dwells
on " The occult Properties of Metals ; Herbs ; and Stones." But the
Author is not entitled to equal acquiescence with his teachings as is
Dr. Schroder ; seeing that he claims excessive faith in Planetary
Influences ; and the pursuits of Alchemy ; (e.g. by searching for the "
Philosopher's Stone," which should convert whatever baser metal it
might touch into Gold.)
Certain
Metals are alleged by this fanciful writer, " Magus," to exercise
natural " Antipathies." These are said to obtain through " an obstinate
contrariety of Nature; such as the Sapphire Stone against hot bile,
feverish heats, and diseases of the eyes. The Amethyst against
drunkenness ; the Jasper against the bloody flux ; the Emerald against
lust; Agates against poison ; Coral against the black choler, and pains
of the stomach ; the Topaz against spiritual heats, such as
covetousness, and all manner of love excesses."
In
this way " a Diamond," saith he, " disagrees with a Loadstone, insomuch
that being present it suffers no Iron to be drawn thereto." Thus
likewise, " a Lion fears lighted torches, and is tamed by nothing
sooner ; a Horse fears a Camel so much that he cannot endure a picture
of that beast; a Snake is afraid of a naked man, but pursues one
clothed ; Amber attracts all things to itself except Garden-Basil, and
substances smeared with Oil, whereto it has a natural antipathy."
Vindicating
his special doctrines and arguments as advanced in this Book (from
which we have quoted the above occult teachings), Professor Barrett has
defended his allegations and beliefs in a plausible Preface, certain
parts of which read as follows :—
" We have not forgot to give the most clear and rational illustration of sympathy and antipathy ;
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