetius saith that the powder contained in the cavity of the stone, is of more force than the stone itself. It is used against palpitations of the heart, against melancholies, against quartan fevers, against epilepsies, against venoms, contagions, and all pestilential diseases, and against all chronic and diuturn diseases. Cardanus saith of the Bezoar, that it is lapis ab omnibus laudatus, & à nemine fermè cognitus, that is, much extolled in the mouths of all men, but known to very few; which (saith he) Scribonius Largus though Caesar's, or the Emperor's Physician, writeth to be the tears of Deer found in Sicily, when as it is manifest that it is found in Pely a Country of the East-Indies. Of which saith Baccius, though the original of it be not fully manifest to us, yet the effects and admirable operations of it hath many times been confirmed to us by experience, and ought not therefore to be doubted of us: * Andr. Bacc. c. 35. de Nat. Gem. yea rather saith he, in my judgement it is a very wholesome, blessed and friendly medicine to humane nature, discovering its wonderful operations, by an unspeakable sympathy, and not because it is either hot or moist, or cold or dry, for it is insipid and void of all taste and savour. The greatest dose of it he saith, is the weight of ten grains of wheat in its ordinary dispensation; and doubts not but it may be taken without peril even of those that are in health, in the weight of one or two scruples. The great Turk is wont to take it often every year though he be never so healthful. History. It is given to children against worms, and in malignant fevers, saith Montanus and Amatus. It is said to be good in almost all diseases, especially in malign, contagious diseases, and venomous. It's dignity and value. It is of great esteem amongst Princes and great men, for the admirable virtues which are taken to be in it, in so much as one of the biggest of the best may be sold at the pleasure of the possessor. Of so great esteem it hath been, as that Almirama a great Prince of Arabia, being cured of a mortal disease by it, did afterwards give for one of the best of these stones, a great, magnific, princely house of his which he had at Corduba, as is affirmed by Authors. The small ones, saith Boetius, which are not of greater weight than a drachma, are sold in the lower Germany for two ducats apiece. CHAP. LIII. Of the stone in the gall of an Ox. THere is, saith Anselm. Boetius, a stone of an obscure yellowish colour, which is said to be found in the gall of an Ox, and to be good against poisons. CHAP. LIIII. Of the Aetite or Eagle-stone. Description of the stone. THe Aetite is a white stone which is found in the nest of an Eagle, about the bigness of a Peach or Apricock: it is weighty and hath an hollowness or cavity in it, in which is contained an hard stone like a Crystal, called Callimus. It is reported of the Eagle, that it bringeth this stone into her nest, to help her the more easily to lay. So Boetius. Renodeus lib. 2. sect. 2. de materia medica, saith, that some think that the Eagles bring these stones into their nests, to temper the heat of their eggs: others for its colours sake, as Rulandus. Of its names. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Aetites, and lapis Erodialis, vel Aquileius, & Enydros, which as the other kinds are pregnant either with gravel, or earth, or with a Crystal stone; so is this with water: insomuch as if it be put (saith Rulandus) into a warm place, it will sweat. Hence these verses, Perpetui fletûs lacrymis distillat Enydros, Qui veluti ex pleni fontis scaturigine manat. that is, Enydros tears eternal doth distil, From it as from a fountain they do drill. It is also in Latin called Lapis praegnans, because of the matter which it doth contain in its cavity. In German ein alderstein: in English the Aetite or Eagle-stone Of its kinds. Martinus Rulandus speaketh of six kinds of this stone. The first of which kinds he saith, Praegnans est lapide, insomuch as it being shaken, doth sound as if it had a stone in the womb of it, that is, in the cavity or midst of it, This kind of the Aetite is a round stone, and hollow as a nutgall. 2. The second kind is pregnant with earth, or a whitish clay; it is called Aegyptitis, and of Dioscorides Geodes gemma. 3. The third kind is pregnant with water. Of this Pliny lib. 37. c. 11. and Solinus c. 40. say, that it is always of an absolute rotundity, and of a smooth candour or whiteness; but it being moved, there floweth too and fro a liquor, after the same manner as the liquor of an egg will move too and fro within it, if the egg be moved. Solinus saith of this Aetite called Enydros, that it doth so abundantly sweat, as that a man would think it did contain in it a springing fountain of water. 4. The fourth kind is pregnant with gravel or little stones. 5. The fifth kind is pregnant with a Chelonitis. 6. The sixth kind is pregnant with a white flint: one of this kind Martinus Rulandus saith he found at Albis, which when he had opened, he found in the matrice, womb, or cavity of it, a white flint, round and long, and very hard. Pliny reckoneth four kinds of Aetites. 1. A little soft Aetite, which containeth in its womb or matrice a pleasant, white, clayie substance: This is supposed to be a female Aetite; and is easily broken. This is that stone which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dioscoridis, or the Geode of Dioscorides: in German Erdtstein. 2. The second kind he saith is like unto the first, but bigger and easily broken; and this containeth in its cavity a pleasant sand, or little stones like flints, or the Conchylis, which are little fishes like muscles. 3. The third kind are called Taphiussius; this is white and round, and found in rivers, and containeth in its womb or matrice that beautiful Crystal stone which is called Callimus. 4. The fourth kind is taken for a male kind, this is very hard, and like unto a nutgall: this containeth in its womb or matrice a hard reddish stone. This stone hath been of great esteem with Dioscorides. Andr. Baccius saith, that some of these stones are found of the bigness of Peaches, others of Apricocks, others in the bigness of Pomegranates, and others of Melons. Of the places. The first kind, saith Rulandus, are found in Sala. and Albis: and in a country the Germans call Die Stevermarck. The second of this kind are found in Egypt, and in Dresden in Misnia, and in Saxony. The other kinds are found in Albis, and the former places. Pliny's first kind is found in Africa. The second in Cyprus. The third in Taphiussa near Leucas. The fourth in Arabia. Of its properties and virtues. This stone is said to be good to facilitate the partus, and to cause speedy deliverance, if so be that it be bound to the left thigh of the woman in travail; and this it doth by an attractive faculty, very powerfully and with so much force, as that if it be not removed upon the deliverance of the child, or birth, it will endanger the descensus uteri. Franciscus Valeriola a French Physician, very erudite and learned, History. maketh mention of a strange accident that happened at Valentia, to the wife of Ponsonus Jobertus a citizen of that city: The time of her labour being come, to facilitate her bringing forth, there was tied to her thigh a great Aetite stone, which through the forgetfulness and imprudence of those that tied the stone to her thigh, was left tied in the foresaid place, after the woman had brought forth her child; which remaining so some few hours, Andr. Bacc. 38. de N Gem. caused a lapsus or descensus uteri; and through this in conclusion the death of the sick party. It is likewise reported of this stone, that if it be bound to the left arm gravidae mulieris, of a woman with child, that it will hinder abortion and all miscarriage of her birth, and the lapsus or descensus uteri. It is taken to be of a dry faculty, and endued with astringency. If it be worn upon the stomach, or betwixt the breasts, it is said of it, that it will strengthen a woman for the retaining of the birth, and delay the bringing forth. Some are of opinion that it hath a power of procuring love, of increasing riches, and of making men victorious. Dioscorides saith that this stone hath a power of detecting thefts, if it be given to the party suspected to be eaten in bread. Hence arose this Proverb, Aetiticus panis huic porrigendus, or, Give him some of the Aetitick bread to eat. History. Petr. Bellonius observ. l. 20. c. 23. saith, that the Greek Monks called Calcieri, were wont superstitiously and wretchedly so to use this stone. The manner of it was this; They called together the suspected persons, and gave them some of the bread knead with the powder of this stone without any leaven at all in it, in such a proportion or quantity as that they might well swallow, of which they gave thrice to every person, and in the mean time they did murmur ever many words, which charm by the power of the devil, their grand agent, was wont to work so effectually the third time, as that the bread would stick in the throat of the suspected person, and choke him: a remedy a thousand times worse than the disease. The necessitated person stealeth to supply his necessities; and theft wicked wretches, to discover his theft, engage with, and take counsel of the devil to destroy him body and soul. They say that this stone driveth away serpents, but here I am sure it fell into the hands of serpents, even of a generation of vipers, who made use of it to work the work of the old serpent, in the destruction of body and soul of man. The Eagles being mindful of the security of their young, are wont in the building of their nests ever to make up their structures with these stones; by this means hoping to secure their young from the annoyances of serpents. So saith Philostratus lib. 2. c. 55. de vita Apollonii. CHAP. LV. Of the Hematite or Bloodstone. Description of the stone. THe Hematite is a common stone of an obscure red colour; so called from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth sanguis or blood, and that not for its likeness only, but also for its use; for as saith Dioscorides lib. 5. this stone hath a power of stopping fluxes of blood. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Haematites. In Arabic Sedeneg. In German Blutstein. In English the Bloodstone. Of the kinds of it. The Hematite is of kin to the Loadstone; and so of kin, as that Pliny l. 36. c. 16. calleth Haematitem, Magnetem, that is, an Hematite a Loadstone. Of the Hematites, Rulandus maketh six kinds. 1. Haematites fossilis, of a full red colour, which is very much commended of Dioscorides. l. 5. c. 90. 2. Haematites niger yielding a juice like saffron, this is much harder than the former, of this Rulandus saith, Gemma, seu lapis Medus. that without doubt, it is the gemma or lapis Medus niger Alberti, which being broken yieldeth a juice like in colour to saffron. 3. Haematites fossilis purpureus or the purple Hematite, which is found in mines. 4. Haematites fossilis pulcherrimus or the fair Hematite, this is used of Goldsmiths for the polishing of gems: this likewise saith Rulandus is black, and as it were turbinated. 5. Fossilis niger trichurus, so called of Pliny l. 37. c. 10. because it being rubbed upon a whetstone doth yield three colours. 6. Haematites pulcherrimus or the fair Hematite, which resembleth in form a discovered brain, which form, saith Rulandus l. de Lap. I cannot sufficiently admire. Pliny l. 36. c. 20. and c. 16. speaketh of these kinds of Haematites. 2. Aethiopicus Haematites which is profitable to the eyes; this is reckoned of the number of those that are called Pancrestoi, that is, of the number of those stones, or medicines which are said to be good against all diseases. 2. Androdamanta, or Atrodamanta Haematites, which is of a notable hardness and weight, of a black colour drawing iron like a Loadstone, and being rubbed upon a whetstone it doth yield a juice red like blood; to this responds the Trichurus of Rulandus. 3. Arabicus, rendering very little moisture upon the whetstone, & that of a saffronish colour. To this respondeth Rulandus his second kind of Hematite. 4. Hematites Elatites, so called, whilst it doth remain * Pliny l. 1. c. 16. Elatites cùm crudus est. Coctus autem dicitur Miles crude; but coctus, dicitur alio nomine, viz. miles; this is said to be good against ambusta or burn, and it is much more profitable than the rubrica or okre, for all those evils against which the okre is used. 5. Schistos which rendereth a black juice on the whetstone. Of the manner of calcining these stones, and of the adulterating of them, and of their use Pliny writeth, and so likewise Dioscorides. L.C. Of the places. The Hematites are found in Egypt, Gossaria, Media, Phasis, Hassia, Geurus, Anneberge, Salfeldia, Africa; in Cheruscis, Northusia, Hasgeroda, Aethiopia, Arabia; in Judetis montibus, in Salburgia, in jena, Lybia, and Hispania. Boetius saith of the Hematites that they are sometimes of the colour of Minium, sometimes black, sometimes yellow, sometimes of the colour of iron, and sometimes they are found to have many bright streaks like Antimony. p. 191. It is, saith Boetius, usually found about the Okre or Iron-mines; and of some the Loadstone is taken for an Hematite. Of its nature and properties. It is supposed to be of a cold and dry quality. Trallianus saith that the powder of the Hematite given from a ℈. to iiij ℈. is of great power and force to cure a Phthisis or ulcer of the lungs, or the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a spitting of blood. CHAP. LVI. Of the Smyris or Emeri. Description of the stone. THe Smyris is a very hard stone of the colour of the rust of iron, with asperity and roughness joined to its hardness; it tendeth in colour somewhat to a blackness. Engravers of rings and such like artificers are wont to use this stone to expurge, and sometimes to cut other stones withal. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Smyris: est lapis quo gemmas annularii exterunt: Dioscor. lib. 5. c. 116. In Dutch Schmergel. In Italian Smeriglio. In French Emeri. In English Emeri. It's use. It is used ordinarily to cut glass withal, and to burnish jewels, and arms withal. CHAP. LVII. Of the Lapis Samias, or Terra Samia. Description of the stone. THe Lapis Samius, or rather Terra Samia, is a soft white light earth which is easily broken with the hand, and if it be touched with the tongue it sticketh very close to it; even like glue, saith Rulandus. Its names. It is called Samius lapis, or Samia terra from the land from whence it is brought. It is also of some called Collyrion. Its kinds. Dioscorides writeth of two kinds of this earth. 1. White and not weighty described as before, called by some Collyrion. 2. Crustacea or of a crusty substance thick after the manner of whetstones. These being calcined and washed like the Eretriades, are thought to be of the same virtues, power, and force. Its virtues. Lapis Samius is of an astringent faculty, and cold; therefore it is esteemed good against all fluxes, and inflammations of the Testes and breasts; and against poisons and stingings of serpents; it cureth those that have taken Cantharideses, saith Nicander in his Alexipharmica; it is used by goldsmith's to polish gold withal, and to make it look clear and fair. Dioscor. L. C. Plin. l. 36. c. 21. CHAP. LVIII. Of the Selenites, or the Moon-stone. Description of the stone. THe Selenites saith Andrea's Baccius, is a kind of a gemm which doth contain in it the image of the Moon, and it doth represent it increasing and decreasing according to the increase and decrease of the Moon in its monthly changes. Of its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; that is as much as to say the splendour of the Moon, or a beam of the Moon; Bacc. Annotat. upon c. 23. l. de nat. gemm. In the same place also for its milkish colour which he saith is endued with pellucidnesse, it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, spuma Lunae. The Romans call it Lunaris. Some take it for a kind of Marble; others for a kind of the Specularis lapis. It may be, the earth Selunisia which is of a bright whiteness may be the same with this. Dioscorides saith it is found in Arabia; and that it is endued with very great virtues; as of making trees fruitful, and of curing epilepsies: he saith that in the night it will illustrate the place that is next to it: yet not by any transmission of light, but by the collection of light into its self. CHAP. LIX. Of Gypsum and Talcum. THis as I suppose is that which is called Plaster of Paris, which is very well known in many places for its use in building. CHAP. LX. Of the Pumex or Pumeise-stone. THe Pumeise-stone is a common spongy-stone well known to all men. The Arabians call it Famechi vel fenec. It is also called Lapis Vulcani. CHAP. LXI. Of Lapis Judaicus, or the Jew-stone. Description of the stone. THis stone is roundish in shape, like unto an olive, of colour white, and sometimes brownish, and is easily broken. Aetius calleth it Lapis Syriacus, others Phrenicites. Pliny for its fragility calleth it Tecolithos. It is found in India, and in Silesia. It is esteemed good against the stone in the bladder and reins, Boetius and Dioscorides. CHAP. LXII. Of the Morochthus. THe Morochthus is a white soft stone. It is good to make linen garments white withal, if it be first dissolved. It is said to be endued with a power of opening the pores of the body. Dioscorides saith it is found in Egypt; and Georg. Agricola saith it is found in Saxony, near Heldeshim, where it is called Milchstein. The Galactite is a kind of it, which is also called Galaxius: this is found in Egypt. The linen drapers with this stone do use to make their cloth white. CHAP. LXIII. Of the Magnes or Loadstone. Description of the stone. THe Magnes or Loadstone is a stone of a brownish colour, with a tendency to a skye-colour, thick and not very heavy, which as saith Rulandus, doth by its own proper power and innate virtue, draw iron unto its self. Boetius and Dioscorides say, that this which is brownish with a tendency to a skye-colour, is the best. But Mart. Rulandus saith that the best is always of a skye-colour. It's adulteration. There is no fear of the adulterating of this stone, if naturally it be endued with such power, virtue, and attractive faculties as Authors relate and write of it; for though it is not altogether impossible to make by art a Loadstone in colour, form, and substance; yet is it altogether impossible for any man, to add such power, virtue, and attraction to it, as naturally the true Loadstone is said to be endued withal. Though I confess an Impostor may delude an unwary buyer of this stone, by an acquired attractive faculty, scilicet mediante daemonis pro tempore potestate. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Galen, Nicander, and Pliny call it Magnes, which name by the two last named Authors is attributed to it, from him who was the first finder of its attractive power; namely, Magnes a shepherd of India, who was wont to keep his flocks about those mountains in India, where there were abundance of these stones. Herculeus lapis it is also called from its predominant power, by which it is said to draw iron to itself, which tameth all things. Heracleus lapis it is also called from a city of Lydia called Heraclea by some and by others Magnesia, where the best of these stones are said to be found: hence this stone as some think had its name of Magnes; and hence these verses of Lucretius; Quem Magneta vocant patrio de nomine Graii, Magnetum quia sit patriis in montibus ortus. Callimachus calleth it Heracleotis. Pliny Siderites. In German, Magneth. In Saxon ein Segelstein; and in Italian Calamita Piodra. It is from its use called Lapis Nauticus. In English the Loadstone. The kinds of it. Albertus Magnus l. 2. Metal. tract. 3. c. 6. saith, that in that age in which Aristotle lived, there were two kinds of Loadstones known: one kind which did direct or draw iron to the North, another kind which did direct or draw iron to the South. Pliny L. C. Plin. lib. 36. cap. 16. speaketh of five kinds of this stone: 1. Magnes Aethiopicus, which hath power not only of drawing iron to itself, but also of an other Loadstone: hence these verses of Silius: Venere Aethiopes, gens haud incognita Nilo; Qui Magneta secant: solis honor ille metalli, Incoctum chalybem vicino ducere saxon. 2. The second kind is called Magnesiacus, it is in colour of a yellowish red and black. 3. The third is called Echius, and it is more of a yellowish red then black. 4. The fourth kind is a feminine Loadstone, it is black, and of no use. 5. The fifth kind is a white one of very little moment. Cardanus l. de lap. maketh three kinds of this stone. 1. Ferrugineus, which is so called as being of an iron colour. 2. Candidus. 3. Candidus distinguished with light ferrugineous veins. The places. It is found in Aethiopia, Macedonia, Boeotia, Alexandria, Troas. In Heraclea Lydiae, in Germany, in Misnia; in Italy in the mountains of Viterbium; in many iron mines, and the places near adjoining. It's nature and faculties. The wisdom of man which hath much searched and enquired into the nature of this stone, hath attributed its attractive power to the planets, and to the influences of the stars; and saith that it doth receive its virtue from Luna and Venus, which are both found shining in Cauda Ursae minoris, in gradu 29. Virgins; Vide Andr. Bacc. cap. 2. the nat. Gemm. The cause of the attractive faculty of this stone, is, as Authors say, that it may provide itself with a pabulum or fit nourishment of its substance; Card. lib. 7. de lap. for this cause saith Cardane, it doth draw iron to itself: for stones live, and have need of nourishment for their augmentation and conservation. The cause of such mutual embraces, Boetius also doth attribute to their likeness of nature, by reason of which they are pleased to be assimilated into one substance and likeness: therefore doth Boetius say of the Loadstone, that it doth draw the iron as sibi simile, or for its conservation or nourishment: for if you cover over the Loadstone with filings of iron, the Loadstone will grow more lively, as receiving a nourishment from such filings; and the residue of the filings will be changed into rust. Martinus Rulandus saith, that as by a natural power and force, it doth draw iron and liquor of glass, and concord with these; so likewise by an antipathy and discord it doth mainly disagree with onions and garlic, and with a Diamond; insomuch as if these be but within the touch of a Loadstone, or near the Loadstone, they will hinder all its attractive power, and rob it of all its virtue of drawing iron. Renodeus (l. de mat. Medic.) asserteth the same. Albertus Magnus saith there is a Loadstone to be found, which with one point draweth iron, and with another point doth drive it away. History. The same Albertus saith, That the Emperor Frederick had a Loadstone, which did not draw iron, but was drawn of iron, even as a common Loadstone doth draw iron. Serapion saith (l. aggreg. c. Hagger. Abnantes, sive Almagritos) esse mineram, or that there is a mineral of this kind in the maritime parts that lie near India, of so great a quantity, as that they are forced to use, by reason of it, no other nails in the building of their ships but wooden nails. It is wonderful to see how the Needle of a Compass, being touched with a Loadstone, doth cause the maritime Card to point North and South: And it is not more wonderful to behold this, than it is difficult to raise a satisfactory reason from the nature of the thing concerning it. Observation. Merchants and Mariners in their passages under the line, have observed, that on this side the line the Card doth always point out the North; but when they are once past the Equinoctial line, and are come nearer to the Antarctick pole, they say it forsaketh the North, and pointeth out only the South: Reason. and that for this reason, because (say they) it doth not then so much show the Plagae or climates, as the Pole, and always that Pole which is nearest to it. The cause of this strange variation of the Sea-card in the passage under the line, is supposed to arise from a Magnetic mountain, which in whatsoever place it is, it is observed by the Sea-card. (See Boet. cap. de Magnet.) Upon these grounds and reasons, it is to be supposed that there is another Magnetic mountain towards the Antarctick Pole, directly opposite to that which is towards the Arctic Pole, which doth convey its attractive virtue at so great a distance, to such or such a ship on the other * That is in respect of us that live in these Northern climates. side the line, to the wonderful affecting of its Needle, and strange variation and alteration of its Card; insomuch as now it pointeth full South, whereas before it pointed full North. And that the virtue of this Magnetic mountain, should at so great a distance be transferred from itself, in the utmost extremities of the Antarctick Pole, to the Needle of the Card of that ship, which is now very near the Equinoctial line, is more wonderful than the sudden variation of the Card. It's virtue and use. The Loadstone calcined is said to be of like nature with the Hematite. Galen and Dioscorides say it hath the same virtues. It is said of this stone, that it is good against the headache, convulsions, and poisons: and that it causeth easy delivery, and procureth love betwixt man and wife, and preserveth peace and concord amongst friends, and that it driveth away fears and increaseth wisdom. Cardanus l. 7. the lap. saith, that Aristotle that great inquirer into nature, was altogether unknowing of the maritime use of this stone, and of that use which is made of the sea-card by virtue of this stone; and that Galen and Alexander Aphrodisius, two great inquirers into the secrets of nature, have not so much as once made mention of the wonderful nature of this stone. The maritime use of it was also unkown to the Romans, and that was the reason saith Cardane, that they suffered so many shipwrecks. It is reported of Mahomet, History. that the iron tomb in which he was embalmed was by the attractive virtue of a great Loadstone drawn up from the earth, and continued in that wonderful posture for many years together. See Herbert's Travels. CHAP. LXIIII Of the Belemnites, or Lapis Lincis, or Dactylus Ideus. Description of the stone. THis stone is in length a finger, in form and thickness like the end of an arrow, outwardly for the most part of a brown and duskish colour, inwardly it is hollow, sometimes full of a medullous substance like the pith of wood; sometimes this cavity is full of a chalky substance, sometimes of sand. From the medulla or substance in this cavity, which is the centre of this stone, if you break the stone you shall perceive small lines like beams to dart themselves forth unto the circumference. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from its form of an arrow. Of its kinds. Of these stones there are some externally of a white colour, some of a duskish colour, and some pellucid like Amber in colour. If you take some of them and put them into the fire, they will smell like burned bones or horns, and sometimes like Cats piss: the white ones which are found in Heildshem with a black hard stone in them, smell like Amber. Cardanus calleth this stone Belemnites, and saith it is found in form like an arrow, and hath in the whole length of it a fissure or cavity, which containeth in it a stone joined with a golden armature to the stone containing it; See Card. l. 7. de subtle. and that this stone is not; as some think, the Lyncurius. The place. It is found in Borussia, and in Pomerania, in many places of Germany and England: It is found in mount Ida, and from thence it hath its name of Dactylus Ideus: It is found in very great plenty about Wittenberg. Its virtues. It is reported of it that if its powder be drunk in some convenient liquor, it will prohibit lustful dreams, and witchcrafts. The Saxon and Spanish Physicians take it to be of the same nature with the lapis Judaicus, and therefore they use it to break the stone withal. In officinis this stone is commonly taken for lapis Lyncurius. See Matthiolus. CHAP. LXV. Of the Ceraunia. Description of the stone. THe Ceraunia saith Boetius, is a stone which usually is found five fingers long and three fingers broad, like a wedge; it is of colour like the Belemnites, but it is not striatus, it hath no such lines as the Belemnites have. If these stones be great they have usually round holes in them, about the bigness of a man's thumb, as there are (saith Boetius) in a mallet. Of its names. It hath its name Ceraunia from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth fulmen or lightning, and this name it hath because it is supposed to fall from heaven with the lightning. In German it is called Straalhamer, Donerstein, Schlegel, Donnerkeil, Stralpfeil, Stral stein, and Gros-krottenstein. In Italian Sagetta. Its kinds. These stones are smooth stones, they are sometimes found round and sometimes long: sometimes in the forms of a wedge, dish, mallet, or ploughshare, or of an axe, and in divers other forms. Of these, Some are white and pellucid. Some brown. Some black. Some radish. It is reported of this stone that it doth secure those that wear it, and their houses from lightning; and procures rest & sleep; and that it maketh men prevalent over their enemies, and conquerors in wars. See Boetius C. de Ceraunia. CHAP. LXVI. Of the Chelonitis, Brontia and Ombria. Description of the stone. THe Chelonitis is a stone of a yellowish colour, which is supposed to fall with thunder, from heaven; and sometimes with tempests, and sometimes with rain, in the form sometimes of a wheel, sometimes in a hemispherick form, or a semi-globous form, and sometimes long, in the bigness sometimes of an egg, more often less. Its names. The Chelonitis is by Pliny described to be a precious stone in colour like to a Tortoise shell: the lapis Bufonius and some of these stones are of that colour. This stone is called Brontia from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Tonitrus in Latin, and in English Thunder; and thus it is called because it is supposed sometimes to fall with the thunder. It is called Ombria from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pluo, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Imber; because as it is supposed sometimes to fall with thunder, so likewise sometimes with a shower of rain. Its kinds. These stones are diversely distinguished according to their colours. Some of them are found to be of a yellowish colour. Some of them of a greenish colour. And some of them of a brownish colour. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he thinketh that the stone which is called Ouum anguinum, differeth only in external form from Brontia. The lapis Bufonius or Garatromo is called by these names of Brontia and Ombria; as will appear by that which Anselmus Boetius speaketh in the Chapt. of the Garatromo: whom I have in this particular observed, as you may see, by having recourse to the thirty sixth chapter of this our Lapidary. Of the virtues of the Chelonitis, Brontia and Ombria. They are said to be of like faculties with the Ouum Anguinum, and with the Lapis Bufonius or Garatromo. It is reported of these stones that they are endued with a power and virtue of procuring victory and conquest to him that weareth them: other virtues they are said to be endued with, which are the same with those of the Ouum Anguinum and Garatromo. CHAP. LXVII. Of the Marble in general. THe stones that come next in glory to the gems are the Marbles, whose pleasing colour, hardness, or perspicuity makes them more or less esteemed. The Marbles are usually stones of great magnitude, very hard and beautiful, and fit for polishing and engraving. Their excellent concretion, saith Anselm. Boetius, begets their hardness; and the equability and purity of the matter or substance of them, begets their excellency of form and beauty. For if the matter be ignoble and various, and of an impure earth, the Marbles will be unequal, full of scales and hard roughness, and unfit to polish. The Marbles, as all other stones, are not so hard at their first taking out of the quarries, as they afterwards are. These stones of all other stones commonly so called, are for equability and purity of matter most excellent. It is by the wise inquirers into the secrets of nature supposed, that various exhalations are the causes of the variety of tinctures and colours, which are commonly found in the species of these stones. Of its adulteration. It is no impossible thing, nay, a very easy thing to adulterate this stone, and every species thereof with a fit matter, brought together after the manner of that wherewith those China cups and pots are made, which out of the Eastern parts are brought hither to us. Its Names. The most noble kinds of Marble Cardanus l. de lapid. doth reckon to be these: Phengiticum, Parium, Zeblicum, Porphyrites, Ophites. In Hebrew the Marble is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shaish; as 1. Chron. 29.2. By contraction the Hebrews call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as Esther 1.6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hoc est, ad orbes vel annulos argenteos, & columnas Marmoreas. The Marbles by a general name are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, from their excellent beauty and splendour. In Latin, from the Greek, for the same cause, it is called Marmor. In Dutch Marmelstein. Almost in all languages it doth retain the same name. In English with a little variation it is called Marble. Its kinds. Of this stone there are divers kinds. Some white, some black, some green, some yellow, some brown, and of an ashy colour, and some of divers colours, and some very beautifully red. Of all the other kinds, the Lapis Parius which is the white Marble, and the lapis Porphyrites which is the red Marble, are the most excellent, beautiful, and lovely. Every one of these kinds of Marble does admit of divers species, severally denominated, some from their colour, and some from the place of their original; as afterwards when I do come to speak of Marbles in particular, in the order of their several original species, I shall have occasion to show. There are multiplicity of species of these stones, and all of them for the most part of very exquisite hardness, and fit for polishing. And the greatest part of the kinds are also endued with much beauty, and being fit for polishing they are made of very great ornament. There is a kind also of this stone which is called Marmor sectile, Cardan. lib. lap. which saith Cardane is indeed a stone like in nature to the Marble, quip quòd sectilis sit; but it is of an ashy colour, and of an incredible softness, so that for any use, it may like wood be easily parted in sunder with a saw: Some by reason of its obscure colour, refer this to the kinds of flints, but not very advisedly, because it is proper to the flints to be full of scales, like those kinds of Marbles which are called marmora granulata: neither are the flints at any time found perfectly smooth, no more than are those marmora called granulata or squamosa, nor have they any glory or beauty of the marble, nor are they so fit to be cut as that, by reason of their roughness, ruggedness, scalinesse, and unevenness. Cardan. de lap. l. 7. pag. 378. These stones which Cardan calleth marmora sectilia, are improperly called Marmora or Marbles; nor can they well and truly be called Silices or flints: for if we compare them to the Marble, we shall find that they do want all the glory and beauty which is in any of the species or kinds of the Marble, which their glory and beauty doth crown them with the name of marmor: for à splendendo & rutilando the Greeks call the Marbles by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the Latins by the name of Marmor, none of which resplendency or refulgencie is found at any time (witness Cardane) in this marmor sectile: therefore upon these grounds it is that we say and affirm, that this Marmor called sectile, is not a Marble. Again, if we do compare this stone called Marmor sectile, with the flint, it wanteth those squamae which are found in the flints; for the flints are seldom found without scales, but the Marmor sectile hath no scales. And for this cause, saith Cardane, loco citato & allegato, the Marmor sectile is no flint. Abundance of this kind of marble is to be found in Italy about Venice. Of the places in general. The marbles of the best sort are found in the Eastern countries, and in many parts of Asia, as will appear in our speech or discourse of these stones in particular: And not less excellent for glory, and beauty, hardness, and ornament, are those which are found in the countries of Europe, as will afterwards likewise appear in the sequel. And these parts of the world are not alone possessed of these treasuries, but we shall likewise find them by diligent search in many parts of Africa and America. Of the use of Marbles in general. The general use of the marbles is very well known to most Stone-cutters, or Statuaries; who are wont to fit them for ornament in building, and for the beautifying of great and magnific structures. To these purposes, and for these uses we may see them employed in the palaces of Kings, in the houses of Princes, and in those Temples which the Heathen have reared and beautified with these ornaments, and then consecrated to the service of their gods. And in many of our Temples amongst Christians at this day, we see these stones are used in the structures to adorn and beautify those places withal, which they have consecrated to the worship of God. The general use of these stones may also be observed in cemeteries and mortuaries, where the urns of great men have usually their dust and ashes covered with a marble, as a monument and ornament in some kind, gloriously to perpetuate and eternize their memorial, and the remembrance of them upon earth. Rabbi Solomon writeth, that the use of marble in the Temple, was much in pillars of the Temple, and for the measures of the Temple, and for the pavements of the Temple. CHAP. LXVIII. Of the Lapis Parius, or white Marble. Description of the stone. THe Lapis Parius or white Marble, is the first and best of the kinds of Marble, it is a very beautiful lovely stone, to which for singleness of beauty, and unmixed formosity, none of all the other species of Marbles may be compared. It is a stone most white and very fair, and for this cause doth Rulandus and Anselmus Boetius in the consideration of these stones give this the first place, as being most noble, excellentest and best of all the other species and kinds of Marbles. Of its adulteration. Artists have a way as of adulterating other beautiful, fair, and noble stones, so also of this, and this they may do with the matter, of which the China dishes are made, and with Alabaster, and with such like matter as may well and firmly be compacted, and wrought up by equability of substance and politure of parts to the fairness, beauty, and glory of a white Marble. The China vessels of which before in the chapter of the Sardonyx mention hath been made, are brought up to that beauty which we see them in, by the artificial working of the fatter part and purest of the earth with some portion of the powder of the gemm called a Sardonyx; and to such like beauty and solidness by art may the fatter part of the earth mixed with certain proportions of Alabaster be brought, even to an emulation of the fairest beauty of the excellentest and most noble white Marble; and I see no reason but that if this matter be handled by skilful Artists, it may be made as fit for the framing of beautiful vessels, as that other, out of which the China vessels are made; of which vessels in fairness and beauty emulating the Onyx and Sardonyx; of which vessels, I say, for their pleasing beauty, Mithridates' king of Pontus had four thousand amongst his other household utensils. Its names. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Parius. This name as some think, it hath from the Island Parus; and hence in Epigrammate this of the Poet, Pario Marmore structus, etc. Others are of opinion that this white Marble is called Parius by the name of him who was sometimes an Engraver of this stone, namely Agoracritus Parius; this Agoracritus Parius is that excellent ancient Engraver that first made the image of Venus of this stone. The Germans call this stone Wassermarmelstein. It doth appear by Varro that this stone in old time was called Lychnitis, as being in those days much used for lamps. In English the white Marble. The kinds of it. Rulandus maketh mention of ten kinds of this Marble. 1. Marmor candidum Lunense, which he saith is the whitest and best of all the white Marbles, and called by the Dutch ein weiss Marmorstein. 2. Candidum Cartariense. 3. A Patavian or Paduan white Marble, called Marmor Patavium serratile, because it is a stone that is made fit for use by sawing. 4. Italicum Marmor, or an Italian Marble, sprinkled amidst its white with many brown and ashy coloured veins. 5. Marmor candidum Ratisbonense, or the white Marble of Ratisbone, of this at Ratisbone they are wont to make tabulae mensarum or trenchers withal. Of one of these Marbles the Altar at Annenberg is made; the whole Altar consisteth of but one only solid Marble of this kind; then this Marble there is not a fairer in all Italy. 6. The sixth kind of white Marble is called Marmor candidissimum Carolinum, because it is found in the Caroline baths. 7. The seventh kind of white Marble is called Marmor candidum Hildeshemium, from Heildeshem the place where it is found. This is like in whiteness to ivory. 8. The eighth kind of white Marble is called Marmor candidum Arabicum; this likewise is as the other found of whiteness like to ivory. 9 The ninth kind is found amongst metals at Annenberg, and is therefore called Marmor candidum Annenbergicum metallicum. 10. The tenth kind of white Marble is called Hildeshemium cinereum in candido; this is of an ashy colour in a white, and in smell it is much like the odour of the burning of horn. Anselmus Boetius maketh but two kinds of the white Marble. Namely, 1. The lapis Parius, which is the true white Marble and most beautiful with an exquisite hardness. 2. And the Alabastrites or Alabastrum or the common Alabaster, which is of no less beauty than the true white Marble, yea if this be well polished it is comparable to the Onyx for beauty, and carrieth with it a very lovely countenance and pleasing aspect: the difference betwixt this and the best white Marble is only this, that the best white Marble hath an exquisita durities joined with its beauty, and the Alabaster is for the most part found somewhat softer and less concocted; yet doth not the Alabaster continue in this softness, but by tract of time, and length of days, it groweth harder and harder till it doth attain to the perfection of the best and fairest white Marble. The places. The white Marbles are found in the Island called Parus. There are of the best of these saith Boetius, found in Italy and Cappadocia, but seldom in the lump bigger than a man. These Marbles are also found in Hetruria; In Milan; In Ratisbone; In the Caroline baths; At Hildeshem; In Arabia; At Annenberg. The Alabaster is found in many places of England, of very excellent beauty, and very lovely if it be well polished. Of which we shall have occasion to speak in the next chapter as in its proper place. Of the faculties, virtues, and use of the white Marbles. Discourse concerning the faculties and virtues of these stones I must defer to a better opportunity. It's use commonly known, is for the most part to be seen in the ornament of magnific structures, and in monumental statues. CHAP. LXIX. Of the Alabaster. Description of the stone. THe Alabaster is a beautiful white stone of the kind of Marbles; of which vessels or pixes in ancient time were wont to be made, as the receptacles of rich and costly oils and unguents, and indeed these vessels are the best of all others for those purposes; and that first for their strength, for they are stronger than glass: secondly for their purity, for they are much purer than metals: thirdly for that they do not imbibe or drink in, nor leak, or so easily let forth any precious liquor which they are the receptacles of; for this cause they are much better than any earthen vessels what ever for such purposes. The Alabaster is a known stone to every one that hath seen Roman edifices. It is said of the precious ointment which Mary Magdalene poured upon the head of Christ and anointed his feet withal, that it was contained in a box of Alabaster, as appeareth in the Gospel of S. Matthew, Matth. 26.7. Mark 14.3. John 11.2. and 12.3. Its names. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Alabastrum, which word of the Greeks is derived from α & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that because capi non potest propter laevorem, ut Dioscor. lib. 5. c. 153. Est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, est Alabastrites lapis qui appellatur Onyx, there is a kind of Alabaster which is called an Onyx, as appeareth by the fourth and fifth books of Dioscorides. In Latin it is called Alabastrites & Alabastria from the country of Alabastria whence it is brought, so saith Martinus Rulandus. In Dutch it is called Alabaster stein. In English Alabaster. Anselmus Boetius saith it is called Onyx, and that it differeth from that precious stone, in softness only. This stone doth retain the name of Alabaster in almost all tongues and languages. Its kinds. Anselmus Boetius saith that some make two kinds of this stone. Namely the Alabastrites, and the Alabaster, which do differ only in this, in that the Alabaster is so soft as that it may be cut with a knife, and the Alabastrites so hard that it cannot be cut. The Alabaster saith Rulandus is a stone (well known to the Venetians) of the kinds of marbles. Rulandus speaketh of three kinds of this stone. 1. A white Alabaster, called in German weissar Alabaster stein; of this he saith, that in old time they were wont to make the shrines and images of Saints; together with the monuments and sepulchers for the dead. 2. The second kind of Alabaster he saith, hath black specks and spots, which in German is called Bundschwarss Alabaster stein. 3. The third kind he saith, is white in a yellowish red, and therefore is called Onyx; or rather, because it is white in a red; this in German is called rothlecht Alabaster stein, because it doth represent the colour of the nail of a man's hand. Properly of this kind of Alabaster, that of Dioscorides is to be understood; where he saith, Alabastrites qui & Onyx dicitur, crematus, duritias cum pice aut resina discutit. Of the Onyx, and of the Testa Conchylii, and of the Unguis odoratus, Dioscorides doth speak in his second book. In Germany there are two kinds of Alabaster found, which are nominally distinguished from the places in which they are found. The first of these kinds is called Alabastrites Cheruscus, as being found in Cheruscia not fare from Northusia. The second kind of these Alabasters is called Saxonicus, as being found in Saxony about Hildelshem. Of the places. This stone is found in a Country called Alabastria in Egypt. It is also found in Damascus of Syria, and in Northusia, and in Saxony, and about the Egyptian Thebes; in Carmania, in India, in Asia, and in Cappadocia; in Arabia and Italy. In England is found very beautiful Alabaster. There are many pieces of this stone to be found and digged up in the College yard of Henry the sixth, called the Chapel yard in the University of Cambridge. It's virtue. Dioscorides saith of this stone, that it is endued with a discussive power, especially if it be calcined. The like doth Mathiolus also speak of this stone. They likewise say that the powder of it, artificially mixed instar Cerati vel Unguenti with other fit matter, and artificially applied to the stomach, doth discuss the cause of its hardness, assuage its pains, and mitigate its dolours and griefs. Galen doth highly commend the powder of this stone to be taken in drink for this purpose. A scruple of the powder of this stone if it be drunk in milk, is said to be good against dysenteries & fluxes of the belly; in these cases it may help by its astringency, for it is said that it is very astringent and for this cause it is also taken to be very good in Collyriis, or in ophthalmick medicines which externally are used for the repressing of involuntary tears, and watery fluxes of the eyes, as doth appear by what Mathiolus and Dioscorides speak of it. Of its use. This stone made into pixes and boxes, or convenient vessels, is of excellent use to keep precious unguents from rancour and corruption, and to preserve costly oils from wasting. Of its aptness for this use Pliny l. 36. c. 7, & 8. doth write; and other things concerning it, l. 13. c. 13. The known use of this stone is in the ornament of stately edifices. It hath been used in imagery, for the framing and forming out of it, the shrines of Saints; and for the erecting of Tombs and Monuments, and Memorials for the preservation of the memory of the dead, and to make their names live when their spirits have left the world, and their bodies are returned to the dust and scattered into unknown places. The common use of this stone in these our days is in vessels, either for eating or drinking, many of which vessels of excellent beauty, I have seen brought to the fair near Cambridge (a famous University in England) called Stirrebridge fair, and there sold at very reasonable rates. These vessels are very commendable for their beauty, and very fit for use, as being somewhat tenacious, and therefore not broken easily and without violence. CHAP. LXX. Of the black, brown, and blue Marbles. Description of the stone. THe black Marble is a stone of a large magnitude, and hard, in the form and thickness of bars of wood sharpened at one end; which being form and framed by art, and polished, is made fit for many noble ends and uses. Of its names. This cannot well be called marmaros, because it being throughly black, cannot be capable of that resplendency, which the white marble, and the Porphyry, and the other beautiful marbles of light colours are endued withal. This marble is called Luculleum, from Lucullus the Consul, who brought it first to Rome from the island of Nilus. So saith Boetius, pag. 245. It is also called Obsidianus lapis from Obsidius, who first found it in Ethiopia. The Italians call it the Paragon, and that because of its use: for with it they examine gold in stead of the lapis Lydius. In French Pierre d' touch. In German Probeirstein. In English The black marble. Of the places. This stone is found in the North of Ireland towards Gallowey; also in Belgia, and in France. Rulandus speaketh of seven kinds of this marble. 1. Marmor nigrum Belgicum, or the Belgic black Marble. 2. Annebergicum, or the Annebergish Marble. 3. Ratisbonense, or the Ratisbonian Marble. 4. Belgicum, or the Belgic Marble, which he saith hath the smell of Sulphur. 5. A black Marble, which smelleth like burned or calcined horn. 6. Marmor Andegavense, which is a very black polished Marble, and is found not far from that city. 7. A black Marble called Stolpense of an iron colour and hardness. This Marble Agricola calleth Bisalten: and Rulandus Busalten. In Dutch, Stolpischer-stein. The name Basaltes by which this Marble is called, cometh of the Ethiopian word Basall, which signifieth iron. And this stone (saith Boetius) is of the colour of iron, and may be exactly polished. Boetius saith that this stone is found in Ethiopia; and in divers parts of Germany; in Silesia, and in the coasts of Bohemia: and that it groweth in the mines where it is found in the form and thickness of bars of wood sharpened at one end. Of its use. The black Marble is used for the examination of gold and silver, and hence of some it is called Basanus, à Basanizo, which signifieth to examine diligently: which name is proper to the lapis Index, or Lydius; and that for its use of examination of gold and silver. It's common use is in pavements and tombs. The tomb of that illustrious Prince, Duke Maurice the elector, was made of this Marble, saith Rulandus. CHAP. LXXI. Of the Lapis Lydius, or the Touchstone. THe lapis Lydius is a kind of black Marble, it admitteth of a very good and perfect politure; and if it be a very good lapis Lydius indeed, you can scarce have no sooner breathed upon it, but straightway the cloud of your breath will fly from its superficies, and presently be discussed. Its names. This stone in Greek is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth to examine diligently: hence also in Latin it is called lapis Index, because by examination it showeth gold to be gold, and silver to be silver; and also other metals what they are. It is called lapis Lydius, from the country of Lydia, from whence it is brought. In French une pierre de touch. In German ein Probier stein. It is found in the same places where the black Marble is. It's use. It is used in the examining of metals; and it may be used to the same purposes with the black Marbles. In Italy they have a greenish stone, which they call Veridello, which they use for examination, even as they do the Lydius. CHAP. LXXII. Of the Green Marble. THe green Marble is of some taken to be that which the Italians call Veridello. This Marble is sometimes found specked with clear specks like a serpent, and for this cause it is called of Albertus Magnus the Serpentine Marble. Its kinds. Rulandus speaketh of three kinds of this green Marble. 1. Laconicum viride marmor, or a Laconic green Marble, which may be seen at Venice. 2. Subviride Veronense, shining with bright green spots. 3. A Laconic Marble which is blackish in a green. The place. The green Marbles are found in Lacedaemonia. The use of these stones is in ornament. This stone may be seen in Florence, in the Temple of S. John Baptist. Cardanus lib. de lapid. saith, that he hath seen many columns, or pillars, and tables of this stone. CHAP. LXXIII. Of the Ophites of the Ancients, or the Serpentine Marble. Description of the stone. THe Serpentine Marble is by some taken for an Alabaster, distinguished with spots like a Serpent. It is often found of divers colours. Its names. This Marble is called Zeblicum, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, serpens, as saith Dioscorides, lib. 5. cap. 154. hence the name Ophites. By the Germans Serpentin stein. In English the Serpentine Marble. Its virtues. Galen. l. 9 the simple. med. facult. saith that this stone hath a detersive faculty, and that if it be taken in white wine, it is good to break the stone in the bladder. It is of a cold nature, and may therefore mitigate pains, as saith Dioscorides. It is said of this by Pliny and Dioscorides, that if it be worn, it will secure the person wearing it, from stingings of serpents, from frenzies, and lethargies, and from plagues, pox, and poison, and the like. To this purpose also Cardane in his book the lapid. doth speak of the Zeblicum Marmor which is found in Misnia. Of the various coloured Marble called Ophites, Cardane saith that Andr. Alciatus had a fair table of great beauty: and that naturally there are shapes and personages found in these various coloured Marbles: and sometimes in the Lapis Parius. Of this admirable workmanship of nature Cardane saith there is a Marble in the Temple of * in aede sapientiae. Wisdom at Constantinople, which hath in it the image of S. John Baptist, with his garment of camels hair very exquisite in all things. Cardan. de subtilitat. l. 7. p. 377. CHAP. LXXIIII. Of the Phengites or yellow Marble. THe Marmor Phengiticum is a Marble that hath yellowish transparent veins, saith Boetius. Rulandus saith that it is a yellow pellucid Marble; and most likely so, or else it could never discover so much glory in the dark as is reported of it: For Cardanus saith, that it shineth exceedingly, and giveth the species of images. For this cause Nero finished the temple of Fortune; as it were inwardly of the splendour of a golden house, which was a building that Servius Tullius first began, and called it Sejam. This house (saith Cardane) was so finished by Nero in its internal structure with this kind of Marble which receiveth the light; as that the doors being all shut, so much light was reserved within, as that a daylight clarity and splendour was there to be seen. Its names. This Marble is called Phengiticum, and Marmor flavum; in English, the yellow Marble. Its kinds. Rulandus speaketh of two kinds of it: 1. Marmor flavum, which is found amongst metals, and called in German ein gelver spot. 2. A yellow Belgic Marble which is not pellucid. The places. This kind of Marble Pliny saith is found in Cappadocia: it is also found in Belgia. CHAP. LXXV. Of the brown or grey Marbles. THe grey Marble is a hard stone of a clear superficies, well known to all. It is called Marmor cinereum, and cinereum Hildeshemium. There are six kinds of this Marble according to Rulandus. 1. Marmor cinereum Hildeshemium, which smelleth like horn. 2. Marmor Zeblicium, which the inhabitants call a serpentine marble, with veins and white points. 3. The third kind is also called Zeblicium, to which or in which are generated Carbuncles, that in a polished Marble give a very pleasant aspect, and a wonderful representation. 4. Marmor Rochlicianum with yellow specks. 5. Rochlicium with black specks, like to the claws of crows. 6. Italicum, or an Italian one, with black specks, like serpents. Cardanus saith concerning the colours of Marbles, Nullus color marmori concessus non est. The blue Marbles are of the kinds of Porphyry, of which in the next Chapter. CHAP. LXXVI. Of the Porphyrites or Porphyry, or of the Marmor rubrum, or red Marble. THe Porphyrite is a red Marble, of very excellent hardness, and of a beautiful splendour. Anselmus Boetius saith that of all the kinds of red Marbles, the Porphyry is the best for splendour and hardness. At Milan before the altar of S. Ambrose temple, (Cardanus in his book de Lapidibus saith) there are two notable pillars of excellent Porphyry to be seen: And that in the same place there was a very fair tomb of B. Dionysius, of Porphyry, for magnitude as large as a man's body, and of no small thickness, which was translated from the temple of S. Ambrose to a larger temple of the same city of Milan. It's adulteration. It is no hard matter for those artificers that are skilled in the sophistications of this kind, and in an exquisite imitation of nature in the making of factitious stones, to adulterate the Porphyry, for such artists as these, who are the imitators of nature, know what matter will be purest and most exactly compacted together for this purpose; they know what tinctures will best fit for the production of the beauty of the Porphyry, and how to mix these tinctures so, as that their artificial stone shall emulate in beauty the best red Marble, or Porphyry of the excellentest beauty; for the matter of the adulteration of this stone, how such matter may be brought to the perfection of a stone by art, will appear by what hath been spoken concerning the China cups in the chapter of the Onyx; and concerning the artificial tinctures of gems in other chapters of this our lapidary. Alabaster and fat earth well mixed will raise a fit matter for this purpose, to which a convenient tincture being added, it will produce the artificial beauty of a very excellent Porphyry. Of its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Esther 1.6. In Greek it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth sum purpureus, vel in purpuram vergo. So Dioscorides l. 3. c. 44. In Latin it is called Porphyrites & Marmor rubrum. If it have any white specks, Pliny calleth it Leucostictos. The best Porphyry is by Martinus Rulandus, from its native soil called Aegyptium Uniform; and for the same cause it is in German called ein schoner roter Marmor auss Egypten. In English we call it the Porphyrite, and the red Marble. Divers other names it hath from the places of its birth, from the soil where it groweth, and from its mixture and variety of beautiful colours, as will appear in the several distinctions of its species by its several colours, and several places where it groweth, and is found, and from whence it is brought. Its kinds. The Porphyry or red Marble, is found of divers kinds saith Rulandus. Rulandus speaketh of eight kinds of this stone, which is called Marmor rubrum, or Porphyrites. The first kind he saith is Marmor rubrum Aegyptium uniform, or Porphyrites uniformis, that is, a Porphyrite full of uniformity, and every way like itself, of one entire beauty arising from its pleasing red, which is uncompounded, and not at all intermixed with any variety of other colours, this is that excellentest or best red Marble or Porphyrite, which is singularly hard, full of splendour, and more beautiful than all the other kinds, as having no darkness admixed with the splendour of its redness; nor cloudiness or obscureness shadowing of it. The second kind Rulandus calleth Marmor Aegyptium rubrum, or Porphyrites ruber candidis punctis distinctus; that is, the red Marble of Egypt, or the Porphyry distinguished with white spots. The third kind he calleth Marmor rubrum Ratisbonense, or Porphyrites Ratisbonensis, this is so called from Ratisbone the place where it is found. The fourth kind he calleth Rutilans Marmor Ratisbonense cum candidis maculis, that is, the red Ratisbonian Marble with white spots. The fifth kind he calleth Marmor nigrum in rubro Bohemicum, or Porphyrites ruber Bohemicus, so called from the place where it is found. The sixth kind he calleth Marmor in rubro candidum Belgicum, or Porphyrites in rubro candidus Belgicus variis maculis distinctus, that is, the Belgic Porphyrite which is white in a red, and distinguished with divers spots. The seventh kind he calleth Marmor Annebergicum, or Porphyrites Annebergicus in metallis repertus; that is, the Annebergick Porphyrite found in metals. The eighth kind he calleth Marmor rubrum in candido, in metallis ferè omnibus repertum; that is, the Marble or Porphyrite which is red in a white, and is found saith Rulandus, in, or amongst almost all metals. Cardanus speaketh of but two kinds of the Porphyrite, the one distinguished with red and white spots, the other he saith is a red Marble distinguished with shining spots. Anselmus Boetius speaketh of these kinds of the Porphyrite. 1. A Porphyrite red and full of splendour, excellency, and beauty; of which before. 2. A Porphyrite which is blue or of a violet colour, and is found about the Gregorian mount in the field of St Pisans in France. 3. A Theban Porphyrite of a red colour with golden spots. 4. A white Marble with red veins which is called Lunense. And this truly if it be excellent and well polished, is of admirable and excellent beauty, and very grateful to the eye. The place. It is found in Egypt, in Belgium, in Bohemia, in Ratisbone, and in divers places of France, Germany, and Italy, and at Anneberge, and about Thebes. Of its dignity and use. It is of dignity for its beauty; of use for ornament of Princely and stately Palaces and Temples; it is also used for sepulchers, and as rich and costly tables. CHAP. LXXVII. Of common stones which are vulgarly known, and to be found in most places. THe stones commonly known and found in most places, are generated of a more impure matter (for the most part) then are the stones. These stones which are so well known to all men, are distinguished amongst themselves; either in respect of their magnitude, as some of them are greater, and some of them less; or in respect of their consistency; or in respect of their qualities; or in respect of their use. As concerning the magnitude of these stones, some of them are very large, and hewn out of main rocks of the same nature with themselves; of this kind are freestones, grind-stones, whetstones: and others of them are very small, and are found in every field, in every highway, and in every street, of this sort are the pebble-stones, flints, and pyrites. As concerning the consistency of these stones, or the matter of which they are generated, some of them have their original of a gravelly matter; others of a slimy or muddy substance; which according to the various operations that nature hath upon it, produceth stones either of a smooth superficies, or full of scales, nodose and full of knots. As concerning their qualities, some of them are liquable or easily melted, as some kinds of the softer flints: others of them have a strong savour, as the Lapis Aldenburgicus: and some of them are easily burned, as the Limestone. As concerning their use, some of them from their use are called Whetstones, some Lime-stones, some grind-stones, others freestones. CHAP. LXXVIII. Of the Saxum Arenarium, or the Gravell-stone. THe common stones of great Magnitude vulgarly known are first the saxum Arenarium, or the gravel stone. The gravel stone, is a stone commonly known, generated of a sandy substance, concrete together into a mass of a very great and wonderful magnitude. Of its kinds. These stones (according to Boetius) are of three kinds. 1. A rough gravel stone, which is generated of the grosser part of sand, and is so firmly compacted, as that it is not easily levigated; the roughness of its gross, sandy substance, maketh this stone unfit for levigation; but its well-compactednesse maketh it very fit for building. 2. A gravel stone compacted of the smallest sand, mixed with intersplendent silver spangles. But this is so soft as that it may easily be rubbed to pieces with the fingers. This stone is found near Prague. 3. A gravel stone which is sometimes of a yellowish colour, sometimes of a red colour mixed with splendent golden spangles, and at other times only red. There are of these kinds of stones also of an ashy colour, and of a blackish colour in a red. The gravel stones are very heavy and weighty, and for the most part they do consist of divers mixtures: for some of them are found in their substance to be mixed with a multitude of small flints, others with small shells, and other little bodies. Rulandus speaketh of five kinds of this stone. 1. Pirnense saxum Arenarium, which in German is called Weisser Pirnischer Sandstein. 2. Luteum Fribergium. 3. Rubrum Rochlicium. 4. Cinereum Querfurdium. 5. Saxum Arenarium Nigrum in Rubro, of Embecca in Saxony. CHAP. LXXIX. Of the Crusteous stones, or stones that have scales. THe crusteous and scaly stones which nature doth generate of a divers matter, are of colour sometimes grey, sometimes whitish, sometimes of a greenish grey, sometimes blue, sometimes red, sometimes black, and sometimes yellowish, and of so soft a substance, as that they are fit for very little use, save only that in the countries where they are commonly found, they are used for the covering of houses, and for the making of forms to cast bullets in. Their names. In Latin these stones are called lapides squamosi & erustosi. Id German Schiferstein: in Belgic they are called Shnilgen: in French, Escailles: In Franconia they are called Wasser steinen, as being in those parts found in the water. Ans. Boet. p. 254. CHAP. LXXX. Of the Limosus, limous, mud, or slime-stone. THe lapis limosus is so called, because it is easily dissolved. This seemeth to be but the initium or beginning of a stone. These stones for their pinguositie and fatness are used to manure and make land fertile withal. CHAP. LXXXI. Of the Tophous or knotty stones called Tophi Nodosi lapides. THe lapides Tophi and nodosi are like to the lapis Parius, or white Marble in candour and hatdnesse. Some of these are found black, and some of them of a red earthy colour. They have the levity of a Pumise, and are so soft as that they may be sawed in pieces like wood. These stones are called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin, Tophi, and Nodosi, and Pori. These stones are used in buildings, and they are (saith Boetius) very fit for this purpose, because by reason of their porosity, they do with great facility entertain and imbibe the lime, and do therefore the better agglutinate the extremities of the walls to themselves. CHAP. LXXXII. Of the Calx viva or lime stone. THe Limestone or calx viva is a stone of a white colour, of which is made a very commodious matter for building. It is sometimes found of a brownish colour. It is every where obvious, and its use is well known to all. It being put in water, doth by a sudden motion of a contrariety of qualities which is betwixt its self and the water, produce a great heat. Pliny saith this stone is of a burning faculty, and hath discussive power with it, and that it is good against ulcers. Galen 9 Simpl. saith it is good to produce an eschar withal; but being quenched or slakt (he saith) it looseth these faculties. Rulandus speaketh of two kinds of it, viz. one of a white colour, and another of a skye-colour; both which he saith, have a burning faculty with them: and that both do naturally hate water, and are inflamed by it; but love oil so, as that they will very easily mix themselves with it. Vide Serap. de Calce. l. aggreg. c. Horach. CHAP. LXXXIII. Of the lapis Molaris, or the Millstone. THese stones are so common and well known to every man, that I shall not need to speak any thing, either concerning them or their use. Only this, they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Hebrew ab odore perpetuo farinae, so saith Buxtorff. Those kinds of Millstones which the Hebrews call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, were wont to be plied and followed by the hands of captives, who standing behind them, did thrust them with their hands, and the strength of their whole bodies, in a very servile labour which they were compelled to; hence it is said Exod. 11.15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, hoc est, qui est post molas. CHAP. LXXXIV. Of the Cos or Whetstone. THe ordinary Whetstones are well known to all men by their common use. Cardanus saith that Cos is a kind of Lapis Lydius; and if it be very good, fit for the trial of mettle, whether gold, or silver, or other metals. CHAP. LXXXV. Of the common stones of lesser magnitude which are vulgarly known. THe common stones well known to all, are generated some of a more impure earth, others of a more pure. Those that are generated of an impure earth, are of a rough superficies, full of scales and porous: these are soft, and for the most part of a brown colour, yet there are to be found of these stones of all manner of colours. These stones are usually found in fields, and upon the banks of rivers. The softer sort of these kind of common stones, are wont to be melted to pour upon metals, to keep them from evaporating. CHAP. LXXXVI. Lapides bene vel malè olentes; of stones of smell and savour. THe stones that have savour are of the kinds of small stones. The savour that they have is sometimes good and pleasing, and sometimes evil and displeasing. Anselmus Boetius saith, that he had some of the kinds of small stones that smelled like violets: which were some of them of a white colour, and others of a brownish colour. But concerning the original of the savours and sweet smells in these stones, upon better consideration, he saith, that the smell did not proceed from the stones, but from the greenish slime that did adhere to them; which slime being taken away, the smell also vanished. Boet. p. 258. All these kinds of common soft stones, do for the most part, partake of the savour of those things that grow near to them. CHAP. LXXXVII. Of common stones vulgarly known which are generated of a more pure earth. THe common small stones which are generated of a more pure earth, are of a smooth superficies, and void of scales, roughness, and knottiness; these are found so excellent ofttimes, as that they being cut and polished, emulate Marbles for beauty, nay Diamonds; In-somuch as some of them for the glory of their sparkling rays, are esteemed valuable with ordinary Diamonds, and sold at the rate and price of them. Of these kinds of stones which are vulgarly known, is the Marchasite, and the Silex. Of which in the following chapters. CHAP. LXXXVIII. Of the Pyrites, Firestone or Marchasite. Description of the stone. THe Pyrite, Marchasite or Firestone, is a soft clear stone and bright, out of which fire is easily excust. If you break one of them, and rub the two parts of it together in a dark and shady place, you shall see many sparkles of fire proceed from it; as oft I have experienced in our English Pyrites or Marchasites. Of its names. Dioscorid. l. 15. c. 135. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Pyrites lapis, Pyrimachus, Marchasita, Lapis luminis, Pyrsotocus, Lapis aerarius scatens rubro sulphur, & scintillas ex chalybe multas excutiens. In German ein kiess hat veil rots schwefels, kupfferstein, & kupffer erss. In English the Firestone, or Marchasite, or the mine of brass. The kinds of it. Of the Pyrites there are some of a silver colour, and some of a golden colour; the best are those out of which the fire is easily excust. Of the Pyrites there are many kinds, and so many as that I will not now speak of them all; but rather defer that (according to the success of this first fruits of our labours) for an addition. So many are the species of this stone, as there are kinds of metals; but I omit them: Only this, Dioscorides saith of the best of the species, that it is like unto brass, and that brass is made of it. The place. It is found in Arabia, and from thence cometh its name of Marchasite, and in Germany, in Greece, and in England. Of its use. It is hot and dry of quality, & fit for the discussion of humours, and for this purpose it is used in physic. Dioscorides saith, they are fit to beget fire in any dry or fungous matter, because of the abundance of fire that they yield. They are usually calcined for physic use. By Tartar water there may sulphur be extracted out of them. CHAP. LXXXIX. Of the Silex or Flint. Description of the stone. THe Silex or Flint is a stone harder than the Marble, and very difficult to be engraven: extrinsecally it is commonly grayish, without angles and smooth; intrinsically it is firmly compacted, and without pores; for the most part it is obscure or black within. This stone will very well saith Boetius supply the place of the Lapis Lydius or Touchstone. Its names. In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (hoc est) Silex vel petra durissima, sometimes nomen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is joined with it ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or to strengthen its signification, as Deut. 8.15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (that is) è rupe petrae, hoc est è rupe durissima, vel è rupe ex ipso saxon. And again Deut. 32.13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, de petra rupis. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Of Thucydides the flints are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In Latin Silex and Chalix. In German ein Kyssling, or oder Kysselstein; and ein Tewerstein. In English the Flint or Pibble-stone. Its kinds. There are divers kinds of this stone saith Boetius some of which are red, some white, some yellow, some green, some of mixed colours. Rulandus speaketh of three principal kinds of this stone, which are subdivided into many kinds, as 1. Of various coloured Flints. 2. Of non-pellucid Flints. 3. Of pellucid Flints. The pellucid ones, white ones, or translucide one's, which are one and the same kind, may be melted: these are those stones which Aristotle calleth Pyrimachos. Those that use to melt metals, may pour these upon their melted metals, that they may swim over them, and so hinder the evaporating of their metal. Of the place. The Flints are found in Noremberge; In Germany; In Saxony; In the river of Trebisa; In England; and indeed in all stony places almost every where. Their dignity value and use. For dignity and value; the translucide and diaphanous ones, are for their beauty, of esteem and worth; these by jewellers are engraven and sold for Bohemian Diamonds; factitious beautiful stones are by artists many times framed of these; and of these may be made excellent glasses. The Flints are altogether unmeet for building, because they will not imbibe the lime. They are commonly of use to procure fire by, and this they do very easily by reason of the abundance of sparks which they yield, and which is excust from them by percussion. Oftentimes these stones are found beautified with Personages, and many other pretty sport of nature in her workmanship, which are very delightful, of which more at large we may hereafter have an occasion to speak. In the mean while, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Cujus potestate freti, huic operi primitiarum nostri laboris finem posuimus. FINIS.