INTRODUCTION.
Quite recently
a leading Medical Journal has pertinently asked—" Is it not of timely
interest to enquire,—having before our notice the results of modern
investigations into radio-activity, and force-rays,—whether, after all,
Precious Stones may not be capable of exerting therapeutic influences
? The astute Physician should not altogether overlook the part taken by
Gems in the kaleidoscopic variation of human sentiments, and the
evolution of personal sympathies." " It may be that the practice of
wearing Gems in olden times as amulets, and charms, to ward off
disease, and other evils, was really the origin of their after-use as
remedial agents, which grew to a considerable extent in the Middle
Ages." Galen records that the Egyptian King Nechepsus wore a green
Jasper cut into the shape of a dragon surrounded with rays, which being
thus applied over the region of his digestive organs was found to be wonderfully
strengthening to their functions. Again, the Diamond,
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