ORIGIN, PROPERTIES, CLASSIFICATION, ETC. 29
precious stones were at a very early period used for similar
purposes, if their traditions have any foundation in fact.
There is evidence that both these nations understood the art
of gem-engraving. Mexican seals and rings were set with precious stones engraved with the constellation of Pisces. The
question arises, Where did they obtain their knowledge of Chalda?an astronomy ? It has been said that these nations had no
knowledge of the diamond ; but, according to one of their traditions, a Mexican king, who was a poet, by the way, compared
the sun to a " diamond, with a thousand facets," showing that
he not only had a knowledge of this gem, but was also familiar
with the modern art of cutting it. Their armor was jewelled
in a manner similar to that of the knights of the Middle Ages,
showing the Mexicans anticipated this feudal custom by many
centuries.
Some antiquaries are of the opinion that the striking analogy
between the jewels worn by these western nations and the
Hebrews of Solomon's time points to the same origin for these
races. With all of them, the emblems of sovereignty were the
same. Their ecclesiastical and royal vestments were similar,
both being covered with precious stones ; their regalia were
alike, embracing crown, bracelets, sceptre, sword, and other
insignia. This parallel may be drawn between other nations,
with similar results ; therefore, it does not afford very decisive
proofs of identity of race. The causes of striking resemblances
between the customs of different nations in the use of ornaments undoubtedly have their origin in the universal love of
the beautiful, and the desire to obtain what is most rare and
costly for this object. There appears to be a pretty nearly
uniform standard of taste as to the kind ; they are generally for
the head, ears, neck, arms, and fingers.
Precious stones were in general use in Homer's day ; yet it
