to
be considered productions of an incomparable purity, and an epitome of
all that nature held most perfect. To endow these marvellous products
with properties in conformity with the prevailing idea of their nature
and origin was but a step farther, and accordingly we find attributed
to them talismanic virtues and agencies of the utmost potency.
"It
would not be without interest," writes Babinet, "to follow the history
of gems through that of humanity, from the ephod of Aaron to the
pastoral cross of the Archbishop of Paris; from the offerings of
rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, topazes, sardonyx, amethysts,
carbuncles, and loadstones in
